All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has offered Gjanni Alioski a new contract as they look to keep him at Elland Road.

What’s the story?

With the 29-year-old’s existing deal at Elland Road coming to an end this summer, previous reports had suggested that Alioski had agreed a pre-contract with Galatasaray, before Graham Smyth delivered an update on his future earlier in the week.

He reported: “It was at least the second time Orta conversed with a left-back last week, having sat down with Gjanni Alioski to discuss his future with Leeds.

“Regardless of whether or not Alioski remains, Leeds will still seek to buy a left-back, but they are still keen to keep their North Macedonian international. He’s yet to accept the offer and, at 29 years of age, can’t be blamed for thinking long and hard about what might be his last, potentially lucrative deal and putting his family’s future first.”

Football Insider have now claimed that Leeds have submitted a new and improved deal to tie down Alioski, with a source revealing that the “club hierarchy are pulling out all the stops to keep him hold of the versatile left footer”.

The report added: “The Yorkshire giants are hopeful the improved, big-money offer will convince Alioski to stay at Elland Road. It would represent a major U-turn from the cult hero and fans favourite.”

Major Leeds howler

Already earning around £55,000 per week – only four Leeds players earn more than him right now – handing a new bumper deal to Alioski would be a massive blunder for someone who looks set to be phased out of the team.

As Smyth says, irrespective of what happens with the defender, the Whites are intent on buying a new left-back, a move which would surely see Alioski drop to the bench. Making him one of the club’s highest-earners, when he’s set to turn 30 early next year, seems very ill-judged, no matter how popular he may be in the dressing room.

The left-back can be incredibly shaky defensively, with last season in the Premier League seeing him concede two penalties which led to goals, while he also made two errors which led directly to shots.He also averaged the third-most fouls per game in the entire Leeds squad, while he was dribbled past the fourth-most.[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]Going forward, Alioski didn’t offer much either despite playing in a Leeds side who have come to play some attacking football.He averaged a rather unimpressive 0.7 shots and 0.8 key passes per game, while he only managed 0.3 dribbles per match – to put that into context, even centre-back Diego Llorente averaged more dribbles than him, as per WhoScored.The news coming out from Thorp Arch that Bielsa is handing Alioski a new and improved contract is a real shock, and one which has all the hallmarks of being a real howler for someone who, at his age, is likely set to decline over the coming seasons.Meanwhile, Bielsa can sign this Championship starlet who silenced Elland Road for free…

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.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

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

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has urged the Whites to complete a stunning summer move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Julian Draxler.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at PSG at the end of the season and he is widely expected to move on to pastures new this summer.

Leeds have been linked with an audacious move for the 27-year-old, who was once valued at £36million by Transfermarkt and won the 2014 World Cup with Germany – his value is now halved at £18m.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Whelan backs Leeds to sign Draxler

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan urged the Whites to swoop for Draxler in the summer transfer window, in what would represent a major signal of intent:

“From what I’ve seen from him at PSG, I’d take him all day long. He’s very comfortable on the ball, he’s got a good turn of pace, he’s got international quality. These are the attributes you need.

“It’s a free contract. It’s only going to be wages and not a hefty fee.

“If you’re looking to strengthen and to bring players in that are going to push us further, then absolutely. If he’s available, you go and get him.”

Transfer Tavern take

In an ideal world, Leeds would sign Draxler and he would help take them to the next level moving forward, such is his quality and success throughout his career – one that has brought with it one World Cup and three Ligue 1 titles, among other trophies.

The reality is that Marcelo Bielsa will have to work some magic to bring the German to Elland Road though, with wealthier clubs more likely to offer him bigger wages to match his current eye-watering deal of almost £126,000 per week.

It is a sign of Leeds’ progress that they are even in the conversation for such a top-class player, having made giant strides in recent years, but we can’t see the Whites stumping up the kind of wages Draxler would want, especially given the strong negotiating stance he will hold this summer as a free signing.

In other news, a journalist have been waxing lyrical over one Leeds target – find out who it is 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…

When Moise Kean signed for Everton, Marcel Brands told his family that the club would look after him.

“We will take of your son,” the Toffees figure said to his mother on the day he signed his contract.

Unfortunately, that statement was far from the truth. Kean only started six Premier League games last season before he was remarkably taken on loan by PSG this campaign.

The 21-year-old’s time in Merseyside has not gone according to plan. Once a wonderkid at Juventus, he has only bagged four goals for Everton and has even been substituted on and off in the same game.

As he slowly trudged down the Old Trafford sideline after being hauled off by Duncan Ferguson last term, it painted a desperately sad image.

This was not the promise Brands had made when Kean first signed.

However, after a stellar campaign in France, Everton really need to consider handing him a proper opportunity. Alongside the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the youngster hasn’t looked out of place.

He has been ruthless in front of goal, showing an extraordinary amount of confidence for someone who appeared to be so shy at Goodison Park.

From an Everton point of view, the focus has always been on bringing through Anthony Gordon; the jewel in the crown of their academy.

He might be homegrown but Everton would be foolish to waste a player like Kean. After all, he’s shown mesmeric form at the highest level throughout 2020/21.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-mcgregor-mccann-tierney” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

The youngster has scored 17 goals in 40 outings for PSG this term, scoring three Champions League goals on their run to the semi-finals.

Kean’s early form was impeccable. After his first 13 games in the French top-flight, he’d found the back of the net on nine occasions. He even scored against Barcelona in the last 16 of Europe.

The striker shone under Thomas Tuchel before he was given the boot by Paris chiefs but he was clearly a player the German loved.

Tuchel described him as “fearless” earlier in the campaign, a word you wouldn’t have associated with his opening year in English football.

His confidence levels are flowing and if he is willing to have a second opportunity at Everton, they must take it with open arms.

PSG don’t have an option to buy Kean in the terms of his loan deal but he surely won’t be short of many suitors.

Everton are reportedly seeking a bid of £40m to sell the attacker but they must avoid losing him at all costs; he is one of the best young talents in European football.

AND in other news, Worse than Holgate: Ancelotti surely enraged by Everton gem who made just 15 passes…

According to The Daily Mail, Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing Caleb Chukwuemeka from Northampton Town this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers prepare for new season

The Gers enjoyed a magnificent campaign in 2020/21, winning the Premiership for the first time in 10 years without losing a single game in the league.

As such, they are now preparing for a campaign which could also include a run in the Champions League – new signings are therefore expected to boost the squad.

The Latest: Gers eye Chukwuemeka

It is being reported that the Gers are interested in signing Chukwuemeka this summer.

Given that his youth contract will run out in January, he could be signed for a bargain fee of £60,000 – a deal reminiscent of the one the Gers carried out to sign Glen Kamara in 2019 for just £50,000 (via Daily Record). Earlier this year, he was even targetted by Premier League outfit Tottenham (Football Insider).

The Verdict: One for the future

So far, the 19-year-old has very little experience to his name. He has just one season of professional football under his belt as he managed two goals in 28 appearances last term (Transfermarkt). If he does move to Ibrox, it is unlikely that he will instantly become one of the first names on the teamsheet for Steven Gerrard.

However, Chukwuemeka would be joining a group of budding young talents as the Gers prepare for the future. Last season, Nathan Patterson evolved into a trusted squad member, making 14 senior appearances, while both Leon King and Ciaran Dickson made their debuts for the club. The 55-time Scottish champions are thinking long-term, and Chukwuemeka would fit into that plan.

In other news, Rangers are set to ramp up their interest in this 27-year-old.

Traditionally when a new manager is announced, the room is filled with euphoria and celebration but with Everton that is far from the case.

Rafa Benitez was finally confirmed as the Toffees boss on Wednesday but his appointment was met mass toxicity at Goodison Park.

Banners have been hung outside the Spaniard’s Merseyside home and even the confirmation of his arrival from club media had a tone of sorrow to it.

This is a controversial appointment, largely due to his allegiances with Liverpool and it will take some impressive work from the 61-year-old to get supporters onside.

An eye-catching transfer window would go down a treat but ultimately, Benitez will be judged quickly on the results that play out when the new campaign gets underway.

It remains to be seen who Everton sign in the window but as revealed by Football FanCast earlier this year, they want to sign a right midfielder.

Reports indicate they are also after a centre-back. They have been linked with a move for Wolves captain Conor Coady but it’s Merih Demiral who should be at the height of their agenda.

Everton have been interested in the Turkish centre-back for a while now with £34.5m being touted as the potential fee.

However, in a new report, it claims that Juventus might be willing to allow a loan move.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-everton-news-benitez-kamara-romero-dumfries” title= “Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

If Benitez can seal that kind of agreement, it would be an instant masterclass and a fantastic start to his life at Goodison.

The experienced boss already has a fight on his hands to win over fans but the acquisition of someone as classy as Demiral would go a long way to solving the conflict.

The Juve defender was part of a disappointing Turkey side at Euro 2020 but that was not a fair reflection of his attributes.

Described as an “absolute beast” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 23-year-old would be an instant upgrade at the heart of their defence.

Everton didn’t lack goals with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finding the net on 21 occasions last term but they still lacked defensive solidity. Losing to Manchester City 5-0 on the final day of the season was fine evidence of that.

Demiral, however, could solidify them. He won a colossal 3.6 aerial duels per game during the last Nations League, a tally that usurps every single defender already at Everton.

He is also a high-class ball-playing defender. In Serie A last season, he was successful with 94% of his passes; the fifth-best tally in the division for players to have started more than one match.

With that in mind, he’d not only add a sense of ruthlessness to Benitez’s backline but he’d also provide an extra sense of composure.

With Everton still targeting a place in England’s top six, a player like Demiral would undoubtedly help them in their pursuit.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for “special” 34-cap beast, he’s a massive upgrade on Davies…

With four draws and three defeats in their opening seven Premier League games of the season, it’s safe to say that Southampton have not had the best of starts, especially with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side also conceding 10 goals in that time.

In addition to this poor start to the season, the Saints were also struck with some bad news after Jack Stephens picked up a serious knee injury during the 0-0 draw against Manchester City which will see him ruled out of action for 12 weeks.

Taking all of this into account, along with the sale of Jannik Vestergaard to Premier League rivals Leicester City during the recent summer transfer window, it’s looking pretty bleak for the club from a defensive point of view.

However, we feel that the club have a good defensive option to call on for the time being or at some point in the future with 19-year-old centre-back Dynel Simeu.

Southampton signed the teenager back in July on a three-year contract from fellow Premier League club Chelsea.

Since then, Simeu – who was once described as a “monster” by journalist Neil Moxley during his time with the west Londoners’ youth team – has played 90 minutes in all of Southampton under-23s’ matches across all competitions, showing how important he has been for them in his short time there, even though they haven’t managed to win any of those games.

In the two appearances Simeu has made so far this season in the EFL Trophy, the defender – who is currently valued at £900k by Transfermarkt – has averaged two interceptions, 3.5 tackles and an impressive seven clearances per game, showing that he has plenty of defensive ability in him at such a young age.

In comparison with Vestergaard, the 29-year-old Dane racked up a not too dissimilar average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and four clearances per game throughout Southampton’s 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

Moving forward, if Simeu can continue playing regularly and improving for Southampton’s under-23 side, we see no reason why he couldn’t go on become a regular first team player for the Saints as an ideal long-term replacement for Vestergaard if given the chance.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “super-talented” Southampton ace v Leeds, he could be game-changing

Everton fans have been reacting to footage posted by the club’s official Twitter account showing Andros Townsend scoring a sublime goal in training.

In the video, Townsend receives the ball on the right side of the pitch, cuts inside onto his preferred left foot and bends the ball into the top left corner.

The Englishman joined Everton on a free transfer after leaving Crystal Palace at the end of his contract.

He made his unofficial debut in their recent Florida Cup clash with Colombian top-flight outfit Millonarios, and was denied a first goal in blue by the crossbar.

The 30-year-old has, of course, shown a penchant for the spectacular before. He landed the Goal of the Season award in 2019 after an extraordinary long-range volley in Crystal Palace’s 3-2 win at Manchester City.

Everton fans will hope Townsend proves a more consistent goalscoring threat this term after he netted only one goal in 35 appearances in his final season with the Eagles.

Everton fans buzzing over Townsend’s dazzling strike

“I don’t think we’ll ever lose again”

Credit: @plebberbounce

“He’s definitely scoring a worldie for us this season akin to that that city goal he got”

Credit: @tutes24

“Arjen Townsend at it again”

Credit: @LozEFC

“A winger that can shoot, playing for Everton? This can’t be true surely?!”

Credit: @SFenney

“We’ve signed the British Messi”

Credit: @ElliottB1878

“Can’t wait until we see these popping often”

Credit: @stevec1878

In other news, Rafael Benitez’s stance on this star has been revealed amid exit rumours.

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge believes Emerson Royal fits the bill of what Tottenham were looking for. 

Spurs signed Royal on deadline day from Barcelona, with the right-back signing a contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2026. BBC Sport reported that the agreed fee for the right-back was €30m (£25.8m).

Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo added five new faces to his squad this summer, with Cristian Romero, Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil, Pape Matar Sarr and Emerson Royal all penning deals with Spurs.

Michael Bridge believes the latter ticks a lot of boxes for Tottenham, telling Football FanCast: “Nuno knows him quite well. He’s had a very good reputation from Real Betis, sort of fits the bill of what Tottenham are looking for – good defender, but can bomb forward, he’s six foot as well so quiet a decent height. He’s 22 which is a fantastic age, so he ticks a lot of boxes.”

It’s been a good summer transfer window for Spurs and they’ve also had the perfect start to the Premier League campaign, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently sit top of the league and are the only team with maximum points from their opening three matches.

Alongside being successful domestically, Spurs have also progressed to the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League, after beating Pacos de Ferreira 3-1 on aggregate over two legs and have been drawn to face Rennes, Muta and Vitesse in Group G.