All posts by n8rngtd.top

The summer transfer window is officially open and Sunderland will now be hard at work as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Championship.

Alex Neil and Kristjaan Speakman are now tasked with finding players to bolster the squad to ensure that they do not go straight back down to the third tier at the first time of asking.

The Black Cats have already been linked with a number of players since they beat Wycombe 2-0 at Wembley in the play-off final and one of the gems they reportedly want to bring in is Josh Murphy on a free transfer.

He has left the Welsh club upon the expiry of his contract this summer, having joined them for £11m in 2018, and Neil is now looking to add him to his squad for the 2022/23 campaign.

Imagine him & Ross Stewart

If the Scottish head coach can get Murphy back to the form he showed when the pair worked together at Norwich then he will be able to form a deadly partnership with Ross Stewart next season.

Whilst in charge at Carrow Road, Neil hailed the forward’s talents as he said: “He’s got blistering pace, he’s got real athleticism and he’s a goal threat in pretty much every minute of the game. Those types of players are rare and hopefully he can become a first-team regular.”

In the 2016/17 campaign, Murphy produced four goals and five assists in nine Championship starts with the now-Sunderland boss at the helm. This shows that the ex-Preston manager knows how to get the best out of him and that the player will know what he expects from his attackers from a tactical point of view.

The winger also enjoyed an excellent season the following year as he managed seven goals and three assists – creating nine ‘big chances’ in the Championship for Norwich as he showcased his attacking quality in the final third.

Therefore, it may not take the 27-year-old long to settle in because of his pre-existing relationship with Neil and his experience in the second tier.

Now, imagine him supplying Stewart – who scored 26 goals in League One – with crosses and through balls next season. The Scotland international was lethal in the third division and will now need to prove himself at a higher level, which could be helped by Murphy’s proven ability to create clear-cut chances.

Stewart can thrive off his balls into the box and enjoy playing alongside the winger and that is why Sunderland must sign the ex-Norwich attacker to see if Neil can get him back to his best.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: SAFC deal for gem who’s “loved by the fans” would get SOL rocking…

Liverpool have missed out on signing Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Ismael Gharbi, as first reported by French journalist Fabrice Hawkins. 

The lowdown: Rising star

A product of the youth system at the Parc des Princes, the 18-year-old has graduated through the ranks of the Ligue 1 giants and now made four senior appearances.

Born in Paris, the talented forward has been part of youth squads for both Spain and France before representing the latter at under-18 level.

Having previously been set to become a free agent this summer, Liverpool and Chelsea were linked with the teenager, but the Premier League duo have now missed out…

The latest: New deal at PSG

Taking to Twitter, Hawkins claimed that the Reds made a ‘very good offer’ to Gharbi before the teenager extended his stay at PSG.

The reporter outlined on Friday: “Ismaël Gharbi, 18, will sign his first professional contract at PSG today! The biggest European clubs had positioned themselves. Liverpool made him a very good offer, for example, but Paris has always been the midfielder’s priority.”

Since then, PSG’s official Twitter channel has confirmed the new deal which will keep Gharbi at the European superpower until 2025.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here.

The verdict: No surprise

Valued at £1.35m following a Ligue 1 debut in 2021/22, and potentially viewed as one that got away in years to come, it comes as no surprise to see that Liverpool were willing to act upon their interest in the talented youngster.

The model at Anfield has changed under FSG in recent years as the club attempts to furnish each of the development squads with the most talented players across Europe, an approach underlined by signings such as Harvey Elliott, Kaide Gordon and now Calvin Ramsay.

Described as a ‘leader’ by former PSG under-15 coach Said Aigoun, Gharbi – who operates either as a winger or in a central attacking position – would’ve been another exciting addition to the ranks, as Jurgen Klopp keeps at least one eye on the next generation of stars for the Reds.

In other news, a transfer expert has dropped a key Liverpool claim. Read more here

Wolves have suffered a potential blow in their quest to sign Matheus Nunes this summer, with Barcelona now reportedly interested in hijacking the deal.

The Lowdown: Nunes strongly linked with move

Bruno Lage is continuing to work hard on summer signings at Molineux and one player who has been strongly linked with a move in recent days is Nunes.

The 23-year-old has become a key midfield presence for Sporting CP, making 33 Primeira Liga appearances last season, as well as scoring three times in the competition.

But while some reports have suggested Wolves have even prepared a bid for the exact asking price, there may now be a new twist in the saga.

The Latest: Barca could hijack deal

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Barcelona are looking at the Portuguese maestro as a possible replacement for Frenkie de Jong.

It is still stated that Wolves are the ‘most likely destination’ for Nunes – they are willing to spend €45million (£38.6m) plus €5million (£4.2m) in add-ons for the Sporting man – but a switch to the Nou Camp can’t be ruled out as the Catalans have met with Jorge Mendes to discuss a deal.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398117″]

The Verdict: Possible big blow

There is certainly reason to be concerned about this update from a Wanderers perspective, given the lure Barca still have as one of the world’s greatest football clubs.

[freshpress-poll id=“399044″]

Should they move for Nunes, it is easy to see his head being turned, but it is encouraging to see that Wolves still look to be the firm favourites to snap him up this summer.

The midfielder could be the perfect replacement for Ruben Neves at Molineux, bringing similar level of technical class – he enjoyed an 86.2% pass completion rate in the league last season, compared to the Wolves hero’s 84% – and making it a seamless transition in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have been outlined as frontrunners for Ajax’s versatile defender Lisandro Martinez.

What’s the word?

That’s according to talkSPORT, who report that Arsenal have brushed aside Manchester United in pursuit of the Argentine.

The Gunners have tabled a bid worth £35m and are awaiting a response from Ajax.

They have been long-time admirers of the 24-year-old and will be pleased to get this deal done sooner rather than later, with United still sniffing around.

The news comes with Arsenal now on the verge of signing Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta will love him

Mikel Arteta will delight in getting the deal done for this battle-hardened South American, who, similarly to Takehiro Tomiyasu, can play across the backline and also midfield.

Standing at just 5 foot 9, the Argentina international does not shirk a tackle. He sits in the 99th percentile for tackles and progressive passes per 90, combined with a 93% pass completion rate.

Clearly, he is a forward-thinking defender, hence his ability to deputise in midfield.

He could provide healthy competition for multiple Arsenal players due to his versatility and could prove a perfect midfield partner for Granit Xhaka, or the perfect centre-back partner for Benjamin White.

His average SofaScore rating sits at a remarkable 7.61, which is only bested by Dusan Tadic amongst his Ajax teammates. He seems ready for a step up, and Arsenal could be the perfect springboard to bring his talents to England.

The £28.8m-rated stopper has drawn praise for these kinds of performances, notably from scout Jacek Kulig who dubbed him “elegant” and at just 24-years-old he still has his entire career in front of him.

He also managed to grab four goal contributions this season, so marks himself out as a real all-rounder who can get forward, marshal the midfield, and put a tackle in.

Back when he managed him, Erik ten Hag dubbed him an “excellent player” just under a year ago. This would explain United’s interest and would make it even sweeter if Arteta could push this deal through.

He would add a bit of bite to a relatively soft Arsenal side, and that is why Edu Gaspar would play a masterclass by completing this deal as soon as possible.

AND, in other news: David Ornstein drops big Arsenal transfer update that’ll leave supporters gutted.

West Bromwich Albion attacker Callum Robinson has been linked with a transfer move away from the Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the news?

According to West Brom journalist Joe Masi, in a recent report for the Express & Star, fellow Championship side Preston North End are looking to secure a season-long loan deal for the Irishman.

Masi also added in his report that the Baggies are ‘likely to prefer a permanent transfer’ but that ‘they may have to accept a loan deal to get him off the wage bill for a year.’

West Brom originally signed the 27-year-old on a loan deal from Sheffield United in the 2020 January transfer window before securing him on a permanent deal in the following September.

Overall, the attacker has made 89 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions, scoring 17 goals and delivering 11 assists in the process.

Having completed three separate loan spells with Preston as well as a three-year period with them as a permanent player before he joined his previous club, it’s easy to see why the Lancashire club would be interested in bringing him back to Deepdale.

With more appearances for Preston (160) under his belt than any other club he’s played for in his career, Robinson has found the net 41 times and supplied 21 assists for the club.

West Brom fans will be delighted

Despite only seeing Karlan Grant (24) deliver more goal contributions in the league last season than the Republic of Ireland international (16), the consistency of his goals and assists was rather sporadic, which is something that may not make him a totally reliable squad figure for Steve Bruce, especially with the Baggies gunning for promotion.

Also, Robinson’s overall performances were not particularly impressive either, as WhoScored gave him a rather uninspiring season rating of 6.65/10, leaving 11 other West Brom players with higher scores.

Taking all of this into account, if the Midlands club were to push the attacker out the door this summer, either on a permanent basis or on a loan deal that has an option to buy at the end of it, this would surely be music to the ears of a lot of Baggies fans.

If this move were to happen and the club were then able to bring in a suitable replacement that could be a more impactful and consistent attacking threat in the team than Robinson, this would surely increase the team’s chances of getting back to the Premier League.

AND in other news: Imagine him & Mowatt: Bruce can form scary WBA duo with “gorgeous” £3.6m-rated machine

Newcastle United journalist Aaron Stokes has been left stunned as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) eye up a move for Moussa Diaby.

The Lowdown: On the radar

As per Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, the 22-year-old is on the Magpies’ ‘radar’ ahead of a potential move to St James’ Park this summer.

However, PIF have an ‘extensive’ list of attacking targets, and it is unclear where the Bayer Leverkusen winger falls on that.

The Latest: Stokes stunned

Taking to Twitter, Stokes was left stunned by the prospect of Diaby moving to Newcastle, claiming that the Frenchman would be a ‘marquee’ signing and that the Tynesiders would be hitting the ‘jackpot’ if they sign him.

The Chronicle reporter tweeted: “When it comes to marquee signings, #NUFC would be hitting jackpot with Moussa Diaby. 31 G/A in 42 games last season, electrifying pace, good with both feet + fearless on the ball. A remarkable deal if they persuade Bayer to sell + the player to join.”

The Verdict: Sign him

Of course, a player of Diaby’s quality would likely not come cheap, but he could be the marquee signing to take Eddie Howe’s team to the next level.

France Football magazine journalist Christophe Larcher has suggested that the 22-year-old is even better than Allan Saint-Maximin, who was yet again one of Newcastle’s key players last season, ranking as their second-best performer in the Premier League with five goals, five assists and six man-of-the-match awards to his name (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, Diaby is three years younger than the 25-year-old, so his potential is quite riveting to think about if you are a Newcastle supporter.

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira will be key in any deal that can be completed between the Eagles and Burnley for winger Dwight McNeil.

What’s the story?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke recently told GIVEMESPORT:

“Patrick Vieira, we know what a player he was in the Premier League, he’s a Premier League legend, so I’m sure he does have a lot of pulling power for players, and it does look like he is building an exciting young team at Crystal Palace right now.

“He had a good first season in charge and made some good signings as well, so I’m sure if Dwight McNeil was to make the move to Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira would play a huge role in that, and his pulling power might help him to make that move to London.”

The Sun recently claimed that McNeil could move to Selhurst Park this summer following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship. He definitely is a Premier League quality player so it would make sense for him to depart Turf Moor.

However, Vieira’s side face competition from West Ham United who are also monitoring the situation. It would take at least £10m for Burnley to let him leave.

He would be “spell-binding”

If he made the move to South London then Palace fans are in for a treat with the winger previously being described as “spell-binding” by journalist Dan Black.

It’s hard to disagree given his impressive performances for Burnley. When you compare him to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the last year he ranks in the top 6% for crosses into the penalty area.

For a team struggling at the wrong end of the table that’s impressive. He’s good creatively but is also just as reliable defensively, and ranks in the top 9% for tackles in the midfield third proving he isn’t afraid of a battle.

He could be a key player for Palace in the same way he is for Burnley and with some uncertainty over the future of star man Wilfried Zaha who has just 12 months remaining on his contract, he could be a good replacement.

If he were to leave then McNeil could come in as the perfect successor, someone who has plenty of top-flight experience. It’s still early days but the 22-year-old is likely to move to a club in the Premier League, and the chance to work under Vieira would be hard to turn down.

IN other news: Alan Nixon drops big Crystal Palace transfer claim that’ll leave supporters fuming…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could mould Lucas Moura into a right wing-back this season, says Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Moura’s role

The 29-year-old has played a bit-part role for Spurs since Conte’s arrival at Hotspur Way in November, having come on off the bench for 14 of his 25 appearances under the Italian coach.

As a result, some have been calling for the Brazilian’s inclusion elsewhere on the pitch. As quoted by the Evening Standard, the 52-year-old has admitted that the winger would be a ‘good option’ in the wing-back position next season.

This follows Conte’s previous conversions of Ivan Perisic, Victor Moses and Antonio Candreva from attackers into wing-backs, indicating that he may try this again at Tottenham.

The Latest: Robinson’s claim

Robinson, who works as a pundit for Sky Sports, weighed in on Spurs’ full-back situation, adding his verdict on Moura’s suitability. Speaking with Football Insider, the former Lilywhites shot-stopper claimed:

“Conte has done it before with Perisic and Moses.

“He is renowned for making wingers into wing-backs so that they fit into the system that he wants to play.

“Lucas Moura is a player that I really like. He would be able to do that role. You see how fit he is and you can see the engine he has on him. He is more than capable of playing in a right wing-back role.

“I don’t think he is going to be the first choice there but he does give the manager another option.”

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

The Verdict: Good idea

Whilst Moura is a great option going forward, demonstrated by his 38 goals and 27 assists for the North London club, he may also have the attributes to excel in Conte’s highly-demanding role.

Spurs legend Ledley King thinks the Brazilian is ‘one of the best’ in the air when it comes to short players due to his ‘unbelievable spring’.

However, with the arrival of Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, this option may not be a priority on the manager’s to-do list, although it is certainly a possibility for the future.

Leeds United are still looking to sign Paris Saint-Germain attacker Arnaud Kalimuendo this summer, according to reliable journalist Miguel Delaney.

The Lowdown: Kalimuendo linked with Leeds

The 20-year-old is seen as a main transfer target for the Whites in the current market as Jesse Marsch continues to add to his squad after last season’s struggles.

Kalimuendo has impressed over two years on loan at Lens, scoring 12 goals in 27 starts in Ligue 1 last term, but he seems unlikely to make the grade at PSG.

The youngster has the small matter of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe as competition, so it makes sense for him to move elsewhere permanently.

The Latest: Kalimuendo deal in the works

Writing in his Reading the Game newsletter, Delaney confirmed that Leeds are still working on a €20m (£17m) deal to sign Kalimuendo.

He outlined:

“Those close to the situation consider it likely. A €20m bid remains under consideration, as the striker himself has been assessing his situation and seeking to ensure he makes the best decision for his future.

“That naturally involves seeing what else comes in, but Leeds look increasingly attractive.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-47/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Him or De Ketelaere?

The longer the summer rumbles on, the more it feels as though Leeds will end up signing either Kalimuendo or fellow transfer target Charles De Ketelaere.

They are considered hugely promising young players but it seems unlikely that both will head to Elland Road, in terms of Jesse Marsch being able to promise them regular playing time.

Kalimuendo potentially looks the easier player of the two for Leeds to get, considering that AC Milan are also vying for De Ketelaere’s services.

For that reason, focusing more on the former could make the most sense for the Whites, with the French youngster being hailed as a ‘prototype’ striker for Lens manager Frank Haise.

Aston Villa have been offered the chance to re-sign one of their former loan stars.

What’s the word?

According to The Daily Mail, Premier League giants Chelsea are once again looking to offload transfer disappointment Ross Barkley this summer.

Whilst his ex-club Everton have also been noted as an interested party, according to the Mail’s latest report, Aston Villa are now the only club that remain interested in his services.

With just 12 months left on his £100k-per-week deal, Chelsea are looking at their final chance to recoup some of the £15m fee they initially forked out for Barkley.

“Special talent”

Since exiting Everton, the English midfielder has struggled to recapture any of the form that saw him linked with many of England’s biggest clubs.

Steven Gerrard will be wary of spending unnecessary money after what has already been a busy summer transfer window for the Villains, but perhaps in landing the midfielder on a cut-price deal and giving him a run in the side next season, he could repay the faith shown.

Roberto Martinez was full of praise for the midfielder, having labelled him a “special talent” back when he was his manager at Goodison Park.

A player never loses their quality, and at the age of 28, he should be reaching his peak years. He still has plenty to offer someone who will take a punt on this outcast.

His loan stint at Villa started so brightly that it seemed like he was recapturing the form that earned him such praise, as he scored in his first two league games.

Unfortunately, a hamstring injury then saw him miss seven fixtures, and that form was lost.

Since then, the Villa team has only improved. The addition of Phillippe Coutinho adds another creative dynamic, and perhaps Barkley could be the final piece of the puzzle for Gerrard’s side who are crying out for creativity from central midfield.

Ashley Preece even recently suggested that Gerrard’s Villa side could push towards the top half of the Premier League table next season, but also stated his belief that the club are “two signings away from having what would be classed as a near-perfect squad – a midfielder and possibly a striker.”

Given little chance last season at Chelsea, but still scoring the winner in a 2-1 win over Watford on the final day of the season, he has shown he still has the quality to boost a squad with less quality.

Perhaps under the tutelage of one of England’s greatest ever midfielders, Barkley can finally reach his potential and propel Villa up the table.

AND in other news: Lange closing in on deal for “outstanding” talent, it’d be Villa’s most important yet