All posts by h716a5.icu

Ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan says it is ‘brilliant to see’ that Celtic are already working on completing summer transfer deals ‘behind the scenes’.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou’s transfer success

In a report by the Scottish Sun published just last week, it was claimed that the Hoops are now very close to signing Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze.

The Glasgow giants recently secured the Scottish Premiership title after a 1-1 draw against Dundee United and lifted the trophy the following weekend following an emphatic 6-0 victory over Motherwell.

Ange Postecoglou has already enjoyed plenty of success stories in the transfer market since arriving at Celtic last summer, with the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, and Kyogo Furuhashi all becoming regular members of the first team, and it seems the manager isn’t messing around this summer either.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-7/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: High praise for the boss

Reacting to the ‘brilliant’ news on Jeahze, Whelan hailed the Australian manager and admitted that he is impressed by the clear vision ‘behind the scenes’.

He told Football Insider: “You can’t question his signings so far, can you?

“They’ve all done really well and fitted right into his system almost seamlessly. They’ve taken to it like a duck to water.

“I love it when teams and managers go out with purpose in the summer and get their business done early doors.

“It just points to good scouting and hard work behind the scenes that they’ve got this deal ready to go.

“They want him through the door and up to speed, ready in time for pre-season.

“I think it’s brilliant to see them not taking any time off, not resting on their laurels – Celtic want to make this title theirs next season as well.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Jeahze is a 25-year-old defender who majorly impressed for Hammarby during their Europa Conference League stint earlier this term, providing five assists and scoring two goals across all competitions for the Swedish outfit this season, as per Transfermarkt.

As a result of the Bhoys officially topping the Scottish Premiership table, this of course means that they have now automatically qualified for the 2022/23 Champions League group stage, something that is expected to hand them a big boost in the market.

Being offered the opportunity to play on a world stage and compete at the highest level would be a deal difficult to turn down for any possible new signing, and so it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see Jeahze making his way through the doors at Parkhead in the weeks ahead.

In other news… a finance expert has dropped a ‘significant’ Hoops transfer claim.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has ‘decided to leave’ the club this summer, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Bayern interest

News recently emerged that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have shown an interest in signing Mane as the Senegalese ace’s deal heads into its final 12 months.

Despite remaining coy when asked about his future in the build-up to Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, the 30-year-old now appears to be coming towards the end of a six-year spell on Merseyside.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-34/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

That’s after a fresh update from one renowned journalist has claimed the man signed for £34million from Southampton in 2016 (BBC), has come to a decision over where his future lies…

The latest: ‘He’s ready’

Taking to Twitter, Romano has claimed that Mane is now ‘ready’ to move on with Bayern Munich once again mentioned as the leading contender to acquire his services.

He said: “Sadio Mané has decided to leave Liverpool this summer. He’s ready for a new experience after many special years with Reds – it will be confirmed to the club. FC Bayern are strong contenders – but it’s still open and not completed as Sadio wanted to wait for the final.”

The verdict: Monumental blow

Although an exit of this magnitude has been in the offing for some time now, it’s no less hard to take when it seemingly becomes a reality.

Whilst from a business perspective cashing in on the £72million valued ace now when there is still scope to receive a decent transfer fee makes sense, losing a player who contributed a magnificent 23 goals and five assists during 2021/22 is a damaging loss to the Anfield attacking ranks.

Where the club has perhaps been at its best in recent years has been in the recruitment department, as well as enduring maximum value from players sold. In this instance, this will be the first major test for Julian Ward in his new role as Sporting Director.

The Senegal star once hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by football writer Liam Bekker has netted 120 goals in a red shirt and to replace someone of that goalscoring prowess is no easy task. Despite the January arrival of Luis Diaz and the threat of Diogo Jota, an addition is surely imperative if Liverpool are going to fight on all four trophy fronts once more under Jurgen Klopp.

In other news: Liverpool are ‘willing’ to sanction move for La Liga starlet. Read more here

Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton could leave the club on loan this summer, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post.

The Lowdown: Shackleton at Elland Road

Shackleton has been around the first-team squad ever since Marcelo Bielsa handed the academy graduate his debut during the 2018/19 season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-44/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The central midfielder, who can also play as a right-back, has made 79 appearances for the Whites in all competitions – 14 of which came during the 2021/22 campaign.

However, the 22-year-old only played 22 minutes of action under Jesse Marsch and is entering the final two years of his Elland Road contract.

The Latest: Loan exit?

Leeds journalist Joe Donnohue shared a story on The Yorkshire Evening Post on Saturday morning, looking at the club’s summer plans.

Donnohue stated that Marsch is open to the idea of several youngsters leaving to gain regular game time and said that Shackleton could be a prime candidate to depart on a temporary basis.

The Verdict: Keep?

Leeds are fairly short of midfield and right-back options already, so sending Shackleton out on loan may not be the best idea. Kalvin Phillips has been heavily linked with a summer exit, and should he depart, Marsch would be extremely short in central midfield despite making Brenden Aaronson his first signing as head coach.

Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas are also out injured heading into the 2022/23 season, so it wouldn’t make sense to send Shackleton, who Bielsa called ‘important’, out on loan, especially with Phillips reportedly top of Manchester City’s priorities to replace Fernandinho.

It looks as if that could be the case, though, following his lack of game time in Marsch’s first 12 games in charge, so it could be one to keep an eye on as the American aims to put his stamp on the side with a summer rebuild.

In other news: Orta now working on bizarre transfer for ‘magnificent’ ace; he has history with Leeds supporters.  

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in signing Alvaro Morata in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Calcio Mercato, the Magpies are keen on a deal for the Spain international as Juventus have opted against signing him.

The report claims that they do not want to pay the €35m (£30m) option included in his loan deal to make it permanent, which has opened the door for other teams.

Newcastle, Arsenal and Barcelona have all made enquiries as they consider making a swoop to sign the Atletico Madrid forward.

Big Chris Wood upgrade

Dan Ashworth, who recently arrived as the club’s sporting director, can seal a big upgrade on Wood by securing a deal to sign Morata this summer.

In two Serie A seasons on loan with the Old Lady, the Spaniard scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists, creating 20 ‘big chances’ in total.

He has proven at the top level that he can score and assist goals on a regular basis. Whilst he is not a prolific scorer in the style of a Karim Benzema or a Robert Lewandowski, he offers a scoring threat and a heap of creativity from a forward role.

Juventus boss Max Allegri hailed the attacker earlier this year, saying: “Morata is one of the best in Europe at a technical level, he struggles with his back to the goal, but if he goes diagonally, with into space, he’s better and brings his characteristics to the table. There are many of them.”

He has also proven his quality in La Liga and the Premier League, scoring 12 goals in 25 starts in his last season for Atletico and 16 goals and six assists in 35 starts for Chelsea. This shows that he can adapt to playing in different countries and teams, which suggests that he would be able to hit the ground running under Eddie Howe.

Meanwhile, Wood scored five goals and failed to provide a single assist in 32 starts in the 2021/22 campaign for Burnley and Newcastle combined.

The 30-year-old struggled in front of goal and has never managed more than three assists in a season at the top level, which shows that he does not have the creativity to fall back on – as Morata does – if he is not scoring.

Therefore, signing the Atletico gem would represent a big upgrade on the New Zealand international and Ashworth must now work hard to pip the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal to his signature.

AND in other news, “Newcastle asked..”: Reporter delivers big transfer claim that’ll leave Howe excited…

Tottenham Hotspur could look to swoop for James Ward-Prowse to bolster their homegrown quota this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who claims the Southampton skipper is among the options to replace Harry Winks, should he leave the north London outfit.

It’s thought that Spurs had agreed on a deal to sign the England international three years ago but did not pull the trigger – he’s now worth a lot more than then.

CIES Football Observatory currently estimate his worth to be in the region of €50m (£45m).

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Shades of Eriksen

Spurs have long lacked a playmaking talent capable of delivering from dead-ball situations and open play – ever since the departure of Christian Erisken in January 2020, to be more precise.

The likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso and Dele Alli have all struggled to cement their place as a creative, attacking midfield option, with all three failing to end the 2021/22 campaign in a Spurs shirt.

Ward-Prowse, however, has continued to deliver on the Premier League stage, all for a somewhat struggling Saints side.

In each of the last four top-flight seasons, the Englishman has delivered at least five goals and three assists, including ten goals and five assists last season, via WhoScored.

Furthermore, the 27-year-old maestro ranks amongst the top 15% of his positional peers in the Premier League for shot-creating actions (3.16 per 90), as well as the top 1% of inswinging and outswinging corners and top 3% for passes from free-kicks, per FBref.

It’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “machine” by Southampton boss Hasenhuttl and compared to David Beckham by ex-Spurs striker Peter Crouch.

As such, it would be a very wise move for sporting director Fabio Paratici to make, given the need to bolster homegrown numbers, particularly if Winks does indeed depart.

AND in other news, talkSPORT transfer expert drops Djed Spence update…

Manchester United are said to have joined the race for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun, who claimed that Erik ten Hag and co are keeping a close eye on the England international, with the Red Devils manager said to be desperate to bolster his midfield after the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata.

The Saints captain is rated at £28.8m by Transfermarkt, with his contract expiring in June 2026, having agreed a new deal just last year.

Ten Hag’s dream player

The latest news surrounding Southampton’s dead-ball specialist will be refreshing, considering the rumours around Frenkie de Jong, as United supporters will surely be elated at the prospect of a classy and respectful midfielder joining their beloved club.

The 27-year-old’s leadership qualities and ability to dictate play through mastering the basics make him a sure-fire signing who would slot right into Ten Hag’s mass-possession system.

There is also an apparent lack of leadership on the pitch at the club – something that the 11-cap England international could remedy, having shone in a captaincy role under Ralph Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s.

Dubbed a “machine” by his boss in 2020, the Southampton skipper had yet another stellar season on a personal level, bagging ten goals and chipping in with a further five assists in 36 appearances for the Saints.

Now in the prime of his career and gaining acknowledgement on the international stage, the 27-year-old could be looking to take the next step of his career in joining a club who will, at the very least, challenge for the European places every year.

Also, with Ward-Prowse renowned for his extreme professionalism, in stark contrast to some of the less than cerebral reports which have emerged about some United players’ attitudes in recent months, the Englishman could well be a dream prospective signing for Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

In other news – “Keen to sign…”: Transfer insider drops Man Utd claim that’ll have supporters buzzing

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

What’s the word?

That’s according to a recent report by The Athletic, who claim that Victor Orta is very keen on the idea of a move for the Manchester City attacking midfielder this summer, whether that is on a loan or a permanent deal.

The report goes on to state that, while Pep Guardiola is planning on using the 19-year-old as part of his first-team squad next season, City could be tempted into parting with the England U20 international should their own negotiations concerning a £60m deal for Leeds central midfielder Kalvin Phillips begin to drag on.

The next David Silva

Considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee quite clearly is, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the youngster to Elland Road ahead of the Whites’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

Indeed, over his top scorer and fourth-highest assist provider in the division.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

It is this level of form that has seen the £2.7m-rated talent who Jacek Kulig dubbed “exceptional” earn comparisons to Manchester City legend David Silva, while Barry-Murphy also took the time to heap a considerable amount of praise on the teenager in an interview with GOAL earlier this season.

Concerning McAtee, the youth coach said: “I’ve seen a real hunger from him to develop his goal scoring, and drifting towards that goal. He is a very, very talented player and a very creative player.

“I think it’s very early in his development. He wants to score goals to support the team and work alongside his teammates but he understands he has a special set of qualities that will allow him to score goals and create goals. He’s very focused on improving that, which is intriguing me.”

As such, should Orta go on to seal a deal for the attacking midfielder this summer, it is clear to see that the Spanish sporting director will have landed an exceptionally promising young talent – one who, if he continues his remarkable rise following a theoretical switch to Leeds, could go on to become the Whites’ very own Silva.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now in talks for “scary” £18m signing, it’d be an “unreal” coup for Leeds

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of landing Eric Bailly in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the print edition of The Mirror, Manchester United are attempting to offload the central defender in the coming weeks.

The report claims that PIF have been given the green light to seal a deal as they have been offered the chance to sign him from the Red Devils.

It is stated that the Premier League giants will now demand a fee in the region of £8.5m for the out-of-favour centre-back.

Eddie Howe would love it

The Toon head coach would love Bailly at St. James’ Park as it would give him the opportunity to turn the defender’s career around.

Although he has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, the Ivorian has shown signs of promise over the years that suggest there is a talented player in there.

Howe has shown that he can revive a player’s career as he turned Joelinton from a misfiring striker into a steamroller in midfield. The Brazilian won Newcastle’s Player of the Season award for his efforts in 2021/22, after the head coach switched his position up during the first half of the campaign.

Now, we are not expecting Bailly to come in and be converted into an attacking midfielder but the Toon boss can work with him on the training pitch to help him find consistency in his performances.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously dubbed Bailly “immense” and his form in the Champions League last term offered a glimpse of what he is capable of. In two appearances in Europe, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.35 as he made five tackles, three interceptions, seven clearances and won 60% of his aerial duels.

He also showcased his quality at the African Cup of Nations as he averaged a score of 7.40 across three games in the tournament earlier this year. The defensive brute won 70% of his duels and made 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game, illustrating the impact he can have when he is fit and firing.

Therefore, Howe will enjoy trying to get the best out of Bailly as he has shown that he has the potential to be an excellent defender when he is at the peak of his powers. He may not have been able to show that in the Premier League for Manchester United, given their willingness to sell him, but the Magpies can now test their luck with the 28-year-old.

AND in other news, NUFC can unearth their own Abraham as Ashworth plots bid for “fearless” £25m bulldozer…

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has backed Liverpool to win the race to sign Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham. 

The lowdown: Big admirers

Signed as a 17 year-old for £30million in 2020 (BBC), Bellingham had already made 44 senior outings for Birmingham before making the switch to Germany.

Since arriving in the Bundesliga the mercurial youngster has been a smash hit for Jurgen Klopp’s former side, making 89 senior showings and already becoming a fully-fledged England international.

Given the ever-burgeoning reputation, the Reds, alongside other potential suitors, have been perennially credited with a long-standing admiration for the 19-year-old midfielder and are expected to step up their pursuit next summer…

The latest: Pulling power

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton frontman and regular talkSPORT contributor Campbell has suggested that Liverpool have the wherewithal to fend off interest from all comers for Bellingham.

He said: “Listen, to come back to England for a club like Liverpool would appeal to Jude Bellingham I’m sure.

“The question is, what kind of feeling does he have towards Real Madrid. Real Madrid has that mystery. They are a juggernaut of a club. When a Real Madrid comes in, it is very difficult for players to turn them down.

“Bellingham might want to come back. If he wants to come back to England I’m sure there will be a lot of clubs interested. Liverpool would be in pole position if he does. There is only a few teams he could come back to. It would be a good move for Liverpool. It has been talked about for 18 months or so now.

“Bellingham is at Dortmund as well, Klopp has very good links there. I’m sure he has been well studied.”

The verdict: Marquee signing

Truly a transformational signing for almost any team in world football for potentially the next decade, any European superpower worth its salt will be interested in signing the 15-cap revelation when the time arises.

Last season, Bellingham – who was branded a ‘generational talent’ by journalist Darren Lewis earlier this year – scored six times and provided 14 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, once again showcasing an ability to influence games at the highest level.

Whilst Jurgen Klopp is currently relatively well-stocked in terms of midfield options, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago are all either in or approaching the twilight of their respective careers and therefore the next major expenditure from FSG, spearheaded by Julian Ward, should be on the £72million valued English teenager.

Albeit often labelled as frugal operators in the market, the Anfield ownership group have been winning to splash out on eye-watering outlays such as the £76.19million for Virgil van Dijk and the recent £67million expenditure to bring Darwin Nunez from Benfica, a category of deal Bellingham would certainly justify being involved in.

Sunderland are hoping to land the signature of Leeds United youngster, Charlie Cresswell.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk editor James Marshment who claims that the Black Cats have joined the hunt for Cresswell’s temporary signature.

Marshment states that the Leeds United youth product is holding talks over a potential loan move to Millwall, but Sunderland’s late surge of interest means that they too are hoping to land the defender.

Taking to his personal Twitter account to reveal the interest surrounding Cresswell, Marshment said:

“Charlie Cresswell is holding talks over a potential loan move to Millwall – but TEAMtalk understands that Sunderland are also hoping to land the Leeds United defender.”

Alex Neil will love him

The news surrounding Sunderland’s latest endeavour in the transfer market will be like music to Sunderland boss Alex Neil’s ears.

At 19 years of age and already a regular on the Leeds United bench, the England U21 international has a lot of potential and is clearly respected.

However, despite being a regular squad member in the first team, the centre-back has made just 228 minutes of football played is no where near good enough. And despite featuring regularly for the under-23s, he now needs consistent minutes for a competitive senior side.

It’s something that Cresswell’s agent Hayden Evans made clear back in May, as per Leeds That Podcast:

“You get the frustration of certain fans who say ‘if they’re good enough they’re old enough’ and they should be given opportunities, but there is a reasonable understanding about why he’s not getting the minutes when you see who is in front of him.

“But he has to get more football soon. We’ll have the usual conversations in the summer and see where it goes from there,”

A move to Sunderland would benefit both club and player and from the perspective of Neil who will most certainly love his style as a physical yet elegant central defender, it’s a move that has to happen.

AND in other news: “Completing a move..“: Reporter drops huge SAFC transfer update, Neil surely elated