All posts by z3u9t.icu

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…

Some Liverpool supporters have been left unhappy after a new report claimed the Reds might choose not to replace Gini Wijnaldum this summer.

The Dutchman has played his last game for the Reds, following an outstanding five years at Anfield that saw him win both the Premier League and Champions League.

Not only was Wijnaldum a hugely consistent performer, but he was also rarely injured, meaning his exit to Paris Saint-Germain could leave a void in the midfield.

The hope is that Jurgen Klopp decides to sign a replacement for the 30-year-old, with Borussia Monchengladbach star Florian Neuhaus one player who has been linked with a move.

According to the Guardian‘s Andy Hunter [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], however, Liverpool may opt to rely on Curtis Jones to take Wijnaldum’s place, rather than bringing in a new face.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans fume at update

It an update that hasn’t gone down well with some Reds fans, with a number of them taking to Twitter to voice their frustration.

“News I don’t like seeing”

Credit: @lfc_zino

“We are getting relegated next season”

Credit: @Siphele59201757

“Well, I hope all those top reds are happy. Probably got what they wanted, absolute mugs”

Credit: @david_lfc16

“Unserious club”

Credit: @plainayo

“Top Reds won”

Credit: @AverageP3rs0n

“We need to protest this, our title defence was poor and if we continue like this we won’t challenge for anything so wake up people and let’s demand better from FSG”

Credit: @MadMax_SA

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been angered by an official club tweet – read more here.

Lille have made a formal approach for Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Spurs look to streamline right-back position before the window slams shut

With less than a week until the window slams shut, Lilywhites manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to complete any remaining transfer business at the club, in order to solely focus on the important playing schedule that lies ahead on domestic and European fronts.

Right-back looks to be one particularly overpopulated area within the Spurs roster, with Japhet Tanganga, Matt Doherty and Aurier all rivalling each-other for playing opportunities.

Now, the north Londoners look set to slim down in that spot following recent reports.

The Latest: Romano confirms Lille approach

Speaking to his large audience on Twitter, transfer guru Romano signified that Lille have made their move for the Ivorian, stating: “Tottenham have received an approach from Lille for Serge Aurier in case Çelik will leave.”

Atletico Madrid have commenced discussions with Lille full-back Zeki Celik, paving the way for Aurier to move to France.

Of course, the 28-year-old has been subject to speculation for a number of months after refusing to sign a new deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium [Sky Sports].

The Verdict: Right move for player and club to part ways

Enduring an erratic career in the Premier League, moving on to pastures new may be the best option for Aurier before the end of the summer window.

In 2020/21, the ex-Paris Saint Germain defender helped his current employers to UEFA Conference League qualification, registering five goal contributions in 27 appearances; two goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Aurier managed to win 123 duels across the piece in the Premier League last term [Premier League], but his lapses of concentration at the back were a major concern for some pundits.

Once labelled as ‘amazing’ by former Tottenham Hotspur man Paul Robinson, Spurs should look to sell Aurier on and re-invest any monetary gain to secure priority targets [Football Insider].

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a fee for a Premier League star. Find out more here.

After putting pen to paper on a new contract, Leeds United starlet Charlie Cresswell will be hoping of making his breakthrough under Marcelo Bielsa over the coming seasons.

The Whites confirmed earlier in the week that the 18-year-old had signed a new four-year deal to stay at Elland Road, and was of course named on the bench for the club’s Premier League clash against Everton last weekend.

Leeds have had many a great centre-back over their history, and in terms of the Premier League era, Rio Ferdinand is certainly up there with being the pick of the bunch.

While he eventually ended up joining rivals Manchester United, the former England international was a Rolls-Royce of a centre-back: quick, strong and superb on the ball.

Ferdinand was also a vocal presence that saw him eventually become captain at Old Trafford, and that innate leadership quality is something Cresswell possesses.

Speaking after signing his new contract, the centre-back himself said: “I’m confident, I’m a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! There’s lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.”

Dubbed a “dying breed” for his leadership and communication skills at the back, Leeds U23’s boss Mark Jackson added: “Charlie’s got that, he understands how to lead and we’ve been working with him a long time, in the academy even, when he first broke through in the 18s as a 16-year-old, (working) on his leadership skills.

“Even on the bench in the second half, he’s still talking behind me so that’s a positive because you don’t find many of them these days and we’ve got to try and embrace that, he’s got to try embrace it and develop it as well – and that’s a real positive within his game.”

The 6 foot 1 teenager appears to have all the tools in his locker to become the Whites’ next centre-back success story like Ferdinand at Elland Road.

Given Bielsa already appears to be integrating him into the first-team set-up after naming him on the bench against the Toffees last week, Cresswell could come on leaps and bounds learning directly from the Argentine.

The 18-year-old could be set for great things.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are eyeing a move for this “relentless” star…

Michael Ball has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Manchester City could take Harry Kane to the next level.

The Premier League champions are one of three English sides reportedly interested in signing the Tottenham ace this summer.

And with City’s financial history and need for a striker following Sergio Aguero’s departure, Pep Guardiola’s team are the most likely destination for Kane, with Daniel Levy expected to demand in the region of £150m.

The 27-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season and heading into Spurs’ final-day trip to Leicester, is the joint-top goalscorer with Mohamed Salah and top assister.

Should Kane outscore the Egyptian on Sunday, he’ll be the first player in the league’s history to top both the goals and assists charts in the same season.

It’s not just in the league where Kane has done his damage, though. He’s contributed 48 goals in 48 games for Tottenham – more than anyone else in the top-flight.

And Ball believes that should the frontman seal a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, Kane could become even better.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“Harry Kane walks into many teams, his ability is second to none, and his link-up with Son is fantastic.

“Imagine him putting a City shirt on, with the other players either side of him. He’s not just got one or two like when he’s at Spurs.

“At Manchester City, the players around him could bring Harry to another level.”

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now following Brazilian youngster Antony as Giovanni van Bronckhorst targets his first signing of the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Busy summer?

In his first summer transfer window at Ibrox, van Bronckhorst will want to put his own stamp on the squad, and so there should be expected to be plenty of incomings and outgoings before the new season starts.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-3/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Teddy Bears have recently been linked with a loan move for Billy Gilmour, but the likes of Alex Lowry, Joe Aribo and Filip Helander are reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League.

The Latest: Rangers following

As per A Bola, the Light Blues, as well as Basel, are now following young forward Antony ahead of a potential move in the summer.

Described as an ‘offensive weapon’, the Gers have ‘collected some notes’ on the versatile talent as they look to start their business straight away.

The Verdict: Exciting

It certainly is exciting for the supporters that the club seem to be looking at summer recruitment already, despite the season not being over.

A Brazilian who is just 20 years of age, Antony is an interesting albeit relatively unknown prospect, having scored two goals while on loan at Arouca in the Portuguese top flight from Corinthians.

Capable of playing virtually anywhere in the attack, from second striker to both wings, RFC will be hoping to add more depth to the squad once the window officially opens, and perhaps the young South American could be a good start.

In other news, find out what ‘disappointing’ Rangers update has now emerged here!