Tag Futebol

A claim has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in signing James Maddison ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Magpies were bidding £10-15m less than what was being demanded by Leicester for the attacking midfielder’s services in the summer but that they could go back in for him at the start of 2023.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “The valuation was, as I understand it, 10 or 15 million under Leicester’s at the point when they made the bid last window, but they’re one to watch still to see if they reignite that interest and are prepared to pay above valuation for a player with huge potential.”

Tottenham are also interested in signing the mercurial playmaker and the Foxes are said to want a fee in the region of £60m for the talented gem.

Can get St. James’ Park rocking

Newcastle can get St. James’ Park rocking with joy by securing a deal to sign Maddison, who was once described as “magnificent” by commentator David Connolly, in January as he would be a phenomenal signing for the club who could boost their chances of finishing in a European spot.

Maddison is a creative midfield player who could provide the likes of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron, and Alexander Isak with quality service in the final third. He has created 1.64 open-play chances and 0.14 expected assists per match in the Premier League this season, with Bruno Guimaraes (1.74) being the only Toon player with more opportunities created per game.

The England international has also shown that he is lethal in front of goal as he has scored 0.55 goals from 0.17 expected goals per match. This shows that he is scoring 0.38 more per outing than the average player would be expected to from the chances he is getting.

No Newcastle player is overperforming their xG by as much as the Leicester man, with Miguel Almiron’s overperformance of 0.24 being the biggest difference within the current Magpies squad.

Since the start of last season, Maddison has plundered 18 goals and ten assists in the Premier League and this shows that he has sustained his end product over a prolonged period of time. Meanwhile, no Newcastle player has managed more than 14 goals or seven assists since 2021/22.

This indicates that the magician, who has been dubbed a “talisman” by journalist Rob Tanner, would be a terrific addition to Eddie Howe’s squad as his quality, both in terms of scoring and creating goals, outweighs what the manager currently has to work with.

Therefore, St. James’ Park would be rocking if Maddison arrives in January. He is a proven Premier League performer who could make a huge impact at the club and his acquisition would be another statement of intent by PIF, as they would be signing a player who is shining at a fellow top-flight side.

After a shocking start to the new Premier League season which has left Wolves in 18th place with just one win to their name, the Old Gold need to ensure that their next manager can keep them well clear of trouble.

One man who is reportedly interested in taking over from Bruno Lage at Molineux is current Lille manager Paulo Fonseca.

According to 90min, the Portuguese manager has shown an interest in the vacant role, despite having only taken charge of Lille in June.

The 49-year-old has been linked with both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the past so is clearly keen to work in the Premier League, and considering the plethora of Portuguese talent on offer at Molineux where better for the former Roma boss to find his feet in England’s top flight?

During his time with Lille, the French side have had a very ordinary start to the season, winning four, drawing one and losing four of their opening nine games in Ligue 1.

However, Fonseca boasts impressive records with Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga and Porto, having averaged more than 1.7 points per game at all of those clubs, so he could bring a winning mentality with him to Wolves.

Fabrizio Romano was full of praise for Fonseca when he was linked with Spurs, saying:

“He is perfect in the dressing room and perfect in his relationship with the players.

“He likes to play a 3-4-2-1 formation and likes to play with quality and fast players behind the striker.”

Both of these statements seem like they would be an excellent fit for Wolves given their current situation, as Lage was said to have lost the dressing room before his eventual sacking, while three goals in just eight games this season suggests that the players are not clicking on the pitch.

If Fonseca can boost the players’ relationship off the pitch then surely it will be only a matter of time until they begin to blossom on it, so his ability to win over a dressing room could be key in turning Wolves’ fortunes around.

The promise of playing a 3-4-2-1 could also see Wolves get back to their best, as they boasted a fine defensive record in the league early last season when playing three centre-backs, while the likes of Pedro Neto, Daniel Podence and Goncalo Guedes would definitely fit the mould of a quick player capable of playing behind the striker.

Therefore, Fosun should definitely consider appointing Fonseca if he is indeed keen on a move to Molineux.

Sunderland are reportedly in danger of losing Academy of Light prospect Chris Rigg to Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interest

Interest from the St. James’ Park outfit was reported last week, with Premier League rivals Everton also thought to be battling it out with them for his signature.

The 15-year-old is unable to sign a professional deal at the Stadium of Light until he is 17, meaning that until then he can be more easily snapped up by other clubs.

The Latest: Newcastle edge ahead

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, reliable journalist Lee Ryder has revealed that the Magpies have now edged ahead in the chase for Rigg, and are hoping to complete a deal for the central midfielder ahead of a host of top clubs.

The Black Cats could be helpless in their hopes of keeping him as he is yet to sign a professional deal, while their rivals have already been given the go ahead from sporting director Dan Ashworth to push ahead with a £2.5m move.

The Verdict: Big blow

It would certainly be a big blow for the Wearside club to lose a player with the potential that Rigg has so early on in his career, especially to their bitter rivals.

Hailed for a ‘frightening ability’ to turn defenders inside out and score wonder goals by football insiders, and regarded by local scouts as one of the best players around the whole of the UK at his age group (The Chronicle), Rigg is clearly a player with a very bright future, and so Tony Mowbray’s side will no doubt be reluctant to let him go.

Nonetheless, having already captained England at youth level with the U16s as well, they will want to keep hold of their best English prospects and eventually give them a pathway into the first team.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Hwang Hee-chan to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by the Express & Star, Bruno Lage revealed that, despite Jesse Marsch being heavily linked with a £25m move for the Wolves forward in recent days, he is more than happy to retain the services of the 26-year-old winger beyond the closure of the summer transfer window next week.

Regarding the future of the South Korea international, Lage said: “I’m very happy with him and I like him a lot.

“Hwang spends a lot of time in the academy like other players and he wants to be in his best shape all the time, and do everything he can to play. So we’re talking about a great professional, a great kid, a top player and someone who scored six important goals for us last season.

“Who wouldn’t want a player like him? I want him, I like him, but in the end, we need to understand the market and the situation of the club. So we are looking for players from other teams, and we need to expect other teams are looking at our players also. He can play as a winger – especially on the left – and as a striker, like he’s done in the first few games.”

Marsch will be gutted

Considering just how short Marsch currently is of centre-forward depth behind Patrick Bamford, and with the American having already enjoyed a great deal of success with the 26-year-old during their mutual time at Red Bull Salzburg, the news that Lage appears adamant to keep a hold of Hwang beyond Thursday’s transfer deadline is sure to have left the Leeds coach gutted.

Indeed, Hwang’s remarkable record of 16 goals and 24 assists over 43 appearances for Marsch in Austria – with the forward averaging a direct goal contribution for every 66 minutes of football played – played a key role in the American’s success at Salzburg, with the duo helping the club to secure a league and cup double in 2019/20.

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

In that campaign, the £14.4m-rated forward was in scintillating form over his 27 Austrian Bundesliga appearances, bagging 11 goals, providing 13 assists and creating 15 big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 1.7 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the player who Richard Buxton dubbed “incredible” average a sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.29, not only ranking him as Marsch’s joint sixth-best player in the league – behind the likes of Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai and Patson Daka – but also as the joint seventh-best performer in the Austrian top flight as a whole that season.

As such, with the versatile Hwang – who can operate on either wing and as a centre-forward – appearing to be a player from whom Marsch can extract his best form, and with the 48-year-old being in rather desperate need of backup to the injury-prone Bamford, a £25m move for the Korean would appear to make a great deal of sense for Leeds.

However, following Lage’s latest comments concerning the immediate future of the former Salzburg sensation, it would seem as if Marsch will have his work cut out in convincing the Portuguese coach to part with the 26-year-old in the coming days – especially considering how badly the two managers fell out during in the Whites’ 2-1 victory over Wolves earlier this season.

Tottenham Hotspur could also be without midfielder Yves Bissouma as the Lilywhites prepare for their opening Premier League clash against Southampton.

The Lowdown: Huge season awaits…

Antonio Conte, gearing up for his first full season in charge at N17, faces off against the Saints at 3pm this afternoon as the Italian looks to get Spurs off to a red hot start.

Having secured Champions League football at the back end of last campaign, all eyes will be on whether the north Londoners can repeat that feat or even challenge for major silverware this season.

The club have backed Conte in this summer transfer window, having sealed the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Bissouma.

Alas, despite Spurs seriously strengthening, the unpredictable nature of English top flight football means you can never fully rule out an opening day upset.

The Latest: Kilpatrick shares ‘team news’…

Taking to Twitter, reporter Dan Kilpatrick has shared some ‘team news’ out of the club from manager Conte with a fair few players either doubtful or missing.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-3/” title=”Tottenham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

After confirming Skipp’s absence, the former Chelsea boss has also shared that midfield signing Bissouma is a doubt for today’s clash and could well miss Southampton with Ivan Perisic to be assessed too.

Kilpatrick shared:

“Team news: Conte says Skipp is only definite injury absentee tomorrow, with Bissouma & Perisic’s readiness to start to be assessed in tomorrow’s training session. Conte also said Doherty needs time to fully recover, too. Richarlison suspended.”

The Verdict: Challenge for Conte?

If Bissouma joins Skipp on the sidelines today, it’s safe to say Conte’s midfield options would be weakened significantly.

As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old finished last season as one of former club Brighton’s star players – having averaged their second-highest match rating per 90 whilst also making the most tackles for them per match.

The tenacious midfielder also racked up their highest rate of interceptions in that time too, backing exactly why Spurs signed him and journalist Aaron Stokes’ verdict that Bissouma is an ‘absolute monster’.

Indeed, if he is ruled out, the Mali international could be a sore miss.

Tottenham Hotspur potentially signing Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan is on the cards this summer after a recent meeting with the La Liga club’s board, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes more signings…

While the focus is on outgoings for now, it is reliably believed that Spurs remain in the market for a creative attacker and could also reinforce other areas of Antonio Conte’s squad.

Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks are on the chopping block, with Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil and Japhet Tanganga also linked with exits.

Following on from some of these potential departures, it is entirely possible the Lilywhites could further strengthen ahead of what looks set to be a very interesting 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

The Latest: Estupinan signing ‘possible’ after Villarreal talks…

Indeed, according to journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez, signing Estupinan from Villarreal is now on the cards for Spurs after talks were held with club chiefs in a recent meeting.

They discussed Lo Celso’s possible move to Spain at this summit, where the idea of a ‘possible exchange’ involving both Estupinan and Ndombele also came up.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-3/” title=”Tottenham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Marquez explained (via Twitter):

“The club has taken a very important step for Gio

The names of Pervis Estupiñán and Tanguy Ndombelé have come out

A possible exchange has been considered.”

The Verdict: Do it?

Dubbed ‘excellent’ by some members of the media, Estupinan could well strengthen Conte’s left-back area and provide sufficient backup for the likes of Ryan Sessegnon.

The Ecuador international would also come to N17 in place of Ndombele, who has been left out of Spurs’ pre-season programme, and it’s safe to say that securing a move away for the latter could take great pressure off Tottenham’s wage bill.

Indeed, this potential swap deal could seemingly benefit the club in numerous ways.

Crystal Palace are happy to keep hold of club captain Luka Milivojevic this summer despite interest being shown from other clubs, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

What’s the latest?

Nixon’s update (via Inside Futbol) claims that the Eagles are happy to keep hold of the Serbian midfielder despite interest from elsewhere.

A previous report from Inside Futbol claimed that the player was prepared to leave the club after falling out of favour at Selhurst Park and seeing his game time limited.

A number of clubs have shown interest in the Serbian including recently promoted Fulham, but the Eagles are happy for him to stay and be part of the squad next season.

The club may want to avoid selling him to a potential rival, but if he’s not guaranteed enough game time he could eventually force a move.

Supporters will be fuming

It’s clear that Palace supporters’ relationship with Milivojevic has soured recently due to frustrations over some of his performances which have been below standards expected.

As a result a lot of fans probably would have been hoping that he would be offloaded this summer, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll be around for longer.

When you look at his statistics for last season you can see why they’re not happy. He ranked in the bottom 10% for interceptions when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League and the bottom 6% for players dribbled past.

This proves that he doesn’t carry the ball far and struggles when it comes to reading opposition passes. It may seem simple to move him on, but it’s a bold statement to sell your captain and that might be contributing to Patrick Vieira’s reasoning.

The 31-year-old also scored a crucial own goal in a game against Burnley at home back in February, which earnt the Clarets a point at Selhurst Park and further added to Milivojevic’s woes.

Supporters’ discontent towards him was made even more obvious at the end-of-season awards where he was remarkably booed. He may deserve more respect than that, but it seems like it’s best for all if he departs the club as soon as possible.

If Palace make any more signings in the middle of the park then they may be more willing to let Milivojevic leave, and with his contract running out next summer they might as well cash in now.

IN other news: “I’m hearing..”: Sky Sports journo drops exciting CPFC claim that supporters will love…

Nottingham Forest have reportedly ‘reached an agreement’ to sign free agent striker Cyle Larin this summer, according to Turkish outlet Fanatik. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed by Besiktas from MLS side Orlando City in 2018, Larin spent time on loan in Belgium with Zulte Waregem whilst plying his trade with the Turkish giants.

The 27-year-old Canada international directly contributed to 48 goals in 109 outings for Besiktas, lifting the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup during the 2020/21 campaign.

Currently a free agent after rejecting the offer of a prolonged stay and having previously been linked with Everton, West Ham and Brighton, Forest could now be set to land the frontman this summer…

The latest: Forest cited

As per Fanatik, Nottingham Forest have ‘made an agreement’ to sign the 50-cap Canada ace on a free transfer.

It’s claimed that Larin – who was earning a reported £26,000 per week last season (Salary Sport) – will join the Reds after he ‘parted ways’ with Besiktas due to a discrepancy over the salary on offer.

The report states that the Turkish club offered a new deal to the man hailed for an ‘unstoppable’ spell of form last year by writer and editor Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic, but the powerful frontman ‘did not accept’ the fresh terms.

The verdict: Shrewd business

Still holding a perceived market value of £9million (Transfermarkt), snapping up the 6 foot 1 versatile forward for nothing shouldn’t be underestimated as simply a value-for-money deal and has to be regarded as a major coup from the City Ground recruitment team.

During 2021/22, Larin scored eight times and provided one assist in 38 appearances across all competitions, some way below the previous season when the Canadian forged a frightening partnership with fellow powerhouse Vincent Aboubakar to net 23 times and register another six assists alongside the bulldozing Cameroon captain.

With club-record capture and somewhat like-for-like alternative Taiwo Awoniyi already in situ, Steve Cooper is rightfully stocking up on firepower as Forest ride the crest of a wave into the Premier League and look to secure the goals required to ensure their hard-earned status remains.

Just how busy Liverpool are this summer could depend on the number of outgoings from Anfield with both Sadio Mane and Mo Salah linked with the exit door.

There could also be a number of casualties in midfield where the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are being tipped to head for the departure lounge.

What’s the word?

In a bid to add further bodies to their midfield and offensive ranks, it looks as though a new target has emerged in the form of Mason Mount.

That’s according to reports via The Express who suggest that dialogue has been opened with a view to bringing Chelsea’s Mason Mount to Anfield.

His contract talks at Stamford Bridge have stalled as a result of the ongoing takeover and thus, he could seek an exit route out of west London.

With that in mind, both Manchester City and Liverpool are now in talks to potentially sign the England international with discreet enquiries made.

Football Observatory values the player as high as £102.5m but it’s unlikely a deal would cost that much.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Their own Phil Foden

Underrated or overrated is one of the great debates that surround Mount but it’s hard to deny that the 23-year-old isn’t one of the most gifted in the Premier League.

The Chelsea academy graduate is one of the most exciting players in the top-flight on his day and his goal involvements in 2021/22 sum that up.

Mount scored 13 goals, 11 of which came in the league, while he also registered a mighty 16 assists, showing his ability to beat the goalkeeper and unlock doors on a regular basis.

Last term, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (19) in the Liverpool squad could better that which shows just what he’d add to Jurgen Klopp’s ranks.

With his style of play in mind, he could become the club’s very own version of Phil Foden with FB Ref’s similar players model dictating that they are alike.

That is based upon their stats in the last 365 days with the English duo comparable in a number of metrics. Below, you can see Mount’s statistics on the left and Foden’s on the right (all stats per 90).

Shots on target – 1.03 v 0.93

Completed passes – 37.7 v 37.5

Goal-creating actions – 0.57 v 0.55

Carries in possession – 43.6 v 42.8

Number of times the player was the target of a pass – 56.5 v 55.6

Foden is undoubtedly one of the darlings of the English game right now and if Liverpool can unearth their own version of the talented prodigy, it may well go a long way to helping them win back the title next term.

Described as a “player with that little bit of magic” by Joe Cole, he could be the added ingredient that Liverpool’s attack needs to continue pumping out the obscene numbers they usually produce.

AND in other news, FSG now plotting Liverpool bid for “astonishing” £34m signing, he’s Klopp’s next Mane…

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has shared an update on the circumstances of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs in pursuit of Bastoni

The Italy international has become one of Fabio Paratici’s main transfer targets in recent weeks, with Lilywhites manager Antonio Conte having formed a good relationship with the defender during their time together at Inter.

According to Football Italia, although there isn’t a deal currently in place for the 23-year-old, Bastoni’s agent has encouraged his player to ‘adjust’ to the ongoing developments in the transfer market, with the centre-back reportedly happy to remain at the San Siro.

The Latest: Gold’s update on Bastoni

In a Q&A for football.london, Gold shared an update on Tottenham’s ongoing situation with Inter and Bastoni.

He claimed: “This is purely my opinion and we’re very early in the transfer window so things can change quickly, but I get the feeling that circumstances at Inter are working in Spurs’ favour at the moment.

“They need money to address their attack, with Dybala a target and a Lukaku return considered, while at the back they also want to sign Bremer, a player Spurs also have on their centre-back list.

“They need funds because they’re in a tough financial position and Bastoni is one of their best chances of raising those funds and he has just two years left on his contract so, unless he signs a new deal, this is the peak value they can get for him. The 23-year-old is happy at Inter at this point in his career, but I just wonder whether what’s going on at the club ends up pushing him towards the door.

“His agent’s comments this week seemed to suggest that could be a possibility. It’s still very early days though and Spurs have other options, although both Conte and Paratici really like the big Inter defender. I think we need to get through the international period first, which makes it difficult to tie up deals and players can’t fully focus on their decisions right now.”

[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: Looking more positive

Prior to these comments from Gold, Dan Kilpatrick reported that Bastoni is ‘reluctant’ to leave the Serie A club. Although the deal is ‘not dead in the water’, the Evening Standard journalist claimed that Tottenham will have to do a lot of convincing to bring the centre-back to Hotspur Way this summer.

However, Gold’s update appears to be a lot more positive, with circumstances seemingly falling into place for Spurs.

Paratici will surely be doing all he can to secure Bastoni’s signature, given that he is seemingly a massive admirer of the 23-year-old, who was dubbed ‘incredibly aggressive’ by former Lilywhites employee Roberto Kusabbi.

Hopefully Tottenham can pounce upon the seemingly advantageous circumstances and reunite the Italy defender with his former Nerazzurri manager in north London over the coming weeks or months.

In other news: Spurs confident they can strike agreement for Romelu Lukaku