All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds presenter Joe Wainman believes that Dan James was always destined to sign for the club, even suggesting he is like a son to Marcelo Bielsa.

The Lowdown: Leeds finally capture James

Leeds signing of £16.2m-valued James (Transfermarkt) had been two years in the making. The Whites had been close to capturing the Wales international in 2019, but the move from Swansea City fell apart on deadline day.

He of course moved to Manchester United before finally switching to Elland Road in the summer for a fee of £25m (BBC).

The Latest: Wainman makes James claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Wainman believes James was always going to end up with the Whites. He said:

“I just felt that it was always going to be Leeds United’s deal because they were so big on him. Victor Orta very big on him. Of course, Bielsa, he’s like Bielsa’s son, I think. It was always going to happen.”

The Verdict: Finally

It is hard to understate just how close James was close to moving to Yorkshire – he was even pictured holding up a Leeds shirt before the transfer fell apart (inews). Two years later, the Whites finally have their man, and he has already made five appearances in all competitions for the club (Transfermarkt).

How much of an impact he has remains to be seen – he is yet to score or provide an assist as of yet – but if Bielsa was that desperate to capture him, he clearly has a certain ability. After all, the Argentinian is a hero in Leeds and, so far, the vast majority of his decisions have paid off.

In other news, Noel Whelan is delighted with these club plans.

Even though they’ve had four games postponed in recent weeks, Tottenham Hotspur have had a fairly positive start to life under Antonio Conte with four wins, one draw and one defeat across all competitions.

However, with Conte calling the quality of the Spurs squad into question after their 2-1 defeat against NS Mura in the Europa Conference League back in November, the upcoming January transfer window could be a great opportunity for Fabio Paratici to add some quality to Conte’s squad for the rest of the season.

With this in mind, it seems as though the Lilywhites already have their eye on signing someone in January who could fit into Conte’s plans.

According to La Repubblica, as relayed by La Lazio Siamo Noi (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are interested in signing Lazio midfielder Manuel Lazzari as he would apparently be a dream fit for Conte’s favoured 3-5-2 formation.

Since joining Lazio from SPAL back in the 2019 summer transfer window, the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £16.2m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 99 appearances for Lazio across all competitions in which he has managed to score four goals and provide 10 assists along the way.

Throughout his entire career, Lazzari has made a total of 255 appearances as a right-midfielder but has played 16 games as a right-back for Lazio this season, showing that he’d be a useful figure for Spurs in either the right-wing back position or even possibly as part of the back three.

Labelled as a “quality” player in the past by current Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri, it’s easy to see why Conte would be interested in signing Lazzari and bringing him to Tottenham as an experienced and versatile player who would fit right in on the flank.

However, with Spurs having the likes of Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Japhet Tanganga in their squad that can play in the right-back or right-wing back position, it would be interesting to see if Conte would immediately give Lazzari the right-wing back spot ahead of their current options, or possibly look to offload one of those names first.

Either way, if Paratici sees an opportunity to deliver Conte with what would be a potential dream fit, then he should definitely look to do all he can to bring Lazzari, who was earning a weekly wage of £45k-per-week last year according to Salary Sport, to north London.

In other news: Paratici could deliver Spurs masterclass with £22.5m-rated beast likened to Vidic – opinion

An injury expert has now dropped a Newcastle United claim on Callum Wilson before they play Norwich City away from home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Shooting drills

As cited by The Shields Gazette, Eddie Howe has revealed that Wilson has taken part in some low-level shooting drills as he looks to step up his recovery from injury.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The striker was reportedly confident of making his return against the Canaries, and the Toon Army will no doubt be eager to hear an update on his situation from Howe before the game on Saturday afternoon.

The Latest: Injury expert

Speaking to Football Insider, medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in both medicine and data analysis, has claimed that Wilson is now ‘moving in the right direction’, and that it would be ‘fantastic’ if he could still play a part in the run-in:

“He is moving in the right direction.

“They will be proceeding with caution given his history with soft tissue injuries.

“With this injury specifically, you need to be careful with him because there is that danger there.

“If it was a choice between bringing him back too early or having a fully fit and firing Callum Wilson next season, you’d take the latter.

“If he does play some part in the run-in, fantastic. As long as he is moving in the right direction, that will suit Newcastle.”

The Verdict: Big boost

It would certainly be a big boost if Wilson could come back for the remainder of the run-in, starting with NCFC on Saturday.

Amazingly, he is still their top scorer this season with six goals despite his injury setback, and would be useful in getting the St. James’ Park faithful to finish as high up in the Premier League table as possible.

Nonetheless, a nice run of matches will get him best prepared for next term, where the North East club will be hoping to kick on after a potentially busy summer transfer window.

In other news, find out who NUFC’s three worst players were against Crystal Palace here!

West Ham United have been handed a huge boost concerning Ben Johnson and Kurt Zouma.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Football.London, David Moyes revealed that he withdrew Johnson at half-time in the Hammers’ 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday as the defender was on a booking rather than because of an injury, while the 58-year-old also suggested that Zouma could be ahead of schedule in his recovery from a hamstring tendon injury.

Speaking about Johnson, Moyes said: “I would have liked to have used another sub as I took Ben off because he was booked.”

Regarding Zouma and the club’s efforts to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window, the West Ham manager added: “A defender is in our priorities but if we get Kurt back that might alter it.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering how important both Johnson and Zouma have been for West Ham this season, the news that the 21-year-old did not suffer an injury against Palace, in addition to the suggestion that Zouma could be back in first-team action before January is up, will undoubtedly have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 11 Premier League appearances in the current campaign – the most recent of which have come at left-back as a result of Aaron Cresswell’s injury – the £2.7m-rated Johnson has helped his side keep two clean sheets and scored one goal, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 2.6 clearances and winning 54% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the England U21 international average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Moyes’ fifth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

Meanwhile, over Zouma’s own 11 league outings this term, the £28.8m-rated centre-back has also helped the Irons keep two clean sheets and has scored one goal, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.6 tackles, 5.2 clearances and winning 60% of his duels per match.

These returns have seen the £120k-per-week defender average a SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as the Hammers’ joint ninth-best player in the division.

As such, it is clear to see that both players are incredibly important to both Moyes and West Ham, meaning that the 58-year-old’s latest update is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing.

In other news: Big transfer twist emerges on “invaluable” 22 y/o that’ll leave West Ham fans outraged

Wolves manager Bruno Lage has revealed the latest on injured defender Willy Boly’s status, with the Ivory Coast international having made just one appearance under the Portuguese this season.

What’s the latest?

Boly endured an injury-stricken 2021, playing just 11 games in all competitions across the calendar year and is yet to appear in the Premier League this season, having made just one appearance in the EFL Cup.

The 30-year-old most recently made the squad for Wolves’ 1-0 win at Brighton in mid-December, although another setback has ruled the defender out of action for the Golden Boys as well as for his native Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations.

Speaking to the media about Boly’s situation, Lage said: “He has some muscular problems and sometimes doesn’t feel comfortable with it. That’s why sometimes he is ready to play, then he starts training and feels a little pain.

“It’s important when you are in that position you feel ready and confident.

“This situation is not good for Boly, it’s not good for me and it’s not good for the club,” the 45-year-old added. “Every time he comes, he goes. He needs time to work, to prepare himself, because he was important in the past and can help the team to be better.

“He has a contract with us, and he’s a top player, and he stayed with us instead of going to the national team – it means something. He preferred to stay with us and recover. This is a good signal.”

Wolves fans will be gutted

The Ivorian is certainly a popular figure amongst the Molineux faithful, having played a major part in getting the West Midlands club back to the Premier League in the 2017/18 campaign, in which he made 36 Championship appearances.

Moreover, the 30-year-old was vital in Wolves’ first campaign back in the top-flight as he missed just two of their 38 league matches.

However, it now appears as though there is little room for the centre-back in the starting line up, that is with everyone available.

The regular trio of Conor Coady, Max Kilman and Romain Saiss has been a revelation this campaign, with Wolves the Premier League’s second-best defenders behind league leaders Manchester City, having conceded just 15 goals in 20 matches.

Boly will have to find a solution to his reoccurring issues, if not, it may prove to be the end of his tenure in the West Midlands. Considering his popularity among the fanbase, this is an eventuality that would leave the Molineux faithful gutted.

In other news – £33k-p/w Wolves gem, who created two big chances, stars in victory over Southampton

[ad_pod ]

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that his club are considering dipping into the January transfer market, as reported by Goal.

It comes following news that the club will be without arguably their two best players – Harry Kane and Dele Alli – until March.

Fernando Llorente has stepped into the centre-forward role in recent matches and although the Spaniard scored against Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Thursday night, there remain question marks over his suitability for the role.

Whether Tottenham are able to secure the type of player that they want for the right price remains to be seen.

However, Pochettino has hinted that his team could make a signing before the window closes, despite the fact that Son Hueng-min will be back with the club sooner than expected.

The Tottenham fans have been reacting to Pochettino’s words on social media and it would be fair to say that not many are particularly confident.

Club chairman Daniel Levy is known to drive a hard bargain and it is always difficult to sign players of the required quality during the January transfer window.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Playmaker FC Exclusive: “Wolves absolutely spanked you” – Jermaine Jenas gives damning verdict of Arsenal’s season. Check out the video below…

Speaking to Polish news outlet Meczyki, West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabiabski has dropped a big update concerning a potential new deal at the London Stadium.

The Lowdown: West Ham looking to extend?

One of the few senior West Ham players out of contract next summer, with others like Angelo Ogbonna also at the centre of reports, Fabianski’s future is certainly an interesting topic.

West Ham completed the signing of Paris-Saint German shot stopper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan with the option to buy last summer and you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a big hint in regards to Fabianski’s long term status.

Alas, he continues to prove a mainstay under David Moyes, starting every Premier League game so far, and now the player himself has dropped a contract bombshell.

The Latest: Fabianski shares news…

Speaking to Meczyki, the 36-year-old has confirmed that there have been some ‘preliminary talks’ going on behind-the-scenes over a possible extension.

“As far as I can tell, there have been some preliminary talks already going on,” Fabianski said when asked if he wants to extend his east London stay.

“I hope that we will calmly come to a good solution for both sides. I do not see any reasons for it to be otherwise, since the club and I are satisfied with this cooperation.”

The Verdict: Good news?

While you could make the argument that Moyes and West Ham need to start thinking more long term, as evident by the signing of Areola and links to West Brom ace Sam Johnstone, the Hammers’ current number one has given no reason not to offer another one-year deal.

The fact Moyes is yet to start Areola in an English top flight match despite his form for Fulham last year tells you all you need to know of Fabianski’s ability and application.

Time will tell whether the club and player will come to an agreement, but West Ham could certainly do far worse in-between the sticks for now.

In other news: ‘Bargain’, ‘Incredible’…Pundit blown away as West Ham eye ‘very, very good signing’ for Moyes, find out more here.

The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin believes that Hoops youngster Karamoko Dembele may have actually broken a bone in his ankle over the summer.

The Lowdown: Dembele’s Celtic career

Labelled as ‘special’ by former Bhoys manager Neil Lennon, the teenager has struggled to make a major impact at Parkhead since penning professional terms at Parkhead back in 2018.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-18/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Now 18 years of age, the winger has turned out just eight times for the Hoops’ first team and is yet to make a competitive appearance under Ange Postecoglou.

He injured his ankle in the club’s pre-season tour of Wales and underwent surgery back in October following complications. However, Devlin believes that the youngster may have broken a bone in his ankle despite reports suggesting that it was a fracture.

The Latest: Devlin claim

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic prior to Celtic’s meeting with Motherwell on Sunday afternoon.

He was quizzed on Dembele’s situation, replying with an interesting admission:

“He’s also injured, *think* it turned out to be a break in the end but conflicting information on that.”

The Verdict: Summer departure?

Dembele has had his struggles in Glasgow and is out of contract in the summer, so there’s every possibility that he’ll pursue a new challenge next year, should his situation remain the same over the coming months.

You’d expect that he wouldn’t be short of suitors either despite his injury issues, with the likes of Lille, Nantes and Danish side FC Nordsjaelland all linked with the teenager earlier this year.

Hopefully he’ll be back in the New Year and will get a chance under Postecoglou, but getting fit will be his main priority for the time being.

In other news: ‘Game-changer’ – BBC Radio 5 Live man ‘surprised’ as Celtic get closer to biggest signing of the Postecoglou era

Rangers are plotting a key deal to ensure Alex Lowry’s future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox beyond 2023.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, a Gers source has revealed that the club have made the talented youngster a new contract offer worth £5k-per-week.

The report claims that he is set to meet with van Bronckhorst and club officials to discuss a deal this week, with Rangers hoping to pin him down to fresh terms until 2025.

His current contract expires in the summer of 2023 and the Light Blues are keen to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season. He is said to be attracting interest from unnamed clubs from England, and the Gers are hoping to ward off those advances with a new deal for the midfielder.

Van Bronckhorst will be elated

This update will surely leave Van Bronckhorst elated, as Rangers are pressing ahead with their attempts to keep Lowry at Ibrox. They are not waiting until bids have already come in for him to start trying to retain his services, which means that they are being proactive in their approach.

The Dutch head coach will be desperate to keep hold of the teenager heading into the 2022/23 campaign and beyond, as he is a talented young player with high potential.

At the age of 18, Lowry has already been exposed to first-team football at Ibrox. He made his Premiership debut earlier this season and scored his first senior goal for the club against Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup, which shows that he has the talent to make an impact outside of the youth team.

Last month, journalist Josh Bunting lavished him with praise, tweeting: “Alex Lowry is just a fabulous footballer, on this pitch the way he’s dribbling on it indicates he has so much quality, so good on the ball and has a wonderful sense of balance, really good at driving at the opposition defence he creates plenty of problems with his movement.”

This shows that the 18-year-old has been catching the eye throughout the campaign. He still has the majority of his career ahead of him to continue developing and Rangers cannot afford to lose him at the end of his current contract as they would not be able to benefit from his full potential.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be elated with the efforts to keep Lowry at Ibrox and will be hoping that the Scotland youth international is willing to commit his future to the club.

AND in other news, Insider drops worrying behind-the-scenes Ibrox claim, it’s very bad news for Rangers…

Tottenham have held talks with a Championship club over an early exit agreement for striker Kion Etete, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Etete’s 2021/22

Etete, who made the move to north London from Notts County back in 2019, is currently on loan at League One side Cheltenham Town.

Labelled as ‘excellent’ by Harry Kewell, the 20-year-old has contributed to five goals in nine games.

Etete spent the first half of the current campaign with League Two side Northampton Town, where he netted six times, and it looks as if his natural progression will continue in the Championship next season.

The Latest: Source shares talks

Football Insider, who were informed by a Spurs source, shared a story on Etete on Thursday afternoon.

They revealed that Tottenham are lining up another loan move for the forward in the summer and have already held talks with a Championship side ahead of a possible early agreement.

The Verdict: Makes sense…

Etete appears to be making fine progress in the Football League, so a move to the second tier could well be the correct choice.

What matters most, though, is that Etete, who shares the same agent as Ryan Sessegnon, is playing regularly, as he has been this term.

Spurs have reportedly been left furious at Charlton Athletic’s handling of young midfielder Nile John, so if regular minutes can be guaranteed in the Championship for Etete, an early agreement could be a shrewd move.

In other news: Spurs now planning move for ‘brilliant’ player who left Pirlo amazed; valued at just £13.5m.