All posts by n8rngtd.top

Speaking live on air (via Football Daily), Sky Sports have dropped a transfer claim involving West Ham United and Tammy Abraham as they share the latest on Chelsea’s striker.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Abraham hunt…

West Ham have been linked with a move for the Englishman for a quite a while, with reliable reports as far back as April detailing the Irons’ interest in a move.

David Moyes has earmarked the signing of a striker as one of his top priorities this summer and Abraham has remained on the list.

Football Insider even claimed recently that the Hammers were in pole position for his signing, but Sky Sports have now brought their own update.

The Latest: Sky Sports drop live TV claim…

Speaking on live TV, Sky have made a claim on Abraham and Chelsea’s stance towards selling him this summer.

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As per the broadcast giant, West Ham are still very much interested in signing the 23-year-old and Thomas Tuchel’s side will now consider offers.

“Chelsea will consider offers for Tammy Abraham the striker,” Sky Sports explained (via FD).

“We know that Arsenal are interested, West Ham also keen on Abraham, Arsenal would prefer an initial loan but it’s thought that Chelsea want a permanent deal for Abraham and it’s thought Chelsea are looking for upwards of £40 million if they’re going to let him go.

“It looks like his future lies elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Too much?

Moyes explained recently that a price tag of £40m could be too steep for West Ham to afford this summer, so this update could potentially come as a mixed bag.

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal player’ by former Premier League manager Alex McLeish, the young forward would arguably be an ideal striker signing for West Ham given his experience in the English top flight and towering physical presence at 6 foot 2.

However, if Chelsea are stubborn in lowering their valuation, Moyes and co may be forced to look elsewhere and time is not on their side – especially with the transfer window deadline looming at the end of next month.

In other news: ‘Beyond a joke’ – West Ham fans respond to official club post, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur fans have erupted over the official announcement of third major summer signing Cristian Romero after long talks.

Spurs have been attempting to sign the Argentine from Atalanta over these last two weeks with the Serie A side having remained stubborn in negotiations for a period.

However, news broke recently of an agreement between the clubs as Tottenham now finalise his signing and make an announcement.

Romero has joined the Lilywhites as Nuno Espirito Santo’s third major summer signing after deals for both Pierluigi Gollini and Bryan Gil, but his arrival in particular finally puts an end to Spurs’ long, long search for a star centre-half.

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Tottenham have been trying to sign a colossal defensive presence since last summer, sending Steve Hitchen out to negotiate with Inter Milan for the attempted signing of Milan Skriniar in 2020 (Alasdair Gold).

Romero, though, is arguably worth the wait given his credentials – having won the Serie A MVP award for best defender over 2020/2021.

Here’s how Spurs fans went wild for the big announcement, flocking to reply to the club’s official Twitter account.

Spurs fans erupt over Romero signing

“YES YES YES”

Credit: @GCSportsBetting

“Buzzing with this, don’t know much about the lad till we linked few weeks back.. The way players and football reporters talk about him u can only be excited.. Voted best defender in Serie A, just off back of Copa America victory.. Hopefully he hits the ground running.” 

Credit: @Lee88Jay

“Absolutely beautiful”

Credit: @conkhailou12

“Let’s goooooooo”

Credit: @EWF423

“So happy with this signing! Think this could be a game changer”

Credit: @Rozzi_B

“Top signing, and what we’ve been crying out for. Hopefully more to come”

Credit: @JasonKeatley

“A proper CB, tears in my eyes”

Credit: @WilliamsDan61

“Paratici masterclass”

Credit: @PaaaarthD

In other news: Alasdair Gold shares ‘further good news’ for Spurs involving Paratici target, find out more here.

A tenth-placed finish in the league last season was not good enough for Everton, especially under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian had been brought in to guide the Toffees to Europe’s top table but their chances of doing so have dramatically decreased since he departed Merseyside.

What’s the word?

Everton now have Rafa Benitez at the helm but they’ve struggled to improve their options ahead of the new campaign this weekend.

They have signed three players for a combined £1.7m and it doesn’t look as though they’ll spend too much more.

That being said, they should make a late dart for Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga before the window closes.

Valued at just £18m by Transfermarkt, he was linked with a move to Goodison Park earlier this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy suggested he should have been signed already.

He said: “There’s no competition between Boga and Townsend. Boga is twice the player Townsend is – and then some.”

Must sign him

Like Clancy states, Boga is evidently a better player than one of the players they’ve brought in.

Consequently, Benitez could take his Everton attack to a new level by securing the 24-year-old’s services.

Once of Chelsea, the left winger was described as a “supreme talent” by former Blues coach Michael Beale.

It’s clear to see why too. Boga is a nightmare for defenders and is capable of dominating opponents with his incredible dribbling ability.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the Ivorian completed 3.2 dribbles per match, a number that was only bettered by Rodrigo de Paul in the whole of the Italian top-flight.

If we compare that figure to those already at Everton, it’s streets ahead of anyone. Their top dribbler last season was Richarlison who completed 1.8.

To elaborate on his ability with the ball, Boga ranks in the 97th percentile for dribbles completed by players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

With the attacker displaying a keen eye for goal in Italy, he has the potential to be devastating in the Premier League too. This is a move that would improve Everton’s offensive line significantly.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers worrying Everton transfer update, fans must be fuming…

Crystal Palace have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 23-year-old throughout the summer, but fierce rivals Brighton and Hove Albion were believed to be in pole position for his signature in recent weeks.

However, according to The Scottish Sun, the Seagulls and fellow Premier League side Southampton have baulked at Edouard’s £85,000-per-week wage demands, leaving Palace as the only interested party.

Patrick Vieira would love him

Since arriving at Celtic Park back in August 2017, the £15.3m-rated gem has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, bagging 85 goals and providing 39 assists in 175 appearances for the Hoops.

The former France under-21 international’s standout displays have earned several plaudits, with former Celtic boss Neil Lennon labelling him “magnificent” after a match-winning performance.

His arrival at Selhurst Park would be seen as a significant coup for the south London outfit, and new manager Patrick Vieira would surely love to be able to call upon the services of a proven goalscorer.

It’s a luxury the French tactician arguably doesn’t have at this moment in time, with Michy Batshuayi’s departure leaving Christian Benteke and Jean Philippe-Mateta as the only out-and-out strikers in the first team squad.

Palace’s opening day fixture against European champions Chelsea highlighted their need for attacking reinforcements before the current window closes after they only managed to produce one shot on target all afternoon.

The exceptional powers of talisman Wilfried Zaha can only carry the capital club so far, and the addition of Edouard could provide the catalyst they need to propel themselves to a 10th consecutive season in the top flight.

Chairman Steve Parish has already secured the signatures of several exciting young acquisitions this summer in the shape of Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher, but Edouard would perhaps be the most sensational of them all.

With Palace now having a clear run at the Frenchman, Parish must complete a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate, providing Vieira with the quality and strength in depth that he needs to succeed at Selhurst Park.

In other news… Crystal Palace enquire over £14.4m-rated magician, he’d be another Parish masterclass 

Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy insists that there is no point discussing replacements for Steve Bruce, because the club are more than happy with his performance following a 4-2 defeat against West Ham on the opening day of the Premier League season.

A number of pundits have suggested potential alternatives to Bruce in recent weeks and months.

Newcastle endured a mixed season last term and ultimately finished the campaign in 12th, although their results left a lot to be desired at points throughout the campaign.

Between December 16th and April 11th, Newcastle played 20 games and won just three; they lost 11 and drew six. That included a run of losses that saw them score just twice in five games and concede 10.

However, Kennedy believes that those within the club are quite satisfied with the way the former Manchester United defender is operating in the job, and believes that is a damning indictment of Mike Ashley’s ownership of the club.

He said: “All this talk, all the pundits out there can name names all they want but I just believe the feeling from those at the top of the club, the people who gave him the job, I think they’re quite happy with Steve Bruce’s performance.

“But that’s a symptom of Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United, that mediocrity is celebrated.”

Newcastle kick off their Premier League campaign this weekend against West Ham United.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has provided the latest updates throughout his squad ahead of today’s early kick-off against Burnley.

The Reds welcome Sean Dyche’s charges to Anfield looking to exact some revenge over the Clarets after they ended the Merseysiders’ 68-game unbeaten home run in the league last season, and they will be boosted by the return of two key players.

What’s the word?

Midfield duo Thiago and Jordan Henderson weren’t involved in the matchday squad last weekend for Liverpool’s opening-day victory at Norwich City, but Klopp has confirmed that both are in contention to start this time around.

“Much closer, they look fine, and we have to make the decision. It was a good training week, so it’s up to me to make the decisions,” the German said about the pair in Friday’s press conference.

He also touched upon the likelihood of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain making way for the returning duo, although he was keen not to give too much away.

“Go through their qualities; you can write a book on that. There are a lot of good players in this squad, and we will change independent of performances in the last game. We will see,” Klopp teased.

Klopp will be delighted

Although a midfield consisting of Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner performed admirably at Carrow Road, Klopp must be delighted to have Thiago and Henderson available for selection once again.

After a slow start to life on English shores, the Spaniard began to showcase his truly world-class ability towards the end of last season, and his inclusion could be crucial if Liverpool are to break down a stubborn Burnley defence.

With Brazil international Fabinho a doubt due to personal bereavement, Henderson’s return to match fitness will also be a big relief for the former Borussia Dortmund boss.

Three points last weekend will mean nothing if the 19-time English champions slip up on home soil this afternoon, but Klopp will surely be much more confident going into the fixture with two of his midfield generals back in action.

In other news… Heir to Gini: Edwards must sanction LFC swoop for “incredible” £37.8m-rated maestro 

Bolton have experienced a strong start to the 2021/22 campaign, with three wins and two draws in their first five competitive matches.

Whilst Ian Evatt will be delighted that his side are yet to taste defeat, two 3-3 draws in the first two League One matches may have been disappointing for the head coach as defensive errors stopped them from getting maximum points despite scoring six goals.

They now travel away to League One rivals Wigan to play Leam Richardson’s side in the second round of the Carabao Cup, hoping to extend their unbeaten run to six matches.

On the Chalkboard

This clash with Wigan gives Evatt the opportunity to make a few changes and rest some of his key players whilst also handing opportunities to those who are yet to feature this season. Whilst Bolton will want to progress through to the next round, the league should be the priority, and that allows the manager to be more experimental with his XI than usual.

One player who should be unleashed against Wigan is summer signing Elias Kachunga. The 29-year-old has made four appearances in the league since arriving at the Trotters, but is yet to make his full debut for Wanderers and this match is the ideal situation in which to give him his opportunity.

Despite only accumulating 47 minutes of action in his four league games for Bolton to date, Kachunga has already provided two assists. This is a promising sign for the forward and shows that he has the quality to make an impact in the final third, given that he has already directly contributed to two goals despite playing a little over one half of football.

Evatt has hailed the former Huddersfield man as a fantastic player and admitted that he was one of the club’s biggest transfer targets last summer before eventually signing him this month.

The 39-year-old told Bolton’s official website: “Elias was one of our primary targets in the summer but it didn’t quite work out then. Sometimes football’s a funny old game and opportunities come around again.

“Elias is a fantastic player with a great pedigree and is versatile in attack which gives us the ability to play him in different ways He is vastly experienced, well-educated and has played the game at the highest level.

“We are delighted to have him on board.”

The £720k-rated attacker has plenty of experience at higher levels than League One. He once scored six Bundesliga goals in a season for Paderborn, 12 Championship goals for Huddersfield in a single campaign and has played 39 games in the Premier League.

This shows that he has the quality to be a game-changer with his goals whilst playing in more prestigious divisions than League One, but it is now down to him to show that he can still do it by producing a top-class performance against Wigan. Evatt must unleash him and given him the opportunity to prove that Kachunga still has it in him to be a match-winner, although his two assists so far suggest that he’s on the right track.

West Ham United have finally completed the signing of Chelsea central defender Kurt Zouma in a transfer worth around £29.8 million [Sky Sports].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the 26-year-old registered five goals in 36 appearances as he helped his side win the UEFA Champions League [Transfermarkt].

Now, he has finalised his move across London after a long-drawn-out negotiation process and medical.

West Ham were known to be attracted to his situation as far back as the start of August. However, it has taken until the final weekend of the window for David Moyes to get his man.

Zouma will link up with the Irons on a four-year-deal, and one would presume he is arriving to be a sure-fire starter given the price tag.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to celebrate the news.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to the official West Ham United Twitter account, here is what the supporters had to say about what one fan called a ‘phenomenal’ transfer:

“Phenomenal signing Welcome to the mighty Hammers @KurtZouma”

Credit: @hashman88

“YESSSSSS”

Credit: @WestHam_Way

“WE SIGNED SOMEONE”

Credit: @westhamtransfer

“Loving this Bloke already
@KurtZouma
Will fit right in in the @WestHam Dressing Room!! Get Jesse back & the Band is Back on the Road!!!“

Credit: @SXHammer

“Welcome to the west ham family zouma. Hope you have a great season with for us COYIS”

Credit: @49whufc_smh

“Brilliant Signing”

Credit: @Max_Dinnell

In other news, West Ham United fans react to their Europa League fixtures conformation. Find out who they play first here.

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge revealed that Crystal Palace wanted to sign Eddie Nketiah for weeks, eventually settling on a move for Odsonne Edouard on deadline day.

Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports posted on his personal Twitter on Monday that Palace were still pushing to sign Nketiah but there was a gap in the valuation and that there was also an unnamed German club in the mix also.

BBC Sport then reported on Tuesday that Crystal Palace had agreed a deal worth £15m with Celtic to bring striker Edouard to Selhurst Park, and obviously there was an issue regarding Nketiah given Bridge believes Palace have wanted to sign the Gunners man for a number of weeks in the lead up to the 11pm deadline.

“They were in talks for weeks with Arsenal over Eddie Nketiah. They’ve said to Arsenal ‘we’re not going to go above £12million we actually think that’s probably a bit too much’, but Arsenal have said ’20, he’s out of contract at the end of the season’,” the Sky Sports reporter told Transfer Tavern.

Throughout his Arsenal career, Nketiah has featured attacker has also featured out on both the right and left-wing showing versatility to his game.

Having failed to secure a move to a Selhurst Park or elsewhere, it remains to be seen how Mikel Arteta will use Nketiah in the coming months, while the Eagles will be hoping Edouard hits the ground running with Patrick Vieira’s side struggling to find the net in the opening weeks of the campaign.

Sheffield United look set to receive a significant financial boost following the summer sale of Aaron Ramsdale.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Alan Nixon’s report for The Sun on Sunday (via The 72), with the journalist claiming that Slavisa Jokanovic’s side could be set to receive some of the add-ons from the goalkeeper’s initial £24m move to Arsenal in the very near future.

Nixon went on to state that the 23-year-old has revealed to friends that he expects to start in the Gunners’ fixture against Norwich City next weekend, and that United will be due some of the remaining £6m of the potential £30m transfer fee after the England international has played a handful of games for the bottom of the table Premier League side.

Jokanovic will be buzzing

While losing the services of a goalkeeper as talented as Ramsdale will undoubtedly have come as a blow to Jokanovic, it is undeniable that receiving a £24m transfer fee while in the second tier of English football is an extremely big boost for the Blades, something that would only be made better should the club indeed be due to get paid some of the potential £6m in add-ons in the near future.

While the closure of the summer transfer window means that the 53-year-old will have to wait until January to bring in further additions to his side, the extra injection of cash will nevertheless leave the Serbian manager buzzing, as it is abundantly clear that the Blades are in need of greater depth in their first-team squad.

Indeed, things could hardly have started worse for the recently relegated side in their 2021/22 Championship campaign, with one of the pre-season promotion favourites having picked up a mere two points over their opening five fixtures of the season, results which have left Jokanovic’s side sitting in 23rd place in the second tier table.

As such, an extra £6m added to the Sheffield United January transfer kitty would certainly be a welcome boost for Jokanovic, who looks as if he will be facing a fight to avoid dropping out of the Championship at present, rather than securing promotion from it.

In other news: Report sheds light on SUFC deadline day disaster, Jokanovic will have been gutted