All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Ham United could land a dream Tomas Soucek alternative in Amadou Onana as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Pete O’Rourke, who, when asked by Football Fancast what the the Hammers’ reported interest in a move for the LOSC Lille midfielder meant for the club, said: “Probably that West Ham are maybe considering alternatives if Soucek doesn’t agree the offer that’s on the table from West Ham.

“They have got to be doing their contingency plans like any top club should be just in case a player does leave and I think that’s what West Ham are doing right now.”

It’s evident that the Premier League side are preparing for the departure of Soucek sooner rather than later and a deal for Onana would be an excellent piece of business.

Soucek upgrade

West Ham have already had a £20m offer rejected by Lille for Onana, but Moyes remains interested.

ExWHUemployee revealed that the French side are looking at a fee of around €60m (£51m) for the midfielder, but Moyes is only willing to go as high as £39m to prise the player away from France.

Not only is Onana seen as an alternative to Soucek, but he could be a big upgrade on the Czech Republic international.

Lat season, Onana recorded a better pass completion percentage (83.8% to 77.7%), generated more than double the number of shot-creating actions as the West Ham player (2.05 to 1.00) and won more aerial duels (58.1% to 49.5%) – although Onana did play three games fewer.

These stats clearly show that at just 19 years old, Onana has all the attributes to settle into the Premier League with ease.

Moyes does need some added bite into the midfield, especially with the futures of Soucek and Declan Rice uncertain.

It would be a risk, but if Onana performs as he has done in Ligue 1, the “huge talent” – in the words of Jonas Boldt – can shine in the Premier League.

AND in other news: In talks: Moyes given green light for £10m West Ham deal, he’s “absolutely everywhere”

Glasgow Rangers are interested in a deal to bring Japhet Matondo to Ibrox in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Scotland, who claim that, following Ross Wilson’s €3m (£2.5m) capture of Rabbi Matondo earlier this week, the sporting director has now turned his attention to the 21-year-old’s younger brother – 16-year-old Cardiff City winger, Japhet.

The report goes on to state that both Celtic and Leeds United are also keeping a watchful eye on the Wales U17 international ahead of a potential move of their own, while it is also claimed that the forward would cost Rangers just £130k in a cross-border compensation fee.

Imagine him & Rabbi

While Japhet is very much a less developed talent when compared to his older brother, should the 16-year-old go on to enjoy a similar start to his career in the professional game as Rabbi, Giovanni van Bronckhorst could well have a very exciting Matondo double act on his hands – if Wilson manages to get a deal for the Cardiff starlet over the line this summer.

Indeed, the £3.6m-rated Rabbi was in exceptional form over his 26 Jupiler Pro League appearances for Cercle Brugge last season, with the right-winger scoring nine goals, registering two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.9 shots – 1.3 of which hit the target – making 0.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 11-cap Wales international average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.84, ranking him as Cercle’s sixth-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football last time out.

As such, should “teen talent” – in the words of Mark Hendry – Japhet be anywhere near as exciting a prospect as his 21-year-old brother, it is clear to see that, should Wilson indeed manage to get a £130k deal for the left winger done this summer, Rangers could well have formed the basis of their wide-attacking positions for the considerable future – something that is sure to be an extremely pleasing thought for the Ibrox faithful and Van Bronckhorst alike.

AND in other news: “I’m told…”: Reliable journo reveals big Rangers transfer update, GvB will be gutted

Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has delivered his verdict on the Sunderland pursuit of striker Troy Parrott. 

The lowdown: Rising star

A product of the youth system in north London having arrived from his homeland in 2017, Parrott has spent time on loan at Millwall, Ipswich Town and most recently MK Dons where he scored and assisted against the Black Cats during the 2021/22 campaign.

The 20-year-old is already a fully-fledged senior Republic of Ireland international and has made four first-team outings for Tottenham to add to a stellar youth career that has seen the talented frontman score 31 times in 38 appearances across various levels.

Despite being part of the squad on a pre-season tour in South Korea, Parrott is expected to be sent out on another loan in order to continue his development, and one well-informed onlooker has suggested that Sunderland could be set to win the race…

The latest: ‘Send him to Sunderland’

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham, described as a Spurs ‘insider’ who regularly breaks news about the club on Lilywhite Rose social media, claimed that the 15-cap star could be about to follow Jack Clarke to the North East.

He said: “I can see Tory Parrott going to Sunderland. I know Sunderland do have interest in him. They have a big Scottish striker at the moment but the beauty of Troy is that he can drop in as a 10.

“He would get a lot of game time there. Sunderland are a very big, well-supported club and I think Troy would thrive off that audience, that crowd. It would be a very good signing for them. He would be linking up with some of his friends in Jack Clarke and Dennis Cirkin.

“I know they have lost Nathan Broadhead from Everton, they have not been able to bring him back. If we could get Troy there, playing every week, that would be good. I know Middlesbrough are also interested but personally, I would send him to Sunderland.”

The verdict: Hopeful

Upon making an eagerly anticipated return to the Championship, Alex Neil has wasted little time in bolstering the Stadium of Light ranks with the captures of Arsenal starlet Daniel Ballard, Union Berlin forward Leon Dajaku and of course Clarke on a permanent basis from Tottenham.

Albeit mainly in youth football, signing a proven goal-getter in Parrott  – who was hailed as an ‘exceptional player’ by ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson whilst on loan at Millwall –  would be another indication of intent from Sunderland as the standalone firepower of Ross Stewart is strengthened.

Furthermore, potentially arriving on a deal ahead of league rivals Middlesbrough, landing the £4.5million valued frontman would be a feather in the cap for the remaining pulling power at the club, whilst also keeping money in the coffers for Neil to bolster other areas of the squad.

Aston Villa are plotting a bid for Bordeaux striker Sekou Mara. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to French publication Foot Mercato, who claim that three English clubs are interested in the forward.

Alongside Aston Villa, Leeds and Newcastle have also suggested they would want to sign Mara.

The player is estimated to cost around €10m (£8.5m) and no proposals have currently been submitted.

Any deal does look unlikely, however, with reports since emerging that Southampton have agreed a fee to sign him.

Imagine him and Watkins

This tricky teenager enjoyed a first proper year of top-flight football last season, making 26 appearances for a Bordeaux side that finished rock bottom of Ligue 1.

Clearly brimming with too much talent to be playing outside of top-flight football, Mara will look to find a place where he can continue to hone his raw talents and hopefully be nurtured into a star of the future.

Across the league campaign, he managed a respectable six goals and an average SofaScore rating of 6.77. Whilst seemingly unspectacular, at just 19 years old this represents a remarkable foundation to build upon.

Perhaps if Steven Gerrard was to operate him alongside Ollie Watkins who can thrive off a striker partner, both would benefit from some company up top.

Watkins averages 2.68 aerials won per 90, meaning that having another forward close by would likely benefit from his knockdowns or flick-ons.

Mara on the other hand, who was labelled a “brilliant young talent” by journalist Zack Lowy, is full of enthusiasm and running.

He ranked in the 96th percentile for pressures, outlining him as an outstanding candidate to lead the press. If Gerrard could mould him into the kind of striker he desires, with a work rate and attitude such as the one Mara already possesses, he is sure to go right to the top.

Not only this but the Frenchman ranked in the 89th percentile for shots total per 90. Clearly brimming with confidence, the quality will only come with time. If he is able to squeeze plenty of shots away now, once he starts hitting the target he may never stop.

Mara and Watkins could become a duo that stays together at Villa for a long time, and Gerrard should swoop to ensure no other clubs can invest early in this hard-working youngster destined for big things.

AND, in other news: Forget Carney: Gerrard can save NSWE millions with Aston Villa’s 20 y/o “goal machine”.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Mergim Berisha to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by A Spor journalist Yusuf Basyesil, who revealed on Twitter (via Sport Witness) that Jesse Marsch is keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 24-year-old Fenerbahce SK centre-forward ahead of a potential move this summer.

In his tweet, Basyesil said: “Leeds are interested in Mergim Berisha. Coach Jesse Marsch wants to see his former player in the team. Berisha was in the best form of her career with Jesse Marsch.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Berisha was under the management of Marsch previously, Basyesil’s claim that the 48-year-old is keen to bring the striker to Elland Road ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign is sure to be news that has left supporters buzzing.

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

Indeed, over his 52 appearances for RB Salzburg during Marsch’s tenure at the Red Bull Arena, the £5.4m-rated forward highly impressed, scoring 23 goals and registering 14 assists for the Austrian Bundesliga side.

Furthermore, the former Germany U21 international has also proven himself a consistent attacking threat for practically every club for whom he has played, bagging 17 goals and providing two assists over 41 appearances for FC Liefering, netting 16 goals and registering 10 assists over 34 fixtures for SCR Altach, scoring six goals and providing five assists over 20 outings for LASK and notching seven goals and registering three assists over 31 appearances for Fenerbahce.

As such, while the £29k-per-week hitman may not be the most glamourous attacking target linked with a move to Leeds this summer, the 24-year-old would undoubtedly greatly improve the Whites’ depth up front next season, not to mention being a signing who knows exactly how Marsch wants his side to play next term – something that could well see him become an incredibly valuable asset for the American manager.

AND in other news: Victor Orta closing in on “elite” £31.5m Leeds signing, he’s one “worth waiting for”

Liverpool have ‘said no’ to a bid for Roberto Firmino from Juventus, according to a fresh transfer update.

The Lowdown: Firmino linked with shock exit

The 30-year-old has been one of the superstars of the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield, not only excelling on the pitch but also proving to be a huge character off it.

Firmino has recently been linked with a shock switch to Juve, however, with the Serie A giants seeing him as a potentially ideal summer addition to come in and support star youngster Dušan Vlahović.

With the Brazilian’s Liverpool’s deal expiring in 2023, there has been some concern that the Reds could allow their No.9 to move on this summer in order to avoid losing him for free next year.

The Latest: Key update emerges

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], however, the move is not going to happen.

Juve have bid €22.5million (£18.8m) for Firmino’s services but Liverpool have ‘said no’ and it is now believed that the Turin side will look at other targets instead.

Chelsea attacker Timo Werner seen as a possible option.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398089″]

The Verdict: Never felt likely

This is a big boost for Liverpool, but in truth, the idea of Firmino departing this summer always felt highly unlikely, considering Sadio Mane has already been sold to Bayern Munich.

[freshpress-poll id=“399042″]

The Brazil international may not quite be the footballer he was a few years ago, when he was indispensable and hailed as ‘world-class’ by Jurgen Klopp, but he remains a very important squad player.

Hopefully, Firmino will sign a new deal and extend his stay sooner rather than later, continuing to produce his magic for several more years to come at Anfield.

Everton are hoping to have a fresh start following a relegation scrap in the Premier League last season, however, there is now an update on a double injury setback already.

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s Everton reporter Patrick Boyland has given an update on Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey’s injuries following the pair’s premature exit from the pitch in Everton’s first Premier League game of the season against Chelsea last weekend.

As per Boyland’s report, Godfrey will be sidelined for three months following successful surgery on his fractured fibula.

It has also been confirmed by the club that Mina has suffered damage to his ankle ligaments, and will undergo further assessment with a specialist this week before a timeframe can be established.

Frank will be frustrated

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be extremely frustrated with the injury problems the team is already experiencing just one game week into the Premier League season, especially when they suffered such a huge injury crisis last season.

Everton had the worst injury record in the Premier League last term according to injury expert Ben Dinnery, which without a doubt played its part in the club’s relegation troubles with many key players sidelined on numerous occasions throughout the campaign.

The new season was seen as a fresh start for the Toffees who survived a drop into the Championship in their penultimate fixture of 2021/22, but with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured, alongside Godfrey and Mina who now join the striker on the injury table at Finch Farm, the nightmares of the past are repeating themselves.

There is a silver lining though. Everton confirmed the season-long loan signing of Wolves captain and centre-back Conor Coady yesterday, as well as securing the free transfer of James Tarkowski earlier this summer.

Despite the two signings being an absolute blessing for the Merseysiders, Lampard will remain concerned about the depth in his team following the injuries to three key players for the team.

As a result, the Everton manager will be desperately hoping that Tarkowski and Coady can quickly establish a partnership at the back and crucially, remain fit over the coming weeks and months to give the team the best chance to pick up points in their pursuit of a more comfortable year.

Liverpool were quick to get their incoming transfer business done earlier this summer with three new faces joining the ranks at Anfield, and a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to Catalan news outlet El Nacional, Jurgen Klopp wants to sign Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

As per the report, the Liverpool manager is keen for FSG to submit a bid for the player, as he believes that the 26-year-old would be the perfect player to make an impact in the forward line due to his Premier League experience and wouldn’t need as much time to settle in.

Klopp’s next Salah

There is no doubt that Liverpool already boast a talented forward line with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez strengthening the attacking threat in recent months. However, following Sadio Mane’s exit this summer, it could be a huge risk to rest the responsibility on those two players to match the Senegal winger’s level instantly.

Sane is no stranger to the Premier League or playing at the highest level in England following his tenure at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups and an FA Cup, so his experience of winning numerous domestic trophies could be massively advantageous to Klopp.

The Reds have fallen just short on multiple occasions in their pursuit for the Premier League titles over the 55-year-old’s reign at Anfield, emerging as champions just once in seven attempts on his watch, and they most recently missed out by one point last season on the final day.

As a result, Klopp will be hungry to seal that second title to add to his numerous achievements at the club, and Sane could be the perfect player to unlock that final push that Liverpool need in order to spoil Man City’s chances of becoming champions yet again.

The Liverpool boss could even land his next Mohamed Salah by convincing FSG to strike a deal for Sane this summer, as the Egyptian winger was one of the most comparable players to the Bayern Munich talent over last season, according to FBRef.

Despite Salah comfortably excelling in terms of goal contributions (36) and having a better shots on target accuracy (36.6%) than the 26-year-old, there are other attributes in which the £59m-valued dynamo outperformed his positional peer.

Over 32 appearances last term, Sane had a better pass completion rate (83.7%), more shot creating actions per 90 (4.51) than the 30-year-old, while also being far more successful in his pressures (36%) and dribbles completed (49%).

The Bayern winger, who was dubbed “unbelievable” by his manager Julian Nagelsmann, has even had high praise for the Liverpool star, claiming: “Salah is a really good player, a strong player, fast and skilful. I like to watch him, he’s a really good player.”

The signing of Sane would be a significant coup for Liverpool, and if they could utilise his abilities on the left flank, the team could virtually have two Salahs in their frontline, which could prove the difference in them claiming another Premier League title or falling just short yet again.

Liverpool are ‘preparing’ a bid to sign Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes this summer, according to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha. 

The lowdown: Familiar name

The future of Nunes has become one of the major talking points of the entire transfer window having previously been linked to Wolves, Manchester City, Newcastle and Manchester United.

Despite the strong interest, the 23-year-old Portugal international has remained in situ in Lisbon and played 90 minutes in the 3-3 Primeira Liga opener against Braga over the weekend, his 100th appearance for the club, a period that’s yielded 16 direct goal contributions.

The Reds have also been linked with Nunes and it appears as though an offer could be forthcoming from Merseyside after losing Thiago to a hamstring injury for a number of weeks…

The latest: ‘Preparing a proposal’

As per Correio da Manha, Liverpool are believed to be ‘preparing a proposal’ to sign the eight-cap star.

It’s claimed that the Anfield club ‘already know the price’ which is set at €45million (£38million), with Jurgen Klopp now seeking midfield reinforcements as a ‘replacement’ for Thiago.

The report also states that it ‘remains only to convince the player’ – who was branded an ‘absolute monster’ by football commentator Маnuel Oyola – that a move to the Reds would be a smart one.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Whilst the options at Klopp’s disposal were more than sufficient on paper, early season issues for Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and now Thiago have brought into question the reliability of the midfield department at Anfield.

Operating as a box-to-box and defensive midfielder during 2021/22, Nunes scored four goals and provided five assists in a mammoth 50 appearances across all competitions last season, proof of excellent and invaluable durability.

In addition to the face value figures, the cultured Brazil-born ace earned a stellar 6.95 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.5 duels, completing 36.5 accurate passes and successfully carrying out 2.5 dribbles per game – higher than Mohamed Salah’s 1.5 per match when it comes to the latter metric.

Holding an estimated market value of £31.5million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), signing Nunes for the mooted asking price would be a superb piece of business should FSG and Julian Ward pull it off.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has an “unbelievable future” in the game, according to his new Gunners teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Brazilian dynamo has scored in both of the north Londoners’ opening two matches – a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace and a 4-2 win against Leicester City – and the £32m summer signing has waxed lyrical about his talents to Standard Sport this week.

“He is incredible, he is a real diamond,” Zinchenko claimed.

“I would say exactly the same things about him that I say about Gabriel Jesus.

“The way these two guys are working — how everyone is working really — every single day is unbelievable. He [Martinelli] has got amazing quality and he’s still young. I am pretty sure he has an unbelievable future.”

Gunners strike gold

Martinelli, who is still only 21, arrived as an unknown, skinny young kid from Brazilian side Ituano back in July 2019 for a fee reported to be in the region of £6m.

“I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi and Neymar as they are players who can decide games and are very professional, who dedicate themselves to the whole game,” the young winger said upon arrival to the club’s official website.

Three senior caps, 86 competitive appearances and 33 goal contributions later, we’re seeing that all come to fruition as the 5 foot 10 winger has the ability to get fans on the edge of their seats with his tenacious and skilful play down the left flank.

It was something of a breakthrough campaign for Martinelli last season as manager Mikel Arteta trusted him to start more regularly – across 36 games in all competitions, he delivered six goals and seven assists, as per Transfermarkt.

He has broken numerous records along the way.

In October 2019, he became the first player since Ian Wright to score four times in his first four starts, then in January 2020, Martinelli became the first teenager since Nicolas Anelka to hit double figures in a season for the Gunners.

His strike to achieve that feat against Chelsea was a blistering counter-attack from the Blues’ own corner as he ran the length of the pitch to fire home past Kepa Arrizabalaga. It was voted as the ‘Goal of the Season’ for that campaign.

The Brazil sensation has enjoyed a red-hot start to the 2022/23 campaign and he shows no signs of letting up just yet, meaning those around the Premier League must be fearful when they see his name on the teamsheet.

Martinelli is now valued at a whopping €50m (£42m) by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, which means technical director Edu Gaspar and his staff have already seen a potential 600% return on their investment.

Given his level of performance, the high praise from a four-time Premier League champion and the drastic increase in his transfer value, it’s fair to suggest that the Gunners have struck gold with Martinelli.

AND in other news, Arsenal could sign dream Tielemans alternative in “extraordinary” £35k-p/w dynamo…