All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham’s chances of signing Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis appear to be decreasing by the week…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable ExWHUemployee revealed a gutting update over the situation during the latest episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, where he said:

“I think I would maybe say, [a] 30% [chance] he will come to West Ham. It is my opinion and I’m not ruling anything out.

“I would have said a lot higher a couple of weeks ago, 85/90%.

“It’s just based upon a conversation I had the other day with someone that would know him well and it indicated to me that he was more keen to get back to Manchester United and establish himself there than to move and be good at West Ham. But I guess time will tell.”

Chances decreasing

This is just another setback in the Irons’ bid to bring the 28-year-old back to the London Stadium this summer following a very successful half-season loan spell.

Indeed, the Manchester United outcast emerged as a star man under David Moyes, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. His form saw him graded as West Ham’s second-best player (7.22), as per WhoScored ratings, whilst no player averaged more shots per game (2.6) and he wasn’t far behind for dribbles (1.1) and key passes (1.1) per match either.

The Scotsman reiterated his desire to keep hold of Lingard following their final-day win over Southampton, three points which sealed their place in the Europa League next term.

“I hope Jesse’s here, we’d like to keep him, he’s done an exceptional job for us but there’s no guarantees, he’s not our player,” Moyes told reporters, via the Evening Standard. “But I hope Jesse realises we’ve been good for him as well, and that he joined a club on the up.”

Lingard has struggled for regular game time in recent seasons, something that the Hammers have been able to give him, almost leading to a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, so it seems baffling to stay at Old Trafford to sit behind the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek.

This latest claim will also be devastating for much of the East London faithful, many of whom appear to have been just as eager to see the £20m-rated dynamo back at the club.

Lingard’s reported desire to stay at United will certainly not go down well at West Ham.

AND in other news, Moyes risks West Ham disaster over shocking Lingard alternative who was a “liability” in 2020/21…

West Ham are said to be among the clubs interested in signing Martin Braithwaite this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Irons are one of four Premier League teams to have enquired to La Liga giants Barcelona over a potential move for the Denmark striker in this transfer window. Brighton, Burnley and newly-promoted Norwich City are the other teams mentioned by the report.

After the signings of Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay, it seems likely that the Danish international will leave the Nou Camp and they want to recoup as much as they can of the €18m (£15m) they paid for him back in February 2020.

Avoid at all costs

It’s no secret that West Ham manager David Moyes is keen to bolster his frontline ahead of next season.

The Irons will be competing in the Europa League, which means there’s a serious potential of a 50-plus game season, and right now they aren’t well-equipped to deal with it in terms of squad depth, especially upfront.

Moyes was left with only one senior centre-forward following the departure of Sebastian Haller in January in the form of the injury-prone Michail Antonio, who is yet to start more than 24 Premier League games in a season for the club.

However, Braithwaite is far from the ideal candidate to help the Hammers next season. After all, he has struggled in England before and that wasn’t even in the top flight.

The £26m-rated forward endured a disastrous and controversial spell under Tony Pulis at Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he only bagged nine goals before he expressed his desire to leave the club.

Speaking about the incident at the time, the stern Welshman blasted the Dane’s “disrespect” for the club, claiming that he was “the highest-paid player I’ve ever worked with” and that he was an “ungrateful person,” as per Gazzette Live.

Somehow, Braithwaite has found himself at Barcelona, where he has continued to show that he’s just not good enough in front of goal, even when the likes of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann are providing him support.

In 29 league appearances for the Catalan giants last season, the 5 foot 10 striker has found the net just twice, taking his career total to 93 in 401 appearances – that’s one goal every 4.3 matches.

He must be avoided at all costs by West Ham.

AND in other news, Moyes could sign West Ham’s next Ferdinand in “tremendous” £7.2m-rated “great leader”…

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have been dealt another devastating blow in their lengthy managerial search this week…

What’s the word?

According to Turkish radio station Radyo Gol, Nuno Santo is on the verge of being appointed as Fenerbahce’s next boss after talks accelerated over the weekend.

It’s claimed that a final meeting between the Super Lig giants and the Portuguese coach were held on Monday and that an announcement could be less than a few days away.

The 47-year-old has widely been touted as the front-runner for the Spurs job, with newly-appointed sporting director Fabio Paratici said to be ‘pushing hard’ to secure him in North London.

Nuno has been out of work for less than a month after leaving Premier League rivals Wolves by mutual consent at the end of last season.

Another setback

This would seemingly deal the Lilywhites their umpteenth setback since Jose Mourinho was sacked in mid-April. They’ve held talks with at least six to seven names, whilst as many as ten different options have been mooted throughout this tragic process.

In the early days, the likes of Julian Naglesmann and Brendan Rodgers were thought to be chairman Daniel Levy’s top candidates – the former opted for Bayern Munich and the latter played down a switch to the capital from Leicester City almost instantly.

There were then ‘confident’ talks with Antonio Conte – a former Premier League winner at Chelsea – but that collapsed late on due to concerns from both parties, whilst Mauricio Pochettino was even linked with a sensation return to the club he was sacked from in November 2019 after five years at the helm.

Paratici was hired as Spurs’ first director of football in six years and he quickly moved for former AS Roma and Shakhtar boss Paulo Fonseca, only for those discussions to break down at the 11th hour.

The Italian chief desperately turned to Gennaro Gattuso before fan backlash put pay to that, too. It has left the North Londoners back at square one but as you can see, it’s been blow after blow for the club’s hierarchy.

Even their interest in Nuno comes as a surprise because Paratici has had to convince Levy to do a U-turn on the ex-Wolves man and now it seems like he isn’t even going to be their next manager.

The Spurs supremo must be absolutely furious with these fresh developments and he, like the rest of us, has to be wondering if it will ever come to an end.

Pre-season training starts next week, they better find a solution – and fast.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Ndombele: Levy could form scary Spurs duo with £20m “exceptional talent”…

Crystal Palace are interested in a move for Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie, according to The Daily Mail, as cited by The Daily Record.

Unsurprisingly, a number of Eagles supporters have been reacting on social media to the links with the Hoops ace.

Patrick Vieira has today been announced as the new man in charge at Selhurst Park, and it seems as if he will make the 26-year-old a priority target.

Christie’s contract actually expires in January, so Palace could talk with the Scotland international right now ahead of a possible free transfer in the New Year. However, you’d expect that Vieira would want him in the door immediately, especially with Palace in desperate need of new signings after 11 senior players recently became free agents.

Christie, who has played throughout midfield and in attack during his career, has made 142 appearances for Celtic, scoring 40 times and registering 41 assists (Transfermarkt).

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Christie on Twitter on Saturday evening.

Here is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply, with one describing him as a ‘decent’ possible addition at Selhurst Park.

“They seem to have based this entirely on the fact Vieira wanted him at Nice, and I’m happy to dream with them”Credit: @ohjoewalker”Make my Football Manager dreams come true, I beg”Credit: @emmabethwright”Yes please! Wonderful, committed player.”Credit: @LondonPehwb”Swear he’s available for like 2m? He’d be decent with us”Credit: @matthew_poole30″Baller”Credit: @ReeceJMT”Good player”Credit: @Lukecoo81684336

In other news: ‘Oh my’, ‘We are cooking’ – Many CPFC fans go wild at ‘saucy’ club post, find out more here. 

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be closing in on their first signing of the summer…

What’s the word?

The Premier League outfit have been pursuing a move for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for several weeks and now it seems as if a deal is nearly over the line.

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who revealed on Twitch.tv that a move was “real close” after Spurs recently submitted a new proposal.

Last week, Football Insider claimed that personal terms had been agreed with the Japan international over a long-term contract, so it’s now on Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy to strike a fee with Bologna.

It’s also thought that the Lilywhites have previously offered €18m (€16m) but the Serie A outfit his holding out for something in the region of €20m (£18m) to €25m (£21.5m), though the right-back is keen to join the club.

Start of a new era

This move will be the first from Spurs this summer, if successful, and will kickstart an exciting new time in North London. It’s not only Nuno Santo’s first signing but Paratici’s too.

The Italian’s reign in N17 will be determined by his activity in the transfer market and in Tomiyasu, Spurs are getting a very impressive talent and one that will bolster the playing squad instantly.

Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old is versatile enough to play through the middle and out on the right, so he could help be the solution to two of their long-standing problems.

Last season, individual errors and a lack of cohesion saw Spurs record the worst defensive record of any of the traditional ‘big six’ teams. One of Jose Mourinho’s most utilised partnerships (he did use over 16 in total) was scorned by ex-midfielder Jamie O’Hara back in February.

“I don’t know why Jose keeps playing [Davinson] Sanchez and [Eric] Dier because it’s probably one of the worst partnerships in the Premier League,” he told talkSPORT.

Similarly, Serge Aurier reverted back to his calamitous ways, leading to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher deeming him “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”

As the 6 foot 2 Bologna star can play in both positions, Nuno has a pretty solid asset at his disposal.

After all, Tomiyasu’s current teammate and fellow full-back Mitchell Dijks dubbed him a “true Japanese warrior” to reporters, via Tuttosport, back in 2019.

The young defender rated out as Bologna’s third-best player (6.77), as per WhoScored ratings, and despite being an imposing physical presence, winning 2.9 aerial battles per game, he was equally adept with the ball at his feet, recording a seasonal passing success rate of 82.1%.

Furthermore, he displayed his intelligence and impressive ability to read the game by recording an average of 1.7 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per league outing, too.

That’s more aerial duels won than every defender bar Dier, more interceptions than even Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a better accuracy than Giovani Lo Celso, via WhoScored.

Paratici, Nuno, Levy and the Hotspur faithful should be absolutely buzzing as they close in on the 23-time Japan international. It’ll be quite the coup, indeed.

AND in other news, Paratici could finally replace Dembele with Spurs swoop for “complete” £26m “machine”…

West Bromwich Albion will not be bringing Harry Wilson to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Goal, who claim that Valerien Ismael’s side are no longer in the race for the Liverpool winger, with the Premier League club’s £15m asking price believed to be well out of Albion’s price range, while the Reds are also thought to be unwilling to allow the 24-year-old to leave on a loan deal.

The report continues by stating that West Brom’s likely promotion rivals Fulham now are leading the race for the Wales international, with personal terms between the two parties not thought to be an issue, although it remains to be seen whether Marco Silva’s side will meet Liverpool’s asking price with an offer.

Fans surely gutted

With it very much appearing as if West Brom winger Matheus Pereira will be leaving The Hawthorns this summer, having been linked with the likes of West Ham United, Norwich City, Leeds United and Leicester City in recent weeks, in addition to the fact that Wilson himself has proven a fantastic player in the Championship, the news that the Baggies are out of the race for the winger is sure to have left fans gutted.

Indeed, the 24-year-old highly impressed during his most recent loan spell at Cardiff City, with the £15.3m-rated man scoring seven goals, registering 11 assists and creating 11 big chances over his 37 Championship appearances for the Bluebirds last season.

These returns saw the man Klopp dubbed a “world-class” striker of the ball earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Cardiff’s second-best player in the second tier of English football.

The £41k-per-week forward has also impressed during spells at both Hull City and Derby County in the past, scoring seven goals and providing four assists and bagging 16 goals and registering four assists for the Tigers and the Rams respectively.

As such, should Pereira indeed go on to secure a move away from Albion this summer, Wilson would have very much appeared to be a decent replacement for the Brazilian – who scored 11 goals and registered six assists in the Premier League last season.

However, with Fulham looking the most likely club to land the Welshman ahead of next season, not only will Ismael fail to benefit from the 24-year-old’s undoubted talent, it would appear as if one of the club’s main Championship rivals will – an eventuality that is sure to leave all involved with the Baggies incredibly frustrated.

AND in other news, West Brom dealt knockout blow on “excellent” £20k-p/w gem, it’s an opportunity missed…

Everton are trying to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet on loan, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The lowdown

Barcelona paid £31.7m to sign Lenglet from Sevilla in 2018, and he has two years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou.

The 26-year-old has made 133 appearances for the Catalan giants, featuring in 33 of their 38 La Liga matches last season (via Transfermarkt).

He was called up to the France squad for the European Championships, with Didier Deschamps drafting him into a back three for the Round of 16 clash with Switzerland. However, he was withdrawn at half-time with the French trailing 1-0 and was given a 2/10 rating for his performance by French newspaper L’Equipe (via Daily Mail).

Barcelona have already bolstered their centre-back ranks this summer with the signing of Eric Garcia from Manchester City and they are reportedly ready to entertain offers for the 26-year-old.

The latest

Everton are already said to be ‘in talks’ over taking Lenglet to Goodison Park on a temporary basis, according to Konur.

However, they are facing competition from West Ham United, who are managed by former Toffees boss David Moyes.

The verdict

On paper, this would look like a coup – a £31.7m Barcelona and France centre-back joining a team who haven’t qualified for Europe, and whose 92.1% passing success rate was better than any player who started a league match for Everton last season.

However, the Toffees should probably steer clear. Lenglet had a bit of shocker at Euro 2020, as suggested by his humiliating L’Equipe rating, and may inject anxiety into the Blues’ backline.

An ambitious £35m swoop for Kalidou Koulibaly seems the way to go but the Lenglet talks centre around a possible loan, and that may be a sign of Everton’s reluctance – or inability – to commit significant financial outlay to enhancing their defence this summer.

In other news, Everton have been urged to sign this Euro 2020 star.

Former Leeds United player David Norris believes his ex-club need a bit more quality in depth.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side enjoyed a brilliant first season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth on 59 points and playing some really eye-catching football.

Leeds’ squad has reduced in numbers as Pablo Hernandez, Gaetano Berardi and Ezgjan Alioski have all departed Elland Road this summer, but the club are linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke according to Football Insider.

Leeds have some outstanding players, non-other than England international Kalvin Phillips who was an ever present in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 starting XI.

Whilst Norris recognises the talent of Phillips and the front three at Elland Road, he is fearful for the team if they get injured.

Norris told FFC “It was a dangerous front three or four whenever they played, so they are probably going to need some back-up there or some support. Get two or three of them out or Kalvin Phillips out then it’s a different team and you might be struggling a little bit.  

“I don’t think there’s any positions for me that are desperately needing attention, I think they just need a little bit more quality in depth.”

Leeds have already been active in the summer window completing three deals. Junior Firpo arrived from Barcelona for £13m, whilst Jack Harrison completed a permanent move to Elland Road and Lewis Bate joining from Chelsea, both on undisclosed fees.

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass believes that West Ham United would be a fantastic fit for Danny Ings, and that manager David Moyes would be delighted if he could get him.

The Athletic reported earlier this month that Ings had turned down a new contract with Southampton as he wants another chance with a club challenging towards the top of the table, with the same source saying the east London outfit have registered their interest.

Ings scored 13 goals in all competitions for the Saints last season, taking his total overall to 46 goals in 100 games for the south coast outfit.

The Saints valued Ings at £20million according to Eurosport, and Windass told Football FanCast: “Listen any manager in the Premier League would take Danny Ings for £20millon. The reason why he is leaving Southampton is because he is not winning any trophies, he’s not playing in European football.

“So, the only way that he’s going to go is the top six and West Ham would be a fantastic fit and obviously Moysey would be delighted if he got him, especially for 20 million quid.”

The race for the signature of Ings is hotting up, as Eurosport reported the other day that Tottenham Hotspur were preparing an opening bid for Danny Ings, but talkSPORT’s Alex Crook said earlier this month that Southampton have no intention of selling Ings this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday are interested in a deal to bring Sam Cosgrove to Hillsborough this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report from Dom Howson for Yorkshire Live, with the journalist claiming that the Birmingham City centre-forward is indeed on Darren Moore’s list of attacking targets this summer, as had been reported by Alan Nixon on Monday.

Howson added that the 47-year-old is keen to add further firepower to his Owls squad before the start of the new League One season, having already signed Florian Kamberi and Theo Corbeanu, in a bid to mount a serious push for promotion next term.

Speaking after his team’s Carabao Cup exit to Huddersfield Town on Sunday, Moore said: “We are working extremely hard to try and get bodies in. Will there be bodies in for the Charlton game? I am hopeful there might be. If not then we’ll get on and move on, but we will wait and see.”

Moore would love him

While Cosgrove has not enjoyed the best of spells since joining Birmingham from Aberdeen in January, having started just two Championship games for Lee Bowyer’s side last season, the 24-year-old demonstrated during his time in Scotland that he certainly is a centre-forward who knows how to find the back of the net.

Indeed, over his 103 appearances in all competitions for the Dons, the £1.35m-rated man scored a whopping 47 goals and provided 10 assists for his teammates.

Arguably his best season at Pittodrie came back in 2018/19, when the man who Bowyer dubbed an “excellent” striker bagged 17 goals and three assists over 35 Scottish Premiership appearances, as well as four goals and one assist in the Scottish Cup and one assist in Europa League qualifying – taking his total haul for the season to 21 goals and five assists in 44 games.

As such, should Wednesday get a deal over the line for Cosgrove this summer, and he goes on to replicate this kind of form for the Owls, he would surely provide a huge boost to Moore’s hopes of securing an immediate return to the Championship, as well as being a player who the 47-year-old would absolutely love to have leading his attack.

In other news: Sheffield Wednesday confirm transfer news which will have Darren Moore buzzing