All posts by z3u9t.icu

Rangers’ recent links with a striker could pave the way for Alfredo Morelos to leave Ibrox.

There has been some uncertainty over the Colombia international’s future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Glasgow, and that could continue to be the case despite reports this week that he is in talks over a new deal with the Light Blues.

The Premiership giants have been linked with a move for Sunderland striker Ross Stewart recently, and if he were to arrive at Ibrox this summer, it could be the catalyst for Morelos departing.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have been regularly linked with the Scottish striker after he excelled in English League One last season, hitting 26 goals as the Black Cats were promoted to the Championship.

If the 25-year-old were to make the move back to Scotland, then it would perhaps not be a surprise to see Morelos move on from Ibrox, especially if contract talks ultimately lead nowhere.

While it will be very difficult to replace ‘El Bufalo’ after his sensational performances for Rangers in recent years, which have seen him hit 113 goals in 224 appearances for the Teddy Bears, Stewart’s displays last term suggest that he could be a more than capable heir to the South American.

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The former Ross County marksman earned an incredible 7.40 average rating from WhoScored for his performances in League One, which ranked him as the third-best player in the division across the campaign.

During his time in Scotland, Stewart enjoyed moderately prolific spells with the likes of Alloa Athletic and Ross County, so he could find the net on a regular basis if afforded better service at Rangers.

Former Gers right-back Alan Hutton is a big fan of the Sunderland predator, telling Football Insider: “He was outstanding in League One but we’re talking about elite level. Only time will tell if he can reach those heights.

“I’m pretty sure Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have sights on a few different players. Stewart is a particular type of number nine. He’s a big guy, he’s not the usual profile that Rangers go for.”

Stewart could certainly offer Rangers a different option up front next season, as Morelos was the club’s best attacking aerial threat last term, with just 1.8 headers won per game, whereas the Scotland international won 5.6 per match in League One.

The Sunderland striker offers pace, power and clinical finishing, so if Morelos is to leave Ibrox this summer, Stewart could well be the ideal replacement. It’s a prospective deal which Rangers chief Ross Wilson simply must get done over the coming weeks and months.

In other news… “I’m sure…”: talkSPORT pundit drops Rangers claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing

West Bromwich Albion endured a fairly underwhelming season in the Championship which recently ended with the Baggies finishing in tenth place.

With 46 games played, the Hawthorns outfit won 18, drew 13 and lost 15 along the way, leaving them with 67 points on the board, 23 behind leaders Fulham.

Now that this dismal season has come to an end, the focus can turn to the upcoming summer transfer window and the potential overhaul that Steve Bruce previously spoke about.

One figure that didn’t see much action for the Baggies this season that should be on the way out this summer is Kenneth Zohore, who was once called “lazy” by Neil Warnock when the duo were at Cardiff City.

After making two substitute appearances during the two opening league games of the season, the striker didn’t feature in another matchday squad throughout the campaign.

As the club’s highest earner with a weekly wage of £26k-per-week, the 28-year-old could be a prime candidate to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Andy Carroll, Sam Johnstone and Romaine Sawyers as players looking for new clubs.

One player that the club have been linked with that could be an ideal candidate to replace the forward is Jed Wallace.

With a total of 228 appearances in the Championship under his belt, as well as 37 goals scored and 39 assists provided, the 28-year-old certainly has the experience and attacking credentials to be a solid addition to Bruce’s squad.

Having played in 37 league matches for the east London club this season, the Englishman found the net six times and delivered 11 assists.

Labelled as being “unplayable” at times during Millwall’s 1-1 draw against Preston North End some weeks ago by Gary Rowett, Wallace racked up 300 crosses and 66 shots at goal in 38 league games for his side this season.

To put that into perspective, that’s 112 crosses more than Darnell Furlong managed to make who delivered more balls into the area than any other Baggies player.

If the Midlands club are able to finally bring Zohore’s time at the Hawthorns to a permanent end this summer, bringing in Wallace could be the best way forward for the Baggies and give them a great chance of getting closer to promotion.

In other news: Imagine him & Grant: Bruce can form deadly WBA duo by signing 28 y/o “smashing talent”

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe could be seeing something in Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings that no one else is, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Mings to St. James’ Park?

According to the Daily Mirror, the defender is a £35m target for the Magpies this summer. These rumours of course arise from Howe’s experience managing the 29-year-old, as he brought him to Bournemouth back in 2015 whilst he was still in charge at the south coast club.

Football Insider previously claimed that Villa manager Steven Gerrard was keen on replacing the England international this summer. Since then, the Midlands outfit secured the signing of highly rated Diego Carlos from La Liga side Sevilla.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

After a disappointing season for the Villa man resulted in him being dropped from the England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures in June, Jones believes that Howe still believes in his former player.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“Maybe Eddie Howe sees something in Tyrone Mings that most of the country can’t right now. Maybe he believes that a change of environment, a change of team, is exactly what he needs and that he can get the best out of him.

“So if he can, fair play, but he doesn’t seem like the guy that’s going to turn things around. And certainly if you’re comparing him to Sven Botman, you’re looking at a very different level of player.”

The Verdict: Questionable signing

Whilst Mings has a wealth of experience in the English top-flight having made 122 appearances in the league, the defender has been on the receiving end of mixed reviews in recent times.

Whilst TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor heaped praise on the 29-year-old for his “outstanding performances”, another former Villa player, Alan Hutton, slammed the lack of “organisation” and “communication” of Villa’s Mings-led defence following a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.

However, if Howe believes he can get the best out of Mings, then Newcastle could be getting an experienced Premier League ‘leader’ (Gareth Southgate).

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies have made enquiries for Adama Traore

West Ham United are interested in signing Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet, according to a report from The Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Instant hit

Signed for £13million ahead of the 2021/22 season (BBC), Cornet proved to be an instant success at Turf Moor when scoring on his second outing for the club against Leicester City.

Despite the addition and the subsequent exploits of the flamboyant Ivorian attacker, Burnley were relegated on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

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Now, as the Lancashire club potentially look to cut their cloth accordingly, Cornet could be among those sold this summer…

The latest: Hammers interested

As per The Telegraph, West Ham are preparing to battle with Everton for the signature of the 25-cap Ivory Coast international.

It’s claimed that the Hammers are ‘considering a move’ for the man hailed as ‘sublime’ by journalist Fran Martínez following a standout display for Lyon.

The report also states that there is a £17.5million relegation release clause in place that could see the 25-year-old move on this summer.

The verdict: No brainer

At the reported price, adding Cornet to the squad at the London Stadium is a move that makes an abundance of sense.

Albeit David Moyes is well stocked in the wide attacking departments at present, the Ivorian’s ability to play across multiple positions on either side, as well as centrally and even in more defensive positions, makes the star a wholly worthwhile target.

Predominantly operating as a centre-forward last term, Cornet scored nine times and provided one assist in 26 appearances for Burnley and could therefore act as a viable understudy to Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma and even Jarrod Bowen.

In other news: West Ham love Ligue 1 frontman who was a ‘breakout sensation’ last season, read more here

Reports last month suggested that Newcastle United had offered Sean Longstaff a new four-year deal, and lo and behold, he put pen to paper earlier this week, penning what was actually a new three-year deal at St James’ Park.

That previous report had suggested that the academy graduate had ‘sought assurances’ over his playing time under manager Eddie Howe – hence the initial delay in any negotiations – but he does now have a future under the former Bournemouth boss.

Howe had indicated that he wanted the 24-year-old to stay at the club beyond the end of the season – with his past deal set to expire in just over a month – but fortunately, he now has his wish.

The North Shields-born ace made just 15 Premier League starts in the 2021/22 campaign, although that is the same as he managed in the previous season, having failed to really establish himself in the side under both Steve Bruce and his successor.

The 5 foot 11 star had initially burst onto the scene during the 2018/19 season, making nine top-flight appearances and reportedly catching the attention of Manchester United, who were linked with a hefty £50m bid in the summer of 2019.

Longstaff – and teammate Isaac Hayden – had also earned praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in that debut season in the first team, with the serial-winning coach stating that his side “could not deal with” the midfield pairing after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park.

Such displays had seen then-boss Rafa Benitez tip the youngster for an England call-up, although the Spaniard’s subsequent departure – and frustrating injuries for the player – have stunted his progress, with a Three Lions bow now seemingly a long away off.

Nevertheless, the £11.7m-rated man is clearly a valuable asset – having been dubbed “immense” by Chronicle Live journalist Charlie Bennett – with the club possibly now forming a dream duo in the middle of the park.

There will likely be another raft of high profile incomings this summer as PIF look to realise their lofty ambitions, although having a local lad in tow also remains important, ensuring that the spirit of the club is not lost in the coming years.

Newcastle already have Bruno Guimaraes in their ranks but they could add positively to their midfield options in the shape of Jesse Lingard this summer too.

The Magpies very nearly signed the Manchester United attacking midfielder in January but a deal fell through. However, his contract is expiring this summer and there is no sign of a new deal on the table with Newcastle linked again.

Thus, the future of Howe’s midfield could very much look like a Longstaff, Guimaraes and Lingard triumvirate, something that would no doubt spark intrigue and fear in opposition team’s up and down the country.

Longstaff’s renewal, therefore, is not just for sentimental reasons. He has also performed impressively on the pitch of late, ranking in the top 4% for tackles made among midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and in the top 13% for pressures made.

He may not be a glamour name, but Longstaff deserves to be a key part of Howe’s squad for the years to come and must be unleashed more regularly next term.

IN other news, Signed for £20m, now worth £9m: Ashley had a howler on “struggling” £50k-p/w NUFC dud 

A big Newcastle United claim has emerged on PIF’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Chronicle reporter Ciaran Kelly has stated that the Magpies will be making additions to their forward options ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “#nufc will bring in more firepower this summer, but Callum Wilson will still have a huge role to play. Only missed three league games – two through suspension – in his final campaign with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth. Intense pre-season was key to that.”

He linked his article in The Chronicle and revealed in the piece that the club’s priority is to make signings in the attacking positions, whilst Howe will also be attempting to improve Wilson’s fitness.

Supporters will be excited

This claim will surely leave Newcastle supporters excited, as it suggests that the club will be making the signings to get fans off their seats at St James’ Park.

Attackers are the players who can get the stadium rocking with skills, goals and assists, and that is why they are often the most exciting additions during a transfer window. Supporters will be keen for PIF to find the new Allan Saint-Maximin or the new Wilson to get them standing up in anticipation whenever the team gets forward.

The fans will also be buzzing with this update because of Newcastle’s lack of consistency in the final third this season. No Magpies player has consistently delivered assists or goals throughout the course of the campaign, and this indicates that it is an area in dire need of investment.

In the Premier League this term, no Newcastle player has scored more than six goals or provided more than four assists for Howe’s side. Only two players with 15 or more starts have managed more than 0.9 key passes per match and Chris Wood – who is Wilson’s back-up – has two goals in 16 appearances for the club, struggling to make the desired impact in the final third since joining in January.

This illustrates how important it is to target attacking signings in the upcoming window, and that is why Magpies fans will be relieved to learn that PIF will be doing exactly that. They will now be excited to see who comes through the door to bolster Howe’s squad in the coming weeks and months and can look forward to seeing a new-look starting XI next season.

AND in other news, “I would say..“: Keith Downie delivers exciting NUFC transfer claim, Howe will love it…

According to journalist Bruno Andrade, Francisco Trincao has indicated his desire to leave Wolves during the upcoming transfer window and wants to join Sporting CP to reunite with his former manager Ruben Amorim.

The Lowdown: Underwhelming loan spell

The 22-year-old first arrived at Molineux on a season-long loan from Spanish giants Barcelona last summer, and despite the club having the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, he has only managed to score three goals and provide one assist in 29 appearances in all competitions to date, as per Transfermarkt.

There have recently been claims that the hierarchy will not trigger their option to buy clause, meaning that the final Premier League game of the 2021/22 campaign against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon could well be the last time we see Trincao in a Wolves shirt.

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The Latest: Trincao in ‘talks’ with Sporting

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Andrade revealed that the winger is already in ‘talks’ with Sporting about the possibility of a move, who are said to view the winger as an ideal replacement for Pablo Sarabia.

“Sporting’s priority target, Trincao has already given the “yes” to being directed again by Ruben Amorim, with whom he worked at SC Braga. It is the ideal replacement for Sarabia. Talks for a 1-year loan are moving in a positive way – salary issues with Barcelona still need to be settled.”

The Verdict: Exit suitable for all parties

Even though Bruno Lage just last month admitted that he thought the £19.8m-rated ace had a bright future ahead of him, it would now appear that the next chapter of his career will be somewhere far away from the Midlands.

Sarabia is only currently on loan with the Lisbon outfit from Paris Saint-Germain, and with Amorim having already managed Trincao during their time together at Braga, it’s no surprise to see that the forward is being linked with a reunion with his former boss.

Once hailed an “unbelievable” player by Wolves journalist Tim Spiers, the 6 foot starlet has shown some glimpses of talent in the top-flight and could be a great addition to Sporting, but clearly not enough to make the Black Country club want to retain his services for next season.

In other news… Wanderers are now believed to be the ‘main favourites’ in the race for one of their summer transfer targets.

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make an audacious bid to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer as their search for a centre-forward addition hots up.

What’s the word?

As per The Telegraph, the Magpies ‘will launch’ a bid to prise the 25-year-old away from Goodison Park in the upcoming transfer window, with the Tynesiders believing that a deal can progress ‘rapidly’ now that the Toffees are likely to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Previous reports had suggested it could take as much as £60m to secure the 11-cap international’s services with three years still left on his existing deal, with a reduction in that asking price likely to have only been caused by Frank Lampard’s side dropping to the Championship.

It would appear that a new centre-forward is high on the priority list for Eddie Howe and co this summer, amid reports also linking the St James’ Park outfit to Reims youngster Hugo Ekitike and Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

Better than Wood

The club’s need for a new striker has been heightened by the failings of January arrival Chris Wood. The former Burnley marksman, who joined in a sizeable £25m deal in the winter, has yet to prove he is anything other than just a temporary, albeit expensive, fix.

A reliable goalscorer during his days at Turf Moor, with 53 in 165 games in all competitions for the club, the New Zealand international had appeared an astute capture to help Howe’s men stave off the drop, although he has since proven more of a hindrance than a help despite the club’s impressive run of form.

In his 16 Premier League outings for his current club this term – 15 of which have come as starts – the 30-year-old has netted just twice so far, while his style of play seemingly appears at odds with the progressive approach of his manager, having recorded a mere 52.8% pass success rate.

In need of a quality and more youthful upgrade, in Calvert-Lewin the club have found their ideal fit, the 25-year-old having proven himself to be both a real handful in attack and a notable finisher in recent years.

Although the current campaign has been a frustrating one, with the 25-year-old scored just three times in 14 league games during an injury-hit season, the £37.8m-rated gem had been in prolific form prior to 2021/22, netting 29 top-flight goals across the previous two seasons.

Such form has seen Everton team-mate Richarlison dub the former Sheffield United man a “nightmare” to play against.He compared him to Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo for his impressive leap, with the athletic 6 foot 2 marksman proving a real “pest” for opposition defenders, according to Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate.

Despite his frustrations this term, the £72k-per-week ace remains a real talent and someone that can lead the line under Howe for years to come, with PIF needing to ensure they go all-out with their bid to drag him away from Lampard’s charges.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Newcastle United are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard, according to recent reports.

What’s the word?

As per the NorthernEcho, the Magpies are said to have ‘initiated talks’ regarding a potential deal to bring the Englishman to St James’ Park, although are set to face ‘intense competition’ from clubs across the continent in the race for the 29-year-old’s signature.

The report suggests that there have been ‘preliminary talks’ between the player’s representatives and the northeast side, with the £18m-rated gem set to be available on a free transfer once his current deal expires, albeit with that fact sparking interest from the likes of AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 32-cap international had come close to linking up with Eddie Howe’s side in January, although the deal collapsed late in the window due to the Red Devils’ demands, including a reported £12.5m bonus to be paid should he help the club stave off relegation.

Howe delighted

It would appear then that PIF are keen to rekindle that interest in the upcoming window, with the versatile star almost certain to end his 22-year association with the Old Trafford outfit this summer, despite suggestions that incoming boss Erik ten Hag may offer him a lifeline.

In truth, the £80k-per-week man has endured a dismal season at the Theatre of Dreams, making just two league starts in total thus far, while he was also seemingly ‘saddened’ at having been denied an emotional send-off from his current side during the win over Brentford on Monday evening – United’s last home game of the season.

While he has seemingly wasted another season back at Carrington, that’s not to downplay the potential impact he could have for the Magpies were he to sign this summer, having previously shown his quality during a remarkable loan stint at West Ham United last term.

In that brief, six-month spell at the London Stadium, Lingard – who has been dubbed “unique” by former teammate Michael Carrick – looked a rejuvenated figure, chipping in with 14 goal contributions in just 16 appearances for David Moyes’ side.

Equally, when handed the chance back in Manchester he has previously proven his worth, notably recording eight goals and six assists in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season under Jose Mourinho.

It is also easy to forget that this is a player who has netted at a World Cup, as well as in three Wembley triumphs for the Red Devils, doing so in the 2016 FA Cup final, the 2017 Carabao Cup final and the 2017 Community Shield.

Pundit Rio Ferdinand has previously suggested that the Warrington-born playmaker “could play in any top team” such is his quality, although those of a Newcastle persuasion – particularly Howe – will be hoping that it is in the famous black and white stripes that he is lining up in next term.

In other news, Newcastle plot bid to sign player with 191 PL apps, he’d be a big upgrade on Lascelles

Tottenham Hotspur could sign transfer target Pau Torres for cheaper than expected, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Villarreal centre-back has emerged as a potential option for Antonio Conte this summer, with Spurs scouts recently in attendance to watch him in action during their Champions League exit to Liverpool in midweek, as per the Daily Mail.

A recruitment source has now told Football Insider that the 25-year-old that the Yellow Submarines are expected to cash in on him as he enters the final two years of his contract.

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There’s a need to raise funds at the Estadio de la Ceramica, so Tottenham are growing confident in their chances of securing his signature.

Torres has a £55m release clause but could be sold around the £45m mark, according to the report.

Imagine him and Romero

With manager Antonio Conte deploying a three-man backline at Spurs, there is certainly a need for another out-and-out central defender as full-back Ben Davies has been the first-choice option alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

The latter, on loan from Atalanta, has been particularly impressive, so pairing him with someone like Torres could be a mouth-watering prospect heading into next season, where the Lilywhites will be expected to mount a firmer top-four challenge.

And for £10m less than his release clause, it has to be considered something of a bargain masterclass from sporting director Fabio Paratici once again, especially when you consider the teams also interested in the Spaniard.

Both Manchester City and United, as well as LaLiga champions Real Madrid have been linked with the 6 foot 3 colossus.

Torres has been an integral part of Unai Emery’s side both domestically and on the European stage, where they made the semi-finals of the Champions League this season,

As per WhoScored, he ranks inside the top six highest-rated Villarreal players for both LaLiga and the UCL. He has won an average of 1.7 headers, 0.9 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game but it’s his passing ability that makes him shine above the rest.

The 25-year-old’s 87.7% accuracy rate from over 60 passing attempts per game is more than respectable and sees him second to only Eric Dier (88%) of Conte’s current defensive options.

It’s no wonder that Torres has been lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by his ex-coach Javi Calleja to The Athletic.

If Spurs want to elevate to the next level, then they must fork out the £45m required to land someone of the Spaniard’s calibre. He, alongside Romero and Dier could be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news, Spurs must axe “horrendous” flop and £27m-rated “liability”, Conte would be buzzing…