All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool may have suffered disappointment in the Premier League on the final day of the season after losing out on the title to Manchester City by one point but will now look ahead to the Champions League final with a new injury update revealed by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Northern Football Correspondent for The Times and Liverpool journalist Paul Joyce, has given an important update on Fabinho’s recovery from a hamstring injury he sustained against Aston Villa last week.

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Joyce indicated in his article (via The Times) that the midfielder is continuing his recovery but faces a race against time to be fit for the final in Paris on Saturday evening. He has not returned to full training as of yet and could miss the clash in Paris.

As per the report, Fabinho will intensify his training at the end of the week with the hope that he will be ready to play against Real Madrid, but there is still no confirmation that he will be 100% fit for the important clash.

Supporters will be worried

Fabinho has been instrumental in Liverpool’s successful season and plays a key role in the midfield for the side, so supporters will be severely worried that his presence in Paris hangs in the balance, with the player still not back in full training.

The 28-year-old has scored eight goals and contributed one assist for the Reds this season in all competitions, whilst being a dominant force in his defensive midfield role guiding his team to two trophies already with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup already under their belts this season.

In his 29 Premier League appearances Fabinho has created two big chances, has been successful in the majority of his dribbles (73%), winning the majority of his aerial duels (65%), making 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and taking 63.7 touches on average per game this season. That proves that he plays an important role in dictating play from midfield, which would be sorely missed in the Champions League final.

Liverpool supporters suffered further heartbreak as Thiago Alcantara hobbled off the pitch at half-time on the final day of the season with an Achilles problem.

Joyce confirmed the Spaniard has undergone a scan and the problem is not serious but will need to respond well to his treatment and recovery plan to be in contention for the game on Saturday alongside Fabinho.

With that being said, Klopp will need to prepare for the worst outcome by leaning on Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and James Milner to fill the boots of the players should they be unable to recover in time, all of whom should be more than capable of using their experience to offer a high-quality performance.

AND in other news: Liverpool handed the perfect chance to sign “extraordinary” £60m brute, Klopp needs him

A huge Sunderland development has emerged on Anthony Patterson heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, the Black Cats are expected to hold talks with the shot-stopper as they want to secure his future at the club with a new contract.

The report claims that they want him to put pen to paper on a long-term extension and will hand him a pay rise as he is currently on ‘low wages’ with one year left on his deal.

Supporters will be buzzing

The supporters will surely be buzzing with this news as keeping hold of Patterson would be a huge boost heading into the 2022/23 Championship campaign.

He spent the first half of the season behind Hoffmann in the pecking order between the sticks and went out on loan to Notts County for a short spell as he looked to gain first-team experience.

The youngster then came back and grasped his opportunity with both hands as he nailed down his position as the number one in the final few months of 2021/22.

Patterson ended the League One season with 23 appearances under his belt and kept an impressive ten clean sheets as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.88. He was able to turn in consistently solid displays in goal as he did not make a single error directly leading to a shot or goal.

Hoffmann, meanwhile, kept eight shutouts in 23 games and averaged a score of 6.82 – making one error directly leading to a goal. This shows that the youngster was able to improve the team by replacing the German as he averaged a higher rating and made fewer mistakes.

His final game of the campaign epitomised his spell in the team as he produced a mature, quality, performance in the play-off final against Wycombe.

As per SofaScore, he saved all three of the shots on his goal, completed one successful punch and two high claims from crosses as he earned a rating of 7.5.

At the age of 22, he has the potential to get better and better over the years and that is why pinning him down to a long-term contract would be a brilliant deal for the club. He has shown that he can excel in the third tier and he now looks set to get the chance to showcase his quality in the Championship next season.

Therefore, keeping him will be a big boost due to his scope for development and fans will be buzzing to see him putting pen to paper on a contract extension for that very reason.

AND in other news, “Will have a conversation..”: Major SAFC transfer update emerges that’ll excite Neil…

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) the Red Devils and fellow Premier League club Arsenal are interested in signing the Nigerian this summer.

After scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances for French outfit Lille, the striker joined Napoli in 2020 in a deal worth a reported €81.3m (£70.6m).

During his time with the Azzurri, the 23-year-old has found the net 28 times in 62 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with nine assists along the way. This season saw the striker score 18 goals and supply six assists in 32 appearances across Serie A and the Europa League, which shows why United are after him.

To further highlight how deadly an attacking threat he is, only Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala ended the recent Serie A campaign with a higher rate of shots per 90 minutes than the Nigerian.

Labelled a “phenomenal” player by Walter Mazzarri, Osimhen has also been described by Napoli team-mate Alex Meret as a figure with “enormous potential”.

Imagine him & Bruno

Taking into account the Napoli star’s clear attacking talent, he certainly has what it takes to form a scary duo at Old Trafford alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Having ended the recent Premier League season with significantly more shot-creating actions (145) than any other player in United’s squad, the Portuguese midfielder definitely has the ability to provide Osimhen with plenty of goalscoring opportunities if the latter were to make the move to Manchester this summer.

Also, with the 27-year-old racking up the third-highest average of key passes per game in the Premier League this season (2.5), he could give the Napoli marksman the platform to thrive in England as a deadly goalscorer.

Given Osimhen’s knack for finding the net, he and Fernandes could be a match made in heaven for United and Erik ten Hag once the 2022/23 season kicks off.

Whilst reportedly having a rather hefty price tag of £100m, this could be an investment worth making for the Manchester club given the Nigerian’s rather young age and the prospect of him being a long-term feature for the Red Devils.

In other news: MUFC eyeing £50m dynamo who’s “a nightmare for defenders”, he’s better than Rashford

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez could join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Previous agreement

As per a report by The Times, the Lilywhites had agreed a £60m transfer fee with the Serie A club last August, only for Antonio Conte’s former side to go back on the proposed deal.

With Romelu Lukaku making a £97.5m return to the Premier League with Chelsea, Inter decided to end negotiations with Spurs over a potential move for the Argentina international.

Whilst the 24-year-old has signed a new contract keeping him in Milan until 2026, The Times have recently reported that Inter have now set a new £70m asking price for the striker.

The Latest: Talbot’s claim on Martinez

With ENIC having announced a £150m investment into the north London club, Talbot believes that some of these funds could be put towards a transfer fee for Martinez.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “I’m told Martinez would be coming into Spurs, and I think it’s good because it’s down to (Daniel) Levy wanting to appease (Antonio) Conte.

“And there was a little bit of concern, would he do it, is he going to invest loads of money? But then they’ve just got Champions League, and now they’ve just got £150 million extra investment.

“And they’ve got Son (Heung-Min), who’s just won the Golden Boot with (Mohamed) Salah, and Harry Kane, who looks to be signing a new contract, then they’ve got (Dejan) Kulusevski, who will be staying as well.”

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The Verdict: Great signing

In 135 appearances in the Italian top flight, the Argentine has netted an impressive 58 goals (via Transfermarkt), illustrating his clinical nature in the final third.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Martinez ranks in the 99th percentile for total shots taken and in the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals (via FBRef).

With the Inter marksman gaving established himself as one of the best strikers in European football, his international team-mate Lionel Messi piled on the praise, hailing the 24-year-old as a ‘spectacular’ player.

With the acclaim coming from one of the greatest footballers of all time, Martinez certainly must be the real deal. Therefore, this would be a fantastic signing for Spurs if they can get it done.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops significant transfer update on this reported Spurs target

Leeds United have been offered the chance to sign a new striker this summer…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Yorkshire outfit could look to sign New York City FC forward Valentin Castellanos after being given the green light to do so.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT recently, the journalist revealed: “I think Castellanos is the one to look out for, they’ve definitely been offered him. They’re weighing it up at the moment.

“Again, it might not be a player that gets Leeds fans particularly excited, but he’s actually had a really good year in MLS.”

Marsch needs him

Whilst the Whites had the second-leakiest backline in the Premier League last season, one of their biggest problems was in the final third, where they sorely missed Patrick Bamford, who had bagged 17 goals in 2020/21.

His persistent injury troubles often left Jesse Marsch without a senior option up top, leading to players like Dan James and Jack Harrison playing out of positon, if not the pressure falling upon youngsters such as Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.

Truthfully, this has long been an issue at Elland Road, with the loan arrivals of Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Kevin Augustin failing to work out under former boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Just as Jones states, Castellanos may not be an exciting name given the fact that he has only really delivered in the MLS, but the same hasn’t been said for Brenden Aaronson, an equally exciting talent who has only done the business in America and Austria.

As such, the 23-year-old Argentine should not be written off, not at least because prolific goalscorers tend to correlate that form elsewhere, given the right service.

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Across the course of his career in USA, Castellanos has bagged 58 goals, 53 of which have come in 126 appearances for NYCFC. He secured the Golden Boot last year on their way to a MLS Cup victory and has also been rather creative, providing 23 assists, via Transfermarkt.

Described as “exceptional” and “absolutely perfect” for Leeds by journalist Conor McGilligan, the 5 foot 10 frontman could be a viable and cheap solution to Marsch’s frontline woes as he is thought to be available for just £12.8m, though there is also competition from Premier League rivals West Ham United.

Victor Orta and co shouldn’t think twice with a swoop for Castellanos this off-season.

AND in other news, Orta in ongoing talks for “unreal” Leeds United deal, supporters surely buzzing…

According to reports coming out of Spain, a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Villarreal defender Pervis Estupinan.

The Lowdown: Conte plans in full flow…

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has reportedly earmarked key positions of the Lilywhites squad to be strengthened ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge in N17.

The north Londoners are after new signings defensively, in midfield and further forward, with club chief Fabio Paratici already securing two fresh faces.

Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster have arrived in north London on Bosman deals, with Spurs now also entering pole position for Ecuador international Estupinan according to Marca.

The Latest: Spurs enter pole position for Estupinan…

Indeed, the Spanish news source claimed that Tottenham are now the ‘main candidate’ to sign the Villarreal wing-back for Conte.

Spurs are apparently pushing to sign Estupinan as the La Liga club place the 24-year-old on their transfer list.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘excellent’ by members of the press (Zach Lowy, Breaking the Lines co-creator), the South American would come as a potentially cheap and solid option for Paratici and co, given his estimated £18m valuation by Transfermarkt.

Conte reportedly wants new wing-back additions on both the right and left flanks as Tottenham potentially look for ways to satisfy the Italian’s demands without going over budget.

Estupinan could be a credible candidate to rotate with Ryan Sessegnon on the left and possibly replace Sergio Reguilon, who has been linked with an exit from the club.

Still quite young, the former Watford player averaged Villarreal’s fourth-highest number of crosses per 90 in the Spanish top flight in 2021/22, emphasising his attack-minded style.

Estupinan’s links with Spurs may well be worth keeping an eye on throughout the summer.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft?’ – Media thrilled by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces a crucial first summer transfer window in charge of Rangers as he aims to keep the momentum high at Ibrox following a solid end to the 2021/22 season.

Narrowly losing the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in 13 years gave the Light Blues something to cheer about after losing their Premiership crown to their Glasgow arch-rivals.

Although no incoming transfers have been completed yet this summer, there will surely be some activity as the weeks tick towards the first league fixture of the season on 30 July.

In order to spend money on players who will immediately improve the first team, there may need to be some outgoings. To that effect, with Borna Barisic being linked with a move to Trabzonspor, it might be the right time to sell him.

This could generate funds for Van Bronckhorst to make a move for Stoke City left-back Josh Tymon, although he will reportedly cost £6m.

Pete O’Rourke gave his views on the defender to GiveMeSport recently, saying: “I think Josh Tymon had a really good season for Stoke City; he’s got huge potential and is an exciting, young left-back. So, I think if Rangers were able to sign him, he would definitely improve the squad.”

Barisic wasn’t as influential last season compared to 2020/21. The Croatia international only registered three assists last time around compared to 14 in the Gers’ title-winning campaign. The 29-year-old’s goals have dried up too, as he failed to score last term following a five-goal season in all competitions prior to that.

On the other hand, Tymon helped himself to three goals and four assists in all competitions in 2021/22, and at only 23 years of age, he could be a shrewd investment for the future.

Perhaps more worryingly, Barisic proved to be a defensive liability in big games against Celtic earlier this year, twice being caught napping at the back post as the Hoops punished his lapses to find the net.

This prospective move will, of course, depend on whether or not Barisic, or even Calvin Bassey, is sold during the summer, with the latter also the subject of reported transfer interest.

With two years left on Barisic’s contract and the defender approaching his 30th birthday later in the year, Van Bronckhorst may decide to cash in on the underwhelming Croatian.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Morelos: Wilson must now seal Rangers swoop for “outstanding” 26-goal monster…

Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds United’s reported interest in Charles De Ketelaere.

What’s the talk?

Speaking on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show, the titular journalist revealed that, following recent reports linking the Whites with a move for the Club Brugge forward, Victor Orta is indeed keen on a deal to bring the 21-year-old to Elland Road this summer.

However, Hay went on to suggest that the Whites’ sporting director is only likely to move for the Belgium international in the event that Raphinha departs LS11 ahead of the new season. The Athletic journalist also confirmed that PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo is another player on the Spaniard’s shortlist of summer targets.

Regarding Leeds’ interest in De Ketelaere and Gakpo, Hay said: “Yes, the interest in those wingers is genuine, but it will be dictated by Raphinha going. They’re not going to go and sign Gakpo or De Ketelaere unless Raphinha leaves, that’s my reading of this situation.”

“Elite signing”

Should Raphinha go on to seal a move away from Elland Road this summer – which looks increasingly likely – it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be interested in lining up the versatile De Ketelaere as the Brazil international’s replacement.

Indeed, over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances last season, the £27m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for Brugge. He scored 14 goals, registered nine assists and created 16 big chances for his team-mates, along with taking two shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per game.

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These returns saw the player who James Marshment dubbed an “elite signing” and “the heir to Kevin De Bruyne” average a spectacular SofaScore match rating of 7.25. That ranked him not only as Alfred Schreuder’s fourth-best performer in the league but also the 13th-best player in the entire division.

The £17k-per-week attacking midfielder – who can also operate in central midfield, on either wing and at centre-forward – also impressed over his six Champions League games in 2021/22, providing one assist and creating one big chance, in addition to taking 1.5 shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing one dribble per match.

These returns saw the 21-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.98, an impressive feat considering that Brugge were in the competition’s group of death alongside Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

As such, should Orta go on to seal a €30m (£26m) deal for De Ketelaere this summer, the Spaniard could well have unearthed the next £76.5m-rated De Bruyne at Leeds. That is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for both Jesse Marsch and Whites supporters alike.

AND in other news: Orta now closing in on “exceptional” target as Leeds’ next signing, he has “no downside”

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly pushing to sign Real Madrid attacking midfielder Marco Asensio.

The Lowdown: De Jong and Eriksen moves?

The Red Devils are yet to make a marquee signing under Erik ten Hag but appear to be finally closing in on two midfield additions.

There is thought to be growing confidence that Christian Eriksen will choose United as his next club, while an agreement appears to be getting closer when it comes to priority target Frenkie de Jong.

Should moves for both of those materialise, it seems as if Asensio could be the third player to make the switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The Latest: Asensio transfer update

Sport Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet Sport regarding the Real Madrid player’s future on Monday. They claimed that Asensio is valued at €40m (£34m), with his club putting him ‘up for auction’.

United, Chelsea and AC Milan are the three teams who are ‘pushing to sign the Spaniard, with salary offers and guaranteed game-time set to be two big factors when Asensio decides his next move.

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The Verdict: Is he needed?

If Eriksen signs on the dotted line at Old Trafford, Ten Hag would have the Denmark international and Bruno Fernandes as senior attacking midfield options.

Therefore, a move for Asensio – who was described as ‘magical’ by team-mate Casemiro – may not be needed, although it would be at a knock-down price going off his £36m Transfermarkt valuation.

The Real Madrid maestro can play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing and has scored 61 goals for club and country, although United may be better off pursuing another target in Ajax’s Antony.

He is four years younger than Asensio and starred under Ten Hag last season, contributing to 22 goals in 32 games, so Antony could prove to be the worthier signing ahead of the Spaniard in the long run, should Eriksen and De Jong come to Old Trafford.

After weeks of speculation about a potential transfer, Wolves have seemingly missed out on signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha, with the latest reports suggesting that he is set to join Fulham.

What’s the word?

Wolves were reportedly on the brink of signing the Portugal international last month but have seen their move for the 26-year-old hijacked by the Cottagers, with the promoted Londoners clearly the more decisive of the two clubs in any negotiation process.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Palhinha will now make the move to Craven Cottage rather than to Molineux this summer, as he wrote on Twitter: “Done deal, confirmed. João Palhinha joins Fulham as expected – contracts now signed between clubs for €22m total fee, add-ons included.”

Supporters will be livid

Wolves are still yet to make a new signing this summer, and with the players now back for pre-season, supporters may well be concerned that the Old Gold will be ill-prepared for the new campaign.

Considering how long the Palhinha links have been going on, fans will surely have been hoping that a deal could have been concluded, but Bruno Lage’s side have lost out in the negotiations to promoted Fulham, which undoubtedly comes as a blow to the Molineux boss.

The 26-year-old could have offered some real physicality in Wolves’ midfield, as last season saw him average three tackles per game in the Portuguese top-flight, more than any Old Gold player managed in the Premier League.

Palhinha’s 7.03 average rating from WhoScored was also better than any player in Lage’s squad last term, so he is clearly in confident form and would definitely have added some quality at Molineux.

With the futures of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves at the club still in doubt, midfield reinforcements should be a priority for Wolves this summer, and Palhinha certainly would have fit that bill.

Therefore, supporters will surely be fuming that a deal could not be done for Palhinha, and if he goes on to be a success at Fulham next season, letting the Cottagers win the race could prove to be a big mistake by the Wolves board.

In other news… Lage plots Wolves bid for £16.2m-rated wizard, he’s like a “hot knife through butter”