All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of mooted transfer target Andrea Belotti this week…

What’s the word?

During the summer transfer window, the north London outfit were reportedly ‘observing’ the 27-year-old’s situation as he entered the final year of his current contract at Serie A outfit Torino, as per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

They were once again linked ahead of January and now it seems as if they have been gifted their biggest boost yet, should sporting director Fabio Paratici still retain such interest.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Bulls have offered him a new deal but nothing has been agreed, as he also relayed comments from club president Urbano Cairo, who said: “I don’t see big chances to extend his contract, but we’ll see.”

Should they swoop?

It would not be a surprise to see Spurs make a move for a striker in the near future, considering an out-of-form Harry Kane is their only senior option. He’s scored just once in the Premier League all season and that has to be a cause for concern to manager Antonio Conte.

Belotti is increasingly likely to be available for nothing in the summer, and that means foreign clubs like Tottenham can submit pre-contract offers to the Torino talisman as early as January.

Valued at a whopping £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the Italy international would be quite the steal, especially fresh off the back of winning Euro 2020. He has proven to be a very prolific goalscorer over recent times.

The forward has bagged double figures in every season since 2015/16, including a career-best tally of 28 goals in the 2016/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

Ex-Spurs shot-stopper Joe Hart briefly played with Belotti at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and described the frontman as a unique talent, different to the big names we usually see mentioned across Europe.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special,” he lauded to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. “He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

Things have not gone to plan for him this campaign, managing only two goals and five starts, but injuries have somewhat hampered his season so far and that doesn’t take away from his impressive and consistent goalscoring record over the years; not to mention his role as captain, either.

It’s evident that Spurs are in desperate need of alternatives to the misfiring Kane and Belotti could be a bargain solution, even more so after the door has seemingly opened for them to strike a deal at the turn of the year.

Paratici and Conte should act after this latest development from Romano. They have been gifted a massive boost, so it would be foolish to not at least try and lure the Italian to north London.

AND in other news, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge drops Spurs update on Joe Rodon…

West Ham United are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrick Schick this month, with the Hammers looking to add depth to their squad given their participation in three competitions.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, the East London club are looking to sign the Leverkusen forward this window, having not signed a striker since Sebastien Haller’s departure for Ajax last year.

The £36m-rated striker has been in exceptional form this term, having netted 18 goals in 16 Bundesliga appearances.

Schick joined Leverkusen in September 2020 from Italian outfit AS Roma, having spent the previous season on loan at their Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig, where the Czech Republic international scored ten goals in 28 appearances.

Since his move, the striker labelled a “genius” by his national team coach Jaroslav Silhavy, has scored 31 times in 56 appearances, an astounding tally.

However, the 25-year-old could seek a new challenge and make the move to the Premier League by joining David Moyes’ side.

West Ham fans will love him

It is no secret that the East Londoners could do with a new striker with winger Jarrod Bowen being their main goal output of late.

Michail Antonio started the season excellently, scoring five goals in his first six Premier League games of the campaign. However, the Jamaica international has only scored three league goals since September.

With Moyes’ side still juggling three competitions and possessing genuine ambition of securing Champions League football by May, the Hammers will need a recognised goal scorer that they can rely on.

West Ham have managed to find goals from all over the pitch, scoring 41 in their 20 league games thus far. However, that may not prove sustainable and the Irons could do with adding a recognised goalscorer up front to help secure a top-four finish and progress in the Europa League and FA Cup.

Schick has had an immense start to the season, scoring more goals than games played. Should West Ham be able to find a fee suitable to bring the Czech from Germany to England, they could be a serious force during the second half of the season.

Moreover, the Irons have already had two Czech stars succeed at the London Stadium with Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal being key contributors. Thus, fans would surely warm the forward pretty instantly should he make the move.

AND in other news, West Ham flop who lost the ball every 2 touches v Leeds may be costing Moyes top-four…

Liverpool should strengthen their forward line in the summer with the signing of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Despite Dean Windass suggesting that the Reds could go for a “bigger name” in an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Watkins could be the perfect candidate to replace Roberto Firmino in the forward line at Anfield.

The current Villa man is currently in the midst of a fantastic debut campaign in the Premier League.

He has scored 12 goals in 31 appearances in the league this season following a big-money move from Brentford, an extremely positive return.

The 25-year-old has also managed to display his talents on regular occasion against Liverpool having netted four goals against the Reds throughout the campaign which includes a hat-trick in the infamous 7-2 defeat at Villa Park – form that has seen him labelled as “unbelievable” by Windass.

Rated at £28.8m, he could certainly then be the perfect replacement for the out-of-form Roberto Firmino.

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The Brazilian has scored just six goals in the league this season and reports from Spain suggest that Atletico Madrid are apparently contemplating a move for the current Reds’ striker.

When comparing the two forwards and their respective performances, Watkins continues to come out on top.

According to WhoScored, the Villa man contributes more shots per game with 2.6 to 2.3 whilst he also produces marginally more key passes – 1.2 to 1.1.

Meanwhile, Watkins is also an extremely potent threat in the air, winning a huge 3.9 aerial duels per game in the Premier League compared to Firmino’s paltry 0.6.

So, whilst Windass might well be expecting a more high-profile arrival for the attacking areas at Anfield, the current Villa striker certainly deserves to be amongst the Reds’ transfer targets and could be the perfect replacement for Firmino should he depart.

AND in more news, take a look at Liverpool fans’ opinions on the failed European Super League…

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly now told Josh McPake that he can leave in the summer.

The Lowdown: Loan after loan

McPake has been sent out on loan no fewer than five times by the Teddy Bears in his career so far, most recently to Tranmere Rovers back in the January transfer window.

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He has only managed to make one senior appearance for the club, and so his long-term future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst is uncertain after a nomadic stint in Glasgow.

The Latest: McPake update

Speaking to Football Insider, an Ibrox source has revealed that the Light Blues have now given the ‘green light’ for McPake to leave on a permanent deal, as he is ‘surplus to requirements’.

The Gers have personally ‘told’ McPake that he can go after his loan spell at Tranmere ends.

The Verdict: Shame

It is certainly a shame that McPake’s career at RFC has not quite worked out, especially coming through their youth ranks.

Described as ‘excellent’ and a ‘great talent’ by Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver, another team that he has gone out on loan to, the 20-year-old signed a new deal at Rangers just last year, a testament to how highly-rated he is.

However, the summer seems the best time for both McPake and the club to part ways, as the Scottish winger looks to seek more regular first-team football and the Light Blues bank a potentially decent profit.

In other news, find out who has been ‘non-existent’ for Gers here!

As West Ham United shared news that defender Arthur Masuaku started for their Under-23s side yesterday evening, enjoying competitive match action for the first time since his knee surgery, plenty of Irons have buzzed over his return to the pitch and cannot wait for him to be selected once again by David Moyes for the first team.

The Congolese ace, who was a regular under Moyes before announcing his decision to go under the knife, rectifying troublesome knee issues, is now edging back into his plans as Masuaku takes a significant step.

Masuaku was gifted the opportunity to turn out for the Hammers youngsters at Rush Green, with plenty of supporters now eagerly anticipating his first team return as they flock to this ‘huge’ news.

Given he was arguably crucial for Moyes as a wing back, completing more dribbles than any West Ham United player this season on average (WhoScored), it’s little wonder why Irons are ecstatic at his taste of minutes.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Masuaku news

“Im actually buzzing

So happy to have him back”

Credit: @LukaSkaric2

“The king returns!”

Credit: @Chaz_B_Cole

“Arthur is huge for us. So excited for him to come back into the squad”

Credit: @westhamhour

“Masuaku back is huge – 5 at the back formation lacks so much in attack with Johnson starting over him”

Credit: @SamWhite1998

“Yay masuaku”

Credit: @gvomikez17

“MASSSSS OMG”

Credit: @Jaxkxc

“Masuaku happy days”

Credit: @bioniclilz

“The king is nearly back. The rest of the Barclays is terrified”

Credit: @billy_grimmel

In other news: West Ham fans reacted to this transfer claim, find out more here.

Leeds have been handed a potential transfer boost, regarding their pursuit of Brest left-back Romain Perraud.

What’s the talk?

According to A Bola, as transcribed by Sport Witness, Southampton have been in contact with Benfica over a potential swoop for left-back Nuno Tavares, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side possibly ready to firm up their interest in the fullback this summer.

This could come as a boost to Leeds in their pursuit of Brest defender Romain Perraud. Earlier this month, it was claimed that Southampton were on the verge of sealing an £8.5m deal for Perraud, amid interest from Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds and fellow Premier League side Newcastle. However, nothing has moved forward since this update and now Southampton are being linked with another left-back in Tavares. This could open the door for Leeds to swoop in and snap up Perraud whilst they have the chance.

Perraud admitted earlier this year that he does not have a “handbrake” in his play as he likes to play at a high tempo throughout the entire 90 minutes for his club. He told French outlet MadeInFoot:

“I work with a lot of energy.

“It can sometimes be a fault because I want to be hyperactive so much sometimes I get a little confused. When I was at Paris FC, I gave so much during the first 70 minutes I had no gas left to finish the game. But I like it.

“This system (at Brest), it doesn’t slow me down. The coach lets me play, attack, participate in the offensive side of the game. Of course, I have rules on the defensive aspect, but there isn’t too much of a handbrake.”

Orta must pounce

With Southampton looking at alternative options Leeds could have the perfect opportunity to swoop in and pounce on the defender. Victor Orta needs to make sure that he is on high alert and ready to secure a deal for Perraud if Southampton have left the door open for Leeds to come in. Perraud could be an excellent addition to Leeds’ squad and be a boost to Marcelo Bielsa ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a terrific season in Ligue 1 for Brest and showed enough to suggest that he could thrive at Leeds. Perraud averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.84 and was directly involved in an impressive 10 goals for Brest, with three goals and seven assists from left-back to go with his three tackles and interceptions per game in the top-flight of French football. His quotes regarding his lack of a handbrake and intensity on the pitch could also make him the perfect fit for Bielsa’s style of play, making him an ideal target for the club.

Perraud’s arrival at Leeds, if Orta is able to secure a deal for the £8.5m man, could be crucial for Bielsa as Ezgjan Alioski’s situation remain unclear. He is out of contract at the end of the month but is reportedly still in talks with the club over a potential extension after a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray fell through. If Alioski does depart from Elland Road for nothing, Perraud could come in and take his spot at left-back in Leeds side, which is another reason as to why Orta must pounce on Southampton’s dallying.

AND in other news, Orta must sanction Leeds swoop for “world-class” £31k-p/w dynamo, Bielsa needs him…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has praised ex-Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson for the “fantastic” job he did at Selhurst Park.

Hodgson, who looked like he was going to be replaced by Lucien Favre, took over at Palace back in 2017 and found the south London club in an absolute mess.

After a disastrous start to the 2017/18 Premier League campaign under Frank de Boer, Palace found themselves in 19th place with zero goals to their name before the Dutchman’s dismissal.

However, they were able to finish in 11th after Hodgson managed to put out all of the fires in SE25, making his appointment a success on that season alone.

On the former Palace and England boss, Palmer told FFC:

“You look at the job Roy did there, it’s fantastic. He not just kept them in the Premier League, they’ve not struggled to stay in the Premier League, and he did that on a shoestring budget.”

Indeed, under Hodgson, Palace have never really looked in danger of being relegated.

Following that 2017/18 campaign, he was able to guide the Eagles to 12th in 2018/19, 14th in 2019/20 and 14th again in 2020/21. Simply put, a job well done.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves, believes Sergio Aguero may have spat his dummy out earlier this season when Pep Guardiola was keeping him on the bench.

Earlier this week Aguero announced that he would be leaving Man City at the end of the season when his contract expires, and he will depart as the club’s all-time top scorer.

He is set to have a statue erected outside of the Etihad alongside fellow ex-teammates Vincent Kompany and David Silva. Aguero will always be remembered for his famous last-minute winner against QPR which won City their first-ever Premier League title.

Speaking on why Aguero has not been happy for a long time at City and how the fans should treat him when he leaves, Bull told FFC:

“I think he may have spat his dummy out about five months ago when he wasn’t in the first team and he’s never put it back in since, and he’s been a little bit unhappy.

“He’s a bit like Podence and Neto with a low centre of gravity and they can stand tall while not getting pushed off the ball.

“All the Man City fans should pat him on the back and say ‘thanks for everything that you’ve done for us mate you’ve been absolutely unbelievable’.”

Aguero has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, but it’s Barcelona who appear to be lining up a move for the Argentine to link up with Lionel Messi.

Man City may look to replace the £230,000 per week striker this summer with Harry Kane or Erling Haaland if Pep Guardiola doesn’t trust Gabriel Jesus to lead the line for a full season.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes Jack Grealish would be a better fit for Manchester City than Manchester United.

Grealish is currently being linked with a move to the Etihad, with The Independent recently reporting that there is an expectation that the Premier League champions will break the bank to sign the 25-year-old attacking midfielder this summer.

There has also been a lot of talk in the past about Manchester United wanting to bring Grealish to Old Trafford. However, out of the two teams, Hendrie feels the England international would be better suited to Pep Guardiola’s side.

On Manchester City’s reported interest in Grealish, the ex-Villa player told TT in an exclusive interview:

“It’s how Pep and Manchester City are going to go about their business because, you know, there’s big talk about Harry Kane possibly being available.

“I feel that this season they’ve used that false nine quite a bit and it’s been one of them where you just feel that if they are going to use a false nine, I feel Jack would fit the bill better at Manchester City if I’m being quite honest.

“I think Bruno [Fernandes] at Man U, he’s certainly their big player, key player. I think then you’ve got to look at the likes of [Mason] Greenwood, [Marcus] Rashford and you just think to yourself, they’re players that are definitely going to play.”

With Manchester City seemingly interested in both Kane and Grealish, it will be interesting to see if they go for both or just the one.

Whatever the case, it does look like attacking reinforcements are coming to the Etihad this summer.

West Ham United are set to offer Declan Rice ‘fresh terms’ after managing to keep the England international in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Late business at London Stadium

David Moyes’ side left their business until the final few days of the transfer window this summer after securing Europa League football last season.

Craig Dawson made his loan move permanent and Alphonse Areola joined from Paris Saint-Germain on loan, before Kurt Zouma and Nikola Vlasic both signed from Chelsea and CSKA Moscow respectively.

Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral then joined his fellow international teammates Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek in London, on a season-long loan from Spartak Moscow.

After a busy summer, the Hammers are turning their attention to keeping their current stars, with this latest report claiming Soucek and Coufal are set to sign new deals.

The Latest: New Deals set to be handed out

In the report from insiders Claret & Hugh, which details the bumper new deals set for the Czech pair, the final line may come of particular interest to Irons fans, suggesting that Rice is ‘another’ player who could have a new deal in the pipeline.

The report reads: “Declan Rice is another who could be handed fresh terms – as soon as he is willing to put to paper, there will be a deal waiting for him!”

After making his 24th appearance for England and scoring his first goal for the Three Lions, BBC pundit Chris Sutton has hailed the midfielder as ‘an outstanding talent’, whilst Gary Lineker also congratulated Rice on his Twitter.

The Verdict: Needs to happen

Rice has been instrumental for Moyes’ side since the former Manchester United boss arrived at the London Stadium.

Alongside Soucek in the middle, Rice has boasted 1.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game this season, playing every minute of the Premier League campaign so far.

He has now deservedly cemented himself in Gareth Southgate’s squad and has been linked with a move to his boyhood club Chelsea – the Champions League winners’ interest shows exactly how well the Hammers star is performing.

Keeping Rice at the club is vital for everyone involved if West Ham are to continue their push into the top six.