All posts by z3u9t.icu

As per journalist Sebastian Staszewski of Interia Sport, taking to Twitter, some very interesting Manchester City transfer news has emerged involving Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.

The Lowdown: Man City make Haaland offer…

According to reliable reports in recent days, the Sky Blues have tabled an offer for long-time target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Braut Haaland.

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Following on from rumours that City have a deal in place already, Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio doesn’t quite go that far but has insisted that Pep Guardiola’s side have offered Haaland a €30m (£25m) per year salary package.

As City and sporting director Txiki Begiristain reportedly make a major move already, Haaland isn’t the only striker to have received an offer from the Premier League champions, at least according to Staszewski.

The Latest: Man City also table Lewandowski offer…

According to the Polish reporter, Lewandowski has had an offer from City, with both Liverpool and Paris-Saint Germain also tabling proposals for the Bayern superstar.

However, Staszewski goes on to say that the 33-year-old has chosen Barcelona, outlining: “Robert Lewandowski has an agreement with Barcelona. The deal is to cover a 3-year contract. There were also offers from PSG, City and LFC. Does this mean summer transfer? Not necessarily. But the info sent to Bayern is clear: the Pole wants to change the club.”

The Verdict: Interesting news…

As widely reported, Haaland is City’s main centre-forward target, but that doesn’t mean that Begiristain and co should take their eyes off other targets.

The Premier League champions have also been linked with Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) and Darwin Nunez (Benfica) in recent weeks as Guardiola seemingly weighs up alternatives.

There is much competition for Haaland’s services, leaving little surprise that there have been proposals from City for forwards elsewhere, especially for a player like Lewandowski.

Valued at around ‘€140-150m’ (£117m-£125m) last year according to Di Marzio, the prolific forward has been described as ‘unplayable’ by Sky analyst Statman Dave for his performances this year.

Given he has just one year left on his Bayern contract, the Bundesliga giants could even be forced to sell for less than what they were demanding in 2021.

However, with Lewandowski allegedly choosing Barcelona, it appears that City will have to consider alternatives elsewhere if they cannot seal a move for Haaland.

In other news: Man City discussions held as ‘unbelievable’ £33m star decides he wants to join Pep! Find out more here

As West Ham United manager David Moyes gears up for a crunch clash with Lyon in the Europa League tonight, it appears he is now been dealt a big blow.

The Lowdown: Hammers hunt for history…

Following their historic last 16 tie with Sevilla, which resulted in West Ham knocking out the competition’s most successful ever side, Moyes’ men now prepare for their quarter-final second leg clash with Lyon.

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Their first bout at the London Stadium ended 1-1 after Tanguy Ndombele’s equaliser cancelled out an opening goal courtesy of Jarrod Bowen, finely balancing the second leg in France tonight.

In terms of team news, Moyes has been potentially boosted by the absence of key Lyon stars, with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and attacker Lucas Paqueta set to miss the crunch clash.

However, in a major blow, the Scotsman will now be without his mainstay defender Kurt Zouma – who joins Angelo Ogbonna on the sidelines.

The Latest: Irons confirm blow…

Indeed, as confirmed by the club, West Ham’s centre-back will miss tonight through injury alongside Ogbonna who’s still recovering from knee surgery.

“West Ham confirm that Kurt Zouma is ruled out for Thursday’s second leg vs Lyon,” relayed Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard.

“He’ll stay in London for further tests on his ankle.”

The Verdict: Major setback…

Without both Ogbonna and Zouma, the Irons may have to turn to a defensive partnership of Issa Diop and Craig Dawson, with Moyes even hinting at the possibility of using Rice in that role.

The former Chelsea star’s absence seems set to cause a major headache for West Ham with the player’s quality also undeniable.

According to WhoScored, no Hammers player has averaged a better rate of clearances per 90 in the Premier League than Zouma this term – backing just how solid and dependable he can be at the back.

French football correspondent Jonathan Johnson for CBS Sports heaped praise on the 27-year-old during his rise to becoming a star defender, branding Zouma a ‘sensational player’ with a ‘bright future’ for France (Twitter).

He was proven right going by his performances in the Premier League over these last few seasons and there is little denying he will be a big miss for West Ham and Moyes.

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham now eyeing in-demand £21.6 million-rated star for Moyes, he’s set to move…find out more here.

Newcastle United are back in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over signing Mitchel Bakker in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

While the Magpies continue to work on a deal to sign Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, it appears they still have their irons in several fires, with Bakker now well and truly back in the equation.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Ryan Taylor said: “Newcastle have revived talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Mitchel Bakker. Deal looked dead in water. Personal terms have already been discussed. #NUFC”

Fans will be buzzing

After clinching deals for Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood earlier this month, Newcastle’s recruitment team are ramping into overdrive heading into this final week of the January transfer window.

They seem to have pipped Arsenal in the race to sign Bruno, and have now come back to the table for Bakker.

The latter has had extensive experience of playing for some big clubs in Europe, with stints at Ajax, PSG and Leverkusen to his name.

Able to play at left-back, but also further forward or even in central defence as he has done in his career before, Bakker looks like the perfect versatile player who Newcastle could really do with in the second-half of this campaign.

With injuries and the virus wreaking havoc across the Premier League, having players like Bakker who can fill multiple positions when required gives managers a welcome option if and when things begin to get tough with their squad.

The £9m-rated star would be another fine signing for the Magpies, and have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has dropped an exciting Newcastle United transfer update on Bruno Guimaraes…

Manchester United are still yet to announce their new manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer, but with Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino strong favourites, a new name has been thrown into the mix as the club steps up their recruitment.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese news outlet UOL, the Man United board are considering a third candidate in Carlo Ancelotti, with the club reportedly making an approach for the Real Madrid manager.

Ancelotti is said to be ‘seen with good eyes’ behind the scenes at the Premier League club and although they may pursue the Italian, they will have a challenge to take him away from La Liga with Real Madrid in a good position in both the league and Champions League.

Ronaldo will love it

There have been numerous reports about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford, with rumours that the Portuguese goal machine could leave if the club does not qualify for Champions League football at the end of the season, however his relationship with Ancelotti could save the Red Devils from losing their star.

Ronaldo has a very close relationship with the 62-year-old manager after they worked together at Real Madrid from 2013 to 2015, and once said that he does “miss” his former gaffer in an interview with ESPN:

“He’s an unbelievable person. I just wish every player could have an opportunity to work with him because he’s a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, and I miss him a lot because we won many trophies together.”

Ancelotti has a large number of major achievements under his belt with three Champions Leagues, a Premier League title, a Ligue 1 title, a Serie A triumph and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies to name a few, and a serial winner to lead the dressing room is something Manchester United are desperate for.

The Red Devils have not won a trophy since 2017, leaving them in their longest drought without a trophy in 40 years so it would be no surprise if the powers at Old Trafford are keen on signing up the Italian manager to fill up the trophy cabinet once again and inspire a winning ethos in the squad.

There is no doubt that appointing Ancelotti this summer would boost the chances of Ronaldo staying at the club next season, and would also put the side in with a great chance of winning trophies. However, it would take something very special to tear him away from Real Madrid.

In other news: MUFC manager update from sources close to the players will leave fans livid

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According to French media outlet L’Equipe on Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou is set to join Ligue 1 strugglers Monaco on loan for the rest of the season, and Spurs fans were quick to react to the potential exit of their player on Twitter.

The 23-year-old left the French top flight for a move to the north London outfit in the summer of 2016 from Marseille, but he has failed to make an impact with the club under Mauricio Pochettino.

As per Transfermarkt, the former France U21 international has only made 26 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, also spending the second half of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Premier League rivals Burnley.

This term, the wide man has only got on the pitch on three occasions, again according to Transfermarkt, although he did make a significant impact in his four minutes on the pitch against Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this month, setting up Harry Winks’ last-gasp winner in a 2-1 triumph.

Tottenham supporters have been quick to have their say on the reported impeding exit of N’Koudou via social media, and while one said the club has “no ambition”, another said “seriously what is going on”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may be out for the season but it’s given him a chance to show off his new accessory. Check out the video below to see for yourself…

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Valentin Castellanos to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Leeds Live, who state that, following reports back in February suggesting that Victor Orta is willing to pay around €12m (£10m) in order to seal the signing of the New York City FC centre-forward, the Whites could likely get a deal for Castellanos done this summer.

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The report goes on to profile the 23-year-old as an “all-round number nine in the shape of [Patrick] Bamford,” as well as suggesting that the Argentina U23 international’s signing would “fit the profile needed” for Leeds.

Imagine him & Gelhardt

Considering just how exciting a talent Castellanos is, the prospect of the centre-forward linking up with Leeds’ own attacking prodigy, Joe Gelhardt, will certainly be a mouthwatering one for the Elland Road faithful.

Indeed, over his 35 MLS appearances last season, the £10.8m-rated striker was in devastating form for NYCFC, scoring 22 goals, registering eight assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 4.1 shots – the most of any player in the division – and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns saw the 23-year-old who Ronnie Delia claimed “does everything right all the time” average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking the Argentine as the 21st-best player in the MLS last term.

As such, while the 28-year-old Bamford is still undoubtedly Leeds’ first choice up top, with Castellanos being five years the England international’s junior, the NYCFC hitman could well prove to become the Whites’ next leader of their attacking line.

And, alongside 19-year-old Gelhardt – who journalist Beren Cross claimed “the hype around is just incredible” – in Jesse Marsch’s two-man attack, should Orta manage to get a deal over the line for Castellanos this summer, the sporting director could well have secured Leeds’ front two for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Beren Cross drops early Leeds United team news hint, it’s a game-changer

Phil Hay has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the talk?

In a recent report for The Athletic, the journalist claimed that, according to his sources, Manchester United have begun to explore the possibility of a £50m move for the 26-year-old England international this summer, via intermediaries.

Hay went on to state that, while there is yet to be contact made with either Leeds United or Phillips himself, both interim United manager Ralf Rangnick and assistant manager Mike Phelan are thought to be big fans of the Whites academy graduate.

The journalist also revealed that, despite the midfielder looking set to leave his current agency firm for Stellar Group – the company responsible for negotiating Jack Grealish’s £100m switch from Aston Villa to Manchester City last summer – sources claim that this should not be taken as an indication that Phillips will be on the move at the end of the season.

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In summary, Hay compares the midfielder’s current situation to that of Alan Smith 18 years ago – the Leeds centre-forward who ended up joining United in a £7m deal – before suggesting that the 26-year-old’s saga may well have a different outcome.

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is clear that even a journalist with the access of Hay remains uncertain as to whether Phillips will end up making a move to Old Trafford this summer, his suggestion that United have not yet contacted Leeds regarding a deal for the midfielder – despite previous reports claiming that the Red Devils were making progress in a deal for the 19-time capped international – is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 29 Premier League appearances last season, the £45m-rated midfielder proved just how crucial a part of the Leeds side he is, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.

The £38k-per-week talent also impressed in a creative capacity, bagging one goal, providing two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 1.2 key passes, 4.7 long balls and 41 passes per fixture.

These returns saw the 26-year-old average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as the Whites’ best performer in the league but also as the ninth-best midfielder in the division as a whole.

As such, while Phillips has only started 13 Premier League fixtures as a result of injury this season – something that has undoubtedly contributed to the club’s lowly league standing – it is clear for all to see that losing the services of the England international this summer would come as a massive blow to Jesse Marsch and his side – meaning Hay’s latest update is sure to come as music to the ears of Leeds supporters.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting £20m Leeds bid for “unbelievable” talent, he’s better than Aaronson

Newcastle United are sure to be in the market to improve their squad in the summer as PIF look to take the team to the next level in the Premier League.

Instead of battling against relegation, the Saudi Arabian consortium will surely want to see the club competing further up the table.

To do this, they may need to invest in the team and one player who would be a sublime signing is Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He has been touted with a switch to St. James’ Park, with the Toffees valuing him at around £60m, and Newcastle can find their Andy Carroll 2.0 in a deal for the forward.

The England international has already impressed a Toon legend, with Alan Shearer hailing his “magnificent” aerial ability, and Brazilian attacker Richarlison claimed that he is a “nightmare” to play against.

Shearer said he’s superb in the air and this is certainly reflected in his stats. He has won 3.2 aerial battles or more per game in each Premier League season for the Toffees since the 2017/18 campaign. This includes 5.0 per match in 2019/20 and 4.5 or more per game in the last two terms in the top-flight for Everton.

Carroll has averaged 5.8 aerial battles won per game throughout his career, which suggests that Calvert-Lewin’s peak of 5.0 per match puts him in a similar bracket to the Geordie giant aerially. Both players are capable of being a target for their team to hit in the air and this is a useful quality to have as they can help to alleviate pressure on the side by winning headers to retain possession or force the defence back instead of allowing the opposition to push higher up.

The Magpies academy product has scored 54 goals in the Premier League, with 24 headers, 22 with his left foot and six with his right. Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, has 43 strikes in the competition, with 18 headers, 20 with his right foot and five with his left.

This shows that they are both similar types of strikers in terms of what they offer on and off the ball. Both of them equally excel at scoring with their head and their preferred foot, whilst they are also able to use their aerial strength to help their teams out in general play.

These statistics also prove that Calvert-Lewin knows how to score goals in the Premier League. He is a proven top-flight forward, just as the now-West Brom man was earlier in his career. Thus, Newcastle must bring him in to be their new English talisman at the top end of the pitch; Carroll 2.0 if you will.

AND in other news, Sold at £108k, now worth £10.8m: NUFC had howler on gem who proved Benitez “all wrong”…

Sharing an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s January plans, journalist Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail has made a transfer claim involving Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Lowdown: Alli and Ndombele nearing exit?

As reliably reported, Spurs stars Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele are two big names who could leave north London by deadline day as transfer chief Fabio Paratici works on both incomings and outgoings (Sky Sports).

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The former has seen his market value plummet in recent seasons and a move away may be best for all parties. The latter, Spurs’ club-record signing, is reportedly eager to join PSG after being left out in the cold by manager Antonio Conte.

Potential swap deals have been touted in the press, with journalist Jason Burt of The Telegraph stating recently that Spurs were ‘offered’ Argentina international Leandro Paredes in such a potential deal.

Sharing news on Tottenham’s possible exits this month, another reporter in Mokbel has now made a claim involving former Liverpool star Wijnaldum.

The Latest: Wijnaldum ‘open’ to signing for Spurs…

Indeed, The Daily Mail journalist claimed that the 31-year-old is ‘open’ to a PSG/Spurs swap deal which would see the Netherlands international join Spurs on loan for the remainder of the current campaign.

This could result in either Ndombele or Alli moving in the opposite direction as chairman Daniel Levy aims to back Conte in the transfer market and kickstart the Tottenham rebuild.

The Verdict: Get it done?

We believe that signing Wijnaldum on a temporary basis is certainly something Conte should consider, especially going by the midfielder’s pedigree in the Premier League and threat going forward.

The 31-year-old has racked up 26 goals over 85 caps at international level and can operate as an advanced playmaker, potentially coming as the unlikely but long-awaited replacement for Christian Eriksen if Spurs decide to move for him.

During his last season at Anfield, the tidy £165,000-per-week ace averaged a higher pass accuracy (92.7%) than any Liverpool player under Jurgen Klopp (WhoScored), so it’s little wonder why the Reds boss described him as a ‘legend’ and the ‘architect’ of their success in recent years (The Daily Mail).

At the very least, it’s certainly a swap deal which must get Paratici thinking, with Wijnadlum’s stance crystal clear.

In other news: Personal terms agreed: Conte edges closer to signing ‘world-beater’ for Tottenham, find out more here.

Leeds United midfielder Lewis Bate has been spotted back in first-team training ahead of Monday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Injury setback

Bate was involved in the first seven Premier League matchday squads in 2022, however, he has been included in just one of six squads under new boss Jesse Marsch.

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The 19-year-old, who joined from Chelsea over the summer, was hit with an injury for the U23s last month and then suffered a setback after withdrawing from England’s U20 squad during the latest international break.

It looks as if he is now back up to speed, though, which could put him in contention for the trip to Selhurst Park.

The Latest: Bate’s post

As first reported by MOT Leeds News, Bate took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to share two images from training.

He captioned the post ‘focused’, with Kalvin Phillips and Pascal Struijk also visible, so it looks as if the midfielder is back in and around Marsch’s first-team sessions.

The Verdict: Good dilemma to have

Marsch has had to deal with a number of injury issues since replacing Marcelo Bielsa, but it looks as if he could have a near fully fit squad over the coming days.

The American confirmed last week that Junior Firpo was set to return to training, while Jamie Shackleton was also close to making a comeback prior to the 3-0 win over Watford.

As a result, the Leeds boss may now have some positive selection headaches for a change, as he looks to guide the club to safety with another positive result against Patrick Vieira’s side.

In other news: ‘Set to leave…’ – Journalist says Leeds midfielder will now quit Elland Road this summer.