All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, and the Netherlands international could be a superb potential addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Goal, Dumfries has emerged as an ideal target for Ten Hag’s preferred system at Old Trafford, and with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future at the club in doubt, it seems clear that the former Ajax manager will look to strengthen in that position.

However, Chelsea are also showing an interest in the 26-year-old, so United may need to act fast if they want to bring in the Dutch defender, with reports suggesting that Thomas Tuchel’s side are preparing a bid of £21m.

Ten Hag would love him

If Ten Hag is to integrate a free-flowing attacking style at United next term, he will need his full-backs to contribute more going forward.

Last season saw all of United’s full-back options contribute no goals and just seven assists between them, with Wan-Bissaka and Dalot both failing to register on either tally, so an improvement is clearly needed on the right-hand side.

Meanwhile, Dumfries notched five goals and four assists for Inter in Serie A, with his performances in Italy’s top-flight earning him an impressive 6.97 average rating from WhoScored.

He has also hit five goals for the Netherlands in the past year alone, so he clearly has an eye for goal and could add a different attacking threat for the Red Devils next season, with BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce dubbing him a “freight train”.

The £22.5m-rated defender’s performances at Euro 2020 last summer certainly caught the eye of former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who said: “Dumfries was brilliant the other night.

“He will have turned a lot of heads with that performance. I think he is one of many players at the Euros this summer who I think will be plying his trade in the Premier League next year.”

In the end, it was Inter who brought him in from PSV Eindhoven. After another impressive campaign in Serie A, there seems little to suggest that Dumfries wouldn’t be a success in the Premier League, so Ten Hag should definitely look at bringing him to Old Trafford.

In other news… United now ready to pay £35m to sign Premier League flop, he’s even worse than Matic

West Ham United will look into signing Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Dennis delivers despite Watford relegation

Whilst the Hornets endured a tough season in the Premier League, having won just six games all season, the Nigeria international can hold his head high, given he achieved a double-figure goal tally for a team which was relegated.

The Daily Mirror have reported in recent weeks that the Irons are looking at a move for the 24-year-old and that the east London club could secure the player’s services for £20m.

The Latest: Jones’ claim on Dennis

Following Watford’s relegation to the Championship, Jones expects the Hammers to look into the possibility of bringing Dennis to the London Stadium this summer.

Speaking with GiveMeSport on Sunday night, he claimed: “It’ll be interesting. There are loads of names that West Ham are looking at at the moment. People like Emmanuel Dennis, I’m sure that they’ll be looking into situations like that because they always explore good opportunities, but we’ll have to wait.”

The Verdict: Good competition for Antonio

With Michail Antonio being West Ham’s only senior striker, the arrival of Dennis would provide the Jamaica international with much-needed competition for the number nine role in David Moyes’ starting XI.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 32-year-old ranks in the 40th percentile for non-penalty goals, whereas Dennis ranks in the 81st percentile (via FB Ref).

According to WhoScored, the Nigerian forward was the Hornets’ best player this season, with an average match rating of 6.89 across the campaign. That would put him fifth among the Irons’ squad, indicating that he’d probably be well able to make an impression for Moyes’ team.

This shows how the 24-year-old has proven himself to be Premier League quality, so a move to the London Stadium could prove to be a shrewd one from GSB if they can lure him from Vicarage Road.

In other news: Paddy Kenny makes Jarrod Bowen transfer claim

Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham is ‘sure’ Harry Kane will put pen to paper on a ‘big statement’ new deal at the club.

The Lowdown: Kane’s Spurs progression

The 28-year-old has gone from prospect to superstar rising through the ranks with the Lilywhites, having developed from the academy since joining in 2009, to now establishing himself as a regular feature and captain in Antonio Conte’s starting XI and for England.

Despite still having two years remaining on his current contract in N17, the forward has always seemed to be the centre of attention when it comes to transfer windows, none more so than last year when Premier League rivals Manchester City made multiple attempts to secure his signature.

The Latest: ‘Big statement’

Speaking during an interview with Football Insider, Wenham appears to be confident that Kane will extend his stay, claiming it would be a ‘big statement’ from Daniel Levy and co.

“It’s an exciting time at Tottenham and all I want is for Harry Kane to be the face of it.

“He has been through it all with us and it’s often said there is nothing he would like more than to win a trophy with Tottenham.

“We now have the manager along with the young players who will improve and the quality players we already have.

“Kane, Son, Kulusevski, Lloris, Bentancur, Romero, Dier, there is a really solid spine there. More signings will come in the summer.

“There is absolutely no reason why we can’t win a trophy next season. There are no excuses. We are back in the Champions League, there is loads to play for next season.

“On a possible new contract, there has been a lot of talk in the last few weeks. I would love it and I’m sure it will happen at some point.

“It would be a big statement regardless of what you think about clubs no longer being interested in Kane.

“I can see it happening this summer alongside the signing of several new players.”

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The Verdict: Kane’s high ambitions

After claiming that all-important top-four finish, the fact that Spurs have now put themselves in a position to win some silverware could be a huge factor when it comes down to the 69-cap international deciding where his future lies, and it’s vital that Conte does everything within his power to tie him down as soon as possible.

The skipper, deservedly dubbed a “world-class” player by Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, has proven to be an absolute predator in the final third throughout his career at the club, having made an outstanding 307 goal contributions in just 386 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

If the Italian is able to keep hold of his star man and get him to commit his future to his boyhood team, this would come as a massive bonus to the club who know that Kane is an integral part of their long-term vision and is someone who could lead them to plenty of success in years to come.

In other news… Spurs have reportedly been ‘offered’ the chance to sign a PL maestro in a surprising new transfer twist.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ talks over Joao Moutinho’s contract extension are still on going.

What’s the word?

That is according to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, who took to his personal Twitter account to update the Molineux faithful.

Spiers stated: “Talks remain ongoing with Joao Moutinho. Sticking point is the length of contract with the 35-year-old thought to want a two-year extension.”

A worrying update

The latest news surrounding the 35-year-old veteran will be worrying for Wolves fans. Despite being in his twilight years as a player, he is a massive part of Lage’s side, having been at the club for almost four years now.

Ever since he made the switch from Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2018, he has played in the majority of games in the Premier League, making 33 appearances or more in each of his four campaigns.

What’s even more impressive is his consistency. The first two seasons at Wolves saw the Portugal midfielder complete two full back-to-back Premier League campaigns, playing all 38 games for two seasons in a row.

It’s easy to understand why he is picked so often.

Moutinho does the basics well with a style evident of an unselfish player who is dedicated solely to the success of the team. You can also see this in his numbers throughout the years, with his game now geared towards stabilising possession, rather than striving for individual attacking returns.

You can see this shift throughout his four years, having registered five contributions in the most recent two seasons.

His game is still well-rounded, but has slowed slightly with the Portuguese veteran now in his mid-30s.

Though, his influence in the Wolves set-up is unquestionable. His average of 10.79 ball recoveries, 10.21 passes under pressure and 3.21 switches per 90 are the quickest explanation of his role under Lage.

The club should cater to the needs of what is an integral part of their club, both on and off the pitch.

In other news: Imagine him and Coady: Wolves can sign Saiss 2.0 in £20m “great wall”

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Calvin Ramsay to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scotsman, who claim that the 18-year-old right-back is wanted by all three of Leeds, Liverpool and Bologna this summer – the latter of whom reportedly saw a £4.8m bid rejected by Aberdeen in the January window.

Further reports claim that the likes of West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Burnley are also keeping tabs on the Scotland U21 international, for whom the Dons are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of £6m in order to part with.

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Speaking about the interest in his services back in April, Ramsay said: “It’s good being linked with big clubs but I’ve just tried to block it out really. You can’t get caught up in all of that. That’s the worst thing, especially as a young player.

“I’ve just broken into the first team this season, so I’m trying to block it out and keep playing my game. If you come into the first team and play well, like I have, anything can happen.

“The likes of Aaron Hickey came in at Hearts. He did well and got a big move to Serie A and he’s been brilliant, scoring goals and everything.

“Andy Robertson at Liverpool and Kieran Tierney at Arsenal, they’ve all been brilliant and they’re players I look up to, especially as they are full-backs like me. I’ve seen what they’ve done. I feel I could go on to do that as well.”

The next Tierney

Considering how exciting a prospect Ramsay quite clearly is, it is not difficult to understand why Victor Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the full-back to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, over his 24 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £540k-rated talent highly impressed on the right of Jim Goodwin’s backline, scoring one goal, providing five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.8 key passes, 0.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per game.

These returns saw the £880-per-week right-back who journalist Martin Hardy dubbed “highly-rated” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Dons’ joint fifth-best player in the Scottish top flight – with his consistently impressive performances seeing the teenager named as the Scottish Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year.

As such, it is clear to see that the teenager is heading down a similar path to that of former Celtic starlet and Ramsay’s self-confessed idol Kieran Tierney – the 24-year-old left-back who joined Arsenal in a £25m deal back in 2019, and has been recently been linked with a £50m move to both Newcastle United and Real Madrid this summer.

And, considering the sheer amount of potential the 18-year-old possesses, it would indeed appear a highly advisable move for Orta to do everything in his power to convince the right-back of a move to LS11 in the coming weeks, as, by landing the £6m talent, the Spaniard could well have secured Leeds the next Tierney.

AND in other news: Orta can seal “unbelievable” Leeds signing with offer for “unreal” £32.5k-p/w talent

Newcastle United, and by extension their owners the Saudi Public Investment Fund, have sent a senior official to watch Nice forward Amine Gouiri, according to The Northern Notebook from iNews correspondent Mark Douglas. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Having graduated from the academy at Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, Gouiri made the switch to Nice in 2020 for €7million (£5.9million) in July 2020 (Get French Football News).

Having been crowned the top goalscorer at the Under 17 European Championships 2016/17, since the move, the 22-year-old has amassed 45 direct goal contributions in 83 outings.

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Now it seems Newcastle could be eyeing a sensational swoop for one of the hottest properties in European football…

The latest: Magpies keen

As per Douglas’ latest instalment of the Northern Notebook, PIF have ‘dispatched a senior member of staff’ to watch Gouiri, dubbed ‘the new Karim Benzema’.

It’s claimed French sources have confirmed that Newcastle are ‘monitoring’ the 18-cap France Under 21 starlet.

The report also states that Real Madrid and Arsenal are also both interested in the £30million rated youngster, who has been called a ‘world class’ talent by Ligue 1 expert Adam White.

The verdict: Make it happen

So far this season, the French sensation has scored 12 times and provided nine assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.05 Sofascore rating whilst completing 1.6 dribbles, 1.3 key passes and 2.0 shots per game on average.

Capable of playing across the frontline and possessing a close stylistic likeness to star names such as Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Barcelona’s Memphis Depay (FBref), Gouiri seems destined to keep illustrious company throughout his career and has already established a burgeoning reputation.

As Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and indeed the club in its new guise look to move onto the next phase of their development, signing a prodigious talent such as Gouiri for the mooted asking price would be a huge statement of intent.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

An injury expert has now dropped some worrying news for Glasgow Rangers involving Kemar Roofe.

The Lowdown: Roofe returns

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League final, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed that Roofe is ‘available’, having trained for the first time since his injury on Monday.

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He has not featured in the team for over a month because of the issue, but could well be in line to make a dramatic comeback against Frankfurt.

The Latest: Not so fast…

Speaking to Football Insider, Ben Dinnery, who has a background in both medicine and data analysis, has shared that Roofe’s sharpness may be ‘lacking’, and that he may struggle to get through even a 20-minute cameo:

“He will have been out for over a month.

“If we look at his player profile, Roofe is expected to make short, sharp, quick movements. His small percentage decrease in output might be exacerbated further because of the type of role he plays.

“So the truth is that it is not ideal but his baseline levels of fitness should be fairly good. That sharpness, however, might be a little bit lacking.

“But it’s a Europa League final and the adrenaline will be pumping. If he has a 20 or 25-minute cameo, hopefully that adrenaline will be enough to carry him through when he’s struggling.”

The Verdict: Don’t start him

Given what Dinnery has said about Roofe’s lack of sharpness, the Ibrox faithful must not risk playing him from the start, and instead hope that he can come on for the last 25 minutes or so of the game as he suggests.

With Alfredo Morelos injured, Joe Aribo has played as a makeshift striker in recent matches in the Scottish Premiership, and so should be comfortable in fulfilling that role from the start tonight, before being drifted back into midfield for Roofe to come on.

Of course, this will likely depend on how the game is going, as if the Teddy Bears are winning, van Bronckhorst may not feel the need to risk him, but if they are behind, then he may not have another choice.

In other news, find out which transfer target Gers have now missed out on here!

Sunderland have secured their spot in the League One play-off final at Wembley against Wycombe Wanderers, but even with Championship football within touching distance, it hasn’t stopped the transfer rumour mill from turning as new interest emerges for one Black Cats player.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC South TV and radio sports reporter Andrew Moon, Portsmouth are monitoring the situation at the Stadium of Light regarding Lynden Gooch, who is out of contract this summer.

Moon tweeted: “I’m told that out of contract #SAFC winger Lynden Gooch is a player that would interest #Pompey should he become available.”

Alex Neil’s first disaster at Sunderland

Losing a player like Gooch next season would be a huge disaster for Sunderland, whether they win promotion to the Championship or are consigned to another season in League One.

They have until 25 May to make a decision on whether or not they would like to extend the 26-year old’s contract ahead of next season or make him available for other clubs to snap up on a free transfer. With nothing currently finalised for the player, they could be set to lose him this summer.

The American has been a key player for Alex Neil and the Black Cats in their pursuit of promotion and was involved in the starting line-up for both legs of their play-off semi-final, which shows that the manager clearly values his presence in the middle of the park. When you consider his season statistics, it is no wonder Neil is a fan of the 26-year-old.

As per Sofascore, Gooch has contributed six assists, created nine big chances and made 1.4 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 clearances on average per game in his 40 league appearances this season. Therefore, he would be a big loss in the middle of the pitch if he is let go by the club in the next few weeks.

Due to his outstanding contribution in midfield, the player has been the recipient of high praise with Sunderland podcaster Micky Lough.

Speaking on the Wise Men Say podcast, he said of Gooch: “He’s shown quality throughout last season. He really likes to get the ball and run at defenders and make things happen. So, I think he’s got that bit of ‘X factor’ that a lot of teams in this league don’t have.”

Sunderland and Neil must do everything they can to keep hold of Gooch this summer and find a solution in order to secure his future at the Stadium of Light. They must act fast as other clubs are clearly taking interest in the midfielder already and could potentially turn his head with the right offer.

AND in other news: Sunderland handed big injury lift ahead of play-off final that’ll delight Neil

Tottenham Hotspur could be given a cruel reminder of what could’ve been this weekend.

The north London outfit head to Anfield to face title-chasing Liverpool in tomorrow’s late kick-off in the Premier League. The home side will be looking to keep the pressure on Manchester City, whilst a place in the top-four is still up for grabs for Antonio Conte’s men.

Liverpool were always competing for the title heading into the season but their fortunes vastly improved following the January transfer window with the notable arrival of Luis Diaz.

And it is because of Spurs that he will be lining up in a red shirt, rather than a white one.

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If the Lilywhites didn’t register an interest in the then-Porto sensation, then it’s unlikely that the Colombian winger would be a Liverpool player today, as suggested by The Athletic’s James Pearce.

Diaz was a target for the summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy pushed to sign him in an initial £38m deal, potentially rising to £50m.

These negotiations quickly collapsed as the £40.5m-rated dynamo wanted to move to Merseyside, and by the time Levy came back with a guaranteed £50m offer, the 25-year-old was already on his way to Anfield.

The Athletic describe Levy as being ‘fuming’ with the decision at the time, and he may well get a taste of what he’s missed out on come tomorrow night.

Diaz has taken the Premier League by storm, managing three goals and two assists in 10 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

“With a full pre-season under his belt I believe Luis will get better, which is scary; but what he has produced in the here and now is pretty special as well,” claimed Liverpool team-mate and left-back Andrew Robertson.

BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has even lauded the 25-year-old winger as the ‘Signing of the Season’, as he told his podcast:

“You watch him play, on the ball he’s brilliant. But his reaction when they lose the ball is unreal. He’s like a trigger, bang, go go and get it back. For those reasons, he’s the standout signing of the season for me.”

Also lauded as “unplayable” by Robertson, Diaz is clearly an exceptional talent, and one who could seriously haunt Tottenham once the referee blows that whistle at Anfield tomorrow.

If Levy was already angry enough, just imagine the feeling in the boardroom should the Colombian star put on a show in front of his home crowd once again.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Christian Eriksen update…

Leeds United are back in Premier League action this afternoon and they’ll be looking to get their survival bid back on track with a result down in the capital.

Jesse Marsch’s side travel to north London to face an in-form Arsenal side, who too need points to maintain ground in the race for the top four.

Last time out, the Yorkshire outfit were thrashed 4-0 by defending champions Manchester City but that is their only defeat in six matches.

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After naming a back five against Pep Guardiola’s defending champions and sustaining a season-ending injury to the versatile Stuart Dallas, the American head coach is left with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting at the Emirates Stadium today…

There should be no surprises between the sticks as tried and trusted no.1 Illan Meslier continues his shot-stopping duties.

However, it could be all change in the backline as club captain Liam Cooper is expected to start, according to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross. “Cooper and [Diego] Llorente [are] expected to be available on Sunday. Marsch went as far as expecting his captain to play,” he tweeted ahead of the game.

That should see the Scotsman come straight in for Robin Koch, whilst we may also see the Spaniard return, too, taking the place of Junior Firpo, whose struggles in the top-flight continued last weekend.

The £55k-per-week flop’s defending was lambasted as “schoolboy” by former goalkeeper Paul Robinson to the BBC.

It’s a move that could see Pascal Struijk shift across to left-back, with Luke Ayling back in his natural right-back role.

With a tweak in formation, we’re likely to see Kalvin Phillips partner Mateusz Klich at the base of midfield, especially with Adam Forshaw absent through injury and they’ll be joined by Rodrigo in the no.10 role.

Out wide, it should be Raphinha on the right but there’s a tough dilemma on the left as Jack Harrison has flattered to deceive in recent outings. The American could turn to Daniel James after he was named among the substitutes at Elland Road last week.

Meanwhile, leading the line, we could see a rare start for young academy sensation Joe Gelhardt, given he’s the only fit and available striker. That would make him the fourth and final change from the City thrashing.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Struijk, Cooper, Llorente, Ayling; Klich, Phillips; James, Rodrigo, Raphinha; Gelhardt

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano relays big Kalvin Phillips update at Leeds…