All posts by z3u9t.icu

Paddy Kenny says links between Everton midfielder Tom Davies and Crystal Palace are ‘really strange’.

The lowdown

Football Insider reported last week that Palace were monitoring Davies’ situation with a view to a possible move.

Davies has found first-team football hard to come by under new boss Rafael Benitez.

He’s played only 16 minutes across Everton’s first six Premier League matches.

His contract is up in less than two years’ time and there’s apparently been ‘no progress’ towards an extension.

Palace, meanwhile, may need another midfielder if Conor Gallagher returns to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell.

The latest

Kenny has urged Davies to fight for his place at Goodison Park rather than countenance a ‘big drop down’.

He reckons the Scouser has all the support he needs to succeed at his boyhood club.

“For me, that’s a big drop down anyway,” he told Football Insider. “No disrespect to Palace, but Everton are a bigger club. So it’s a really strange one, this.

“Surely he’d want to do his utmost best to try and stay at Everton and get himself into that first-team.

“He’s got the backing of the crowd and the support of all the staff there as well. That means a lot.”

The verdict

It really isn’t all that difficult to understand. Davies is struggling badly for game time at an upper mid-table outfit, so he could move to a lower mid-table side where his prospects should be significantly better.

Yes, it’s perhaps more complicated because he’s a local lad, but he shouldn’t be criticised if he chooses to put his career first, and there is also the prospect of playing under one of the greatest centre-midfielders in Premier League history at Sehurst Park.

It’s certainly hard to see him agreeing to a new deal if the current trend continues.

In other news, Palace have been linked with this Championship ace. 

David Ornstein has dropped a big Newcastle transfer update regarding Joe Willock… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle have reached an agreement with Arsenal over a deal in excess of £20m for midfielder Joe Willock. The England under-21 international has been their priority target throughout the window and they are now closing in on their man.

The report claims that personal terms have not been agreed as of yet, with Newcastle now discussing a potential contract with Willock to convince him to make the switch from The Emirates.

Cloud nine

Newcastle fans will surely be on cloud nine following this update from Ornstein, with Mike Ashley splashing the cash to get this deal done. Willock made a huge impression at St. James’ Park during his loan spell last term and supporters will be delighted that he appears set to return on a permanent basis.

The 21-year-old scored a phenomenal eight goals in 11 Premier League starts for Steve Bruce’s side, only Callum Wilson scored more for the club. This shows that he could be a much-needed addition to the team for the 2021/22 campaign, as it alleviates the pressure on Wilson to score all of the goals as Joelinton was the next-top scorer with just four goals in 31 games.

After making his debut for Newcastle last season, Willock was hailed as a terrific athlete and modern-day midfielder by Bruce. He said:

“It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

Willock also averaged an exceptional WhoScored rating of 7.13 during his time at the club on loan. This was the best score of any Newcastle player in the Premier League last season, suggesting that he was the most consistent, highest quality, performer in the side – ahead of the likes of Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

This is why fans will be buzzing to see him return to the club, as they could now get the chance to watch his outstanding displays again throughout the upcoming campaign. Although, it is now down to Willock to prove that he can do it over the course of an entire year and that he was not an 11-game wonder during his time on loan.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Shelvey: NUFC must pounce on chance to land £100k-p/w “match-winner”…

According to El Nacional, there has been a major update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans as news emerges on former star and Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric.

The Lowdown: Spurs missing Eriksen…

Since the departure of former club mainstay and key player Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan, it has been a point of contention that Spurs seriously miss his creative presence in midfield.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-developments-2/” title=”Spurs developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

During his time in north London, the Dane was a pivotal player in the final third for Tottenham and averaged the most key passes per 90 out of their entire squad in each Premier League season from 2013/2014 to 2018/2019 (WhoScored).

Eriksen left for the San Siro in January 2020 to the tune of £16.9 million and former Lilywhites players, like Ramon Vega and Jamie O’Hara, have pointed out just how much Spurs have been lacking in that position since.

Now, some news has emerged on another former Tottenham star as they seek to address that issue for new boss Antonio Conte.

The Latest: Spurs make Modric offer…

As per El Nacional’s sources, the Lilywhites have made a pre-contract offer to re-sign ex-favourite Modric as his contract winds down at current club Real Madrid.

His contract at the Bernabeu is set to expire at the end of this season and it is believed the 36-year-old has already replied to Tottenham’s approach.

Indeed, unfortunately for Spurs, he has apparently rejected their advances as he contemplates signing another extension in the Spanish capital – though he refuses to rule out a move to Man City who have also made a proposal.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs…

Given Tottenham’s dire need for a proven playmaker, they don’t come much better than their former hero, so this news comes as a blow for Conte and co.

According to WhoScored, the Croatia legend has averaged more key passes per 90 over his eight La Liga starts so far this season (1.4) than any Spurs player has managed in the Premier League bar Son Heung-min, highlighting the player’s spark in midfield.

As well as this, only Lucas Moura (3) has completed a higher amount of dribbles in that time compared to Modric (1.6), while former Galacticos boss Zinedine Zidane recently labelled Modric ‘phenomenal’ (Marca).

Having just come off the back of an individually impressive Euro 2020 campaign with Croatia also, it is clear to see the player still has it in his locker and he would have improved Tottenham to no end.

In other news: Spurs agreement to sign £200,000-per-week star possible as Paratici makes exciting plea to club chiefs, find out more here.

Dean Smith was announced this morning as head coach at Norwich, with his assistant Craig Shakespeare, and will be looking forward to getting stuck into his first week ahead of the return of the Premier League season on Saturday.

Smith has spoken out upon his appointment, and is already impressed by the opportunity for development at the club;

“I’ve always worked to improve and develop players – with that obviously comes improved performances. I was really impressed with the idea, structure and vision that is already in place at the club.”

One player who will be thrilled with the appointment of the new manager is Todd Cantwell, who has spent the last few weeks snubbed by former manager, Daniel Farke.

Farke spoke briefly about not including Cantwell in his team; “Sadly I have to say with Todd the last couple of months I can’t remember one full training week when he was available for the full week.”

Smith will be looking to unlock the bags of young potential at Norwich City, with a host of young players including Cantwell, Billy Gilmour, Max Aarons, Adam Idah and Andrew Omobamidele.

The 50-year-old Norwich manager could instantly solve a set of instant issues, however by unleashing the player dubbed a “God-given” talent by his former youth coach, Gary Cockaday, as there seems to be a current disconnect in the link-up play in the attacking third, which has seen the side only score five goals in eleven games so far this season.

The £16k-per-week local talent has been a stand out performer and attractive prospect for the Canaries with 107 appearances, 14 goals and 12 assists, becoming a key player for them in their promotions from the Championship and Premier League campaigns so far.

Smith and his team are likely to face competition to keep Cantwell at the club, as his contract expires in the summer of 2022, and there haven’t currently been advanced talks for the midfielder to sign a new contract with the Canaries. That, it would seem, is a pretty hefty issue for the new boss to deal with upon his arrival.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa have all been previously linked with the Norwich star, and if Smith can get the youngster in a good run of form, there is no doubt that top-flight clubs will make more enquiries in the January transfer window and as he reaches the end of his contract.

The club’s new manager will lead Norwich City out to host Southampton at Carrow Road this weekend, and it will be interesting to see how the former Brentford boss sets up his team and if he includes youngsters like Cantwell and Gilmour in his team. Not only would playing him more regularly improve the team, but it might also boost their hopes of keeping him at the club.

That would mean two problems immediately solved by Smith and Shakespeare.

In other news: Norwich’s predicted XI under Dean Smith…

David Norris admits Leeds United regret not signing Ben White on a permanent basis last summer, with his proposed big-money move hard to stomach.

White, 23, played a key role as the Yorkshire club ended their 16-year wait to return to the Premier League, with the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee making 49 appearances in the 2019/20 season.

Leeds attempted to secure White’s services on a permanent basis last year but failed with three bids, with the latest totalling £25million.

Director of football Victor Orta opted against returning to Brighton with another offer and he will be ruing that decision now as it appears the England international defender is set to join Arsenal in a deal worth £50million.

The proposed move to the Emirates Stadium comes after White’s impressive campaign with Brighton saw him earn a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad as Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced to withdraw through injury.

Former Leeds midfielder Norris feels Leeds missed out on a golden opportunity by refusing to increase their final White bid.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I think they had to draw a line somewhere. But they’ll be disappointed because they [Brighton] are asking for massive dough for him now.”

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Your Tielemans as the summer transfer window approaches.

What’s the story?

According to Belgian reporter Sven Claes, who keenly tracks the latest developments of his compatriots across Europe, the Red Devils are interested in acquiring the 24-year-old’s services after an impressing 2020/21 campaign.

In an interview with The Empire of the Kop, the journalist revealed that the Liverpool target is also attracting admiring glances from fellow Premier League giants United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to build a title-winning side.

Next Carrick

“It will be a very difficult decision for Tielemans. The tears speak for themselves after receiving the POTY award two weeks ago,” Claes told EOTK Insider.

“When he’ll play a good Euros, I expect him to be leaving yes. He’s ready for a new challenge/next step – and I also believe that. It’s an absolute talent with an excellent mentality on and off the pitch.

“A lot of clubs like Man U and a Spanish top team already want him. He had it difficult in the past at AS Monaco, but at Leicester, everyone saw his real qualities again. I think we’ll hear soon more about his near future.”

Tielemans was the Foxes’ standout performer last season as they won their maiden FA Cup crown and finished a highly respectable fifth in the top-flight table.

His impressive performances have caught the eye of the continent’s top clubs, and Brendan Rodgers faces a fight to retain the services of his prized asset.

United are currently assessing their options after the Old Trafford outfit achieved a consecutive top-four finish for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, with several big names linked to the 10-time English champions.

Many have outlined the need for a new right-winger and central defender in the red half of Manchester, but with Paul Pogba set to entire the final 12 months of his contract, the need for a midfield conductor could be greater than ever.

The club have arguably failed to replace Michael Carrick since his retirement back in 2018. He was the heartbeat of United for many years, dictating the tempo and setting the rhythm for his teammates to follow.

Pogba’s range of passing makes him the closest embodiment of the now United coach, although, in truth, Tielemans has a skillset far closer to that of the former England international than Pogba ever will.

Claes values the Belgium star at around £56 million, and the man once labelled as “quality” by former Leicester defender Steve Howey would certainly improve United’s chances of ending their eight-year wait for Premier League crown next season.

United should be doing all they can to get the Belgian to Old Trafford.

And, in other news…Woodward heading for another huge Man Utd mistake over £160k-p/w liability 

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly interested in making a late summer move for Watford striker Andre Gray as transfer deadline day approaches.

The Lowdown: QPR make strong start

The Rs have made an impressive start to their Championship campaign, picking up 11 points from five games and sitting third in the table.

The hope is that Mark Warburton’s side mount a genuine promotion push this season, and new signings late in the transfer window could boost those chances.

The Latest: Gray linked with QPR move

According to The Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor on Twitter, QPR are locking horns with Middlesbrough to sign Gray before the window closes.

Both clubs are believed to be ‘keen’ on sealing a loan move for the 30-year-old, who has scored 21 goals in 125 appearances for Watford.

The journalist tweeted: “#Birmingham & West Brom going head-to-head for Troy Deeney. He’s already in talks with Blues, who are frontrunners. Andre Gray could also leave before deadline as reported in last week’s column, #QPR & #Boro among those keen on loan.”

The Verdict: Exciting potential signing

Gray has a huge amount of Championship experience, netting 46 times in 118 matches in the division, so he could be a shrewd signing for the Rs.

The £70,000-a-week forward could add the firepower that is needed to keep up a promotion tilt, improving the squad depth at Warburton’s disposal in the process.

Former Luton teammate Cameron McGeehan once hailed Gray as a ‘top player’, and the twice-capped Jamaica international could lift those around him given his standing in the game.

Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing for life after Tanguy Ndombele if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are targeting a move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar before next week’s transfer deadline and have already held tentative talks with the player’s representatives.

The 23-year-old has two years to run on his current deal but will weigh up his options before making a decision on his future.

Interest in the Frenchman, who featured at the U21 European Championships earlier this year, should come as no surprise as the Lilywhites’ new sporting director Fabio Paratici held an interest in signing him whilst at Juventus.

“Paratici has always been in love with this player,” revealed Fabrizio Romano earlier this month.

It remains to be seen exactly how much Aouar would command, especially with less than a week to go before deadline day, though ESPN believe he could be available for a fee in the region of €25m (£21.5m).

Move on Ndombele

It’s also thought that the club are now prepared to offload Aouar’s former teammate after he requested to leave the club recently, so it would make sense to find someone fit to play a similar role.

And that has to be the Lyon star.

Last season he contributed eight goals and four assists, whilst a year earlier, he provided nine goals and ten assists as the French outfit made an impressive run in the Champions League. In total, Aouar has made a direct goal contribution every 196 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s this sort of creativity and goal threat from midfield that has been lacking at Spurs, even when Ndombele has been featuring. By comparison, his fellow countryman has only contributed towards 16 goals at a rate of one every 267 minutes since arriving in a club-record £55m deal.

Spurs should certainly look to move him on and Aouar, who can play in the no.8 and no.10 role, would be a perfect successor in north London.

The £26m-rated dynamo has been compared to Spain great Andres Iniesta in terms of playing style and an average of two key passes and an 86.8% passing accuracy last season would certainly reinforce that view.

“I’m a big fan of Aouar. I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time,” claimed Ligue 1 expert Adam White to Football FanCast.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

Paratici must consider axing Ndombele in favour of signing the promising French gem. It would be an outstanding piece of business for less than £25m – a real bargain in comparison to that club-record fee.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Alli: Spurs must secure £22.5m-rated prodigy who’s “like a young Pogba”…

West Ham United have been a huge boost ahead of today’s crucial Premier League fixture…

What’s the latest?

The Hammers are just one point away from securing a place in the Europa League and have been given some rather encouraging news from the Southampton camp.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that he would not risk striker Che Adams as he has one eye on this summer’s European Championships.

“Che cannot play on the weekend because he has a small groin injury, so he will also definitely be out,” he told reporters, via the Daily Echo. “It is five to 10 days, so his chance for the weekend is a small one, but we didn’t take the risk because we know he has the Euros coming up, which for him is a big tournament.”

He also revealed that Oriol Romeu is in line to return to the squad for the first time since late February following a knee injury but given he has only just begun training again, it would be hard to see him start from the off, handing Moyes and West Ham further encouragement.

Will Smallbone is also a confirmed absentee.

It’s a big boost

There is so much on the line for the Irons today, less so for Southampton.

One more point will secure a Europa League berth and their best-ever finish since the 1997/98 campaign when Harry Redknapp guided them to eighth place.

In reality, this is a must-win game for West Ham, just to ensure they get over the finish line with no worries. A loss, with results going against them elsewhere, could tarnish what has been a phenomenal run under Moyes.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

It was nearly a year ago that he steered the East London outfit to safety with one game to go, now he’s one more match away from achieving what would’ve been unthinkable before the season started.

Saints could well be missing two key stars and this will only bolster their chances, so it’s huge news for the Scotsman heading into kickoff.

Adams is currently their second top-scorer on nine goals behind Danny Ings (12), though he offers more than just the ability to find the net, as he has averaged one key pass per game, which also makes him amongst Hasenhuttl’s most creative options, as per WhoScored.

Similarly, Romeu’s role in defensive midfield cannot be understated as he does the dirty work that often goes unnoticed, and he would be one tough battle for the out-of-form Jesse Lingard if he were to start.

He tops the charts for tackles (3.4) and isn’t far behind for interceptions (1.5) per game on the south coast.

All in all, this news should absolutely delight Moyes as his chances of securing that point have been bolstered massively.

AND in other news, Moyes must ruthlessly axe “incredible” £26m-rated West Ham star after midweek disaster…

Sky Sports News journalist Ben Ransom has shared some worrying footage of Manchester City training ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid.

The Lowdown: City’s UCL run

An ill-tempered draw in the second-leg of the Sky Blues’ quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid sent Pep Guardiola’s side through to the last four of the Champions League.

Kevin De Bruyne’s second half goal in the first-leg was enough to secure the win for City, who now face Real Madrid in the semi-finals later on tonight at the Etihad.

When questioned in yesterday’s lunchtime press conference about the availability of Kyle Walker and John Stones following, Guardiola responded:

“They are doubts, they didn’t train for the last week to ten days and John since Brighton. We’ll see how they feel, we’ll speak to them tomorrow and then make the decision.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments-2/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Footage emerges

Taking to Twitter just 24 hours before kick-off, Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom has shared footage of Man City’s training session.

Captioning the video, he claimed: “No Walker nor Stones on the training pitch for Man City ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.”

The Verdict: Huge blow

This injury news will come as a huge blow for Guardiola’s selection, if indeed both players have not miraculously recovered in the hours since the footage was leaked.

With Joao Cancelo already suspended, City now do not have a player available who has been utilised at right-back before.

This suggests that one of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Nathan Ake will have to step up in Walker’s absence.

This will see to a makeshift back-line which Guardiola will hope can keep a strong Madrid side out, before his squad can recuperate for the second-leg.

In other news: Manchester City: Daily Mail makes Declan Rice claim