All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leicester City could land their perfect heir to Jonny Evans this summer after being linked with a move for Inter defender Andreaw Gravillon.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Foxes are one of many clubs interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s services this summer after his impressive loan spell at Ligue 1 outfit Lorient.

The report claims fellow Premier League sides Southampton and Crystal Palace are also monitoring Gravillon’s situation, as well as several big European clubs, including Marseille, Olympiacos and Anderlecht.

New Jonny Evans

Gravillon caught the eye as he played a pivotal part in Lorient’s fight to retain their top-flight status, starting 26 league games, scoring once and providing two assists in the process.

It was against former French champions Paris Saint-Germain when Gravillon particularly rose to prominence. The towering defender made eight clearances and six interceptions – both the highest totals on the pitch – as Les Merlus defeated the capital club 3-2.

His WhoScored rating of 7.51 was the highest of any non-goalscorer, and the Parisians only got the better of Gravillon via two Neymar penalties, with Kylian Mbappe experiencing a remarkably quiet night, as his 6.11 rating shows.

Christophe Pelissier’s side are reportedly keen to retain the Frenchman’s service for next season, but they’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Leicester.

The San Siro academy graduate had previously enjoyed a string of other loan spells before he found his feet in his homeland in 2020/21 and now looks set for a permanent move away from the Italian champions.

In a recent interview, Gravillon revealed he’s open-minded about where his future may lie, admitting nothing has been decided yet.

“Once the season is over, we will see with my agents whether we should stay in Lorient, return to Inter, go elsewhere. We do not know. We’ll see. We will wait until the season to see how things will go, ” he said.

His comments leave the door open to a possible summer switch to the King Power Stadium, where Gravillon could be the perfect heir to an ageing Jonny Evans.

The 33-year-old Northern Ireland international was one of a number of centre-back options who picked up a string of injuries in the recently concluded campaign as Brendan Rodgers’ charges finished fifth, and the departure of Wes Morgan means reinforcements are required for the Midlands outfit.

Comfortable playing at right-back as well as his preferred role in the heart of defence, the £4.5m-rated (as per Transfermarkt) Gravillon appears to be a logical fit for Leicester, and the club’s director of football Jon Rudkin may have already found the Foxes’ future replacement for their first-choice centre-half.

And, in other news…Leicester must seal swoop for £22.5m-rated “big prospect”, Rodgers needs him 

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United finally return to Premier League action this evening, with the Whites making the trip to south London to face Crystal Palace in Monday’s 20:00 kick-off – 16 days after their 3-0 win over Watford.

As a result of this time off, the 48-year-old manager has had plenty of time to work with his first-team squad at Thorp Arch, something that could well give Leeds the edge over tonight’s opponents – who were bested 1-0 by Newcastle United last Wednesday.

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The gap between fixtures will have also afforded a number of the Whites’ injured and fatigued players a much-needed rest from the hectic Premier League schedule, although, it is reported that the meeting with Palace will still come too soon for Patrick Bamford.

And, with Daniel James having once again struggled when playing through the middle at Vicarage Road, it would appear highly advisable for Marsch to finally unleash 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt from the off against the Eagles.

“Banging on the door”

Indeed, since the American’s appointment in the Elland Road dugout, Gelhardt is yet to be included in the 48-year-old’s starting XI, featuring just four times in the Premier League under the management of Marsch, in which time he has bagged one goal – the stoppage-time winner against Norwich City a little over a month ago.

However, looking at the campaign as a whole, the £4.5m-rated striker’s impact is clear for all to see, with the England U21 international having scored two goals and registered three assists over just 486 top-flight minutes – averaging a direct goal involvement every 97.2 minutes of football played.

For comparison, while James’ record of four goals and five assists over 30 Premier League outings does better the 19-year-old’s returns, when taking into account the Wales international directly contributes to a goal an average of once every 253.4 minutes played, it is obvious who is the more deadly.

Furthermore, over the last seven top-flight fixtures in which the £16.2m-rated winger has been deployed up front, James has failed to hit the back of the net, something which would very much suggest that he is simply not suited to a central attacking role.

As such, despite his tender age, Marsch must finally place his trust in the player who Beren Cross dubbed Leeds’ “next big thing” against Palace, as it is clear to see from his impressive record in the final third that Gelhardt is very much “banging on the door” – in the words of Phil Hay – for a start under the American.

AND in other news: Joe Donnohue drops early team news ahead of Palace, it’s a double boost for Leeds

An expert in football finance has dropped a big claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United involving St James’ Park.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kieran Maguire has suggested that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) may have to sell the stadium in order to avoid breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, if the deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA consortium were to go ahead. He outlined:

“It would be challenging for Newcastle because FFP was designed to prevent another Man City.

“It will act as an anchor to slow down the speed with which Newcastle could compete with the existing elite. That’s the whole rationale behind FFP. 

“It will be frustrating but I’d imagine that Newcastle will push things to the limit if the PIF takeover does occur.

“Financial fair play is ultimately linked to profit, profit is revenue minus costs.

“It could be that the PIF decides to sell St. James’ Park and the club makes a large amount of profit on the back of that.”

Should Newcastle sell St James’ Park?

If the bid were to eventually go through, then Newcastle would no doubt have to be very careful when it comes to FFP.

The rules are in place so that they would not be able to splash out insane amount of cash straight away – essentially they can spend what they make, which may not be as much as the prospective new owners would want at first.

Nonetheless, given the history and size of St James’ Park, it would likely not go down well with the Toon Army if the prospective new owners were to sell it, unless there was a better stadium being lined up in its place.

That said, if the Magpies were to find themselves in trouble with FFP for whatever reason, selling St James’ Park would have to be considered an option in order to try to balance the books.

In other news, there has been a promising Saudi insight on the potential takeover!

Manchester United have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

What’s the story?

According to Goal journalist Mario Cortegana, the Spanish giants have accepted that the 28-year-old is likely to leave the club this summer and are now waiting for a formal offer from the Red Devils.

The report claims that Real Madrid made a contract offer to Varane ahead of the European Championship, but the France international delayed his response to the proposal as he wanted to concentrate on playing for his nation.

Despite Les Bleus being eliminated in the last 16 at Euro 2020, the centre-back has not provided the capital club with any update over his future, leading the Bernabeu hierarchy to believe that an exit is imminent.

Fans will be buzzing

News that Varane has not accepted Real Madrid’s offer of a new deal must have United supporters buzzing with excitement.

The centre of defence has been a problem position for many years at Old Trafford, and bringing in a world-class operator will provide many with genuine hope that their issues will be resolved. United conceded 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, the highest total compared to their top-four rivals.

Although Varane will not be able to transform the club’s defensive unit on his own, he should be able to make a significant difference and help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side continue their progression.

The Norwegian guided United to second place in the Premier League in 2020/21, but a defeat in the Europa League final extended the club’s longest trophy drought in more than 30 years.

However, with the addition of former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho set to be completed in the coming days and Varane potentially joining him, silverware could be about to return to the red half of Manchester.

The Real Madrid man has established himself as one of the best players in his position over the last decade, winning four Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey during his time in Spanish football.

Varane’s arrival at United would be a clear indication of the progressive path on the club is now embarking, and the Old Trafford faithful will surely be urging the hierarchy to get this deal over the line.

In other news… Laurie Whitwell drops update on £54m-rated Man United maestro, Ole will be fuming 

North East journalist Scott Wilson has claimed that ‘advanced talks’ have taken place on the Newcastle United transfer front.

The Lowdown: Low budget

The St. James’ Park faithful have been linked with a number of low-budget players so far in the summer window.

The likes of Mario Lemina, Cameron-Carter Vickers and James McCarthy could all reportedly be on the way to the North East for relatively low transfer fees, as Steve Bruce looks to bolster is squad ahead of the new 2021/22 season.

The Latest: Transfer activity

Writing on his Twitter page, The Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has given an update on the Tyneside club and what is currently going on on the transfer front:

“I’m told that #NUFC are actively pursuing things in the transfer market – and that fairly advanced talks have taken place on a number of different fronts.”

The Verdict: Clock ticking

The new campaign is only a matter of weeks away now, and the Magpies have not signed anyone of note.

With more uncertainty over whether the takeover from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium can be completed, the Toon do not have the embarrassment of riches that they would have done should a deal have gone through.

Nonetheless, with the players that have been linked, there is still money available, and that needs to be used to bring in new faces soon.

It will be important for Bruce to get any new recruits to gel with the team as soon as possible, and so NUFC need to get a move on with regards to transfer incomings.

In other news, find out what consortium insight has been shared on the takeover here!

Following a highly impressive goalscoring campaign for Sunderland, there is reportedly a great deal of interest in Charlie Wyke this summer, although the Black Cats could already have a ready-made replacement for the 28-year-old.

So far this season, Wyke has undoubtedly been the star at the Stadium of Light, with the £270,000-rated forward bagging 25 goals and providing three assists over his 42 appearances in League One, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.35 – ranking him as Lee Johnson’s best player in the third tier.

However, while the former Bradford City striker’s goals have fired Sunderland to the play-offs this season, form as good as Wyke’s is a double-edged sword for a club of Sunderland’s current standing, as his performances have attracted a number of Championship teams who have the intention of stealing the centre-forward from the Black Cats’ grasp this summer.

Although, while losing a player as important as Wyke will undoubtedly be a huge blow for Johnson, there may not be any need to panic, as the club could already own a striker who is capable of filling the boots of the 28-year-old next season.

“We’re talking £10 million”

Prior to making a £304,000 switch to Sunderland in the January transfer window, Ross Stewart had spent two and a half years at Ross County, with the forward scoring 11 goals and providing three assists over his 32 appearances in the club’s 2018/19 campaign, bagging 11 goals and registering three assists over 26 appearances throughout County’s 2019/20 campaign and netting six goals and providing two assists over his 24 fixtures before moving to Sunderland this season.

So, there is very much a goalscorer in Stewart, who, at just 24-years-old, still has a bit of development to complete in his career as a professional footballer, in addition to having to adjust to the pace of the English game.

But, despite having to play second fiddle to Wyke this term, the 6ft 4 striker has already shown what he is capable of in a Sunderland shirt as, over his 11 league appearances for the club – only two of which have come as starts – he has already found the back of the net twice, in addition to averaging an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.95.

Indeed, Johnson appears very firmly of the belief that Stewart has a fantastic future ahead of him at the Stadium of Light, with the 39-year-old praising the striker’s mobility, technical ability and his “extremely good” physicality in recent comments, as well as claiming that you’d be looking at a player worth “£10 million” if he was the finished product, which he still has enough time to become.

As such, despite the fact it very much seems as if Wyke could be moving on to pastures new this summer, Stewart is ready and waiting in the wings to seize his moment as the Black Cats’ main man.

In other news: Phillips drops worrying transfer claim on SAFC £6.4k-p/w beast, Johnson will be gutted – opinion

Barry Fry insists Duncan Ferguson ought to become the new Everton manager instead of Rafael Benitez.

The Toffees have been heavily linked with a move to appoint the former Liverpool boss, and he would subsequently become the first manager to coach both Merseyside clubs.

It remains to be seen if Benitez will become the club’s new manager, as previous talks with Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo broke down.

Fry insists that the Goodison Park faithful would reject the move to bring Benitez into the club and reckons Ferguson would be a more sensible appointment.

He worked as the assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti and has previously been the caretaker boss, back in 2019, and famously guided the club to a raucous 3-1 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I think Duncan Ferguson would play entertaining football and I think the Evertonians would like that more.

“I don’t think the Evertonians at all would fancy Rafa, not because he’s not a good manager, but purely because he’s been across the road.”

The Scot enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Everton, featuring for the club between 1994 and 1998 and 2000 and 2006, winning the FA Cup in the 94/95 season.

With Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash on the back of a highly impressive 1-0 win last time out, the 50-year-old manager will undoubtedly be hoping for yet another promising performance when Villa visit Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

And, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s Spurs side currently on a run of three straight defeats in the league, the fixture could well provide Aston Villa with a fantastic opportunity to continue their climb up the top-flight table after a shaky start to their 2021/22 campaign.

So, will Smith make any changes to the team which started in the win over Manchester United last weekend? Here’s how we think Villa could line up against Tottenham, along with the latest team and injury news…

While it is indeed true that Villa highly impressed in their 3-5-2 formation at Old Trafford last weekend, with Tottenham very much looking there to be got at on Sunday afternoon, we predict that Smith will make one change to his starting XI, as well as switching back to a 4-3-3 formation.

In the centre of defence, last week’s match-winner, 26-year-old Kortney Hause, is extremely unfortunate to drop to the bench, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa’s consistently impressive form so far this season enough for the duo to keep their starting spots, while Matt Targett and Matty Cash drop back into less advanced full-back roles.

The central midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn is untouched, while, with Leon Bailey yet to resume training following his quad injury, Ollie Watkins move onto the left-hand side of the front three, with Danny Ings starting up top and the £75k-per-week Emiliano Buendia regaining a place in the XI on the right flank.

Meanwhile, although once again an option for Smith after being unavailable against his parent club last week, Axel Tuanzebe has to make do with a seat amongst the substitutes.

In other news: Big blow: Dean Smith confirms major Villa setback before Spurs, fans will be gutted

Manchester United could secure the ideal midfield partner for Paul Pogba after being linked with a move for Monaco ace Aurelien Tchouameni.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils were reportedly interested in the highly-rated 21-year-old’s services over the summer, although no formal offer was ever made for the Frenchman.

Now though, according to The Express, United are one of three European heavyweights vying for Tchouameni’s signature after a string of impressive performances.

The report also states that fellow Premier League side Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus are keen to snap up the youngster, meaning a bidding war could be on the horizon.

Imagine him & Paul Pogba

After rising up through the ranks at boyhood club Bordeaux, Tchouameni joined Monaco in a big-money move in January 2020 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The youngster made 42 appearances in all competitions for Niko Kovac’s charges last season, scoring three goals and providing a further four assists for his teammates.

However, it’s his work off the ball that really catches the eye. As per WhoScored, Tchouameni averaged a whopping 3.5 tackles per league game in 2020/21, by far the highest tally amongst his teammates.

He also made 1.7 interceptions, the joint-highest total when compared to his teammates, and the £27m-rated colossus not only dominated proceedings on the ground but in the air as well, winning 67% of his aerial duels.

Tchouameni’s domineering displays have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including current Monaco teammate Cesc Fabregas, who praised the youngster.

“He has the potential to be a complete midfield player,” the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea maestro wrote on Twitter. And now his compatriot and United star Paul Pogba has lauded his talents.

“He’s not a boy; he’s a man. It’s a pleasure to play next to him; he provides a lot, plenty of energy, technical quality and extraordinary physicality. I hope to play plenty of games together and always be on his side,” the World Cup winner said.

Tchouameni got the ideal opportunity to show just how effective his partnership with Pogba could be at Old Trafford after lining up alongside him during France’s National League final victory over Spain.

The duo worked extremely effectively throughout the 90 minutes, with the United star enjoying the attacking freedom that his more disciplined colleague allowed him.

It’s a duo that has the potential to transform Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s stuttering engine room, and therefore, football director John Murtough must swoop for Tchouameni over the coming months.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer big injury blow ahead of PL return, Ole will be absolutely gutted

Rafa Benitez’s start to life at Everton has already been one full of excitement and intrigue.

A whopping £55m move for Ben White may be on the cards but they’re also in danger of losing their prized asset.

What’s the word?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has already attracted the eyes of Real Madrid and Manchester United in recent months but he’s now facing further interest.

According to Turkish journalist, Ekrem Konur, Champions League winners Chelsea are seeking a potential deal this summer.

He revealed on Twitter: “Dissatisfied with Tammy Abraham and Batshuayi, Tuchel asked for the transfer of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the exception of Erling Haaland. There have been no formal talks with Everton yet but talks are expected to begin soon.”

After Man United reportedly made an enquiry for his services earlier this year, Everton slapped a mighty £80m asking price on his head.

Massive blow

It goes without saying that this would be an almighty blow early into Benitez’s reign at Goodison Park.

Calvert-Lewin enjoyed his best campaign of his career in 2020/21, beating the goalkeeper on 21 occasions in the royal blue of Everton.

It was form that earned him a call-up to the ongoing European Championships where the Three Lions have reached the semi-finals.

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Calvert-Lewin has been restricted to two substitute appearances but there is no denying the qualities he possesses.

The striker isn’t just a goal scorer but he acts as a target man who is capable of bringing others into play with great regularity.

The primary task for Benitez, as it has been with others in the hot seat, is to get the Toffees into Champions League.

Without Calvert-Lewin, you’d fear for their potential of even reaching the Europa League. Not since Romelu Lukaku have Everton had such a regular scorer in their side.

No other player reached double figures for the club in the league last term, which goes to show the extent at which he’d be missed.

To lose him to Premier League rivals would also be a bitter blow. Benitez may have been promised money to spend but the hierarchy will do him no favours by selling Everton’s star man.

AND in other news, Everton can discover a new DCL by signing 6ft7 bully labelled an “Ibrahimovic machine”…