All posts by h716a5.icu

Celtic underwent a significant overhaul during the previous summer transfer window.

This has since turned out to be very beneficial for the Hoops as they recently ended the 2021/22 SPFL season as league champions, bringing their Old Firm rivals’ time as top dogs to an end.

Now that Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge of the Bhoys has come to a successful end, the focus at Lennoxtown can now turn to the next window and what sort of business the club will look to do.

With that in mind, it seems as though a clue has emerged that should excite a lot of supporters at Parkhead.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say about the possibility of Celtic dipping into the French transfer market this summer and potentially signing SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy.

He said: “It’s been a successful market for Celtic in the past, them raiding the French market, and maybe they’ll be hoping they could have more success if they do decide to pursue a move for Mendy as well.

“He looks like a talented player, and Postecoglou is planning ahead and looking to strengthen his squad with their Champions League football in mind next season.”

Great news

The Hoops were linked with a move for the striker last month and reportedly had an offer for him turned down.

With 64 appearances to his name for his current club, the 28-year-old has scored 21 goals and provided three assists along the way.

One player that comes to mind when thinking about players Celtic have signed from France in the past is Odsonne Edouard.

After initially arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, the striker signed permanently a year later for a club-record fee of £9m.

The Frenchman then joined Crystal Palace last summer for £14m after scoring 86 times in 179 appearances across all competitions.

This backs up what O’Rourke had to say about the Hoops being successful when it comes to signing players from France in the past.

Thus, if Postecoglou can pull off another successful summer of transfer business, starting by adding Mendy to their ranks, it would surely be great for the club, particularly if they end up winning more silverware next season.

In other news: Ange can land his next Rogic as Celtic eye 19 y/o star who “generates a lot of threat”

Tottenham Hotspur are set to receive a huge boost ahead of the upcoming transfer window after Harry Kane has reportedly decided that he wants to remain at the club, according to football.london journalist Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Kane’s Spurs journey

The 28-year-old has been with the Lilywhites for the majority of his career, having worked his way up through the ranks from the youth academy after completing various loan spells with the likes of Norwich and Leicester during the early stages of his Spurs development.

Since then, the forward has gone on to be arguably the most important member of Antonio Conte’s current starting XI, with a staggering 307 goal contributions in just 386 senior appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Last summer, the 69-cap England international was heavily linked with a move away from N17 following reported interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City, meaning that his future has been a topic of speculation ever since. However, a reassuring update has emerged on that front for Tottenham fans.

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The Latest: Decision made

In a fresh article by Gold for football.london, it is claimed that Kane has ‘made a decision’ regarding his future in the capital and ‘isn’t planning to leave’ Tottenham anytime soon.

The report added that the England captain is ‘excited’ by what the imminent years hold in N17, a belief which has ‘likely’ been fuelled by Spurs successfully securing Champions League football for next season.

The Verdict: Prolific partnership with Son

With the £90m-rated talisman looking set to stay at Tottenham, this will come as a great start to the summer transfer window for Conte, who is reportedly planning a significant squad overhaul throughout the next three months.

Kane, who was once dubbed an “animal” by Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, has had yet another prolific season in front of goal, having found the net 27 times in all competitions for Spurs, with 17 of those coming in the Premier League.

His on-field relationship with strike partner Son Heung-min, with the duo having broken the Premier League record for the most goals scored by a particular combination of players, just goes to show how much their attacking prowess has helped Spurs to achieve that all-important top-four finish.

After all the uncertainty of last summer, it will be massively comforting to hear that Kane intends to stay put at Tottenham for another while.

In other news… a Sky Sports reporter has made this ‘surprise’ claim over some fresh Spurs player news

Manchester United appear to be are closing in on a deal to sign Ruben Neves, with the club ready to make a final push to get the move done.

What’s the word?

The Daily Mail have reported that Erik ten Hag is a big fan of the Portuguese midfielder, with the Red Devils keen to make one last big push to sign the 25-year-old.

Neves has been on United’s radar for the previous 12 months, with Wolves wanting a fee of around £50m in order to let one of their main assets leave Molineux.

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He’s the next Paul Scholes

Incoming manager Ten Hag will need to organise a major rebuild of the United squad this summer, with the midfield being a key area to prioritise.

With the future of Paul Pogba still up in the air, Nemanja Matic leaving and other members of the side simply not good enough, Neves would be the ideal signing for the Red Devils.

Journalist Tim Spiers has dubbed the 25-year-old “sensational”, while former United player Paul Parker compared Neves to Paul Scholes, drawing similarities between the two in terms of how the Portugal international strikes the ball.

Only two players (both forwards) scored more league goals for Wolves this season, while only Raul Jimenez had a greater shots per game average than Neves’ 1.3 (as per WhoScored). Also, the 25-year-old made the third-most tackles and interceptions in Bruno Lage’s squad (as per FBRef), showing an industriousness to complement his impact going forward.

With Neves’ talents and ability to be an asset both going forward and defensively, the Scholes comparisons are spot-on. If United do sign the 25-year-old, they would get the player as he is heading into what will likely be his peak years, and £50m sounds like a bargain when the positives are examined more in-depth.

His versatility will be a major advantage for Ten Hag going forward, with Neves being adept at playing either in a defensive midfield position or slightly further forward. Four goals and two assists is also a solid return in a Wolves side which only netted 38 times in as many league matches.

These figures will surely improve if he makes the move to Old Trafford, with a better quality of player around him and having the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo on the end of his passes, so it could be a fruitful move for all parties if it does come off.

AND in other news, Bid incoming: Sky Sports journalist drops MUFC transfer update, Ten Hag will be thrilled

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly increased their interest in signing Barcelona midfielder Nico GonzAlez, according to a report from Spanish outlet Sport. 

The lowdown: Neves makeweight?

Ultimately this may all boil down to the future of Ruben Neves at Molineux. Heavily linked with a summer move to Camp Nou, the 25-year-old has seemingly been edging towards the exit door for some time now.

As it stands, no substantial offers have been forthcoming from Spain, and it’s believed that cash-strapped Barcelona could look to their own ranks in order to sweeten the deal from a Wolves perspective.

One man of interest to Bruno Lage in such circumstances appears to be 20-year-old midfield wonderkid Gonzalez.

The latest: Wolves ramp up Gonzalez interest

As per Sport, Wolves have ‘intensified their interest’ in including the Spain under-21 international as part of any move for Neves this summer.

It is claimed that, having been offered alternative squad players such as Riqui Puig, Oscar Mingueza and Martin Braithwaite, the ‘only one’ of interest to Lage is Gonzalez, who has been tipped to replace Sergio Busquets and hailed as a ‘super intelligent’ player by former La Masia coach Fran Artiga.

The report added that the Old Gold have valued Neves at €50m (£43m), a figure that Barcelona won’t be able to match without including a player in any prospective deal.

The verdict: Wolves must stand firm

Featuring in 142 of Wolves’ 152 Premier League matches since their return to the top flight four years ago, the Molineux club cannot afford to allow such an integral member of the squad to leave without being adequately reimbursed.

As it seems that Barcelona cannot afford to meet the asking price for Neves, including a player such as Gonzalez into the deal would perhaps be a better option for the Old Gold, as Lage gets an immediate replacement for the influential Portuguese star while also refreshing the ranks with a younger midfield option.

After 27 La Liga outings in 2021/22, the youngster – who shares a stylistic likeness to the likes of Manchester City star Bernando Silva, Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham and Aston Villa’s teenage ace Jacob Ramsey (FBRef) – has already proven to be a trusted performer at an elite level.

Therefore, signing the Spaniard would be a smart piece of business from Wolves, especially if it helps to offset the likely departure of Neves.

In other news: Two clubs are targeting this Wolves gem

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh have shared an update on the club’s pursuit of Man United attacker Jesse Lingard amid a big development on the player’s future.

The Lowdown: Lingard set to leave…

The 29-year-old, with his contract expiring later this month, is now confirmed to be leaving Old Trafford with the Red Devils releasing an official statement on Wednesday.

West Ham have allegedly tried to sign Lingard permanently on two occasions since his phenomenal spell on loan in east London over the second half of 2020/2021.

The Englishman racked up nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League starts over his stint under Moyes with the Hammers making ‘initial enquiries’ to take over his services as a free agent (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Moyes weighing move…

According to Claret & Hugh, amid the development of his now confirmed status as a free agent, West Ham’s boss is personally ‘again weighing up a move’ for Lingard.

They add that Moyes may feel this could be ‘third time lucky’ on his previous two attempts with the attacking midfield man set to depart on a Bosman deal.

The Verdict: Stick or twist?

Called ‘sensational’ by Nigel Winterburn during his spell at West Ham, Lingard already knows the club and Moyes very well having enjoyed a successful time at the London Stadium.

On a free deal, it could be a move worth initially exploring, but if the player’s demands or finalising a transfer proves too tricky, we believe the Irons shouldn’t hesitate in moving on to other targets.

Indeed, the last thing supporter will want is another unsuccessful Lingard saga dominating most of this crucial window.

In other news: CNN journalist: West Ham quoted eight-figure fee as GSB eye ‘exciting’ striker move for Moyes, find out more here.

Frank Lampard looks like he has been given the green light to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko for Everton this summer following an apparent recent admission from the Manchester City player.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the 25-year-old is open to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer, although any club aiming to sign him would need to promise him game-time in a midfield role.

According to The Athletic, the Ukrainian was offered to the Toffees last week as Lampard looks to refresh his squad this summer.

Having excelled at left-back during his time in Manchester, it is believed that Zinchenko wants to play in a midfield role going forward and this has plunged his future in doubt, with Everton looking to make a move.

Lampard could bolster his squad with Zinchenko move

Following Everton’s recent relegation dogfight in the Premier League, which saw them survive by the skin of their teeth, Lampard will be looking to refresh the squad that he inherited from Rafa Benitez.

Having conceded 66 goals last season in the top flight, there is no doubt where the priority ought to lie, although the addition of greater quality to the midfield should also be considered.

Zinchenko could add that extra bit of quality in the engine room at Goodison Park, and with the player being valued at £25m, the fee shouldn’t be a problem for Lampard. His Sofascore rating of 7.07 from the 2021/22 season was not only better than any Everton midfielder, but exceeded every single player in the Toffees’ squad, so it definitely seems like he would be an upgrade on what the 43-year-old already has.

He was dubbed “frightening” by Gregg Evans during City’s comeback win over Aston Villa last month which secured them the league title.

The 25-year-old excels in the centre of midfield for Ukraine, displaying his qualities with a fantastic performance against Scotland in the recent World Cup play-off semi-final victory. As per Sofascore, he was the highest-ranked player on the pitch with a rating of 8.0 as he made three key passes, had 86 touches and dictated the match in Ukraine’s favour.

At left-back for Man City this season, Zinchenko ranks in the top 1% compared to positional peers in the big five European leagues in both progressive passes (8.02 per 90) and progressive carries (9.3). These statistics suggest that he is at his best when moving forward and starting attacks.

Lampard could offer him this sought-after midfield role at Everton, and with the 25-year-old’s recent performances, especially for Ukraine, he would be an excellent signing for the Toffees.

AND in other news, Lampard must now brutally axe Everton’s £22m “walking red card”, he’s Klaassen 2.0

Aston Villa will pay Rangers an initial £350,000 for teenage striker Rory Wilson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Wilson links

Wilson has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park over recent months after scoring 49 goals at youth level last season.

Romano has been on top of the story in recent days and claimed last week that Steven Gerrard’s side were set to sign the Scot on July 1.

The 16-year-old has already signed a six-figure boot deal with Adidas, and it looks as if Villa will be writing a six-figure cheque to Rangers for the forward’s services.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Friday morning to lift the lid on the finances involved in a deal.

The transfer expert revealed that a ‘full agreement’ has been reached between Villa and Rangers that will involve a £350,000 fee – it could rise to £1m with Premier League appearances.

The Verdict: Steal

A total of £1m is peanuts in today’s market, and it looks as if Villa have got their hands on a future star in Wilson. He scored for fun at youth level last season and is clearly highly rated for Adidas to snap up his services already, so could lead the line for the U23s next season with a view of breaking into the first-team setup in 2023/24.

Wilson looks set to become the club’s fifth summer arrival and first at academy level, and over time, it could be looked back on as an excellent piece of business similar to Tim Iroegbunam’s move from West Brom last summer.

In other news: ‘Perfect’ – Sky Sports man buzzes as NSWE now enter in-house Villa ‘talks’ for ‘outstanding’ ace. 

West Ham United are believed to be eyeing a deal for Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, although face a battle for his signature amid significant rival interest.

What’s the word?

According to Football.London, the Hammers are said to be one of nine clubs who have ‘made contact’ with the player’s representatives regarding a possible move this summer, with the 30-year-old set to be available on a free transfer following his departure from Brentford.

The 115-cap international had spent the last six months with the Bees after signing a temporary contract back in January, with Thomas Frank’s side offering the playmaker a route back into the game after having been absent since suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 last summer.

A longer-term stay in west London has been mooted, while both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been heavily linked with a move. The report does suggest that David Moyes and co are keen on a deal, having sent scouts to watch both Eriksen and international colleague Joakim Maehle in action against Austria recently.

Moyes’ own Kroos

The sheer number of clubs chasing the £18m-rated man’s signature is not only a marker of his talent, but also a credit to his courage and bravery, having managed to return to the elite level just over six months on from his horror, near-death experience last year.

In what proved an impressive stint as part of Frank’s side, the “unbelievable” talent – as described by former Spurs teammate Dele Alli – managed to chip in with one goal and four assists in 11 games for the club, serving as a reminder of just how much damage he can inflict with the ball at his feet.

A sheer master in possession with that knack for producing outrageous moments of quality, the £228k-per-week ace can seemingly add much-needed quality and depth to a Hammers squad in desperate need of reinforcements.

Comfortable in an attacking midfield role or as a deep-lying playmaker, Eriksen has the quality to provide both pinpoint passes and a lethal threat from dead-ball situations, with it understandable as to why there is such a frenzy to try and secure him on a free.

Such talent is also reminiscent of a certain Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid man having recently been vital to yet another European triumph for Los Blancos, once again orchestrating play from his central midfield berth.

The Germany international had reportedly come close to signing for Moyes during his time at Manchester United, only for the Scotsman’s swift sacking to put paid to any hopes of a deal going through, with the former Bayern Munich man eventually moving to the Bernabeu in 2014.

Although securing the services of the 32-year-old in the present day appears highly unlikely for the Hammers boss, he could well have a perfect alternative in the form of Eriksen – a player who has been likened to Kroos, according to Football Transfers.

The statistics also seemingly corroborate that likeness, with the Madrid man ranking in the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 15% for progressive carries among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, while Eriksen is not too far behind as he ranks in the top 7% and the top 21% for the same two metrics, respectively.

The Irons will no doubt have a battle on their hands to get any deal over the line, although it would no doubt be worth it to try and secure such a quality asset.

IN other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds United’s pursuit of Charles De Ketelaere.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist revealed that, following recent reports of the Whites’ interest in a move for the Club Brugge KV forward, Victor Orta has now stepped up his interest in the 21-year-old ahead of a potential bid in the coming days.

Hay went on to state that, with Raphinha looking to be nearing a move to Arsenal, Leeds will subsequently be targeting the further addition of a new winger in order to replace the 25-year-old, with the club viewing the Belgium international as a forward rather than a wide attacker.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Leeds United increasingly serious about Club Brugge’s Charles De Ketelaere, with Arsenal stepping up interest in Raphinha. Viewed as a forward. In the market for a winger too if Raphinha leaves.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect De Ketelaere undoubtedly is, the news that Leeds are stepping up their interest in a move for the 21-year-old, in addition to the Whites targeting the further signing of a winger to replace the outgoing Brazilian, is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, over his 39 league outings in 2021/22, the £27m-rated forward highly impressed, bagging 14 goals, providing nine assists and creating 16 big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics saw the £17k-per-week talent average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as Alfred Schreuder’s fourth-best performer in the league and also as the 13th-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear for all to see exactly what De Ketelaere would add to Jesse Marsch’s current attacking arsenal at Elland Road, with the news that Orta is now serious in his interest in the €30m (£26m) forward sure to be extremely exciting for everyone involved with the club – not least the Whites’ 48-year-old manager.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “crucial” transfer development, it’s great news for Leeds

Lyall Thomas has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Cody Gakpo.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Twitter post, the Sky Sports journalist revealed that, following earlier reports linking Spurs with a move for the PSV Eindhoven forward, Fabio Paratici has now made contact with the Eredivisie club regarding a move for the Netherlands international. Roger Schmidt’s side are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of £26m in order to part with the winger this summer.

In his tweet, Thomas said: “Spurs have also inquired about PSV’s Cody Gakpo, I can exclusively reveal, but he is one of many Netherlands players told by Louis van Gaal he must be playing regularly to get in the World Cup 2022 squad.”

Supporters will love Thomas’ update

Considering just how exciting a prospect Gakpo undoubtedly is, and with Steven Bergwijn set to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming weeks, Thomas’ claim regarding Paratici’s interest in a deal for the 23-year-old is sure to be one that the Spurs faithful will love.

Indeed, over his 27 Eredivisie appearances last season, the £27m-rated talent was in astonishing form for PSV, bagging 12 goals, providing 13 assists and creating 11 big chances for his team-mates. He also took three shots, made 2.6 key passes and completed 2.9 dribbles per match.

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These metrics saw the £7.4k-per-week forward average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.51, not only ranking him as Schmidt’s best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the entire Eredivisie.

The Netherlands international also impressed over his four Europa League outings in 2021/22, scoring two goals and creating two big chances, along with taking three shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing four dribbles per game.

These returns saw the player who Josh Bunting dubbed “extremely creative” and a “beautiful talent” average a sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.47, ranking him as the fourth-best player to feature in the competition.

It was a similar case over Gakpo’s five Europa Conference League outings last term, in which the winger bagged three goals, registered one assist and created one big chance, in addition to taking 2.2 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 2.8 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the 23-year-old once again earn a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as the joint 10th-best performer in the entire tournament as he played a key role in PSV’s run to the quarter-finals of the competition.

As such, considering his astonishing returns last season, it is clear to see just how talented a player the flying Dutchman really is, leading us to believe that the prospect of the forward linking up with Antonio Conte’s side next season is sure to be a hugely exciting one for everybody involved with Spurs.

AND in other news: Reliable journalist reveals that a deal has “been agreed”; Spurs supporters will be buzzing