All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United have not been shy when it comes to signing players from other English clubs over the past few years such as Said Benrahma, Kurt Zouma, Jarrod Bowen and Craig Dawson among others.

In doing this, the Hammers have spent a significant amount of money.

With the upcoming summer transfer window in mind, it seems as though a clue has been shared over one potential deal that could take place at the east London club that would surely delight David Moyes.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke had this to say about former West Ham loan star Jesse Lingard and the possibility of him returning to the London Stadium on a permanent transfer move in the summer.

He said: “I think for Jesse Lingard, if West Ham are playing in the Champions League next season – extra incentive for him to make that move to the London Stadium. I think that gives West Ham the edge over other Premier League clubs and foreign clubs if it does come down to it.

“I think they should be in pole position to get Jesse Lingard if it comes down to a personal decision rather than anything else to decide where Lingard moves after he leaves Manchester United.”

During the Englishman’s loan spell at the London Stadium in the second half of last season, the midfielder managed to score nine goals and provide five assists in 16 league games.

To further highlight how impressive he was during that time, Lingard ended the campaign with a higher percentage of shots on target (50%) than any other player in Moyes’ squad that had more than three attempts at goal.

This season has seen the 29-year-old start just two league games for the Red Devils, showing just how far down the pecking order he is there.

Taking this into account and the fact that Lingard’s contract at Old Trafford set to expire in the summer, the possibility of West Ham signing their former loan star on a free transfer could be a mouth-watering prospect for their supporters and Moyes.

Moving forward, whether the Hammers end up winning the Europa League or not, GSB should definitely explore the possibility of securing a permanent deal for the England international this summer.

If this were to happen and the player was able to replicate the same sort of form he was on in his previous spell at the club, this would surely have the Hammers manager buzzing.

In other news: West Ham plot bid for £21.6m-rated “leader”, Moyes can now axe “shocking” £61k-p/w dud

Former Manchester City star Michael Ball believes that the club could sign a new striker in January as they look to win both the Premier League and the Champions League.

The club spent the entirety of the summer searching for a new forward, as they lost Sergio Aguero to Barcelona on a free transfer.

Harry Kane was reported to be a target throughout the transfer window but City were unable to reach a deal with Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy.

Reports claim that a bid worth £75m plus £25m in bonuses was tabled for the England captain but he ended up remaining in north London after the two clubs were unable to reach a deal.

In the final week of the transfer window, City were said to be exploring a deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.

He ended up moving to Manchester United, instead, and has scored in every game he has played for the club thus far.

And Ball believes that the club could look to bring a new striker in during the January window as City look to retain their title and also go one step further in the Champions League, having reached last season’s final.

He said: “I feel that the City players who are there need to step up or they find a solution in January with either a striker or other key areas to make that difference to get over the line and bring that trophy home.”

Ligue 1 expert Adam White insists that midfielder Renato Sanches is unlikely to join Liverpool this summer because of the injury he has recently sustained.

The midfielder has undergone an operation to repair an injured knee, which is likely to rule him out for up to six weeks, per Goal.

They report that both Liverpool and Barcelona have been linked with potential swoops to sign the £27m-rated midfielder, who has enjoyed a return to prominence in recent seasons.

The Portugal international was vaunted as one of the hottest prospects in world football when he made his breakthrough at Benfica but he struggled after a move to Bayern Munich and also flopped in a loan move to Swansea City.

But since the move to Lille, he has developed into one of the finest midfielders in Europe, making 60 appearances for the club in total and also going to Euro 2020 with Portugal in the summer.

But White believes that the injury has all but ruled out any prospect of a transfer this summer.

The journalist, who covers Ligue 1 for The Guardian, said: “It’s an interesting one with Sanches. Obviously the injury isn’t particularly helpful and I think it probably ruins his chances of a move this summer.

“He was actually relatively up and down last season. I thought he was really good last week against Metz when they came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3.”

Scottish football pundit Michael Stewart has slammed Glasgow Rangers over their lack of leadership as the Heart and Heart podcast affair rumbles on.

The Lowdown: Media crisis

Earlier this year, the Gers made the controversial decision to start charging media outlets up to £25,000 to receive full access to the club (The Daily Mail), while also making the Heart and Hand podcast an official media partner.

However, recent sectarian and discriminatory tweets from the podcast’s contributors were publicised (via The Daily Record), which has unsurprisingly led to plenty of criticism of those responsible.

The Latest: Stewart hits out

Stewart has been a vocal critic of the Gers in the past, and he made his feelings known in this situation as well. Taking to Twitter, he said:

“Leadership demands the ability to make tough decisions and unfortunately it’s clear that @RangersFC lack any real leaders to deal with the problems they have.”

The Verdict: Disaster

Rangers’ media policy has backfired here in spectacular fashion. Clearly, there was a breakdown in the relationship between the media and the club, and the 55-time Scottish champions had somewhat of a right to be frustrated – for example, they have been forced to demand changes to articles in the past. However, such a radical move was never going to be smooth.

To allow any outlet to become an official media partner without doing a background check is negligent at best and downright stupid at worst. They must now move as quickly as possible to right this wrong, otherwise Stewart may just have a point.

In other news, this Rangers man has been urged to leave Ibrox.

Rangers managed to reclaim their spot at the top of the Scottish Premiership table as they beat Hibernian 2-1 on Sunday.

Kevin Nisbet headed Hibs in front in the opening 10 minutes before Ryan Porteous was sent off in the 30th minute for a poor challenge on Joe Aribo.

The Gers were able to find the leveller in the 60th minute as Nathan Patterson put the ball on a plate for Kemar Roofe to nod home at the back post. Alfredo Morelos then won the match with his goal, assisted by Borna Barisic, in the 78th minute.

Roofe and Morelos may steal the headlines with their goals, but one player who was an unsung hero in the midfield was summer signing John Lundstram. He found a balance between defensive ballast and impressive play in possession to put in an all-around brilliant display.

Defensively, he was almost faultless for Rangers. Per SofaScore, he made four tackles, three interceptions and one block. He also won 62.5% of his duels on the pitch in the game, winning five of his eight 50/50 battles against Hibernian players.

This shows that he was able to snuff out Hibernian attacks with his defensive awareness and strength. He did not allow the opposition to pass by him easily, which allowed Rangers to dominate the game – contributing to the final result.

On the ball, he was composed and assured in possession to maintain the dominance. Per SofaScore, he had an eye-catching 118 touches of the ball – completing 99 of his 104 attempted passes (95%) and only giving the ball away six times from all of those touches.

Lundstram was efficient with his passing and did not give the ball away on a regular basis. Not only did this stop Hibernian from gaining the ball, but it also allowed Rangers to pile the pressure on the opposition goal and tire the midfield, which then created space for the Gers to work with.

Therefore, the midfield beast was Gerrard’s unsung hero in the match as he did the dirty work so that the forward players could shine in possession of the ball.

Hopefully, the summer arrival from Sheffield United will continue to perform to these standards and maintain his place in the starting XI to improve Gerrard’s side, which is – presumably – why he was brought to the club.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterclass: Rangers beast has seen his value soar 33.3% in less than 2 years…

Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy believes Cagliari defender Sebastian Walukiewicz is not ready for a move to Liverpool.

The 21-year-old centre-back made 21 appearances for Serie A side Cagliari last season and has already claimed three international caps with Poland.

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is monitoring Walukiewicz and mulling over whether to make a move before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

The report claims the Merseysiders’ Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the talented youngster.

Liverpool’s interest comes despite being handed the boost of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez returning to the fold following lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Dutchman van Dijk was on the treatment table for nine months after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage and Gomez was out of action for eight months thanks to sustaining a knee injury while on international duty with England.

Serie A expert Clancy believes a move to Liverpool would come too soon in Walukiewicz’s career.

He told Football FanCast: “Playing centre-back for Liverpool is obviously quite a specialised role. You saw last season that once van Dijk was out, it went to pot a little bit.

“Going from Cagliari to Liverpool is a big jump and I would be cautious about anybody who were to make that step. I wouldn’t be so sure.”

Newcastle United return to action in the Premier League tonight as they face off against Manchester United at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies head into this match off the back of three straight defeats in the division, conceding four apiece to Manchester City and Leicester and three to Liverpool.

Eddie Howe’s team lost 4-0 to City in their last outing, with the Premier League leaders easing their way past them with relative comfort.

How many changes will Howe make to the side? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the team, with Fabian Schar, Sean Longstaff and Allan Saint-Maximin coming in.

Starting off in the defence, Schar could come in for Ciaran Clark. The £42k-per-week dud was abysmal against Manchester City and should now be axed from the XI for this match. He only won one duel in the entire game against Pep Guardiola’s side and gifted them the opener as he allowed a cross to go over his head as he ducked and Ruben Dias was on hand to nod into the back of the net.

This catastrophic error may now lead to him being kicked out of the team, which opens the door for Schar to return alongside Jamaal Lascelles. The Switzerland international has averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.59 this season but Howe’s options are limited and it could be a chance for the defender to turn his campaign around.

In midfield, Isaac Hayden is suspended and will need to be replaced. The ex-Arsenal man has averaged 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game, which highlights the defensive hole that his absence will leave.

Longstaff, however, could fill that void as he has averaged 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he has the ability to win the ball back for his side, much like Hayden does.

Finally, we are predicting that Allan Saint-Maximin will come in for Ryan Fraser on the left. He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.11 (highest in the squad) this season and produced three goals and three assists from out wide for the Magpies.

This shows the threat he can provide to the team, whereas Fraser has zero goals and one assist – which is why the Frenchman should be brought back into the fold.

AND in other news, NUFC must sign new Steven Taylor in £64k-p/w gem who Shearer dubbed “outstanding”…

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Birmingham Live, Bruno Lage revealed that centre-back Willy Boly has picked up a training ground injury and has subsequently been ruled out of the trip to Leeds United this afternoon.

Speaking about the Ivory Coast international, who picked up an injury in pre-season and has yet to feature in this season’s Premier League, the 45-year-old said: “One guy will be out of the game for sure. Boly has stayed all week out with some problems, so he’s not going to be involved in the game.”

However, in better news for Wolves, Lage went on to reveal that Francisco Trincao will be available for selection this weekend after the winger completed his quarantine period after falling ill while on international duty with Portugal.

On the condition of the Barcelona loanee, the manager said: “Trincao has started with the team, he’s been training all week so that’s good news for us.”

Major blow

While the news of Trincao’s likely return to Wolves’ matchday squad is undoubtedly good for the club, the fact that Boly will be unable to play a part this afternoon will likely have left the Portuguese boss feeling gutted.

Indeed, with summer centre-back signing Yerson Mosquera having been ruled out of action for up to five months after sustaining a hamstring injury in September, Lage had already been left incredibly short of options for his three-man defensive lineup.

Prior to Boly’s injury, the 45-year-old had four players capable of operating in the position, a number which has now been reduced to three after the 30-year-old’s latest knock. Therefore, another injury or a suspension picked up by one of his centre-backs against Leeds will cause Lage a major problem in the heart of his defence, both this weekend and over the coming fixtures.

Also, Boly’s influence is evident from his squad-high match average of 2.7 headers won throughout last season, while only two players bettered his average of 1.5 interceptions per game, figures which showcase how vital a figure he can be at the back.

While Wolves are currently enjoying a fantastic run of form in the league, having picked up 12 points from a possible 15 over their last five fixtures, this could quite quickly come to an end should the worst happen at Elland Road on Saturday.

In other news: Wolves’ £6.3m-rated “breath of fresh air” could cause Lage a major problem next season

Crystal Palace are looking into a deal for Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s Premier League return

The 30-year-old returned to England during the January transfer window, penning a short-term deal with the Bees until the end of the season.

Eriksen has scored once and provided an assist in his four Premier League starts, with Brentford winning every game in which the attacking midfielder has played 90 minutes.

He is out of contract at the end of June, although it looks as if he won’t be short of offers over the coming months.

The Latest: Palace interest in Eriksen

90min shared a story on Tuesday regarding Eriksen, claiming that Brentford have a huge battle on their hands to keep the Denmark international at the club beyond the summer.

The report added that Palace, along with Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle and West Ham, are looking into offering Eriksen a contract. His former club Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, who wants to remain in England.

The Verdict: Tough ask

Palace could be in need of midfield reinforcements over the summer, with Conor Gallagher set to return to Chelsea following his season-long loan spell.

Eriksen, who Graeme Bailey labelled a ‘superstar’, would be a shrewd signing on a free transfer and isn’t seeking a six-figure wage.

He has contributed to 120 Premier League goals in 231 games, but with plenty of top-flight clubs keen on the player, Eagles boss Patrick Vieira could find it tough to persuade Eriksen over a move to Selhurst Park.

In other news: Vieira now handed another Palace injury worry pre-Chelsea as journalist drops news on ‘popular’ star

Leeds United are preparing another offer for top transfer target Brenden Aaronson…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic.

“Leeds United considering upping their bid for Brenden Aaronson to £20m. The club want him in this window, although if RB Salzburg dig their heels in, it’s one which could wait until the summer. Leeds rate him very highly,” he tweeted with an accompanying article.

Earlier this week, the Yorkshire outfit had a £15m bid rejected by the Austrian champions as they remain intent on keeping their star midfielder.

The Yorkshire outfit are said to have sent director of football Victor Orta to Salzburg to try and thrash out a deal, whilst it is believed that they do not want to offload any player this month due to their upcoming Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Keep trying!

Indeed, much of the talk suggests that it’s a losing race as the Austrian outfit simply will not sell one of Matthias Jaissle’s key players. However, history would tell us otherwise.

In the past, the club have cashed in on the likes of Erling Haaland (£18m to Borussia Dortmund), Dominik Szoboszlai (£18m t0 RB Leipzig) and Sadio Mane (£10m to Southampton).

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

That suggests that for the right offer, historically, Salzburg have sold. They are ultimately a selling club as they always have young talents being developed.

Therefore, supporters and even manager Marcelo Bielsa should be encouraged by Hay’s latest report as there’s a chance the Austrians cave in, no matter what other claims are telling us.

Aaronson would be a hugely exciting signing for Leeds, too. He very much fits the profile that the Argentinian head coach desires – hard-working, bundles of energy and very, very versatile.

He has delivered ten goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances for Salzburg, via Transfermarkt, whilst American reporters have likened him to both Yossi Benayoun and Clint Dempsey, who both have had an impact in the Premier League in the past.

It appears as if Leeds aren’t giving up, so those around Elland Road must be buzzing by this latest update.

AND in other news, Journalist drops huge Leeds United transfer claim ahead of deadline day…