All posts by n8rngtd.top

An update has emerged regarding Aston Villa’s interest in Lazio attacker Joaquin Correa.

What’s the talk?

According to Il Messaggero, via Sport Witness, Villa are weighing up a swoop for the 26-year-old alongside fellow Premier League clubs Everton and Leicester.

The report claimed that Lazio are looking for a fee in the region of €30m (£25m), although it remains to be seen whether or not Villa are willing to meet their demands.

Bye-bye El Ghazi

Villa are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Anwar El Ghazi this summer, with Serie A club Roma believed to be keen on him. If the Dutchman departs before the end of the month, a replacement will be needed and Correa could be the dream candidate to come in for him, which is why Johan Lange must secure a deal for the Argentine dangerman.

El Ghazi found the back of the net 11 times for Villa last term, four of which came from the penalty spot. The 26-year-old scored 10 goals in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup, although he failed to register a single assist in any competition.

Correa scored 11 goals in all competitions for Lazio in 2020/21, with only one coming in the form of a penalty. He also provided six assists for his teammates, suggesting that he would offer more creativity than the current Aston Villa man with his ability to set up others.

In a tactical analysis of the forward, Breaking the Lines called him a menace for defenders with his movement and ability with the ball. They wrote: “It is no wonder why his style of play is drawing fans towards his potential. Correa’s wide repertoire of skills and his tricky dribbling makes him a menace for opposing defenders. His quick movement and awareness allow him to move into spaces or drop deep to enable his teammates to move forward.

“He can be the creative outlet of the side, creating chances for his teammates. It is because of his movement that he is able to draw defenders away, then using his dribbling to get past them and either provide a key pass or go for goal himself.

“Highly versatile, he can play on both wings or in the centre, with his wide array of assets allowing him to flourish in either position.”

This shows that he has the ability to play in a myriad of positions – as indeed he has done – whilst also providing quality performances, as shown by these quotes and the aforementioned statistics he racked up last season. His goalscoring was at a similar level to El Ghazi’s, albeit that it is difficult to judge the difference in quality between Serie A and Premier League, whilst his assists tally was far more impressive.

Therefore, he could have a great chance of coming in and being a dream replacement for El Ghazi, should the Dutch winger leave to join Roma in the coming weeks. This is why Lange must sanction a swoop for Correa to bolster Dean Smith’s squad.

AND in other news, Lange must sanction dream Villa deal for £70k-p/w “machine”, he’s an upgrade on Luiz…

An update has emerged on Ipswich striker James Norwood, regarding his future at Portman Road.

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, Ipswich are contemplating the sale of James Norwood between now and the end of the transfer window.

The report claims that Paul Cook is open to parting ways with the forward, although no specific teams are mentioned as lining up a swoop for his services at this time.

Cook doesn’t need him

Mark Ashton must sanction a sale for Norwood and ruthlessly axe him from the Ipswich squad this summer. The report states that it is a real possibility that the Tractor Boys do cash in on him and Ashton needs to have the final say and greenlight his exit.

Cook has been active in the transfer market this summer his signings have left Norwood surplus to requirements in Suffolk. Conor Chaplin, Louie Barry, Joe Pigott, Macauley Bonne and Sone Aluko have all been brought in either on loan or permanently and can all play as a striker. The club signing five players in the striker position does not bode well for the player who occupied that role last season, with Norwood now potentially behind them all in the pecking order.

Chaplin and Pigott both started the opening game of the season, with Bonne coming off the bench to score. Aluko and Barry then made their debuts in the League Cup on Tuesday night. This shows that Cook is already bedding the new forwards in, which could leave Norwood surplus to requirements.

The £4.1k-per-week flop scored nine goals in the 2020/21 League One campaign, averaging an unimpressive WhoScored rating of 6.68. This shows that he was unable to score goals on a regular basis and that his overall performances were not outstanding, which is why Ipswich should now be looking to move him on.

After a lacklustre season last time out and with a wealth of new striking options for Cook to choose from, it could be the perfect time for the Town to cash in on Norwood. At the age of 30, his value is unlikely to increase and they may not find a better time to sell him.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Holy: Fresh TTFC arrival let Cook down with a shocking display…

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has agreed a new contract with the club, ending speculation over his immediate future.

What’s the story?

The 31-year-old had been tentatively linked with a move away from Anfield earlier in the summer after he entered the final two years of his current deal.

However, Henderson and Liverpool have now ended that scrutiny, with the two parties in agreement over terms on a new three-year deal.

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who claims Jurgen Klopp was key to the apparent turnaround and that the Reds have the option to extend Henderson’s stay by an extra year.

Fans will be absolutely buzzing

Although Henderson hasn’t put pen to paper just yet, Liverpool supporters will still be absolutely buzzing to learn that their talismanic midfielder is set to commit his future to the club.

Since arriving from Sunderland in a £20 million deal back in 2011, the England international has established himself as a key player on Merseyside, scoring 30 goals and providing 51 assists in 392 appearances for Klopp’s charges.

He was instrumental in Liverpool’s maiden Premier League success and sixth European crown in recent seasons, and Henderson will be hoping to lead the club to more major silverware in the years to come.

Ornstein stated in his report that Klopp was keen to avoid a repeat scenario of the one that played out in the current window with Georginio Wijnaldum, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer following unsuccessful negotiations to renew his contract.

The delay in Henderson signing a new deal was not believed to be about money, though, rather his role in the team and how FSG, the club’s owners, view him going forward.

Several sides such as PSG and Atletico Madrid were credited with an interest in Henderson during the impasse in negotiations and Ornstein has claimed that they may still harbour hopes of signing the box-t0-box dynamo.

“PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino also admires Henderson while Atletico Madrid and Roma have been linked too. If Liverpool’s owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) gave an impression they might countenance his exit, such suitors may retain an interest regardless of a new contract,” he wrote.

But for now, it seems as though Liverpool’s captain will remain at Anfield a little while longer, and he’ll follow in the footsteps of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Alisson Becker in signing new deals this summer.

And, in other news…Sky Sports drop big Liverpool update that’ll have Reds fans absolutely buzzing 

Glasgow Rangers are now reportedly at risk of losing Alfredo Morelos on the cheap.

The Lowdown: Porto links drag on

Morelos has been heavily linked with a move to FC Porto before the summer transfer window ends, although it has recently been reported that the Ibrox faithful are not expecting an offer for him from the Portuguese club.

He has reportedly already agreed personal terms with them, but until a firm offer comes in, he will stay at the Light Blues for the foreseeable future.

The Latest: Another twist

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Morelos ‘could become cheaper’ now that Steven Gerrard’s men have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds by Swedish team Malmo.

Originally, he would not be sold for a fee of anything less than €15m (£12.8m), although going out of the Champions League now ‘opens the exit door’ for the Colombia international, potentially to Porto.

The Verdict: Keep

The Gers should not be going down any lower than their original asking price if they are to end up selling Morelos, even though they were knocked out of the Champions League.

Dubbed a ‘top class’ player by Gerrard after yet another impressive display for his side last season, the striker is such a key player for RFC, scoring no fewer than 17 goals and supplying a further 13 assists in 44 matches in total over all competitions across their 2020/21 title-winning season (Transfermarkt).

At 25 years of age as well, he has not hit his peak yet, and so Rangers could wait another year or two for his valuation to go up before getting him off of their books.

In other news, find out what the latest is on Rangers’ alleged interest in one of their former players here!

Leeds United are unlikely to sign Noa Lang this summer despite Victor Orta’s best attempts, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Lang move

The Whites have been linked with snapping up the Club Brugge star this summer, but nothing has materialised yet, despite personal terms reportedly being agreed.

Lang has already scored once and registered three assists in the Jupiler Pro League this season and has been hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by journalist Peter Vandenbempt in the past.

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The Latest: Hay plays down interest

Unfortunately, it looks as though Leeds won’t be signing the 22-year-old in the summer transfer window, with Hay providing an update in a Q&A for The Athletic on Saturday. He outlined:

“Unless something changes, nothing in it at this stage. Orta has monitored Lang but Bielsa hasn’t given it the green light.”

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The Verdict: Blow for Whites

It feel as though Leeds are continually missing out on exciting signings, which is slightly worrying as they look to improve their squad this summer.

Missing out on Lang would be similar to current developments with fellow Whites targets Nahitan Nandez and Matheus Cunha, both of whom could move elsewhere.

Following a quiet transfer window thus far, Leeds could do with another signing or two before the window closes in order to ensure that Marcelo Bielsa has enough midfield and attacking depth as a gruelling season goes on, although it appears to be the manager’s decision regarding Lang.

In other news, some Leeds fans were critical of one Whites player against Everton. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace target Odsonne Edouard would be a success in the Premier League, according to The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty.

Celtic striker Edouard is expected to leave the Scottish Premiership giants before the transfer window shuts next week and new Palace boss Patrick Vieira, who was appointed as Roy Hodgson’s successor last month, has taken an interest.

Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, who reportedly lodged an £18million bid earlier this month, are also hoping to do business after Edouard entered the final 12 months of his contract at Celtic.

Edouard has been looking to leave Parkhead for some time, with the striker even changing agents earlier this year in the hope of completing a move.

The 23-year-old has scored 86 goals in 177 appearances for Celtic and has already found the back of the net three times this season.

With Palace yet to score a goal this term, Haggerty believes Edouard would turn the Eagles’ fortunes around.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “If you give the ball to Odsonne Edouard in front of goal, he will score. No doubt about it. He’s a sublimely talented footballer.

“He is France’s all-time top goalscorer for the under-21s as well, so he has talent. He might kick on again by getting the move he wants. A happy Odsonne Edouard is a very good footballer.”

West Ham United are close to sealing their second signing on deadline day…

What’s the word?

According to the Telegraph’s chief football correspondent Jason Burt, a loan move for Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral is “90% done”.

“West Ham close to signing Czech international midfielder Alex Kral from Spartak Moscow. Told deal is 90% done. Loan with an option to buy.. some good business being done,” he tweeted.

The Czech Republic international is a player that David Moyes and the club have followed for quite some time, with the Scot even scouting him in person at Euro 2020.

“They have been following him since January but were shocked they get him in on loan and have moved quickly,” revealed 90min’s Graeme Bailey soon after these reports first emerged today.

Moyes masterclass

This late flurry of signings from Moyes and co is very encouraging indeed.

The 58-year-old has been crying out for some depth across his playing squad and he certainly seems to be getting exactly that – Kurt Zouma has bolstered the backline, they’ve found a Jesse Lingard replacement in Nikola Vlasic, and now they edge closer to a solid back-up to Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice.

An injury to either would leave Moyes with only retiring Mark Noble in the engine room and that’s the last thing they need heading into a Europa League campaign, in which they’ll soon be playing two times a week, minimum.

Interestingly, a move for Kral seemingly fell through earlier in the summer after his sub-par showing at Euro 2020, according to The Athletic, so to be able to sign him on loan to take a look at him first-hand, is certainly a wise and shrewd decision.

It means the east Londoners won’t have to commit a transfer fee, so it appears to be a low-risk signing all-round and one that is likely to leave many singing Moyes’ praises once again.

You only have to look at his deals for Soucek and Vladimir Coufal to know that he can spot a player when he sees one. Nobody would’ve known either player before they arrived at the London Stadium and now they’re two of the first names on the team sheet and easy fan favourites.

Similarly, it’s unlikely that many could’ve foreseen the vast impact that Lingard had on the squad, given his lack of game time prior to his loan move.

If Moyes and the Irons can get Kral in on loan before tonight’s deadline, then it’s merely another example of the Hammers’ boss working his magic in the transfer market.

It has to be considered yet another masterclass.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee: West Ham in talks with four players on Deadline Day

While much of the talk at Aston Villa has been around Carney Chukwuemeka – which is understandable given his superb performances in the FA Youth Cup last season – Jaden Philogene-Bidace could well be the youngster to become the club’s secret weapon this year.

Dean Smith’s side have a bit of a golden generation coming through the academy system at the moment, with the likes of Louie Barry and Chukwuemeka leading the charge, but Philogene-Bidace is already showing real glimpses of being perhaps the most naturally exciting talent of the lot.

The 19-year-old was in fine form last year for the club’s under-23s, scoring five goals in just 14 games at Premier League 2 level, as well as providing three assists – that’s not to mention the superb hat-trick he scored on his England under-19 debut last November either.

His former coach Ahmed Abdulla has raved about his ability as an out-and-out winger, and judging by the coach’s comments, he seems perfectly ready to grab his opportunity in senior football.

Abdulla said: “He can come inside or go on the outside. The model winger. He hugs the touchline and can beat his man. (He’s) Very confident and very light on his feet and skips past tackles, not one of them that gets hit and goes down. He bounces off tackles. He’s very strong and outstanding in one-v-ones.”

Hailed by the Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece as someone who is “unplayable at times” following an impressive performance against Wycombe Wanderers this week, Philogene-Bidace was at his magical best when Villa trounced Barrow in the Carabao Cup second round recently.

While Cameron Archer no doubt grabbed the headlines for his impressive hat-trick, it was Philogene-Bidace who really took the game to the League Two side, constantly seeking to take players on and cause havoc in the opposition defence.

That kind of trickery and speed can be a real difference-maker in the Premier League when sometimes you need to rely upon a piece of magic from an individual rather than trying to carve out a great team goal.

Like Leon Bailey and even Jack Grealish before him, Philogene-Bidace could give Villa a different dimension, especially off the bench when opposition defenders are tired and aren’t going to be as clued upon him compared to a more established first-team star.

While Chukwuemeka may be gaining some steam as the next breakout star at Villa, it’s the 19-year-old Philogene-Bidace who might end up making the more impactful impression this season in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed a major Aston Villa boost…

Kevin Phillips has offered his thoughts on the reports of Aiden O’Brien’s failed move from Sunderland to Doncaster.

What’s the talk?

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has admitted that he was surprised by the reports that the club were willing to loan Aiden O’Brien out this summer.

A deadline day move to fellow League One outfit Doncaster was on the cards until a paperwork error caused it to break down, with Phillips now suggesting that the Black Cats may try to ship him out again in the January transfer window.

He told Football Insider:

“I am surprised to hear that, to be honest.

“This season you want people in your squad who know where the back of the net is.

“There will be times where Ross Stewart is suspended or injured this season and in O’Brien you have a player who knows League One.

“He scored a great hat-trick in the cup and he knows where the back of the net is. That’s why I’m surprised they would consider allowing him to leave on loan. He has that experience.

“Luckily it has not happened but perhaps there will be some movement in January. We will have to watch this space.”

Howler

Sunderland chief Kristjaan Speakman must avoid having a howler of a January transfer window and instead, he must keep O’Brien at the club. He must not allow the attacker to depart from the Stadium of Light, on loan or permanently, as he could be an important member of the squad this season.

There is a fair way to go until the January window, of course, but as it stands, it does not appear to be a smart decision to allow him to leave.

As Phillips said, Sunderland need depth in the forward areas as they could be left light if Stewart picks up an injury and misses five or six games. Nathan Broadhead is also in the building, but he is yet to show what he is capable of after two cameo appearances in League One since arriving from Everton on loan.

O’Brien, meanwhile, has already shown that he can score goals this season. The £6.5k-per-week dynamo has scored four goals in two League Cup matches for the Black Cats, with one against Port Vale and a hat-trick against Championship side Blackpool. This suggests that he has the quality needed to step in and score goals in the third tier should Stewart get injured.

Therefore, allowing him to leave would be a disaster for Sunderland and Speakman as it would rid Lee Johnson of key attacking depth. This is why the Black Cats chief must ensure that O’Brien remains in the squad for the rest of the campaign to help with the promotion push.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: Sunderland dynamo with 11 chances created stole the show in August…

West Ham boss David Moyes has received a huge transfer boost ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

Back in July, it was revealed by Football Insider that the Irons had managed to steal Rob Newman from defending champions Manchester City to become their new head of recruitment at the London Stadium.

However, the former Norwich City defender, who had been the head of international scouting and recruitment at the Etihad, had to work a notice period before being allowed to leave.

The Hammers had hoped to have him in place for the summer window but those plans were quickly shelved, with majority shareholder David Sullivan leading the negotiations for what should be the final time.

It has now been confirmed exactly when Newman will be starting.

According to Football Insider, the 57-year-old will take charge on September 22nd, becoming the first person in a role like this since Mario Husillos in 2019.

January boost

This development is hugely encouraging, even if it wasn’t completed in time to make an impact in the summer, though he’ll be able to make his presence known in time for when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

There is a belief around east London that West Ham have relied too heavily on Sullivan’s favoured agents, such as Will Salthouse who represents no fewer than five first-team stars, ahead of genuine talent-spotters.

But during the off-season, Moyes reportedly made it clear during his own contract negotiations that he wanted to revamp the Hammers’ recruitment system and this move represents a major change in direction.

Newman, who is fluent in French and Spanish, will represent a major boost to the Scotsman and the club heading into January, where they will undoubtedly be targeting a new striker after failing to secure one this time around.

Michail Antonio remains the only senior centre-forward at the London Stadium and that’s certainly playing with fire given his injury record. That is likely to be Newman’s first priority as he looks to make his mark at West Ham.

After finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, this off-the-pitch masterstroke could be exactly what the club needs to keep them at this sort of level for the foreseeable future.

Newman is said to have a proven track record and was one of City’s key scouts across Europe – in recent times, signings like Ruben Dias, Rodri and Joao Cancelo have made major impacts.

This latest update should leave the Irons faithful absolutely excited heading into the rest of the month.

AND in other news, West Ham insider drops PAI Capital claim, fans won’t be impressed…