All posts by z3u9t.icu

Luke Hatfield, who covers Wolves for The Express and Star, believes the club aren’t as open to selling goalkeeper Rui Patricio as reports suggest.

Patricio has been a crucial part of Wolves’ success following their promotion to the Premier League, missing just two games in total, but widespread reports believe that he could be leaving this summer.

Sky in Italy said last month that the Portuguese shotstopper, who played every minute for his nation at Euro 2020, is on the verge of signing for Roma, with the two clubs close to agreeing a price for him.

But contrast to several rumours and stories, Hatfield told Football FanCast that the Midlands outfit are keeping their cool over Patricio’s possible Wolves exit:

“I don’t think Wolves are as open to selling him as some of the reports maybe say. I think they will probably look at the offer and then will consider them.

“Obviously, goalkeepers last a little bit longer than their outfield counterparts, but maybe they look at it and say, ‘Patricio has done really well for us and let him go for x amount of money and buy someone cheaper’.”

When the reports of Patricio leaving came about, it came as a huge surprise, not least to Wolves fans.

Whilst the opportunity to work with recently-appointed Roma boss Jose Mourinho doesn’t come around often, the Italian giants aren’t even in the Champions League or Europa League, so it would appear a strange to leave the Premier League having enjoyed so much success in the last three years.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s interest in West Ham centre-back Issa Diop…

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, the Magpies have ‘established contacts’ with the Hammers over a potential deal for the defender.

The reporter has claimed that Watford are also in the race for his signature, whilst Paris Saint-Germain colossus Abdou Diallo is another player on the radar of the Toon Army.

Philippe Albert 2.0

In Diop, Howe can find Newcastle’s Philippe Albert 2.0 by signing a defensive “monster” who can lead from the back for the Magpies.

Albert played 137 times for the club, including 97 games in the Premier League and matches in Europe, and was capped 41 times by Belgium throughout his career.

The centre-back, who has been dubbed a club legend by The Chronicle, enjoyed a fantastic spell on Tyneside and Diop could follow in his footsteps by arriving in January and excelling in the side – going on to match or better Albert’s run at St. James’ Park.

In just over three years in England, the 24-year-old has made 88 appearances in the Premier League and played 108 games for West Ham. He has also made five appearances in the Europa League this season, showing that he – like Albert – has experience of playing European football as well as in the English top-flight.

Jose Mourinho previously lauded the West Ham recruitment staff for their work in landing the centre-back, saying: “Congratulations to the scout who found Diop, a monster who dictated everything.”

Diop has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.16 in the Europa League, making 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game from centre-back. In his first Premier League campaign for West Ham, he averaged a score of 6.89 and made 4.0 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he has the potential to be a top-quality performer at this level for Howe if he can get him playing at his best.

Therefore, Newcastle must ensure that they are able to get a deal over the line for the £10.8m-rated gem as he could end up being a reliable, consistent, option at centre-back and end up playing many games in the top-flight for the Magpies. Albert was a European defender who managed that feat in his time at the club and Howe can find the next one on the production line by landing Diop in January.

AND in other news, “Decision has been made”: Romano drops major transfer update that’ll delight NUFC fans…

Frank Lampard and Everton must do everything in their power to keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park, with interest said to be high this summer.

What’s the latest?

The Everton striker has been heavily linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s resurged Arsenal side, with reports suggesting that Calvert-Lewin could in fact leave in the summer to help the Merseyside club with the £373m losses suffered over the last few seasons.

The rules surrounding financial fair play allow for maximum combined losses of £105m over three years, with Everton looking as though they will be forced to sell one of their big-name players in order to comply with FFP.

Former Tottenham and Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has suggested that the 25-year-old England forward would be better placed at West Ham United:

“I think for Calvert-Lewin, West Ham. They need another centre-forward, they cross the ball.”

Though Bent also added that Everton would have to lower their reported asking price of £60m if they wanted to attract viable suitors for the 25-year-old.

“If Everton ask for £60m no one’s buying him for that.” When prompted on Calvert-Lewin’s worth, Bent said: “£35m-£40m”

No DCL, No Party

With the pressures of FFP surrounding them, Everton will need to offload one of either Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison in order to relieve some pressure and reach a more confident position when it comes to balancing their books.

Of course, if the Toffees are to suffer relegation to the Championship this season, both would likely depart.

Having featured just 11 times for Everton this season, scoring on just three occasions, Calvert-Lewin’s goals have been a big miss for the Toffees and it is no coincidence that the Merseyside blues find themselves in the precarious position of 17th, having played their fair share of games without the star man.

It’s easy to forget that the £72k-per-week forward netted a solid 16 Premier League goals just last season and 13 the season prior, which showcases how big a disaster it would be to lose him permanently.

Calvert-Lewin has been a big miss for the Toffees and his importance has been evidenced this season, as Lampard’s side are battling to avoid what would be a catastrophic relegation to the second-tier.

The Toffees faithful will be hoping that Calvert-Lewin can return to his goalscoring ways before the end of the season.

In other news – Forget Keane: “Embarrassing” Everton dud who lost 100% duels let Lampard down…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Jesse Lingard, regarding Manchester United’s transfer plans for him.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are willing to part ways with the England international for a fee of £10m in January.

The report claims West Ham and Newcastle could be in the race to land his signature, with the latter’s interest potentially increasing the fee United can sell him for.

Ben Arfa 2.0

Eddie Howe could find Newcastle’s new Hatem Ben Arfa with a £10m deal for Lingard in the upcoming transfer window.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-newcastle-howe-ter-stegen” title= “Read the latest Newcastle news!”]

The French attacking midfielder enjoyed an impressive spell at St. James’ Park as he produced 15 goals and 16 assists in 86 appearances for the club. He was capable of the spectacular and scored two sensational individual goals against Blackburn and Bolton during his time in England.

Lingard is a player who can provide Newcastle with similar qualities. He scored a stunning solo strike against Wolves for West Ham earlier this year and ended his loan spell with the Hammers on nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League games, showing that – like Ben Arfa – he can provide plenty from advanced midfield positions.

United coach Michael Carrick once praised the midfielder’s willingness to make runs off the ball and move players around. He said:

“I think his movement is excellent. It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.

“He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

This highlights his work out of possession to go with his Ben Arfa-like quality in the final third on the ball, which makes him a well-rounded player who could offer a lot to Newcastle in the second half of the season. Howe could pull off a masterclass by bringing him to Tyneside as his statistics for West Ham suggest that he could make the difference at the top end of the pitch and win matches for the Magpies.

The ex-Bournemouth coach must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Lingard as his goals and assists could end up being the difference between survival and relegation, should he help the club win more matches with his contributions. He has proven that he can deliver in the Premier League and produce magical moments, thus demonstrating he could be the Ben Arfa 2.0 that Howe needs.

AND in other news, Howe could win over NUFC fans by axing £41k-p/w dud and landing “magnificent” beast…

Everton made five new signings in the winter transfer window, with Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli joining the squad on Deadline Day alongside the new manager Frank Lampard, however, both signings haven’t worked out the way they planned.

Alli has been anonymous for Everton only playing just 169 minutes since he joined over 3 months ago, whereas van de Beek has been given slightly more opportunity to prove himself in the team playing 430 minutes in six appearances.

However, on that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan said after they signed that they were the “runts of the litter” at Manchester United and Tottenham.

The £34m van de Beek is on loan from Man United following a problematic time at Old Trafford with only four Premier League starts for his parent club, and was given a lifeline at Goodison Park to prove his worth, but has failed to make a significant impact.

Van de Beek has not scored or assisted in the game time he has tallied up with the Toffees so far from his position in the centre of the pitch, with his most impactful performance coming in his full debut in a 3-0 win over Leeds United.

According to SofaScore, the 25-year-old made four tackles, one interception, one key pass and was successful in three out of four of his aerial duels over his 90 minutes played which led to Lampard hailing his signing “great”. Sadly, he has not since been able to emulate this performance.

One of the most notable Everton displays since the Toffees boss joined the club was the 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last month, where van de Beek put in a shocking performance losing the majority of his duels and proving unsuccessful in 100% of his crosses leading to Lampard benching the midfielder in the 59th minute.

Since then the Man Utd loanee, who was labelled “not that good” by Marco van Basten and “anonymous” by writer Peter Guy, has missed out on the last four fixtures following a thigh injury, and with the team securing a victory this weekend following Fabian Delph’s return to the side, it would be interesting if he even makes it back into the team against Leicester City a week on Wednesday.

Everton have a number of midfielders in the squad with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Delph and Andre Gomes to name a few, so with reports mounting that the club want to sign the Dutch maestro permanently, it seems like a pointless venture and a waste of money when you factor in his mediocre impact.

With the Dutchman’s former coach Erik ten Hag expected to become the next United manager, it would be more likely that he parts ways with the Merseyside club and takes his chances at getting back into the team at Old Trafford.

Lampard should certainly see it as a blessing in disguise as Everton needs to tighten their belt financially.

In other news: Lampard must brutally axe £19.8m-rated Everton “freak” who’s an “utter waste of time”

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Paul Robinson has shared his Jesse Lingard belief amid yet more reports linking him with a return to West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham still eyeing Lingard?

Despite the signing of Croatia international Nikola Vlasic, some reports have come out over the last month linking the Hammers with a possible return swoop.

Lingard is out of contract at the end of this season as talks remain ongoing over a possible Old Trafford extension, but as it stands, he could leave for free in 2022.

According to The Sun, United will consider a cut price £15 million offer for the forward if he continues to refuse new deal offers – coming after Football Insider claimed last month that West Ham are still interested.

Lingard himself admitted he needs to playing regularly to stand any chance of going to next year’s World Cup with England, with Robinson now reacting to this message and sharing his belief.

The Latest: Robinson shares Lingard belief…

Speaking to FI, the former Premier League goalkeeper insists a return to the London Stadium ‘could be on the cards’ next year.

“A return to West Ham could be on the cards judging by that,” explained Robinson when asked about Lingard’s admission.

“If Lingard wants any kind of international career he needs to be getting regular starts. I don’t think a bit-part role at Man United is going to be enough for him.

“He played well against Andorra. I’m a big fan of his. I really like the way he plays. He looks a completely different player since he’s come back from West Ham.

“The worry would be that he regresses again as his game time reduces. He is not getting the minutes that he wants.

“There will be a couple of exits from Man United in January. Lingard could well be one of them. I think there will be activity there.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 28-year-old’s spell on loan under David Moyes last season certainly seemed to be a game-changer for his career.

Even now, despite the lack of game time, Lingard has bagged a brilliant two league goals in just 45 minutes of Premier League action for the Red Devils this season and he may well need to get more of a look-in.

If West Ham do decide to take a punt in January, especially for a mooted £15m, it may well pay off – former Hammer Nigel Winterburn lauded him as ‘sensational’, and his displays on loan last term certainly back up that description.

In other news: West Ham plotting big money bid to sign 115-goal striker who Moyes personally wants, find out more here.

Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe will not retain his spot in Dean Smith’s starting line-up for today’s game with Tottenham Hotspur, according to Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Hause the matchwinner

The 23-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester United for the second time in his career, started three consecutive games in a row against Brentford, Chelsea and Everton before missing last week’s win at Old Trafford as he was ineligible to face his parent club.

Kortney Hause filled the vacancy in Smith’s side and scored his first goal since Boxing Day with an 88th-minute header to earn Villa their first win at United since 2009.

Ahead of today’s Premier League game with Tottenham, Smith now has a decision to make on who to start alongside Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa in defence.

The Latest: Bench only for Tuanzebe

Speaking to Football Insider, former Arsenal striker and occasional Sky Sports pundit Campbell has explained why he believes Tuanzebe will only make the bench this afternoon.

He said: “It’s a big call. What a great problem for Dean Smith to have though.

“I think it would be very difficult for him to drop Hause after he scored the winner against United. For that reason I think Hause will start ahead of Tuanzebe. I really think he will be the one who gets the nod with Mings and Konsa.”

Campbell continued: “As a unit, Villa player brilliantly against United and Hause was one of the star players. I think Smith will go with an unchanged side if he can. How can you drop anyone from a side that just beat Man United at Old Trafford?”

The Verdict: Kane on form

Whoever Smith decides to start with at the back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they must be at their best to stop Harry Kane from adding to his Thursday hat-trick in the Europa Conference League.

Against United, Hause completed 23 of his 30 passes, won all of his aerial duels and had two blocks and two interceptions (Sofascore) as Villa kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet throughout the game.

Tuanzebe may count himself unlucky if he is dropped to the bench, but after a goal and clean sheet at Old Trafford, starting Hause makes sense for Smith. We’re with Campbell on this one.

In other news, these Villa fans have reacted to a journalist update on the upcoming international break. Find out more here.

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his defensive options.

What’s the story?

Highly-rated centre-back Wesley Fofana suffered a fractured fibula during a pre-season game against Villarreal on Wednesday, leaving the Midlands outfit in desperate need of an additional centre-back before the new campaign kicks off.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Foxes are one of four Premier League clubs interested in acquiring Lenglet’s services this summer, with Everton, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion also credited with an interest.

The report claims that Barca are offering the 26-year-old around to several clubs as they’re keen to secure a sale, allowing them to lower their wage bill and facilitate the registration of their new signings.

Jon Rudkin must swoop

Lenglet arrived at Camp Nou from Sevilla in a £31.7m deal back in 2018, but he’s failed to live up to expectations with the Catalan giants. He made 33 appearances in La Liga last season due to injury issues for Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique, although his performances left a lot to be desired.

The France international received a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.59 for his underwhelming displays, leading to speculation of an imminent exit.

However, on his day, Lenglet is still undoubtedly a top-class player capable of producing elite performances on the biggest of stages.

His international manager Didier Deschamps has previously lauded the £22.5m-rated gem, praising his technical ability, a key asset for a modern-day defender.

“He’s a top player. He’s got good technique, and despite his size, he’s not bothered by individual duels. He’s a player who’s improving every day, ” said Deschamps.

With Barca’s desperate financial situation well known and Lenglet reportedly up for sale and in need of a fresh start, Leicester’s director of football Jon Rudkin must swoop for the 26-year-old this summer.

The 6 ft 1 beast would solve the FA Cup holders’ shortage in the heart of defence, provide Rodgers with a natural left-footed option at centre-back and potentially deliver a significant boost to their chances of finishing inside the top four.

In other news… Sky Sports drop concerning Leicester City transfer update that’ll leave fans worried 

New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will oversee his first game in charge of the club when they take on Brighton at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

Villa lured the former Liverpool captain away from Ibrox as the man to replace Dean Smith in the dugout, and he will have his task cut out to claim a victory against a Seagulls side performing above expectations this season – ahead of the weekend, they find themselves in seventh place and not far off the top four.

Given the wretched run of form that Villa have had, losing five league matches on the spin, getting the home crowd roaring by naming a forward-thinking line-up ahead of the game could be the perfect start for Gerrard in the Midlands.

While Danny Ings hasn’t exactly enjoyed a barnstorming start to his own career at Villa Park, his inclusion in the starting XI could spark a fire up front.

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison once compared him to Robbie Keane for his “first-class” movement, while Ralph Hasenhuttl, his former boss at St Mary’s, lauded his exploits as “unbelievable”.

The £16m-rated striker enjoyed a decent campaign in the Premier League last season, firing in 12 goals in just 29 top-flight games – that followed up from his outstanding season the year before when he bagged 22 goals and finished just behind Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy (23).

The 29-year-old got his Villa career off to the perfect start with two goals in his first two games, but goals have been far harder to come by since then, with his team’s overall struggles not being the most ideal situation either.

However, with Gerrard having worked with the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe north of the border, the Villa boss will feel confident that he can get Ings firing again, and he could start by doing it against Brighton on Saturday.

A new manager and a new setup could be exactly what the summer signing needs to thrive at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa must finally sign this long-term transfer target…

Manchester United are planning to make a shock contract offer to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer next summer.

What’s the story?

The 26-year-old’s current deal expires in just 12 months’ time, and he’s reportedly become ‘irritated’ that Bayern have failed to renew talks after initial discussions took place earlier this year, according to SportBILD (via Sport Witness).

Delays in the negotiations have seen other clubs attempt to secure Goretzka’s signature, with the Red Devils putting concrete salary figures on the table, which are believed to be better than the proposal from the German giants.

SportBILD’s chief football reporter Christian Faulk confirmed the news, tweeting: “TRUE @ManUtd spoke to Leon Goretzka’s agents and offered specific salary figures. the club is interested in his transfer @SPORTBILD”.

The German outlet also claims that the dynamic midfielder’s management are expecting a contract worth up to €20m (£18m) for their client, but the Bundesliga are only offering between €10m (£8m) and €12m (£10m), thus presenting a serious stumbling block.

Solskjaer will be on cloud nine

With Paul Pogba’s future far from guaranteed, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be delighted that the club’s hierarchy are attempting to secure Goretzka’s services.

The German international has established himself as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the game over the last few seasons, becoming a crucial cog in an all-conquering Bayern side.

His outstanding performances have earned several plaudits in his homeland and across the continent, including his new boss at the Allianz Arena, Julian Nagelsmann.

“Leon is one of the best box-to-box players in Europe. He has incredible goal threat and knows when to bomb forward,” he explained.

Since arriving at Bayern in the summer of 2018, Goretzka has scored 25 goals and laid on a further 27 assists in 112 appearances for FC Hollywood, winning three Bundesliga titles, one Champions League crown and two DFB-Pokal’s along the way.

However, despite becoming a key player in Bavaria, the £63m-rated beast could be about to leave his homeland and sign for the 20-time English champions.

He has a history of running his contract down before moving on a free transfer having done so at Schalke in order to secure his move to Bayern, so it wouldn’t come as a shock to see Goretzka repeat the trick next summer.

Unites fans and Solskjaer will surely be urging the club’s hierarchy to match Goretzka’s demands and seal the deal, ensuring the Old Trafford outfit either have a natural heir or quality competition for Pogba next season.

AND in other news, MEN drop promising update on Man Utd’s £54m-rated “monster”, Solskjaer will be buzzing…