Leeds can land the new Tevez in Castellanos

According to a number of recent reports, Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring New York City FC centre-forward, Valentin Castellanos, to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, 90min reported last week that Leeds officials – including Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear – were spotted in the United States, with the Whites believed to be in talks with the Major League Soccer side regarding a deal for the 23-year-old striker.

However, further reports have claimed that West Ham United are also extremely interested in the former Argentina U23 international, with the Hammers believed to be willing to meet the forward’s £12.8m asking price this summer.

The next Carlos Tevez

Considering how exciting a talent Castellanos evidently is, in addition to the signing of a new centre-forward reported to be one of Leeds’ priorities in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why the Kinnear would be keen on a move for the NYCFC starlet.

Indeed, over his 35 MLS appearances last season, the £10.8m-rated forward was in breathtaking form for Ronny Deila’s side, scoring 22 goals, registering eight assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 4.1 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 23-year-old who Conor McGilligan dubbed both “exceptional” and an “absolutely perfect” fit for Jesse Marsch earn a quite remarkable seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking him not only as his club’s second-best performer in the league but also as the 21st-best player in the division as a whole.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

It has been a similar story over his 11 league outings in 2022, with the £3.5k-per-week striker having already bagged seven goals, registered one assist and created four big chances, with these metrics seeing the youngster average an even more astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.43.

As such, considering his clear eye for goal, his ability to create and the fact he hails from Argentina, it is easy to see why Castellanos has been compared to Carlos Tevez – the 38-year-old forward who scored 84 goals and provided 41 assists over 202 Premier League appearances for West Ham, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Indeed, should Kinnear manage to be able to tie up a deal for the NYCFC sensation this summer, and the former Montevideo starlet goes on to continue his remarkable rise at Elland Road, the Whites’ managing director could very well have unearthed the next Tevez – something that is sure to be an extremely exciting prospect for both Marsch and Leeds supporters alike.

AND in other news: “Final details…”: Romano drops huge transfer update, Leeds supporters will be gutted

Newcastle transfer news on Nunez

Journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed some big Newcastle United transfer news on Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez a target

Talbot reported earlier this week of the St. James’ Park outfit’s ‘interest’ in signing Nunez this summer, which follows on from reports in May that the Toon Army were even preparing an offer for the Uruguay starlet.

However, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, West Ham United, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are also all thought to be eyeing up a move for the Benfica striker.

The Latest: No deal

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has now given an update on the situation, revealing that Liverpool is Nunez’s ‘first choice’.

“My understanding from speaking to those in Portugal is that Darwin Nunez has now prioritised Liverpool as a first choice. Been reported in the UK that the Merseyside club are readying a bid.”

More importantly for Newcastle fans, he also revealed that Man Utd would be Nunez’s second choice, and has heard that he will definitely not be moving to the Magpies:

“However, if that move does not come through, it looks like the player wants Man United. Mentioned before about Newcastle but I hear that’s just not going to happen.”

The Verdict: Big blow

It would certainly be a big blow for the North East club if they were to miss out on signing Nunez this summer, especially if he ends up joining a fellow rival in the Premier League.

Hailed as a ‘sensational talent’ by Fox Sports journalist James Dodd, the 22-year-old scored no fewer than 34 goals and made a further four assists in 41 games over all competitions last season (Transfermarkt), and so has earned himself a big move away from Portugal.

However, he is thought to have a whopping £125m release clause, so perhaps the Tynesiders will want to avoid paying inflated prices in this window, given it is their first summer in which selling teams know they can push the price up.

In other news, find out which two-time UEFA Champions League winner NUFC are now eyeing here!

Everton can sign Valentin Castellanos

Everton will need to look to the transfer window to improve their squad after a disappointing season in the Premier League, and with the prospect of key players leaving this summer, Farhad Moshiri will need to make smart moves to identify new signings who could make an instant impact.

Both Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been linked with moves away from the club this summer, and they would be huge losses to the team’s goal contributions next season if Everton do not act fast in the transfer window to replace them.

Richarlison was the Toffees’ top scorer with 11 goals this season, and despite Calvert-Lewin’s numerous injury problems in recent months, he has also been a consistent and effective striker for the team.

The 25-year-old has scored 58 goals and delivered 18 assists for the Merseyside club in 191 appearances, with a goal contribution every 163 minutes. Frank Lampard will therefore be hoping that, if the England striker does move on, the 43-year-old can find someone to either emulate or improve upon the goal threat of Calvert-Lewin next season.

One player who has been closely linked with a move to Goodison Park is potential Calvert-Lewin heir Valentin Castellanos, who has been impressing in the MLS with Lampard’s former club New York City FC.

The €14m (£12m)-rated striker, who was dubbed “exceptional” by journalist Conor McGilligan, scored 22 goals and delivered eight assists in the MLS over the 2021 season, winning the league’s Golden Boot. He has continued to show his prolific nature in front of goal this year, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances so far.

Everton will likely have competition for the forward’s signature this summer, as Premier League trio West Ham United, Leeds United and Newcastle United are all named as interested parties in acquiring the services of the Argentine predator.

The Merseyside club’s interest must be ramped up by Moshiri if he wants to add depth to the forward line this summer, especially with the futures of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison hanging in the balance. It could be a huge risk not to act upon their reported interest and get a proposal put together to sign the goal machine.

Ultimately, Everton will need to make sure that they prepare for the worst outcome of losing both their key attackers, and signing Castellanos could be a great start to ensuring that they don’t caught short with attacking options ahead of next season.

AND in other news – “Interested…”: Insider drops big Everton transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Tottenham: Dharmesh Sheth drops Alessandro Bastoni claim

Tottenham Hotspur are still trying to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni despite being told that he is not for sale, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Top target

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of Antonio Conte’s top targets as a left-sided centre-back this summer after it was revealed by Sky Sports that Spurs’ pursuit had progressed, with talks ongoing between the two clubs.

However, Lilywhites chief Fabio Paratici suffered a serious blow in his negotiations when Bastoni’s agent Tullio Tinti revealed that his player “will certainly remain at Inter” after he met with the Serie A club’s directors.

The Latest: Sheth’s claim

Nonetheless, Sheth doesn’t believe that Tottenham’s chances of signing Bastoni are completely dead.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “The Bastoni one is a very interesting one because Tottenham are still pushing to sign Bastoni from Inter Milan.

“It should be said, Inter Milan do not want to lose him, and the agent has come out and said he’s happy at Inter Milan, he’s not going anywhere, but is that a screen where Inter Milan protect their investments so if they do sell, they get the maximum amount of money?”

[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: He’d be a good fit

Described by Italian football expert Conor Clancy as a ‘phenomenal’ defender, Bastoni’s underlying statistics clearly illustrate why Tottenham are so keen on securing his signature.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 23-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received and the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions (via FBRef).

Considering Conte’s preferred three-at-the-back formation, these figures suggest that Bastoni would slot into Spurs’ back-line with ease, playing on the left-hand side of the defence.

Whilst the transfer currently seems unlikely, Inter’s financial issues could force them into selling some of their most prized assets, so some hope remains in Paratici’s pursuit of the defender.

In other news: This ‘massive’ Tottenham transfer news has prompted plenty of media reaction

West Ham: Dharmesh Sheth shares Jesse Lingard update live on air

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has shared a live-on-air transfer update out of West Ham United involving former Irons star Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard reunion

Hammers boss David Moyes has been seeking a reunion with the Englishman since his phenomenal 2020/21 second-half loan spell at the London Stadium.

The former West Ham loanee bagged a brilliant nine goals and five assists over 16 Premier League starts and Moyes has made no secret of his desire to seal a permanent deal since then.

GSB and head of recruitment Rob Newman attempted to sign the 29-year-old in the January transfer window, but to no avail as Manchester United refused to budge on terms.

The Latest: West Ham back in?

According to the latest from Sheth on Sky Sports, it appears that the Irons are still firmly in contention to sign Lingard on a free transfer now that he’s confirmed to be leaving Old Trafford.

The reporter explained: “A final one, potentially arriving, and I say potentially arriving – this is one that has been in the pipeline and been of interest to West Ham United ever since he had a fantastic loan spell with them in the 2020/2021 season, the back-half of that season, Jesse Lingard joined.

“I’m told, that West Ham remain interested in Jesse Lingard, and are keeping an eye on his situation.

“Now, we’re told also that there are other areas of the pitch that are priority at the moment, but that doesn’t mean to say that if Lingard wanted to come to West Ham, West Ham wouldn’t be interested. Finances could prove to be the crucial factor here.”

The Verdict: Finally seal the deal?

Lingard’s availability as a free agent could gift Moyes his best-ever chance to finally seal the 29-year-old on a permanent basis, and we believe that an attempt should be made.

Recently hailed as ‘special’ by Red Devils goalkeeper David de Gea, the Three Lions ace thrived during his temporary spell in east London, and it could be a very shrewd move for West Ham with zero transfer cost.

Lingard could also inject some much-needed creativity in the final third for Moyes along with adding strength in depth, especially considering that they will once again be in four competitions next season.

West Brom eye summer swoop for Karl Darlow

West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing Newcastle United goalkeeper, Karl Darlow.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from NewcastleWorld who claim that the 30-year-old goalkeeper has had his escape routes narrowed due to Zack Steffan’s proposed switch from Manchester City to Middlesbrough.

As per the report, Boro boss Chris Wilder was keen on a move for the experienced Magpies keeper’ and was consequently on his “wanted list”.

Yet with Steffan’s potential switch, which is said to potentially be completed as early as this week by the report, the interest in Darlow would almost certainly end from a Wilder and Middlesbrough perspective.

It is said that Darlow has been interesting West Brom but wages could prove to be a stumbling block.

But following Nick Pope’s arrival from Burnley, Darlow now finds himself as a third-choice goalkeeper behind the aforementioned and Martin Dubravka.

Supporters will love him

After Sam Johnstone’s departure, Bruce could ideally do with some quality, as well as bolstered depth, between the sticks.

£2.25m-rated Darlow offers both of the aforementioned requirements at the Hawthorns and a chance to play and reunite with his former boss in what would result in regular minutes could prove tempting enough to take a wage cut – with his salary believed to be the biggest stumbling block in the even of a switch to the Midlands side.

Throughout his Premier League career, the Englishman has made 52 appearances, racking up 170 saves along the way. Although he’s not played a huge deal, that experience could still prove vital to a team aiming to achieve promotion next term.

For some perspective on how impressive that statistic is, Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson has made 137 saves in 49 Premier League games, so Darlow’s record in the league is significantly better from that standpoint.

It would represent yet another astute signing from Albion, so Bruce needs to get this deal wrapped up, pronto; supporters would undoubtedly love him after the exit of Johnstone.

AND in other news: “They’re prepared to..“: Pundit drops exciting WBA transfer claim supporters will love 

Bernabei can be Celtic’s next Juranovic

Celtic have had a good start to their summer transfer window by securing a permanent deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers following his successful loan spell last season.

However, one bad bit of news that emerged recently concerned fellow Hoops defender Josip Juranovic, who has been linked with a move away from the Parkhead club this summer.

In his debut season as a Celtic player, the defender made 35 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions.

Whether the full-back leaves the club or not, this current transfer period could give Ange Postecoglou the chance to bring in what could be the next version of the Croatian.

The player in question, who has been linked with a move to Celtic Park this summer, is Alexandro Bernabei.

The Lanus left-back, who is currently valued at £2.97m according to Transfermarkt, has made 87 senior appearances for the Argentine club after emerging from their youth ranks.

In those appearances, the 21-year-old has scored five goals and delivered 10 assists, highlighting the attacking prowess he has for a full-back.

This backs up why he was labelled as a “dangerous” player by journalist Fernando Campos on Twitter.

It also shows how much of an asset the starlet could be for the Bhoys up and down the pitch.

With Juranovic scoring 10 goals and providing 25 assists in 241 club appearances throughout his career, this highlights the talent that both players have in the final third.

In fact, in their previous campaigns, both defenders racked up over 30 shots at goal and more than 90 crosses each.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old is included on a list of similar players to the Lanus youngster according to Football Transfers.

In terms of a potential move to Celtic, the fact that Adam Montgomery is reportedly set to join St. Johnstone on loan for next season, in addition to Boli Bolingoli being named as one player the Hoops are looking to get rid of this summer, this could pave the way for Bernabei to take his place in Postecoglou’s squad.

Moving forward, regardless of what Juranovic’s future will look like, Celtic should do all they can to make sure the Argentine puts pen to paper on a deal at Parkhead this summer.

AND in other news: Celtic now given green light to sign “incredibly fast” £5m talent, Ange surely buzzing

Manchester United: Ben Jacobs shares Youri Tielemans update

Manchester United’s interest in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans ‘is growing’, according to CBS Sports Golazo journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: United linked with Tielemans

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old this year, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that the club have been ‘exploring’ a possible deal.

United appear to be closing in on free agent Christian Eriksen after a verbal agreement was reached, while it seems that they haven’t given up on priority target Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, and it looks as if Tielemans could be another midfielder to make the move to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Jacobs provides Tielemans update

Jacobs took to Twitter on Thursday to provide an ‘update’ on Tielemans. He said that United’s ‘interest is growing’, and along with Arsenal, it could provoke a ‘formal offer’ from the Red Devils.

The reporter tweeted: “Youri Tielemans update. Told Tielemans is more likely than Sergej Milinković-Savić for Arsenal. No truth yet in any bid, though. Man United’s interest is growing and could finally provoke formal offers from both clubs. Tielemans wants Arsenal. But as yet nothing tabled to LCFC.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-4/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: One to watch?

It could well be an extremely busy few weeks at Old Trafford ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge, with the United boss thought to be a big fan of Tielemans.

The 25-year-old has been hailed as ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’ by Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers and can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder.

The Belgium international has plenty of Premier League experience during his three-year stay at the King Power Stadium, and with Tielemans now into the final 12 months of his contract, a cut-price move could be a possibility for the £49.5m-rated midfielder.

Jarrad Branthwaite set to leave Everton on loan

Everton gem Jarrad Branthwaite is set to leave the club on loan after being omitted from the Toffees squad for their pre-season tour, claims journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Senior minutes

The 20-year-old made six Premier League appearances last season, adding a goal to his tally as well.

After arriving on a permanent deal from Carlisle, the defender was sent out on loan to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, where he made ten appearances in the English second division.

With just 36 total senior appearances to his name, a number of rumours have emerged linking the youngster with another loan move away as a means of pursuing more regular first-team football.

The Latest: Taylor’s news

Taylor, a journalist for the Daily Express, has shared the latest news on Branthwaite’s imminent future. Taking to Twitter, he revealed interest from former Blue Marcel Brands:

“Jarrad Branthwaite set to leave Everton on loan. Defender did not travel with rest of squad for pre-season tour of USA. Strong interest from various Championship clubs & PSV, where Marcel Brands is now operating as Director of Football.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Good experience

The young defender performed well each time he pulled on a Blues shirt in the Premier League last season. As per WhoScored, the 20-year-old averaged 3.3 clearances, 0.8 long balls and 0.7 tackles a game across the 2021/22 campaign, demonstrating a variety of abilities when given the chance to do so.

Branthwaite was previously hailed by his former manager at Carlisle, Steven Pressley, who claimed: “I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He’s a terrific footballer.

“And If he continues to develop, then, without doubt, he can be an England player.”

If Branthwaite gets the first-team experience he needs, he could be a great long-term addition to Frank Lampard’s squad.

Spurs: Conte suffers De Paul setback

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has been dealt a blow in his pursuit of Rodrigo De Paul…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Spurs will struggle to lure the Argentina international to north London as he appears to be very happy at Atletico Madrid.

The Lilywhites were linked with a move for De Paul earlier this month, with reports in Italy suggesting that sporting director Fabio Paratici had made an approach for him but is keen to remain in Spain.

In terms of Rodrigo de Paul, I don’t know if he’s got enough appetite to push for a transfer like this,” Jones told GIVEMESPORT. “I spoke to a contact in Madrid and he said he seems pretty happy to stay where he is for right now. So I think that’ll also be a difficult get for Spurs.”

Conte won’t be happy

The 28-year-old joined the LaLiga side for £30m last summer and quickly become a regular for them throughout the season, though towards the end of the campaign, De Paul somewhat fell out of favour under Diego Simeone.

That said, he still ranked inside Atletico’s top seven performers in LaLiga, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.80, which is pretty solid.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Conte could look to move both Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele in this window, as he did in January, whilst Harry Winks seemingly has no future at the club, so there could be space for another central midfielder at Hotspur Way.

De Paul would have been a nice addition to that engine room.

FBref list the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Youri Tielemans and Pedri as comparable players in terms of statistical profile, whilst the Argentina international ranks inside the top 9% for progressive passes (6.07. per 90) and the top 6% for shot-creating actions (3.43 per 90).

So he could be a more creative influence in the midfield and one that would be a great fit for the Premier League, given the above evidence.

Spurs are thought to be on the lookout for a playmaking talent, so Conte will surely be fuming by this latest development from Jones.

Once lauded as a player who “lacks absolutely nothing,” it’s clear that De Paul would have added a lot to the Italian’s armoury and as such, he must be gutted to miss out on this target.

AND in other news, Spurs can sign dream Bastoni alternative in £67.5m “oil tanker” who “can’t be stopped”…

Game
Register
Service
Bonus