All posts by z3u9t.icu

Nottingham Forest have had a phenomenal season and will now have the opportunity to claim a place back in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years if they can take victory from the Championship play-offs.

Steve Cooper’s side will take on Sheffield United in the semi-final to hopefully gain a spot in the final at Wembley on the 29th of May, and if they could secure that promotion back into top-flight football they may find themselves in with the opportunity to attract players they have previously shown interest in but failed to sign in the past.

One player who has been speculated to be on Nottingham Forest’s transfer wish-list since the January transfer window is League One and MK Dons star Scott Twine, with the young midfielder attracting attention from many clubs this summer.

The 22-year-old has recently suffered heartbreak as his team crashed out of the League One play-off semi-finals losing their chance for promotion to the Championship next season and now Cooper can offer a solution for the youngster to join his promising side when the transfer window opens in a few weeks time.

Twine who was hailed “magic” by BBC Sport journalist Sanny Rudravajhala has been tearing it up in the third tier of the football league scoring 20 goals and contributing 13 assists to his team in his 47 league appearances this season, but it’s not just his goal contributions from the centre of the pitch that have caused great interest in the livewire.

The MK Dons star makes 3.3 shots, 2.4 key passes and 1.1 tackles on average per game, has created an impressive 17 big chances, wins the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (55%) and is successful in the majority of his dribbles (55%), proving that he is a huge presence on the pitch for his team both offensively and defensively.

These impressive attributes could be a major asset to Forest, especially if he can form an attacking partnership with winger Brennan Johnson in Cooper’s team next season.

The young pair could become a real force when you combine their talents to complement each other and could be a deadly duo against their opponents whether that be in the Championship or the Premier League.

Cooper will have to offer something the player can’t refuse as he will need to compete with Burnley, Norwich City, Middlesbrough and West Brom for the hot prospect’s signature this summer, but with the progress the Forest manager has already made at the club their potential and determination to compete could win the player over.

AND in other news: Offer made: Forest plotting deal for “outstanding” 6ft1 “revelation”, he’s McKenna 2.0

Leeds United could make a move to bring both Brenden Aaronson and Brennan Johnson to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones revealed that, should Leeds avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, Victor Orta could sanction a move for both RB Salzburg’s Aaronson and Nottingham Forest’s Johnson in the summer transfer window.

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Speaking about the Whites’ interest in the duo, Jones said: “I think they could get both if they stay up because they’re going to be ambitious and they know that the squad needs strengthening in all areas. So, stay up and I think they’ll go for both players.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering how impressive Aaronson and Johnson have been for their respective sides this season, Jones’ suggestion that Orta could launch a bid for both players this summer is sure to be news that will have the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over Aaronson’s 23 Austrian Bundesliga appearances this season, the £18m-rated attacking midfielder has been in fantastic form for Matthias Jaissle’s side, scoring four goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots, making 1.7 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £19k-per-week 21-year-old average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.88, with the forward – who is reported to be available for a figure of around £20m this summer – playing a key role in Salzburg’s title-winning campaign.

Meanwhile, over Johnson’s 45 Championship outings this term, the £900k-rated forward-thinking midfielder has been in electric form in the Nottingham Forest attack, bagging 15 goals, providing ten assists and creating 15 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics have seen the £2.5k-per-week 20-year-old – who is also reported to have an asking price of £20m this summer – average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Steve Cooper’s fourth-best outfielder in the second tier.

As such, should Orta go on to land the £40m duo this summer, it is clear for all to see that Jesse Marsch would be gaining two exceptionally talented young midfielders, both of whom would undoubtedly help to fire Leeds back towards the top half of the Premier League table next season – if, that is, the Whites avoid the drop come the end of the current campaign.

AND in other news: Leeds must launch bid for “unplayable” £59m-rated “monster”, Marsch “would love him”

Celtic are keen on offloading unwanted goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas in the summer transfer window, according to a new report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Barkas struggling for minutes

The Hoops have enjoyed an excellent season to date, still being in pole position to seal Premiership glory, having already won the Scottish League Cup.

Barkas hasn’t played much of a part in proceedings, though, with the 27-year-old appearing just once in the league so far in 2021/22. Last summer, goalkeeping coach Derek Soutar branded some of the Greek’s mistakes as “inexplicable”.

A fresh report suggests that the £19k-per-week stopper’s time at Parkhead may be reaching its natural conclusion.

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The Latest: Summer exit expected for Barkas

According to Football Insider, Barkas is free to leave Celtic this summer, with his current contract expiring in 2024.

The Hoops are instead looking for a ‘new senior goalkeeper’ to come in and replace the Greek, with a Lennoxtown source saying they want to offload him permanently, even if it is at a significant loss on their initial £4.5m investment.

The Verdict: Shrewd decision by Hoops

This makes perfect sense for Celtic, with Barkas’ contract situation also meaning that they could receive a fee for him, rather than losing him on a free transfer.

He has only managed 24 appearances for the club in two years and has never been able to oust Joe Hart as first-choice between the sticks this season, so it does seem time for him to move on.

Bringing in a superior ‘keeper as competition for Hart, or maybe even a long-term replacement for the English veteran, would help to make competition for places even stronger in Ange Postecoglou’s squad moving forward.

In other news, another Celtic transfer claim has emerged. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur would sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Newcastle United this summer if the right offer arrives, despite Daniel Levy being ‘furious’ with the club’s takeover last year, according to pundit Paddy Kenny.

The Lowdown: ‘Furious’ Levy

Earlier this week, it was claimed by The Mirror that the Magpies are looking to sign the 26-year-old for a fee believed to be in the region of £30m in the upcoming transfer window, with the report also suggesting that the midfielder would be allowed to leave the Lilywhites if a suitable offer came in.

However, when the takeover at St. James’ Park was completed last October, The Daily Mail reported that the Spurs chairman was “furious” and even made attempts to try and stop Newcastle agreeing a new sponsorship deal.

Regardless of this, the former Leeds United goalkeeper believes that the north London giants will still carry out business as usual with Eddie Howe’s outfit, as long as the price is right.

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The Latest: All about finances

During a recent interview, Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild: “It’s all about the money at the end of the day.

“If Spurs want to get rid of Hojbjerg and Newcastle are the only club offering the money, they will sell, it’s as simple as that.

“You can talk about how you don’t like the takeover and how it might affect other clubs but I’m sure those clubs won’t turn down the money if it comes their way.

“Daniel Levy is the money man, he might be furious but it’s all talk, he might try and make Newcastle overpay but they aren’t stupid.

“Newcastle will walk away if he’s making ridiculous demands. So we will have to see with this one.

“But it’s not like Tottenham will never sell a player to Newcastle ever again, do you know what I mean? That’s not how football works.”

The Verdict: Conte surely wants to keep him

The Denmark international has been a regular feature in Antonio Conte’s starting XI this season, making 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and chipping in with four assists in that time, as per Transfermarkt.

Hojbjerg has been involved in all 28 outings since the Italian arrived in the capital last November, so it’s no secret that the manager seems to be an admirer of the £36m-rated star.

Once dubbed as being a “phenomenal” player by ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, it would be a huge loss if the 6-foot maestro was to depart Tottenham, especially to a big-spending Premier League rival looking to move up the ranks..

In other news… Paratici is reportedly eyeing a summer move for a £24k-per-week ace. 

Thomas Frank is clearly a clever man. The Tottenham Hotspur manager is a bona fide tactician, and he has credentials in the Premier League after lifting Brentford into the top flight and keeping them there with a flourish.

But the Danish coach’s skills haven’t yet translated to Tottenham, not in the same manner, not with the same snap and grace.

Tottenham are 11th in the league standings, and they have two points from their past five matches. Home ground misery has spilt from last season into the new campaign, and this is forming the crux of a general air of frustration that may threaten Frank’s tenure if he does not find a solution quickly.

Much has been made of the north Londoners’ creative problems this season, but Frank’s resilient and organised defensive structure is also leaving something to be desired, prompting Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici to start searching for reinforcements.

Spurs searching for a defender

Frank’s well-ordered system lends itself to stability in the Premier League. He is not known as an attack-centric coach, but the rises of Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney and Yoane Wissa bear testament to his man-management skills and tactical expertise across the board.

But it’s clear that Tottenham need more high-quality depth at the rear, with questionable recruitment in recent years leading to a lopsided outfit that quite simply doesn’t boast the wider quality to challenge at the very top of the division.

Burnley

28

28.8

West Ham

28

23.1

Nott’m Forest

22

21.3

Leeds

26

19.7

Tottenham

18

19.5

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are talented centre-halves, but the pool is shallow beneath them, and that’s why Tottenham are gearing up for a winter raid on a Premier League rival.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are preparing an ambitious £40m bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who has been among the standouts for Fabian Hurzeler this season.

The Dutchman is physical and technically dynamic, and given that he is contracted to the AMEX until 2027, now represents the perfect time to strike.

What Van Hecke would offer Spurs

Van Hecke, 25 years old, has been at Brighton since signing from NAC Breda in 2022, spending his first two years out on loan and since featuring 107 times across all competitions. He was immense last term, earning praise for his “unbelievable season” from his manager.

You may have seen Van Hecke’s name crop up in recent days. He netted a brace during Brighton’s frantic 4-3 defeat to winning machine Aston Villa, emulating both Romero and Van de Ven in that regard.

Standing at 6 foot 2 and with a limber frame, the Netherlands native is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and athletic centre-backs in the Premier League, ranking among the top 5% of positional peers in the division this season for goals scored, the top 21% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

This underscores both his athleticism and proactivity on the ball. In this, he shares traits with Romero, who has scored three times but also assisted two goals across all competitions this year.

But the central point here is that Van Hecke is good enough to start; he would not move to the capital and play under Frank only to languish on the fringes.

Romero is the captain and a real talismanic force for a squad in need of guidance, but given Van Hecke’s enterprising passing and willingness to run, might he threaten countryman Van de Ven’s place in the starting line-up?

Matches (starts)

13 (13)

14 (14)

Goals

3

3

Assists

0

0

Touches*

69.2

86.4

Accurate passes*

53.2 (91%)

62.6 (87%)

Dribbles*

0.3

0.1

Ball recoveries*

3.7

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

2.5

Clearances*

3.5

5.1

Duels (won)*

3.4 (51%)

5.6 (60%)

Errors

2

1

Van de Ven simply isn’t winning enough duels this season. He is an elite athletic profile and a force to be reckoned with, but there is gas in the tank he is not burning right now, and a true challenger for his starting spot could jumpstart him into action.

Then again, Van Hecke does have the quality to nail down a berth, with former striker Pierre van Hooijdonk actually describing him as a “positively crazy” defender, something that can work in your favour as a centre-back, if harnessed effectively.

This Romero-esque player could prove a jackpot signing for Tottenham if signed, not only deepening Frank’s options but also enriching the quality of a team that has more to give.

Spurs star is becoming Frank's own version of Kane & he's not even a forward

This Tottenham star is becoming a talismanic force for Frank’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

Dominic Solanke was again absent from training ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt.

Solanke last played for Spurs on August 23 against Manchester City and, even though he recently returned to training after a troublesome ankle injury disrupted his pre-season, he was conspicuous by his absence on Monday morning in Enfield.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank played down concerns over Solanke’s fitness on Friday ahead of the visit of Wolves, but with the England forward not able to feature in open training before the club fly to Bodo for Tuesday’s Champions League clash, the squad are short of attacking options.

Paris St Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani was also absence as he deals with a dead leg, but Ben Davies did take part in the session after a minor knee issue.

Summer recruit Kota Takai also featured after a plantar fascia problem in recent months and Yves Bissouma was back.

Tottenham willing to make £50m+ offer to sign Euro 2024 Golden Boot winner

Spurs are prepared to make a big bid for a new forward.

ByDominic Lund Sep 29, 2025

Bissouma has not played for Tottenham this season after he was dropped from the Super Cup squad for being late on multiple occasions. He then suffered a knee injury in training days later.

Celtic are back from the international break and find themselves preparing for a tough run of fixtures, including the start of their Europa League campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

The Irishman has spoken in frank fashion about the frustration he faced during the summer transfer window, claiming his side ‘weren’t ready’ for their Champions League playoff match against Kairat Almaty after the Parkhead hierarchy failed to push critical deals over the line.

Not Nygren: Rodgers must bench Celtic flop to hand new signing a debut

Brendan Rodgers must drop this Celtic lightweight to unleash one of his new signings.

ByDan Emery Sep 14, 2025

Nevertheless, the Bhoys brought in ten new players by the end of the market period before Kelechi Iheanacho was released from his Sevilla contract to sign as a free agent.

However, the lack of synergy between the Celtic board and Rodgers has been on show for all to see, and one of his lesser-spotted summer signings has now sent an intriguing social media message that may explain his own situation in a little more detail.

Celtic loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey sends cryptic Instagram message

Taking to Instagram, Celtic summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey changed his profile picture on the platform to reflect a message that said ‘Delays teach patience, which prepares you for blessings’ after failing to make a first-team appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester City.

Becoming the Hoops’ eighth addition of the window, the 19-year-old has also been left out of the Bhoys’ Europa League squad by Rodgers alongside Callum Osmand, Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura, causing some to question why he was acquired in the first place.

For now, Lennoxtown product Dane Murray appears to be ahead of Simpson-Pusey in the pecking order and is usually first in line to come off the bench when Rodgers decides to shuffle his backline around.

Regardless, there is a long season ahead for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and there is every chance that the England youth international could have a part to play as his loan club pursue another domestic treble.

What has Brendan Rodgers said about Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?

Shortly after his arrival in Glasgow was confirmed, Rodgers admitted to the press before his side defeated Aberdeen in August that Simpson-Pusey may be some way off featuring regularly due to his lack of a full-intensity pre-season.

He stated via Sky Sports: “He’s a little bit away in fairness to Jahmai. He’s been training with the small group at Manchester City and isn’t quite up to speed yet. You can see his quality straightaway and it’s just going to take a bit of time in terms of his fitness and the intensity.”

Clearly, Simpson-Pusey is a man with plenty of talent, given he claimed the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term and also made six appearances in the first-team under Pep Guardiola.

Now, he faces the challenge of nailing down a regular slot in Celtic’s backline, which may require persistence as the Manchester-born man looks to unseat the likes of Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty over the coming months.

Manchester United’s front line has massively disappointed throughout the 2024/25 campaign, being one of the main reasons for their dismal Premier League finish.

The Red Devils finished in 15th place, just three places above the relegation zone, finishing the season with two times fewer points than eventual champions Liverpool.

Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo finished as the top scorers for Ruben Amorim’s side, both notching just eight goals, with no player managing to reach double figures in the league.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were both massively out of form throughout the entire year, only scoring seven goals in the Premier League between them.

As a result, the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in such a department, with numerous names already mentioned with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

With the transfer window set to open over the next couple of weeks, United have already begun work to land new stars to help Amorim’s quest of being a success in charge of the club.

Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitiké and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with a summer switch to join the Red Devils, but as of yet, no progress has yet been made on such deals.

However, work has been conducted on a deal to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen over recent days, that’s according to Italian journalist Valter De Maggio.

He claimed on radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli, that the Red Devils hierarchy have met up with the Serie A side and negotiated a potential deal for the Nigerian international.

The journalist also confirmed that Antonio Conte’s side would want £40m plus current striker Hojlund in the other direction for the 26-year-old, who’s scored 36 times in 40 appearances on loan at Galatasaray this season.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Delap

Over the last couple of weeks, striker Liam Delap has been widely touted with a move to join United this summer after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

The 22-year-old scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich Town, undoubtedly being their shining light in a dismal campaign, leading to his subsequent links to join the Red Devils.

However, despite the interest, it appears as though Amorim’s side are set to miss out on a deal for his services, with Chelsea taking the lead in the race for his signature in recent days.

It’s been reported that United’s lack of European football has handed the Blues the advantage, leading to the potential interest in a deal for Osimhen as a result.

However, when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Nigerian has managed to better him in various key areas – undoubtedly being a better addition than Delap.

The Napoli star, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored the Englishman and registered a higher shot on target rate – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted and achieved a higher take-on success rate, handing Amorim an all round option in the final third – something he’s greatly missed.

Games played

29

37

Goals & assists

30

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

43%

Shots on target per game

3.4

1

Pass accuracy

68%

61%

Take-on success

60%

46%

Aerials won

64%

42%

Osimhen’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials, with his ability in the air offering the club a needed focal point, which they desperately need to take them back to their former glory.

The reported deal, which could see Hojlund move back to Serie A, may prove to be a blessing in disguise for United, moving on a player who’s simply not at the level required for the Premier League.

It may be disappointing to miss out on Delap given the bargain price he’s available for, but the Nigerian has demonstrated that he’s a better option, handing the club the elite-level attacker they need to right the wrongs of 2024/25.

Forget Garnacho: Man Utd must sell flop who's worth even more than Cunha

Man Utd could find a different solution to selling Alejandro Garnacho…

ByRobbie Walls May 29, 2025

Leeds United are looking to sign a “fantastic” defender as a replacement for Junior Firpo this summer, with the left-back potentially leaving the Whites, according to a report.

Firpo's time at Elland Road may be coming to an end

Firpo played an important role in Leeds’ promotion from the Championship last season, with the Dominician Republic international picking up four goals and ten assists in 32 league appearances.

However, it now looks as though the left-back’s time at Elland Road could be coming to an end, with the 28-year-old’s contract set to expire this summer, and he has been attracting interest from the likes of Lazio and soon-to-be Premier League rivals Everton.

Last week, there were reports that Daniel Farke’s side have submitted a contract offer to extend the defender’s stay in Yorkshire, but a more recent update indicates that Firpo is set to depart, with the Whites now identifying a Premier League defender as a potential replacement.

Leeds considering swoop for "incredible" striker who'd be their new Wood

Leeds are reportedly considering a move for a star who could be Daniel Farke’s own Chris Wood.

ByDan Emery May 21, 2025

According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds are now looking to sign Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas, who would go straight into Farke’s starting XI, with the Reds likely to accept a bid of around £12m – £15m for the left-back in the summer.

With Arne Slot’s side making moves to sign AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, they won’t stand in Tsimikas’ way if a suitable offer is received, potentially opening the door for a move to Elland Road.

Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke also offered a further update on Firpo’s future, saying: “Leeds are going to be in the market for a new left-back in this summer’s window with Junior Firpo likely to leave… [Tsimikas] could come straight into that team and improve them.”

Tsimikas could be "fantastic" Firpo replacement

The Greek defender didn’t exactly play a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph, making 18 appearances throughout the campaign, but he has impressed for the Reds in the past, having once been dubbed “fantastic” by journalist Ian Doyle.

With Leeds looking to avoid relegation from the top flight next season, it could be important to bring in players with top-level experience, and the 29-year-old fits the bill, receiving the Man of the Match award against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last October.

The Liverpool ace is also strong at winning back possession, ranking in the 95th percentile for interceptions per 90, and the 79th percentile for tackles, when compared to other full-backs over the past year.

Of course, it would be a shame to see Firpo leave, given the role the defender played in Leeds’ promotion last season, but there are plenty of signs that Tsimikas could be a solid replacement, and a fee of £15m wouldn’t break the bank.