All posts by h79snht.top

Leeds United are reportedly considering a swoop for former Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster this summer, according to the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Backup required

The Whites are once again looking at bringing in an experienced stopper to provide backup to first-choice Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson, despite 35-year-old Kiko Casilla still being at the club having returned from a disappointing loan spell at Elche.

A free agent following the expiry of his contract at relegated Watford, Foster has amassed 518 senior club outings across spells at Manchester United, Wrexham, West Brom and Birmingham, making 390 Premier League appearances in that time.

Linked with Leeds earlier in the summer with a move for the 39-year-old former England international, it appears as though the veteran goalkeeper remains on the radar at Elland Road as Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch attempt to bolster the ranks accordingly ahead of next season.

The latest: ‘Under consideration’

As per the Daily Mail, Leeds still have the eight-cap veteran ‘under consideration’ this summer.

It’s claimed that the Yorkshire outfit are hoping to bring in an ‘experienced goalkeeper’, with Foster just ‘one name’ in the mix to arrive.

The report – which focuses primarily on the pursuit of Club Brugge starlet Charles de Ketelaere – makes no mention of alternative candidates to the ‘keeper who was once hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by his former Watford manager Nigel Pearson.

[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: No-brainer

Still the current record holder for the most saves in the Premier League (1,248), boasting such a wealth of experience and a growing off-field presence, signing a ‘keeper of Foster’s ilk without a transfer fee with everything that he can offer around Thorp Arch would make huge sense for Leeds.

In addition to all that previously accrued knowledge, the two-time top-flight title winner made 27 appearances across all competitions last term and earned an outstanding 8.0 Sofascore rating for one display against Everton containing five saves, one high claim and 37 touches – proof of a continued ability to perform at the elite level.

Previously earning £30,000 per week (Spotrac) at Vicarage Road, the Englishman would have no problem fitting into the Whites’ wage budget, so Andrea Radrizzani should be sanctioning this deal at the drop of a hat.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Milan Skriniar to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite Simone Inzaghi’s desire to keep the centre-back at Inter Milan next season, the Serie A side would nevertheless be willing to part with the 27-year-old for a figure in the region of €65m (£55m) in the summer transfer window.

The report goes on to state that Paris Saint-Germain and Spurs are two of the most interested parties in the Slovakia international, while Tottenham’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is known to have been in Italy this week in order to discuss potential deals for both incoming and outgoing transfers.

“Unreal”

Considering just how impressive Skriniar has been for Inter in recent seasons, in addition to the fact that Antonio Conte already shares a relationship with the defender, the argument that the 27-year-old would represent a fantastic addition to the 52-year-old’s current options at the back is an easy one to make.

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

Indeed, over his 32 Serie A appearances under the Italian’s management back in 2020/21, the £58.5m-rated defender was in imperious form for the Nerazzurri, helping his side keep 12 clean sheets and bagging three goals, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 2.7 clearances and winning 3.5 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.

These returns saw the centre-back who journalist David Amoyal dubbed a “beast” and Andy Castell labelled “unreal” average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Inter’s seventh-best player in the club’s title-winning campaign that season.

As such, while it is true that Paratici has already secured the arrival of Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan this summer, it would nevertheless appear an extremely wise move for the Spurs sporting director to also make a £55m move for Skriniar ahead of 2022/23 – as the 54-cap international undoubtedly possesses the ability to become the rock upon which Conte builds his Tottenham defence for many a year to come.

AND in other news: Conte could land “unreal” £42.5m signing as Spurs plot fresh bid for “one of the best”

Fabrizio Biasin has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Nikola Milenkovic.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments made to CMIT, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite reports linking Inter Milan with a move for the AFC Fiorentina centre-back this summer, Simone Inzaghi’s side are not currently in the running for the 24-year-old – whom I Gigliati are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €15m (£12.5m) to part with ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

This is sure to come as a huge boost to both Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici, with the Italian duo reported to have scouted the Serbia international in recent weeks, ahead of launching a potential move for the defender over what remains of the summer window – while Juventus are also said to be interested in the former FK Partizan Belgrade starlet.

Regarding the interest in Milenkovic, Biasin said: “If [Milan] Skriniar does not leave, Inter will look for a low-cost profile that will not be Milenkovic at €15m. If the Slovakian leaves, [Inzaghi] will have to [sign] two [centre-backs] and a small miracle will be needed not to be affected by his departure.”

Paratici will be buzzing

With Inter Milan and Tottenham having been something of kindred spirits so far in the summer transfer window – with Spurs being linked with the Nerazzurri trio Alessandro Bastoni, Milan Skriniar and Nicolo Barella in recent months, while both clubs were also linked with a move for Gleison Bremer – the news that Inzaghi’s outfit do not appear to be in the race for Milenkovic is sure to have left Paratici buzzing.

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

Indeed, the £18m-rated centre-back more than proved over his 34 Serie A appearances in 2021/22 that he would make a fine addition to either Inter or Tottenham’s backline this summer, helping Fiorentina keep nine clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 2.7 clearances and winning 5.1 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.

These returns saw the £74.5k-per-week talent average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Vincenzo Italiano’s third-best performer as I Viola secured an admirable seventh-place finish in the top flight of Italian football.

As such, with it looking increasingly likely that Conte could lose the services of both Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon prior to September’s transfer deadline, it would appear as if the 52-year-old will be in need of further reinforcements at the back ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign – with Milenkovic certainly looking to be an extremely strong candidate for Paratici to bring to north London this summer.

AND in other news: French journo reveals “ongoing negotiations” for Spurs target, Conte will be buzzing

Glasgow Rangers have been hit with an injury setback over Ibrox gem Ryan Kent this week… 

What’s the latest?

Gers reporter Joshua Barrie has confirmed that the Light Blues wizard will not feature in their UEFA Champions League qualifying clash on Tuesday night after remaining in Glasgow on Monday.

He Tweeted: “Ryan Kent hasn’t travelled to Belgium for Rangers’ match with Union Saint-Gilloise tomorrow. Big blow given his importance in European fixtures, likely to see Matondo from the left, or Sakala?.”

The Scottish Express have since confirmed that he has suffered an ankle injury and will now miss this match, although it is not thought to be a serious concern in the long term.

Huge blow for Gio van Bronckhorst

This news comes as a huge blow to the Dutch head coach as Kent is a key player for Rangers and they will miss his creativity out wide tonight.

The gem has proven his quality over the course of a number of campaigns and has already started this term in fine form with an impressive outing against Livingston.

In the 2-1 Premiership win on Saturday, Kent recorded a SofaScore rating of 7.1 as he created an eye-catching four chances for his teammates. One of those resulted in Scott Arfield scoring the equalising goal in the match, whilst he also crossed for Antonio Colak to score – only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.

He is a player capable of creating something out of nothing and this is an invaluable quality to have in a tight match, which could be the case in a vital Champions League qualifier.

In the 2021/22 campaign, he racked up a whopping 20 assists in all competitions. This included five assists in 13 outings in the Europa League, which shows that he has the quality to perform on the European stage.

Kent has scored 30 goals and set up 49 in 173 games for the club since making the move – initially on loan – from Premier League giants Liverpool. This proves that he has the ability to make a huge impact in the final third, both in terms of scoring and assisting goals.

No Gers midfielder other than Kent managed more than five assists in the 2021/22 Premiership campaign and Joe Aribo – who has since left the club – was the only other with more than three.

This suggests that van Bronckhorst losing the English winger is a huge blow to his team as they will have to get through the game without his sublime ability to create chances for his teammates.

The side could now struggle to break down the opposition unless the likes of Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo can step up and make their mark after joining the club this summer.

Newcastle United could be set to make a swoop for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are readying a move for the Brazil international – as well as Marseille gem Bamba Dieng – having previously been linked with a move for the 24-year-old earlier this summer, as well as in the winter window.

Writing on Twitter about that interest in the 33-cap playmaker, the transfer insider wrote: “Newcastle are ready to push ahead with moves for Marseille’s Bamba Dieng and Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta. The prices for both players fit well into Newcastle’s budget and they are have both been on the club’s radar since the turn of the year.”

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey states that the Tynesiders had reportedly been put off by the potential £50m asking price back in January, although the Ligue 1 outfit could well now be willing to sanction a departure for around £33m, plus add-ons.

As the report also alluded too, Paqueta’s former teammate and friend Bruno Gumairaes has not hidden his desire to see his compatriot join him at St James’ Park, albeit with fellow Premier League side Arsenal also in the running for his signature, as per the report.

Joelinton-esque

Such an addition would be another notable coup for both PIF and manager Eddie Howe, with the former AC Milan gem an undoubtedly quality addition who can provide a real creative flair to the current side.

The £49k-per-week sensation demonstrated that talent last term as he netted ten goals and provided seven assists in 42 games in all competitions, with that record far superior to any member of the Magpies squad, as only Allan Saint-Maximin reached double figures for goals and assists in the 2021/22 campaign – providing ten goal contributions in total.

Those in the northeast will also be intrigued to know of the £31.5m-rated man’s apparent likeness to that of his fellow Brazilian and Newcastle’s resurgent hero Joelinton, with the club’s number seven having enjoyed a remarkable turnaround from expensive flop to a key figure in Howe’s side.

The 25-year-old has become something of a force of nature in the centre of the park, notably ranking in the top 13% for progressive passes received and the top 20% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing his forward-thinking approach.

Paqueta – who has previously labelled himself a “warrior” – also ranks in the top 7% and the top 18% for the same two metrics, albeit among attacking midfielders, with the 6 foot 1 genius also having that knack for driving his side up the pitch.

The thought of having another Joelinton-esque figure in the side would seemingly be a hugely exciting one for both the club and supporters, with the hope being now that Newcastle can win the race to pluck him from France.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Callum Hudson-Odoi in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Magpies are weighing up a potential swoop to sign the English winger in the coming weeks.

Amanda Staveley was pictured with Chelsea chiefs at Stamford Bridge in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham and the reporter has added that the Toon are looking at two Blues players. 

He Tweeted: “Newcastle’s owners also being hosted by Behdad Egbali. NUFC interested in Conor Gallagher and considering Callum Hudson-Odoi.”

Imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

By striking a deal to sign the youngster, Eddie Howe could form an exciting wing pairing with Hudson-Odoi and Allan Saint-Maximin this season.

Both players are impressive dribblers with the quality to make things happen in the final third and they could get fans off their seats at St. James’ Park.

In the top-flight last term, Saint-Maximin completed 62% of his dribble attempts and created 1.4 chances per match for the Magpies. Matt Ritchie, who only started 14 matches, was the only player with more key passes (1.6) per game for the club, which shows how important the Frenchman was to the attack as he provided creativity on the wing.

Meanwhile, talent scout Jacek Kulig once claimed that Hudson-Odoi has “huge potential” and his career to date suggests that is a fair comment.

The 21-year-old has already racked up 126 appearances for Chelsea and been capped three times by England, winning the Europa League and the Champions League with his club in that time. He has scored 16 goals and registered 22 assists for their first team, including 12 assists in 72 Premier League outings.

In the 2021/22 top-flight campaign, he created 1.7 chances per game and completed 62% of his attempted dribbles – playing 15 times in total. This shows that he has the ability to skip past defenders more often than not and he has the end product to make something happen at the top end of the pitch when he gets into good positions.

These statistics would have made the £120k-per-week gem the most creative player in the Newcastle team last term and he was on par with Saint-Maximin in terms of the efficiency of his dribbling.

Now, imagine both of them running down the wings and committing defenders with their trickery before creating chances for their teammates with their ability on the ball. It is an exciting prospect and one that the club should look to make a reality as they consider swooping for him.

Nottingham Forest are showing ‘serious’ interest in Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi and have even made a first bid, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Forest linked with Malinovskyi

The Reds were linked with a move for the 29-year-old earlier in the week, with the club seeing him as someone who could further take their midfield up a gear.

Malinovskyi has won 49 caps for Ukraine and made 128 appearances for Atalanta, registering ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) in Serie A last season.

While Forest are yet to get their man, a new update suggests that they are pushing hard.

The Latest: Interest ‘serious’, bid made

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], the Reds are ‘serious’ about bringing in Malinovskyi, having ‘already made’ a €15million (£12.6m) bid for him.

Atalanta want ‘closer to €20m (£16.9m)’ though, and the level of interest in the Ukrainian means they can drive up his price.

It is stated that he ‘could indeed be the next to go’ from the Serie A club this summer, however, giving Forest hope.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Malinovskyi’s pedigree speaks for itself, given his international experience and the fact that he has made nine appearances in the Champions League in the last two seasons.

That being said, Forest just need to make sure they don’t overbuy in the summer transfer window, to a point at which Steve Cooper has too many options all of whom need bedding into an unfamiliar system.

Midfield does still arguably look the most in-need area for reinforcements, but a move for Cheikhou Kouyate looks all but done and Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala have already been added.

Newcastle United have been backed to make a ‘statement signing’ in the shape of Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic by former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. 

The lowdown: Newcastle linked with Pulisic

The Magpies have been heavily linked with the American in recent weeks as Dan Ashworth attempts to further bolster Eddie Howe’s options at St James’ Park.

Premier League rivals Manchester United have also been linked with the 23-year-old, although no move is believed to be close for the versatile attacker.

As such, one pundit has been providing his verdict on the prospect of Pulisic arriving on Tyneside…

The latest: Potential ‘statement signing’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United stopper Kenny has suggested that Newcastle would be making a ‘brilliant’ addition in the shape of the 50-cap star, and the 44-year-old is confident that the Magpies will get their man.

He said of Pulisic: “He’s fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea. I actually think Newcastle are probably a bigger rival to Chelsea than Man United are at the moment but there you go.

“He would be a statement signing. You are looking at a loan with the option of a permanent, which you would think they will take. He would be brilliant.

“It’s a big-name signing and it gets the attention on Newcastle a bit. This guy is the captain of the American side, now every football fan in America knows Newcastle.

“The main benefit is obviously that he improves the team and we know they need some new attackers. For me, this is a move that works and I can see it happening in those final days of the window.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Seemingly also interested in a double swoop for Watford duo Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro, PIF are clearly attempting to add further firepower to Howe’s options on Tyneside.

Pulisic – who was tipped to become a ‘world-class’ operator by Pat Nevin – scored eight times and provided five assists in 38 appearances across all competitions last season, earning a 6.74 SofaScore rating whilst completing 1.1 successful dribbles, taking 1.3 shots and winning 3.5 duels per game.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to the likes of Yeremi Pino, Rodrygo and Hirving Lozano (FBRef), Howe would certainly be welcoming a top-drawer performer to the squad and one who can drastically enhance the chances of a strong campaign.

Capable of playing centrally, in wide areas and in deeper positions, signing the £37.8m-valued American would be a sensational piece of business from Newcastle and would suitably strengthen the attacking ranks.

Leeds United have begun the first steps of a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, making contact with his representatives this week.

The Lowdown: Chalobah profiled

Chalobah, who Rio Ferdinand called ‘unbelievable’ for his performance in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup, is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out in a defensive midfield role.

The 23-year-old, valued at a career-high £18m by Transfermarkt, has made 30 senior appearances for the Blues, spending time out on loan with Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and FC Lorient.

He watched on at Elland Road on Sunday as an unused substitute in a 3-0 defeat for Thomas Tuchel’s side, and it looks as if Leeds are keen on a potential late move.

The Latest: Leeds contact

90min provided an update regarding Chalobah’s future on Tuesday.

They claim that Chelsea could make the player available for loan if they sign Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana, with Leeds making contact with Chalobah’s representatives.

The report adds that the Whites would indeed be interested in a move, should he ‘hit the market’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-50/” 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: Look elsewhere?

Jesse Marsch is well-stocked at centre-back with four senior options and in midfield after bringing in Marc Roca and Tyler Adams.

Therefore, bringing in the versatile Chalobah doesn’t seem to be crucial, whereas you could make an argument for a new forward being an absolute necessity.

Yes, Rodrigo has starred so far this season, but he is mainly used in a deeper role, so securing a new number nine to provide competition to Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt would be a smarter move than pursuing a loan deal for Chalobah.

Aston Villa are looking to finalise a move for Jan Bednarek before tomorrow’s transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones, who delivered an update on their pursuit of the Southampton colossus to GIVEMESPORT.

He said:

“A move for Bednarek is being stepped up, so we’ll soon find out whether that comes through. I think it probably will, to be honest. It’s certainly being worked on right now.

“Is that enough? I’m not totally sure, to be honest with you. Obviously, defensively, it’s just to add depth.”

The Athletic originally reported Villa’s interest in the 26-year-old last week and revealed that talks were at an advanced stage, giving the Midlands outfit the nudge over West Ham United and Leicester City, who were also keen.

Lange masterclass

Steven Gerrard’s need for further defensive reinforcements was increased in recent weeks after his side agonisingly lost summer signing Diego Carlos to a serious injury that is set to rule him out of the remainder of 2022, at the very least.

And sporting director Johan Lange could look to repeat one of his previous masterstrokes after he signed Calum Chambers out of nowhere from Arsenal during the January transfer window.

Bednarek’s proven experience in the Premier League will be of major importance to Villa, having racked up 133 appearances, as they look to fill the void left behind by Carlos and the Poland international would also be able to fill that ball-playing void, too.

So far this season, the 26-year-old has averaged an 85.7% passing accuracy – the second-best in the Saints squad for players with two or more appearances – as well as 2.5 long balls per game.

Only Ezri Konsa has managed better so far for Villa, as per WhoScored.

Bednarek, who has been described as a “firefighter” by his manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and a “monster” by journalist Sam Tighe, has been a solid option compared to other centre-backs across Europe.

The 6 foot 2 titan currently ranks inside the top 4% for interceptions (3.18), the top 4% for non-penalty goals (0.13) and the top 10% for blocks (2.23) per 90, via FBref, so he’ll add defensive intelligence as well as his ball-playing ability in an attempt to replace Carlos temporarily.

Then when you factor in his low £20k-per-week wages, it’s easy to see why Lange would be securing something of a masterstroke once again as the Pole is a very cheap and solid replacement heading into the remainder of the year.

AND in other news, Aston Villa receive late transfer boost over 28 y/o “diamond”…