All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa are closing in on signing Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Cantwell profiled

Cantwell progressed through Norwich’s youth system and penned professional terms in 2018. Since then, the 23-year-old has made 102 appearances for the club, scoring 14 times and registering 12 assists.

The 5 foot 8 ace, described as ‘wonderful’ by Dean Ashton, is primarily a left-midfielder but can also play as an attacking midfielder or on the right-hand side.

Cantwell, valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, has less than 12 months left on his Canaries contract, and it seems as if he could become the second player to leave Norwich for Villa this summer.

The Latest: Source shares update

A Villa source informed Football Insider on Wednesday that talks are progressing well and there is confidence a deal can be struck.

The report suggests that talks are at an advanced stage, adding Villa are closing in on Cantwell as their second big-money transfer of the summer behind Emiliano Buendia, who also left Carrow Road for Villa Park.

Finally, the site claim that a move for Cantwell is alongside any deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey, so it’s not a case of the Englishman being an alternative to the Jamaican.

The Verdict: Could this mean anything on Grealish?

With both Cantwell and Bailey possibly moving to the Midlands before the new season, could this mean anything about the future of Jack Grealish?

The club captain has been linked with a move to Manchester City for some time, with recent reports suggesting personal terms have been agreed on over an Etihad switch.

Villa initially wanted two wide men back in April and have already got one in Buendia, so signing both Cantwell and Bailey could mean Villa are looking at life without Grealish.

Of course, no fan wants to see their captain and talisman leave, but would Buendia, Bailey and Cantwell be sufficient quality in return?

In other news: ‘We’re winning it all’ – Many AVFC fans ‘buzzing’ at Sky Sports’ transfer update. 

Michael Ball insists Everton only want players who are fully committed to the cause following Carlo Ancelotti’s shock exit from Goodison Park.

The Italian decided to walk out on the Merseyside club after Real Madrid expressed their interest in appointing him.

Zinedine Zidane, of course, walked out on Real and, as a result, a vacancy was opened up in Spain, which Ancelotti filled once more.

He previously spent two years at the club, between 2013 and 2015, and won the Champions League in his first spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ball, though, believes that Toffees fans are growing tired of both managers and players deciding to leave the club as soon as a big offer is tabled, and has urged the club to only bring people to the club who are completely committed to being a success on Merseyside.

Reports suggest that Nuno Espirito Santo, the former Wolves boss, is likely to be appointed as Ancelotti’s successor.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I think Everton fans are sick and tired of hearing the same stuff from the board and the players. That as soon as an opportunity comes, they’re off.

“If they don’t want to be here, if their head’s not right, they don’t want to be 100% dedicated to the football club next season, I’m more than happy for them to let them go and bring in someone who has got the right desire and right belief to be a club legend and get Everton to complete this project that we’re on right now.”

If and when a new manager is announced at Celtic, fans will finally be able to sit back and breathe a huge sigh of relief.

This has been a testing time for the Parkhead faithful but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel in the near future.

What’s the word?

Celtic are closing in on the appointment of Eddie Howe with a deal reportedly agreed between the two parties for him to arrive in Glasgow.

The board have been pressed to wrap things up quickly but it has now been an arduous three months since Neil Lennon resigned from his position.

However, it now looks as though they’re heading towards a position where they can formally announce the appointment of a new boss.

That’s according to the Celtic hierarchy themselves who in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, wrote the following: “We understand how difficult this year has been for you and understand the disappointment you have felt, it is something shared by us all at the Club.

“We had hoped to have announced the Manager before providing this update, and we do intend to finalise the appointment of the next Celtic Manager shortly, however we have been encouraged by the recent announcement of crowds at sporting events across Scotland this summer.”

Timely appointment

The fact that Celtic are finally closing in on the hire of a new manager should leave supporters buzzing.

They haven’t had much excitement this season with a trophyless campaign but this will do enough to whet the appetite ahead of the new season.

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It should also fill them with enthusiasm ahead of the transfer window. No longer will the recruitment think tank include Neil Lennon, Nick Hammond or Peter Lawwell.

Instead, it will be made up of Howe, Dominic McKay and whoever the club’s new director of football is.

Celtic’s recruitment was incredibly abject last summer with the best part of £9.5m being wasted on the error-prone Vasilis Barkas and the sluggish Albian Ajeti, someone who scored just six times all season.

Having someone in place ahead of the transfer window opening has been a necessity and if you believe the word of the club, everything should be concluded before then.

With so much to address and fix, it was absolutely imperative that Howe was in place before it actually opened.

Considering Kristoffer Ajer and Odsonne Edouard are likely to leave, they’ll need to identify replacements swiftly. Without a new head coach, identifying new faces would have been virtually impossible. Thus, having Howe in place will certainly help kick start proceedings on the transfer front.

This is exceptional news for everybody at the club.

AND in other news, Celtic must sign 6 ft 6 man-mountain, Howe dubbed him the “ultimate professional”…

Many Everton fans have been left to buzz as a transfer update emerged on Denzel Dumfries.

As per Voetbal International, the PSV ace is on the radar of the Goodison Park faithful ahead of the summer transfer window.

His current deal at the Dutch club is set to expire in 2023, and so the Merseyside club will likely have to come up with a sizeable transfer fee in order to prize him away.

Nonetheless, what a coup it would be. From right-back, Dumfries scored four goals and made a further nine assists in 41 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), which is very impressive for a defender.

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At 25, the Netherlands international is also of a good age, and being the captain of his club already, he can certainly show the kind of leadership skills of Seamus Coleman should he end up replacing the Irishman.

Everton fans on Dumfries transfer update

These Toffees supporters buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“Finally! I hope we can get this one done asap”

Credit: @PeterMcCole

“Be happy if this comes off”

Credit: @MattH1878

“Now we’re talking”

Credit: @ConorJoseph5

“Oh yes …Get him in”

Credit: @MarkGri03961429

“Would be a boss signing. Be great if we had a manager though hahahhaha”Credit: @bluetom_tom”Brands doing bits without a ball & chain”Credit: @S34nRIn other news, find out what manager update has left Blues fuming here!

A Dutch journalist has dropped an interesting update on Everton’s pursuit to try and sign Denzel Dumfries in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Coleman not getting younger

Given that Seamus Coleman is now 32, and will turn 33 years of age in October, the Merseyside club seriously need to start thinking about replacing him at right-back for the long-term.

Being the character that the Goodison skipper is, he will want someone to push him for his starting spot, and Dumfries could well be the answer.

The Latest: Dumfries update

Speaking on Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad’s podcast (via Sport Witness), journalist Mikos Gouna has claimed that Goodison Park faithful now face serious competition from Inter Milan to sign Dumfries, and also made a bold prediction with regards to the ace set to star for the Netherlands at Euro 2020:

“This boy will, of course, make a top transfer.

“I understand that Inter, for example, is also interested.

“He cost 5.5 million for PSV. Well, they will double that. They have already promised him that they will cooperate.”

The Verdict: Sign him

Dumfries scored a highly impressive four goals and supplied a further nine assists in 41 matches in total across all competitions in the 2020/21 season (Transfremarkt), showing just how much of an attacking threat he is, and at 25 years of age, is a lot younger then Coleman, and thus has a lot more time to continue to develop.

He is also the captain of his current club in PSV, similar to the Republic of Ireland international, meaning that leadership both on and off the pitch would not be lost if he took his starting place.

Marcel Brands is thought to be a big fan of his, which should give them even more of an incentive to sign him up.

In other news, find out what manager update has left Toffees buzzing here!

A number of Aston Villa fans have been left excited after reports claimed Villa have initiated contact with Bordeaux winger Mehdi Zerkane.

According to reliable outlet L’Equipe, relayed by Sports Witness, Villa have been in touch with the player’s entourage after having the 21-year-old on their radar for several months.

An official bid could be lodged at the end of the season, however, the report is unsure as to how much Zerkane would cost.

Zerkane, an Algeria international, has made 26 Ligue 1 appearances this season. He’s only scored once and registered a single assist, but it seems as if Villa like what they see in the versatile winger.

He can play on either wing and as an attacking midfielder, although his main position is on the right-hand side.

Villa are thought to be after two wide forwards this summer, and it seems as if Zerkane is a strong target for sporting director Johan Lange.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news on Twitter on Monday evening. Their post received plenty of interaction, with these fans seemingly excited at the links, with one labelling him as the ‘next Riyad Mahrez’.

“absolute baller”

Credit: @AVFCNoah_

“I swear we have the scout that found Mahrez and Kante for Leicester if so I’m looking forward to this”

Credit: @BenSpittle

“Next Mahrez”

Credit: @lVathan_

“Next Zidane I heard”

Credit: @ColinioPowell

“Am I the only one that gets excited by players I’ve never heard of, shows proper scouting by the club”

Credit: @ajbyrne_avfc

“This is the reason we have bolstered our recruitment department and hired the likes of Mackenzie to scout and unearth hidden gems I have full faith that they’re looking at Mehdi then he has a lot of talent and potential. It’s gonna be an exciting summer, in NSWE we trust UTV AVFC”

Credit: @TheKyzer007

In other news: Villa man linked with surprise Liverpool switch, find out more here. 

It feels as if Celtic have been linked with Eddie Howe for a lifetime, however, the Englishman is still yet to put pen to paper on a Parkhead move.

Reports had suggested at the beginning of the month that the 43-year-old had verbally agreed on a move to Celtic Park before having second thoughts.

Howe appears to be a man in demand as he has spoken to Crystal Palace and is also on the radar of Brighton.

Nixon’s Howe update

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has shared an update regarding Celtic and Howe on social media.

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Hoops supporter for the situation on Howe on Monday morning.

He swiftly replied, claiming ‘Howe is stalling’ – three words which could spell trouble for Dermot Desmond.

“Howe is stalling. But at least there’s a legit reason. Even if you do wonder. Keane doesn’t think he gets it. No sign of Celtic going elsewhere yet. But it’s dragging. Need director of football sorted.”

Transfer Tavern take

Desmond was the man who met Howe in London at the beginning of the month, but this latest development could be a worry for the 70-year-old.

One issue as to why Howe is stalling could be to do with former Bournemouth colleague Richard Hughes.

He reportedly wanted Hughes to join him in Glasgow, however, it doesn’t look as if the Hoops are willing to grant his request.

It remains to be seen as to how crucial Hughes is to any deal for Howe, but at the minute, it doesn’t look great for the Bhoys, especially seeing as there is ‘no sign’ of them moving to different targets according to Nixon, which would put them in a tricky position if the Howe deal does fall through.

In other news: Celtic interested in signing African striker, find out who it is here. 

Queens Park Rangers will look to complete deals to bring a number of their loan stars back to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to the Rs’ manager Mark Warburton, who, speaking to West London Sport, claimed that he would like to bring all four of Charlie Austin, Stefan Johansen, Sam Field and Jordy de Wijs back to the club ahead of next season.

He said: “With Charlie, Stefan, Jordy and Sam we have been very lucky. They have adapted to our style of play and it suits their games and they have suited us perfectly. That doesn’t often happen. You can get loans where it is difficult and you have young players who can’t adapt, but in this case, it has worked out really well for us.

“They have embraced the way we play. They are footballers who want to get on the ball, be brave and play forward. All these things you hear managers say, they sound like the same old rhetoric, but the fact is that every party benefited.

“Do they enjoy coming to work to play for QPR? I think the answer is yes. I hope very much we can [sign them] but you never know and you always have to have alternatives.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive all four of the players Warburton discusses have been for QPR since arriving at the club in the January transfer window, it is unsurprising to hear that the 58-year-old would like to bring them back to west London once again this summer.

Arguably the most impressive performer of the quartette has been the Hull City defender De Wijs, as, over his nine Championship appearances for the Hoops, the £1.08 million-rated centre-back has made an average of 1.3 interceptions, one tackle and 5.1 clearances per game, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 7.19 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the second tier.

The £1.8 million-rated Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen has also highly impressed during his short time at the Rs, scoring four goals, providing two assists and making an average of 1.6 key passes over his 21 league appearances, with his average SofaScore match rating of 7.00 ranking him as the club’s sixth-best performer in the Championship.

The West Bromwich Albion duo of the £1.8 million-rated Charlie Austin and the £900,000-rated Sam Field have also been in fine form for the club, with Austin bagging eight goals and providing one assist over his 21 league appearances, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, while Field has made an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.3 clearances over his 19 Championship fixtures, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.74.

As such, considering the impact all four have had on QPR’s form since their January arrivals, with Warburton’s side winning 13, drawing two and losing seven of their last 21 fixtures – results that have left them sitting in fourth place in the Championship table over this 21 game period – the fact that Warburton is keen to bring the quartette back to the club this summer is likely to have fans buzzing, as retaining these players would appear highly beneficial in terms of the Rs mounting a promotion push next season.

In other news: Get him gone: Warburton must axe £7k-p/w QPR flop this summer, fans have had enough – opinion

West Ham United are one of several clubs eyeing a raid for Josh Hawkes this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claimed that the Irons are among the clubs ready to swoop for the Sunderland gem, with the likes of Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Newcastle United also keen.

The 22-year-old midfielder was signed on a free transfer from Hartlepool and has played a crucial role for the Black Cats’ under-23 side in their run to the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-offs.

Hawkes rejected a move to Sporting Braga last summer, although Lee Johnson is yet to involve him in the first team picture.

Bowen 2.0

The Hammers have often had success when dipping into the lower leagues, most recently seeing their £22m gamble on Jarrod Bowen pay dividends this season as the young winger has featured regularly on their way to securing a Europa League berth. He provided eight goals and five assists in 38 appearances this term, as per Tranfermarkt.

For the young Black Cats this season, Hawkes has proven to be a reliable threat, registering 14 goals and seven assists, including important strikes against some well-respected academies in West Brom, Aston Villa and Reading.

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This form has led to plenty of glowing endorsements in recent times, with popular Sunderland fansite Roker Report dubbing him a “revelation” with a “pretty ridiculous goal record for a midfielder”.

That acclaim echoed the thoughts of The Northern Echo reporter Nick Loughlin, who also lauded him as a revelation and provided further comments from Jeff Stelling during his time at Hartlepool.

“I’m sat next to Higgy [Craig Hignett] in the director’s box and Josh Hawkes is on the bench and I’ve said ‘for God’s sake we need Josh Hawkes on the pitch, a free spirit who can create’. Higgy has put him straight in and look at the difference.”

It remains to be seen how much Sunderland would command for a player who has only once tasted first team football for them, but if David Sullivan and co can secure the 22-year-old’s signature, it could well be another gamble which pays dividends – a masterclass from GSB again.

The 1.8m (6 foot) dynamo could be a bargain addition at West Ham this summer.

AND in other news, GSB must secure West Ham swoop for “hardworking” 34-goal beast who’s perfect for Moyes…

David Moyes can address West Ham United’s leaky defence by unleashing Angelo Ogbonna in the starting line-up at home to Leicester City on Sunday.

The Irons boss has expressed concerns over how his side have become susceptible to conceding goals once they’ve opened a commanding lead.

West Ham let slip a three-goal advantage over Arsenal in last month’s 3-3 London derby draw, and had to hold on to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 on Monday night after the Molineux outfit threatened a comeback from three behind.

Moyes’ men were able to weather the storm at Wolves and hold on to clinch all three points to move fourth in the Premier League table, and could go to within a single point of Leicester with a win at the London Stadium this weekend.

The Hammers head coach does not intend to change his attacking style to overcome the Foxes’ challenge, but is worried by how his team has allowed leads to wither away in recent weeks.

“I’m really concerned about the fact we have conceded goals after going into 3-0 leads in our last two games,” Moyes said during his press conference on Friday.

“I want us to score five or six goals instead of three, but we have to say it’s something we have to consider.

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“We have an attacking team at the moment, and we are trying to keep scoring goals, we know what’s at stake and if the players keep winning 3-2, why would I tell them to do anything different?”

An off-night for Issa Diop was one of the reasons why Wolves were able to threaten a comeback from three goals down on Monday, as the Frenchman and centre-back partner Craig Dawson were both out of sorts.

An early yellow card meant Dawson had to be careful to avoid a sending off in the Black Country, but Diop had no excuse as he came close to costing West Ham the win. The £16m-rated enforcer frequently switched off and failed to cover the space in behind his teammates, which allowed Fabio Silva the time needed to drill home past Lukasz Fabianski.

Diop may now be out of chances to lock down a starting role in the Irons’ backline, as Ogbonna could be fit to face Leicester after seven games out with a high ankle sprain.

West Ham assistant manager Alan Irvine revealed following an open training session on Wednesday that Ogbonna was closing in on a return to fitness, having taken part in the work at Rush Green.

“Yes, he’s getting very close, and it’ll be great to get him back again,” Irvine said. “Obviously he’s a big part of the team, big part of the squad and he will have a part to play between now and the end of the season.”

Moyes re-introducing Ogbonna to his Premier League plans for the first time since February’s goalless draw with Fulham could now see the Scottish coach fix his leaky defence.

Ogbonna had started all 23 available top-flight fixtures before being forced off 16 minutes into his team’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, which came as a huge blow for Moyes, who lauded the 32-year-old as being “magnificent” and an important leader.

He may now need that leadership to keep Fabianski’s net protected against Leicester, who have scored five goals in their last three away games.

AND in other news, West Ham have eyes on a “tactically intelligent” gem once backed to become “world-class”…