All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic’s key priority this summer is to improve their defensive line.Ange Postecoglou’s Hoops side have already been linked with a plethora of centre-backs but they now have a fresh target in the pipeline.What’s the word?It’s rare you find Fabrizio Romano dishing out Celtic transfer news but the Italian reporter had a surprising dose on Tuesday evening.Taking to Twitter, he revealed that the club were in the hunt to find a replacement for Kristoffer Ajer.He commented: “Celtic are in direct contact to negotiate personal terms with Swedish centre back Carl Starfelt as potential Ajer replacement. Opening bid set to be made to Rubin Kazan and talks now started.”Another reporter, Anel Avdic, then revealed a potential price tag: “According to our sources at Sport Expressen Celtic is ready to pay around £4m to Rubin Kazan,” he said.Fantastic signingStarfelt might not be in the same mould as Ajer but supporters should be elated if Celtic bring the Sweden international to Paradise this summer.At the age of 26, he’s closely reaching his prime and he’d suit Postecoglou’s style of play perfectly.Ajer is a defender who loves to bring the ball forward, dribbling out of defence on a relentless basis.[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-news-doig-nketiah-mccann” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]However, Starfelt is very different to that. Instead, he focuses on distribution, rather than progression. Postecoglou enjoys to play with an intense possession-based system and thus, the centre-back would feel right at home.Last season, he recorded a pass success rate of 91.4%, the highest number of any player in the Russian top-flight.Starfelt doesn’t find himself involved in too many defensive duels, but he very rarely loses out when he does go up against an attacker.The Rubin Kazan brute won 76% of his defensive duels, a higher number than Ajer who prevails in 70%.His tackle percentage is also remarkable, prevailing in a whopping 84%. That means the Swede wins 13% more of his challenges than the man he could replace at Parkhead.A titan in defensive situations, Starfelt is also adept at the modern side of the game, passing out from the back and starting the transition for an attack.At 6 foot 1, he is tall enough to dominate Scottish football and would be a bargain at just £4m.If he and Mario Vuskovic become the defensive partnership next season, fans should be drooling with excitement. They have the potential to end Celtic’s torrid defensive record.AND in other news, Celtic chiefs expect to sign £6.8m gem who’s “like Philipp Lahm”, fans will be buzzing…

Many Everton fans have been left to react as some big news emerged on Christophe Galtier.

As per Le10sport, LOSC Lille were demanding a fee of between €8-10m (£6.8-8.6m) to allow the manager to go to OGC Nice, but an agreement was not reached and so other clubs are still in the frame to be able to snap him up.

The Goodison Park faithful are reportedly interested in Galtier to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who has left to go and manage Real Madrid.

He has just come off the back of a stunning Ligue 1 title win over PSG, and former sporting director at Lille, Luis Campos, has claimed that he has ‘all the qualities’ to coach in England, and thinks that he would be a good choice for the Toffees.

Nonetheless, it seems as if a lot of members of the Merseyside club faithful would be more than willing for the Blues to pay the fee quoted in order to get their man.

Everton fans on Galtier news

These EFC supporters reacted to the news as it was shared on Twitter:

“Pay it then”

Credit: @efcIucas

“That’s less than a years salary for Carlo. Get it done.”

Credit: @WattyWattDogg

“Let’s do this!!”

Credit: @EFCevs

“Pay it immediately”

Credit: @Harmonov

“Double it fellas @Everton”

Credit: @rhysdav43668344

“Absolute peanuts. Give them it”

Credit: @MarkBirch1988

In other news, find out who would be a ‘superb appointment’ for Everton here!

Southampton’s hopes of signing Nuno Tavares this summer have been handed a boost after it was reported that Benfica are willing to sell the young defender for far less than his release clause amid interest from across Europe.

According to various Portuguese news outlets (via Hampshire Live), the Portuguese giants are willing to sell the 21-year-old for just €15m (£13m) this summer, despite an €88m (£75m) release clause in his contract.

The likes of Newcastle United, Brighton, Lazio and Napoli have also been credited with an interest in the Portuguese full-back, which suggests that Southampton will have to act quickly if they want to bring him to St Mary’s this summer.

The young defender has made just 41 appearances for Benfica in his senior career but has impressed in that time, contributing one goal and seven assists.

He has primarily featured as a left-back but can also play in left-midfield or right-back, which suggests that he could be a good back-up to Kyle Walker-Peters and Romain Perraud, who is reportedly close to signing from Stade Brest, in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side next season.

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Although Tavares would make just 14 appearances in the Liga NOS last season, he clearly has a huge amount of potential, with his agent Cesar Boaventura singing his praises earlier this year, describing him as “one of the fastest players in the whole Portuguese league”, whilst he also claimed that “he can become one of the best in Europe”.

Therefore, the Portugal U’21 international could be an excellent signing for the future at St Mary’s and would arrive with more pedigree than the likes of Yan Valery and Jake Vokins, who emphasised last season that they are not ready to be the second choice options for Hasenhuttl at right-back and left-back respectively.

Although he would cost marginally more than the £10m or less Hasenhuttl suggested Southampton would target players for this summer, the fact that Benfica have lowered their asking price means this is an opportunity that is too good to turn down for Saints CEO Martin Semmens, so he should definitely look to bring him to St Mary’s ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Southampton handed huge boost with “explosive” star, Semmens must deliver

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Josh Windass could score 20 goals in League One next season and fire the Owls back to the Championship.

Wednesday were relegated from English football’s second division with Windass finishing their disappointing campaign as the club’s top scorer in all competitions.

The 27-year-old attacker, whose contract expires next year, has been linked with a move to Hull City. However, father Dean recently quashed those rumours while stating that his son is happy at Hillsborough.

Other clubs are also said to be interested in Windass, but Palmer is hoping Darren Moore will be able to keep hold of him, believing the former Rangers man could score 20 goals in the third tier next term.

“Obviously you want to get promotion,” the ex-Wednesday player said. “People who score you goals, right, I think Josh is 20 goals a season in that league next season.

“You’ve got to try and hold onto him as much as you can, try and convince him that you’re going to go straight back up.”

With some of the teams reported to be interested in Windass including the likes of West Brom and Fulham, who will surely be fighting for Premier League promotion, Wednesday keeping hold of their top scorer looks like a difficult task.

Given the comments of Windass Snr, though, it does not seem impossible.

Celtic appear to be back in for former target Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous interest

The Hoops were linked with a move for the winger back in December. Neil Lennon made the 23-year-old his winter window transfer priority, but as we know, a deal never materialised.

Osayi-Samuel eventually left Queens Park Rangers for Fenerbahce; however, he has struggled in Turkey, scoring just once in 18 Super Lig appearances.

The Latest: Monaco in talks, Celtic interested

According to Turkish outlet Fotospor, Fenerbahce are in talks with Monaco over potentially including Osayi-Samuel in a swap deal for Henry Onyekuru.

The report adds however that ‘there is also interest from Celtic’ – an intriguing six-word claim at the end of the story.

Rivals Rangers are also credited with an interest, and it appears as if there is a real chance Osayi-Samuel’s stay in Turkey could be short-lived.

The Verdict: Just what Celtic need?

It’s safe to say Osayi-Samuel, who QPR boss Mark Warburton described as ‘outstanding’ last year, knows how to beat a man, and with Mohamed Elyounoussi’s second loan spell at Parkhead now over, the Nigerian could be a handy acquisition to bolster the attacking ranks.

He’s averaged 2.4 successful dribbles per game throughout his career, with Hoops star David Turnbull averaging just 0.4 per match [WhoScored], while Tom Rogic, perhaps the other competitor for that attacking midfield spot, manages 1.5 dribbles per showing.

Osayi-Samuel contributed to 14 Championship goals in the 2019/20 season, so if he could get back to that form, you’d expect him to be a real threat in the attacking third.

If the Hoops are serious about reigniting their interest in the 23-year-old, they may have to act relatively fast, as it appears as if Fenerbahce are looking to use him as part of a deal for Onyekuru.

In other news: Celtic hold talks with Ange Postecoglou alternative, find out more here. 

Lee Ryder has shared some insight from sources close to Mike Ashley regarding the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Ashley takes his stand

According to the The Shields Gazette, Ashley and the club are looking to take the Premier League to court for what they believe to be anti-competitive behaviour in their decision-making process on the proposed takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The St. James’ Park faithful have also taken on an anti-competition case given to them by Newcastle Consortium Supporters Limited (NCSL), with the top flight given fresh legal papers and Ashley looking to force them to put through the bid.

The Latest: Ashley determined to get takeover done

As shared by Ryder in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the chief executive of Sports Direct is understood to be “hellbent” on getting the proposed takeover approved, and sources close to him have indicated that his anti-competition legal battle is a signal of intent as he seeks justice from the PL over the failed bid from the KSA consortium.

Ashley wants damages, costs and interest from the division, as well as the whole takeover process restarted and ultimately that it is finally approved.

The Verdict: Arbitration a key indicator in takeover saga

While Ashley is now pursuing another big legal battle against the Premier League, the pending arbitration case between the two parties will be a key indicator over where the potential takeover heads.

A positive result for the Toon and the North East club could pave a pathway for a potential revival, but a negative one may be very difficult to come back from, especially with Ashley now seemingly starting a war on multiple fronts.

In other news, find out what big blow NUFC have received before Leicester City here!

According to German outlet Bild, Tottenham have made an offer for Borussia Monchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter.

The Lowdown: Alderweireld future uncertain

With this season approaching its end, Daniel Levy and co will be planning ahead to the new campaign as they seek a return to Champions League football.

Reports have suggested that Toby Alderweireld will only decide whether he wants to stay at the club when the new manager is appointed (Voetbal 24), meaning that Spurs may need a new centre-back.

The Latest: Spurs make Ginter bid

It is now being reported by Bild that Tottenham have already lodged a bid for Germany international Ginter.

Inter Milan, Liverpool and RB Leipzig are among the clubs also eyeing the former Borussia Dortmund man.

The Verdict: Top quality

In Ginter, Tottenham would be signing a top-quality defender. Any player who manages to earn 37 caps for Germany must have a certain amount of quality, and although he didn’t play a minute, he was selected as part of the squad for the 2014 World Cup, which Germany won in Brazil (Transfermarkt).

Not only that, he has even been compared to Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos by Germany great Lothar Matthaus (Bundesliga.com), while his average of 2.7 successful aerial duels per game is bettered only by Eric Dier (three) and Matt Doherty (2.9) at Tottenham (WhoScored).

He is currently valued at £31.5m (Transfermarkt), but it is unclear exactly how much Die Fohlen would want in exchange for his services. At 27 years of age, he is just entering his prime and is ready for a move to the Premier League. He could be an inspired purchase for Spurs.

In other news, Levy wants to hire this Champions League winner as the club’s new manager. 

According to a report by TEAMtalk, via West Ham Central, GSB fancy signing Orlando City striker Daryl Dike this summer, who is currently on loan at Barnsley – prompting these Irons supporters to erupt on social media.

Dike, who has scored nine goals in 12 Championship starts since joining the club on a temporary basis in January, has also managed an impressive 5.8 aerial duels won per game (WhoScored).

The 20-year-old, as a result, is attracting interest from West Ham and GSB – with these supporters raving over the claims of their club’s interest.

As well as some supporters calling him ‘massive’, with the forward standing at an imposing 6 foot 2, a section of these Irons fans have likened him to star striker Michail Antonio.

One supporter even claimed Dike could take Antonio’s place in the side as Hammers plead for GSB to potentially sign the striker this summer from Orlando.

Find all of their best verdicts on the forward down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Dike claim

“Would be the best day of my life.”

Credit: @AndrewKane221

“Under Antonio’s tutelage this lad could be different gravy”

Credit: @Dylan_Rudisill_

“Oh my dayssssss”

Credit: @FromTheAnvilWHU

“We totally should. Think he could be a good option off the bench. Antonio style work rate. He’s massive as well”

Credit: @jordan_smith510

“MAKE THIS HAPPEN”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“His link up play is improving & his flick ons & link up play since joining Barnsley are always improving!

I think he could bench Antonio”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

In other news: West Ham fans react as club confirm ‘great news’, find out more here.

Leeds are eyeing a summer swoop for Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher, who could offer the dynamism that Marcelo Bielsa’s side desperately need in midfield.

What’s the story?

The Whites have enjoyed an impressive return to the Premier League this season, finding themselves well away from the relegation places, and even looking up at the top-flight’s big six.

Now, journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that Bielsa have tracked Gallagher closely this campaign as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

Nixon added that the likes of Crystal Palace and Newcastle are also said to be interested, although the midfielder is keen to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.

Bielsa’s midfield general

Despite not making much of an impression just yet at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher has earned some rave reviews in his numerous loan spells elsewhere, with Charlton boss Lee Bowyer even labelling the £26m-rated midfielder a “jewel” that was “impossible to replace.”

And during his loan spell at Championship side Swansea last summer, Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews waxed lyrical about the kind of style of player Gallagher has become.

He said: “But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

At his current loan club West Brom, club captain Jake Livermore, has also been quick to praise him, saying: “His energy levels and quality in training every day is a steal for us and I’m tipping him to be a top, top player.”

Having a more adventurous, and dynamic midfielder like Gallagher, who can break into the box and offer goals from midfield, would be the perfect compliment to Kalvin Phillips, who could just sit back and dictate the play.

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Bielsa’s side have really lacked a goal-scoring midfielder this season, with Mateusz Klich’s two their highest scorer from the middle of the park so far.

In Gallagher, the Whites could sign someone who offers that extra bit of energy and attacking instinct from midfield, a player who could take some of the goalscoring burden off Patrick Bamford, and also share the creative load with Phillips too.

Meanwhile, Bielsa could light up Elland Road with this £26m-rated magician who’s “something special”…

Celtic could be offered cash plus loanee Diego Laxalt on a permanent basis in a deal for striker Odsonne Edouard this summer.

That’s according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, cited by Sports Witness, who claim that Milan view Edouard as a possible option to challenge Zlatan Ibrahimovic next season.

No Laxalt option for Celtic

Laxalt, on £57,000-a-week, has made 25 appearances for the Hoops during his season-long loan, scoring once.

There’s no option to make a move permanent for the left-back, however, it seems as if the Italian giants could test Celtic’s resolve with a cash bid for Edouard involving the Uruguay international.

Transfer Tavern take

Edouard, on £19,000-a-week in Glasgow, will have just 12 months left on his Celtic contract in the summer.

The Frenchman reportedly wants to quit the club this summer, regardless of who comes in as Neil Lennon’s successor, so it would be interesting to see how much cash Milan would be willing to offer alongside Laxalt.

Going off Transfermarkt valuations, Edouard is worth £13.5m, whereas Laxalt’s market value sits at £3.6m. Based on that, could Milan offer around £10m? Only time will tell.

In other news: Premier League club tracking Hoops starlet, find out who it is here.