All posts by z3u9t.icu

In what has undeniably been an exciting 18 months or so as an Aston Villa fan, one of their big success stories since making their return to the Premier League has been the rise of Ezri Konsa.

Dean Smith’s side signed the defender from Brentford in a £12m deal back in the summer of 2019, and he has since then enjoyed a meteoric rise, even getting touted with a potential England call-up.

At just 23, Konsa still has the peak years of his career ahead of him, but when you look at Villa’s academy, Smith could find another player who is remarkably like the former Brentford ace.

Lamare Bogarde joined from Dutch giants Feyenoord just last year and is seemingly already making a big impression behind the scenes at Villa Park.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans even recently claimed that Villa fought off intense transfer competition from a number of big Premier League rivals, and added: “Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have both taken the hard-working teenager under their wing. They immediately warmed to the bright, polite youngster and recognise his potential. The youngster is calm and composed in possession and likes to play out from the back. “

Speaking after his arrival, academy manager Mark Harrison, raved: “We are delighted to welcome Lamare to the club. He is a player with immense potential and the commitment that will go into fulfilling that starts now.”

Already this season, Bogarde has shown his temperament when it comes to dealing with more senior players, handling himself well in the victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a seven, saying: “The Dutch youngster is highly thought of at Villa and he did well once again here as he got Appiah out of jail on occasion with a string of brave blocks.”

That ability to recover and help out his teammates, but also be cool, calm and collected in possession, is exactly what Konsa brings to the table when playing alongside Tyrone Mings.

The 6 foot ace looks set to have a bright future in the game, and could well develop into Villa’s next Konsa.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have another exciting academy starlet in this teenager…

A key update has emerged on the fitness of Sheffield Wednesday beast Massimo Luongo, regarding how long he is set to be out for.

What’s the latest?

Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore has allayed fears that Massimo Luongo will be out until 2022, confirming that he should be out for weeks instead of months.

He told the Sheffield Star:

“Massimo is just going to be out for weeks… He won’t be out until the new year, he’ll be back with our medical team next week. And then he’ll start working and doing his rehabilitation. He’s got a hamstring string pull, which is unfortunate, he did it in the last kick of the game at Rotherham.

“We wanted to get him into a specialist to get another view, and that’s what he’s done. He’s been given a programme to follow, and we’ll have him back in weeks as opposed to the reports that said he’ll be out until the New Year. We expect him back before that.”

Fans will be buzzing

Wednesday fans will be buzzing with this news as it means that Luongo will not be out until 2022 with his injury, as was first feared. It would have been a major blow to Moore’s squad had the Australian international been out for a number of months, as he is a quality member of the team and a player capable of putting in excellent performances.

The 28-year-old was restricted to 12 games in the Championship last season, averaging a solid WhoScored rating of 6.65. He averaged an impressive 2.4 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in the second tier, showing that he was adept at winning the ball back off the opposition.

In his first league appearance of the current campaign, Luongo showed exactly what he is capable of doing at this level with a stunning display against Rotherham in a 2-0 win. He achieved a WhoScored rating of 8.33 as he won two aerial battles, seven tackles, one interception and made three clearances and a block.

Along with the defensive side of his game, the midfield beast also completed three dribbles and one key pass to push his team up the pitch in transition and help to create chances at the top end.

Ex-Owls boss Garry Monk hailed Luongo last year and claimed that he was one of the best players in the side.

He said:

“I think he has been one of our best performing players in terms of consistency across all the games that he has played so far. He is a great lad. He is a quiet leader.

“I have asked more of him vocally to come out of his shell. I think you have seen in some of the games that he is no afraid to say what he wants to say. We need that and I have tried to encourage that.”

This, along with his showing against Rotherham, highlights the impact that he can make on Moore’s side in League One.

Wednesday fans will be over the moon that his injury is not as serious as first thought and that he could be back fit and firing within a few weeks, rather than months.

Hopefully, he is able to get back as quickly as possible to contribute to the Owls’ promotion charge.

Manchester United are reportedly keen to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice next summer as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add the finishing touches to his new engine room.

What’s the story?

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are interested in securing the highly-rated 22-year-old’s signature in 12 months’ time after prioritising different positions in the recently concluded window.

The report states that: “Sources have told ESPN that a striker and a midfielder are on the list ahead of next summer with England international Rice among a number of options that will be narrowed down over the course of the next 12 months.

“It is likely West Ham would have to lower their valuation of the 22-year-old — who is under contract until 2024 — which has stood at more than £80 million.”

Manchester United fans will be delighted

After making his first-team debut back in 2017, Rice has become an integral part of West Ham’s side in recent years, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 148 appearances for the capital club.

The England international’s standout displays have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.

“He’s still only 22, and this is what he does really well. I think he reads the game, he’s obviously got an excellent partnership with (Tomas) Soucek in the midfield,” said Shearer (as relayed by This is Futbol).

“He keeps it simple; he stops teams attacking, can play, can pass, breaks it up and then sets his team on the front foot. I think he’s an excellent player.”

Rice played a key role in West Ham’s magnificent sixth-place finish last term, and despite his tender years, has assumed the role of the on-pitch captain due to Mark Noble’s limited playing time.

The youngster’s maturity, ability to break up opposition attacks and kickstart ones of his own make him an extremely exciting prospect for any top team, but it’s arguably United who need him most.

Solskjaer has often fielded a double pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred at the base of his midfield at the expense of a more attack-minded player, but Rice’s arrival would potentially change that, and that would be music to the ears of United supporters.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer potentially huge selection blow pre-NUFC, Ole will be absolutely gutted 

A number of Liverpool supporters have urged the Reds to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella following an update regarding the Serie A champions.

Jurgen Klopp could be on the lookout for a new central midfielder this summer following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain. The 30-year-old was a hugely reliable figure for Liverpool, both in terms of performances and availability, so he could be a big loss.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

One player who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Barella, who enjoyed a triumphant Euro 2020 campaign with Italy, winning the tournament with the Azzurri last month. He started six of their seven matches at the finals, scoring one goal and setting up another two (WhoScored), and he was also one of Inter’s best performers during their 2020/21 Serie A triumph.

According to The Daily Mail [via Transfer News Live on Twitter], Inter’s dire financial situation means that they could have to sell key players, with the 24-year-old one of those prized assets.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-9/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans want Reds to sign Barella

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to call for the Reds to snap up Barella, seeing him as an ideal Wijnaldum replacement.

“Barella please, @LFC”

Credit: @281093_

“You know what to do, @LFC”

Credit: @_VintageTrent

“Martinez and Barella pls, @LFC”

Credit: @JoelGibbs_

“Liverpool should be ALL over Barella if this is the case”

Credit: @Shabbaz77

“Lautaro and Barella please!”

Credit: @KevinWard87

“Barella deal out of the blue”

Credit: @LFCaditya_

“Barella and Martinez, we’ll give you 50m, take it or leave it”

Credit: @Adam_B298

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a James Pearce prediction. Read more here.

Aston Villa confirmed on Wednesday that they have partnered with Monster as the club’s new official energy drink partner.

And, as to be expected, the club update had a lot of Villa fans talking on social media.

Villa’s Premier League rivals Wolves announced their partnership with the same company just last week, and Villa have now followed suit by agreeing on a two-year deal.

The energy drink company will promote their brand at Wolves on LED advertising boards during match days, so they may well end up doing the same at Villa Park as well as engaging with the club’s global fanbase.

Villa fans recently reacted to partnerships with Luke 1977 and Socios, and they were at it again following the club’s latest announcement.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding their partnership with Monster on their official Twitter page on Wednesday.

These Villa supporters weren’t exactly thrilled at the announcement, though, with one labelling it as ‘embarrassing’.

“New club needed asap”Credit: @KeeganAv”Nooo”Credit: @RaiGurshaan”That’s embarrassing”Credit: @HarryUTV”Bad move this stuff is horrible and bad for you.”Credit: @laura25547405″Not really a healthy option is it”Credit: @scottavfc8″Delete”Credit: @JoshSmith2703

In other news: ‘The master’ – Ashley Preece drops teasing under-the-radar Villa transfer post on Johan Lange. 

Southampton’s hopes of signing Yangel Herrera this summer have taken a blow after it was reported that West Ham have submitted a bid for the Manchester City midfielder.

What’s the word?

It was reported earlier in the summer transfer window that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, along with West Ham and Leeds United, were interested in signing the 23-year-old after his impressive performances on loan with Granada in recent seasons.

Manchester City reportedly want £20m for the Venezuela international as they look to raise transfer funds, which may put him out of the Saints’ transfer range as Hasenhuttl suggested ahead of the transfer window that they would target players for £10m or less this summer.

However, City’s asking price has seemingly not deterred West Ham, with talkSPORT suggesting recently that they have submitted an official bid for the industrious midfielder, which suggests that he could soon be on his way to the London Stadium.

Should Southampton be trying to sign Herrera?

Central midfield is arguably an area in which Southampton need to strengthen ahead of next season, as they looked vulnerable there last term when Oriol Romeu was out of the team, with Ibrahima Diallo struggling to replicate the Spaniard’s performances alongside James Ward-Prowse.

Stuart Armstrong featured there on occasion but he looks at his best out on the right-hand side and doesn’t possess the defensive mindset of someone like Romeu or Diallo, who usually allow Ward-Prowse to push forward and get involved in the attack.

Therefore, you could argue that an all-action midfielder such as Herrera would be an excellent addition to Southampton’s squad ahead of next season, as he would offer them a different option in the midfield whilst also taking some of the pressure off youngsters such as Diallo and Will Smallbone.

The former New York City FC loanee earned rave reviews for his performances in Spain with Granada and posted their fourth-highest WhoScored rating for 2020/21, with commentator Andy West singing his praises last season.

He said: “You have to be incredibly fit to play the style he does – Thursday and Sunday every week – without dropping your standards. And he has done that, it is something that has stood out.

“He has been one of their most important players.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, he could definitely be a great option for Hasenhuttl to have next season, and if the Saints are truly interested in him, Martin Semmens will have to act quickly to bring him to St Mary’s following the news that West Ham have made an approach for the 23-year-old.

In other news… Semmens heading for Saints transfer disaster with £17m shocker, fans will be fuming

When thinking of those to turn out for both Everton and Manchester United, who comes to mind?

The most famous example is undeniably Wayne Rooney. A teenage whizzkid at the time of his transfer, Rooney left Goodison Park behind in a mega deal.

Marouane Fellaini was another Toffees player to make a similar leap but more often than not, it’s Everton signing players from Old Trafford.

Whether it’s Tim Howard, Phil Neville or even Peter Beardsley, Everton have had some fantastic servants who have also played in the famous red jersey.

However, the man we want to focus on is a certain Louis Saha. That’s because Everton could sign his fellow Frenchman, Anthony Martial, this summer.

The Toffees have been put off by Martial’s salary demands but with United looking to shunt him from their wage bill, a move could be on the cards.

Kevin Campbell certainly seems to think so as well, urging the Merseyside outfit to sign him on a potential loan deal.

Acquired for £36m from Monaco, Martial made an instant splash in Manchester but his career has gone downhill in recent years. He’s not been a regular starter but he still found the net on seven occasions last term.

Described as “unstoppable” by Stephen Elliot, the attacker has plenty of attributes that stood out in Saha’s game too. Not only have they played for the same club and hail from the same nation but they’re both incredibly quick.

Talking about the retired striker in a feature on These Football Times, Kieran Stewart wrote: “His fantastic first touch, pace and power were allowing him to adjust well to the Premier League.”

Funnily enough, that’s an area of Martial’s game that Saha has praised in the past: “He’s got that speed, that power, he’s got that youth in him so he’ll surprise a lot of defenders because they don’t know him,” the former Everton star once said.

Saha found the net on 34 occasions in 115 outings for the Toffees while his fellow countryman has scored 78 in 258 matches for the Red Devils.

That means that for their respective clubs, they have both scored a goal every 3.3 matches. The comparisons between the duo are clear to see.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers exciting Everton transfer update, fans surely buzzing…

Pundit Noel Whelan has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur winger Jack Clarke may not have a future at the club, amid suggestions he could be farmed out on loan again in 2021/22.

The Lowdown: Spurs face an intriguing 2021/22 season

Looking towards 2021/22, Spurs fans will be desperate to see how newly appointed Nuno Espirito Santo sculpts his squad, as they look to challenge for qualification to one of Europe’s elite competition this time around.

Acquiring high-profile signings will be important to this, but development of current players will also be a crucial factor in Nuno’s progression at the club.

Despite this, one man who former striker Whelan believes may not be a part of this process is 20-year-old Clarke

The Latest: Whelan questions Clarke as he gets set to depart on loan

Clarke looks set to be sent out on loan for the forthcoming campaign unless he works his way into Nuno’s plans come pre-season [Alasdair Gold, Football London].

Speaking about the prospects of the tricky winger in an interview with Football Insider, Whelan stated: “I’m not sure if he has a future at Tottenham.

“The fact that he keeps getting sent out on loan suggests to me that he doesn’t have a long-term future there. It is a really difficult one.

“He was fantastic for Leeds but you could see that there were a few frailties in his game. The big question was whether he could make that step up to the top flight so early in his career.

“He has loads of talent but sometimes the mental side of the game is more important than a step-over. You need to work tirelessly every day and put yourself in a position where the manager cannot ignore you.

“Another season where the pressure is on. He needs to prove that he is good enough to play for Tottenham.

“Right now is crunch time for him. You cannot keep going out on loan every season.”

The Verdict: Loan move is not the end

Whelan correctly points out the pressures players need to come under in order to succeed at the highest level of football, but that doesn’t mean the youngster is running out of time in north London.

In 2020/21, he made a combined 25 appearances for Spurs, Spurs Under-23’s and Stoke City, who he spent the second half of the campaign on loan with. He registered five goal contributions; two goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Age is still on his side though and he has lots of time to develop into a top-class asset – every player develops at a different rate.

All things considered, frequent first-team football may suit the Englishman best and if Nuno likes what he sees from afar then another temporary move could be what pushes Clarke into the manager’s plans in 2022.

In other news, Tottenham have opened talks with a 28-year-old defender.

Barry Fry has called on Mikel Arteta to bolster his squad in order to stop Arsenal’s decline.

The Gunners will be without European football for the first time since 1995 after finishing in a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League standings last season.

It was Arteta’s first full season at the helm, having succeeded Unai Emery in 2019, and the north Londoners’ poor form resulted in rumours that the Spaniard could be sacked earlier this year.

However, Arteta remains in the dugout and will be tasked with getting the Gunners back into Europe.

Arteta, who made 150 appearances for the Emirates Stadium-based side during his playing days, has boosted his options by signing left-back Nuno Tavares in a deal worth £6.8million.

Matteo Guendouzi and William Saliba have joined French side Marseille on season-long loans, while David Luiz has departed following the expiry of his contract.

Peterborough United director of football Fry insists Arteta must be backed in the transfer market if Arsenal are to return to their former glory days.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “Arsenal are another team that should put their hand in their pocket and back the supporters by getting some proper players in.

“They’re another team, in my opinion, like Spurs, that are going backwards instead of forwards.”

Dean Windass believes that Tammy Abraham would snap up the chance to return to Aston Villa this summer.

The 23-year-old spent the 2018-2019 campaign on loan at Villa Park, scoring 25 Championship goals, including a crucial one in the play-off semi-final to help Dean Smith’s men return to the Premier League.

His fine loan spell clearly impressed then Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, who quickly made Abraham his first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge following their transfer ban.

And the Abraham repaid the faith shown in him by scoring 18 goals in all competitions to guide the west London outfit to a top four finish.

But since Lampard was sacked back in January, Abraham’s opportunities have been limited, and having been left out of the squad for both the FA Cup final and Champions League final, his days at Stamford Bridge would appear limited.

With that in mind, several Premier League clubs have been linked with the £40m-rated striker, with Villa in the running.

And Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that following his affiliation to the club, a return to Villa Park would make sense:

“Tuchel has come in and didn’t fancy Tammy, so if Dean Smith, if Villa come calling he’ll say yes because he’s been there before.”