All posts by h79snht.top

Kalvin Phillips will not join a club like West Ham United and will instead wait for a move to a top-four outfit who can offer him quadruple his current salary, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Danny Mills has said.

The Lowdown: Phillips links with West Ham

On 21 March, Football Insider revealed that the Hammers are lining up a new bid for the 26-year-old, with the east London club are prepared to offer him an “enormous” salary to secure his signature.

However, The Times reported that Leeds will attempt to fend off the likes of the Irons and Aston Villa by offering the midfielder a new deal, with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2024.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-4/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Mills’ claim on Phillips

Mills, who regularly features as a pundit on BBC Radio 5 Live, claimed that a move to West Ham or Aston Villa would be a sideways step for Phillips. Speaking with Football Insider, the former Leeds defender proclaimed:

“I’m not convinced that level would be enough for him to make a move.

“If Leeds offer him a decent new deal that is comparable to Villa or West Ham, is that enough to move? Perhaps not.

“If it’s a top-four, top-five side I think it’s different and Leeds fans won’t like that.

“He’s 26, coming up to 27, he’s only got one big contract left. At the end of this contract, he’ll be 29, nobody is going to spend fortunes on him at 29. That’s not going to happen.

“If he wants to stay at Leeds and the offers are comparable because they are a big club going places and could easily be in Villa and West Ham’s situation next season.

“But if you’re talking about Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and even Man United or maybe Tottenham or Arsenal it becomes different.

“He’ll get four times as much money going there. People will say it’s not about money, well, it is.

“Say he’s playing as well as Declan Rice, for example, and he is getting paid four or five times more than you why would you not want that? Why would you not want parity?

“If one club will give you it and one club won’t, it’s easy to say he’ll stay because he’s Leeds through and through. He won’t unfortunately. That’s the harsh reality of football.”

The Verdict: Tough signing to secure

Whilst this would be a tough signing for West Ham to pull off, Phillips would be an amazing addition to David Moyes’ current squad.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Yorkshireman could slot into midfield next to Declan Rice, whom he partnered for the England national side during Euro 2020. It was during that tournament that the midfield duo were praised by Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who was left impressed with their performances throughout the finals.

Therefore, if the Irons can secure the lucrative signing of Phillips and recreate the Three Lions midfield partnership at club level, it would be a massive coup and would deliver quite the riposte to the doubtful Mills.

In other news: West Ham are interested in this Championship wizard

Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas is likely to leave the club in the summer, according to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Lowdown: Ajeti news

Barkas isn’t the first player to be linked with a summer exit this month, with the Hoops telling forward Albian Ajeti he is free to find a new club at the end of the season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-copy-2/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The striker isn’t thought to be in Ange Postecoglou’s plans, playing just under 300 minutes of Premiership action all season, and Barkas has also been frozen out at Parkhead.

The goalkeeper has made just two appearances in all competitions, and he too looks like he could finally seal a move away over the coming months.

The Latest: Barkas to follow?

Greek journalist Chorianopoulos took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to provide the latest on Barkas’ situation, claiming that the player’s representatives are already on the lookout for options.

“Seems that Barkas will leave Celtic in summer. His side are checking options from now.”

The Verdict: Needed

Exits for Ajeti and Barkas in the summer appear to be needed, as they are clearly not fancied by Postecoglou and are earning £18,000-a-week and £9,000-a-week respectively.

Barkas, labelled as ‘horrendous’ by pundit Tam McManus, hasn’t lived up to expectations following his £4.5m move, with McManus also labelling the shot-stopper as a ‘waste of money’.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

A permanent exit would be best for all involved, however, the Hoops may have to accept a loss on the goalkeeper, especially with his Transfermarkt valuation dropping from £4.5m to £1.35m in recent years.

In other news: ‘Oh my god…’ – Celtic pundit fuming at ‘unbelievable’ news he’s hearing from Parkhead. 

It’s not all gone their way this season, but Chelsea still look like a team heading in the right direction.

Sure, they’ve lost to the likes of Leeds United and Atalanta, but Enzo Maresca’s side have also demolished Barcelona and, despite going down to ten men, held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw last month.

Moreover, the Blues have an incredibly young team stuffed with some brilliantly talented attackers like Cole Palmer and Estevao.

However, one area Chelsea could certainly improve is the defence, which could explain reports linking them to an international who has been put on the same level as Virgil Van Dijk and William Saliba.

Chelsea target world-class defender

Chelsea’s desire to improve their backline is no secret.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

After all, in just the last couple of months, the West Londoners have been linked with some incredible centre-backs, like former academy gem Marc Guehi and Nottingham Forest’s £79m Murillo.

However, it looks like the Blues are now looking further afield, at an international superstar who could be on the level of Van Dijk and Saliba.

At least, that is according to a recent report from Italy, which claims Chelsea are among several teams interested in Alessandro Bastoni.

In fact, the report has revealed that Maresca is crazy about the Inter Milan defender, who played a key role in the club’s Champions League run last season.

However, there are two potential barriers to the move: Inter’s reluctance to lose the player, and the fact that he has supposedly said no to the Blues before.

However, even if it proves costly and complicated to get over the line with reports over the summer suggesting he could be worth £87m, this is a transfer Chelsea should pursue. Indeed, Bastoni has the potential to be a world-class signing in the vein of Van Dijk and Saliba.

Why Bastoni is as good as Van Dijk and Saliba

Okay, so aside from the fact that all three play for a top team in one of Europe’s top five leagues, where has this comparison between Bastoni and the two Premier League stars come from?

Well, it stems from content creator Nieve Petruzziello, who in October of last year claimed that the Italian centre-back is “as good as Van Dijk and Saliba.”

That might sound like a bold take to those unfamiliar with Serie A, but it’s really not.

For example, like his contemporaries, the 26-year-old has established himself as a crucial part of one of the top teams in European football.

Since moving to the San Siro in the summer of 2019, he has made 277 appearances, of which 257 have been starts, scored seven goals and provided 28 assists.

The Casalmaggiore-born monster has also established himself as a core part of the national team, winning 41 caps and scoring three goals.

The final surface level similarity is something he shares more with the Dutchman: his trophy cabinet.

Across his career, the 6 foot 3 titan has won two Serie A titles, two Italian Cups, three Italian Super Cups, and even started a game in Italy’s triumphant Euro 2020 run.

Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper transfer insights Crave more on transfer targets like Bastoni and the numbers that back them? Subscribe to the newsletter for concise, data-driven scouting breakdowns and transfer analysis that sharpen your view of football moves and player profiles. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper transfer insights Crave more on transfer targets like Bastoni and the numbers that back them? Subscribe to the newsletter for concise, data-driven scouting breakdowns and transfer analysis that sharpen your view of football moves and player profiles.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

With all that said, another way to illustrate that the Inter ace is on a similar level to Saliba and Van Dijk is to examine the underlying numbers, in which he ranks closely with them.

Bastoni & Van Dijk & Saliba

Statistics per 90

Bastoni

Van Dijk

Saliba

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.12

0.08

0.09

Short Passing Accuracy

95.4

96.2

95.8

Medium Passing Accuracy

92.7

95.4

96.1

Live Passes

74.5

73.2

74.2

Tackle + Interceptions

2.55

2.54

2.46

Shots Blocked

0.49

0.43

0.44

Passes Blocked

0.45

0.30

0.30

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Last season, these metrics included things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, live passes, shot and medium-passing accuracy, tackles plus interceptions, and more, all per 90.

In other words, the 26-year-old proved that, like the two Premier League stars, he is elite on the ball and off it.

Ultimately, it would be a difficult transfer to get over the line, but Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Bastoni in 2026, as he could become Maresca’s Saliba or Van Dijk-esque leader.

Related Big name player has privately said that he would join Chelsea in January

It could lead to a very popular transfer.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide has admitted he is open to a permanent Parkhead exit.

The Lowdown: KV Oostende loan

The 21-year-old was actually Ange Postecoglou’s first signing in charge at Parkhead, who described the defender as ‘ambitious’ and hailed Urhoghide as having all the ‘attributes on and off the field’ to become a ‘top player’. [Sky Sports]

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-22/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, he made just one senior appearance in green and white before joining KV Oostende on loan in January. The Belgian side also negotiated an option to buy in the deal for Urhoghide, as they did with former Celtic man Jack Hendry.

The Latest: Urhoghide’s comments

Talking in an interview shared on Oostende’s website on Wednesday, Urhoghide was asked about the purchase option and if he sees his future in Belgium.

This is what he had to say in reply, revealing he would be ‘very happy’ if he was still an Oostende player next season.

“I will be very happy if I still play at Ostend next season. I’m having a great time here, but I also felt great in Celtic! I now have to try to prove myself, so that KV Oostende will certainly consider the purchase option. And then we’ll see what happens.”

The Verdict: A mistake?

It did come as a surprise knowing that the Hoops gave the green light to an option to buy clause, especially after Hendry’s stint with Oostende and the fact Urhoghide is only six months into a four-year deal.

The Scot impressed on loan from Celtic which resulted in Oostende exercising their option to buy clause for just £990,000 before selling Hendry in the same window for £4.05m. [Transfermarkt]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

A permanent deal is already in place for Urhoghide, so Celtic chiefs will be hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice when it comes to a loanee starring in Belgium and missing out on a major profit.

In other news: BBC journalist reveals Celtic defender now out for ‘lengthy period’ as hamstring issues continue.

Nottingham Forest are firmly in the race to finish the season in a playoff spot, with the Reds particularly enjoying the goals of forwards Keinan Davis and Brennan Johnson this term as well as Lewis Grabban who has been sidelined for the past two months.

Davis (four), Johnson (14) and Grabban (13) are amongst the attackers who have netted the most this season for Steve Cooper’s side. However, fortune with forwards hasn’t always been the case at the City Ground, with Nicklas Bendtner an excellent example.

The former Arsenal, Juventus, and Wolfsburg striker came to the City Ground on a free transfer in September 2016, with the 81-cap Dane’s market value standing at £900k at the time.

Bendtner’s arrival would’ve certainly excited and intrigued the Forest faithful given the forward’s pedigree, however, the move was a major failure.

In 17 appearances, the now-retired former Denmark international scored just twice as well as registering two assists, meaning that each goal was worth £450k according to his market value. The forward would then go on to join Norwegian side Rosenburg in March 2017 before the end of the season.

Bendtner’s peak value stood at £9m in August 2010 whilst at Arsenal but, within under seven years, had decreased by 90%. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see him dubbed a “flop” by journalist John Cross.

Soon after the move to Rosenburg, Bendtner’s market value did increase slightly, rising to £1.08m in December 2017 but within two years, having moved to FC Copenhagen in 2019, the 34-year-old’s worth fell by 67% to £360k before announcing retirement. Having been nutmegged by a 48-year-old coach in training, perhaps it was for the best that he hung up his boots.

It’s no secret that the former footballer struggled dealing with the lifestyle and fame, stating in an interview with The Guardian in October 2020: “There’s definitely some regret I didn’t take my career in a more positive way.

“Looking back definitely made me upset because there are moments which were very hurtful and difficult to talk about. But I couldn’t just write another sports biography where I was praising myself. Luckily I trusted Rune completely and could open up and say: ‘There’s only one way I can do it and that’s with complete honesty.”

Whilst Bendtner was at the City Ground, Forest were battling relegation and could’ve really done with more goals from the Dane, with the Nottinghamshire outfit finishing 21st to narrowly beat the drop to League One.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Since the striker’s departure, the Reds’ fortunes have certainly improved, finishing 17th twice, ninth and seventh with the side, now managed by Steve Cooper, well in the mix for a playoff spot.

It was certainly a disappointment that a player who had been on the books at numerous top clubs couldn’t help Forest, however, given his lack of goals away from Arsenal, it was undoubtedly a risk that, eventually, didn’t pay off.

In other news: Imagine him & Grabban: Forest must swoop for £10m ace who’s “absolutely unplayable”

Paul John Dykes has dropped a worrying claim on the future of Celtic winger Karamoko Dembele.

What’s been said?

In comments made on a recent episode of the A Celtic State of Mind podcast, Dykes stated his belief that – with the 19-year-old’s current contract at Parkhead set to expire at the end of the season, and, as yet, the winger being yet to agree a new deal with Ange Postecoglou’s side – the former England U18 international looks as if he will be on his way out of the club this summer.

Speaking about Dembele’s contractual situation, the podcaster said: “I think that Dembele – I feel as though he’s run his race at Celtic. I hope I’m wrong. I hope Ange Postecoglou can convince him to stay another two or three years.”

Disaster for Celtic

Considering how much expectation there has been regarding Dembele’s future ever since his debut for Celtic’s U20 side as a 13-year-old back in 2016, should the winger go on to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, it would undoubtedly be a disaster for Postecoglou and his side.

Indeed, the £225k-rated sensation was named on the shortlist for the European Golden Boy award as recently as 2020, while, shortly after his arrival at Parkhead, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss also stated his excitement at the potential the £2k-per-week forward possessed, saying:

“He is obviously a hugely talented boy. He has been here for a while and I guess he gets an opportunity now. I think the way we play will suit him.”

However, despite recovering from an ankle injury that had kept him sidelined for the first half of the season towards the beginning of February, Dembele has since played just six minutes of Premiership football, as well as being completely left out of Postecoglou’s matchday squad for Celtic’s last two league fixtures – something that does not exactly appear to be the opportunity the Greek-Australian manager suggested the 19-year-old would receive.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

And, following the news that fellow Celtic prospect Ben Doak also appears extremely close to sealing a move to Liverpool, should Dembele indeed join the 16-year-old in moving onto pastures new this summer, it would certainly come as a huge blow to everyone involved with the club – with the Parkhead faithful surely being devastated at the thought of losing a talent as promising as the forward for free.

AND in other news: Ange can axe “infectious” ace as Celtic become “serious contenders” for “massive” deal

There are likely to be a number of clubs who eye up a move for Wolves centre-back Max Kilman this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Kilman a key figure at Wolves

The 24-year-old is enjoying an exceptional season for Wanderers, standing out as one of the first names on Bruno Lage’s team sheet at Molineux.

Kilman has shone on the right-hand side of a back-three, making 27 Premier League appearances , playing 90 minutes in all but one game and finding himself tipped to be named in Gareth Southgate’s next England squad.

The defender’s form could alert some of the country’s leading sides, however, so perhaps after all the attention on Ruben Neves’ future – reports believe talks are underway with Barcelona and the midfielder is ‘likely’ to depart – the Portuguese superstar may not be the only high-profile exit from Molineux this summer.

The Latest: Journalist talks up exit

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed that Kilman won’t be without suitors, as Wolves desperately look to stave off any interest in their emerging star:

“Everything’s going well for Max Kilman at the minute, but Wolves will be desperate to keep hold of him.

“But I’m sure there will be a few clubs looking in the summer, ready to test their resolve.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“388797″]

The Verdict: Got to stay

While Kilman is sure to be in the headlines this summer, as the rumour mills back him to move away, it would be a surprise if he left at this point in his career.

His current deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026 and he is still very much maturing as a player, with 24 no age for a top centre-back in the slightest.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Granted, it may be that Kilman feels he needs to take a step up in his career in the future, but for now, Wolves is the best place for him to continue developing and playing week in, week out, having averaged two aerial duel wins and 3.4 clearances per game in the league this season.

In other news, the exit of another Wolves player has also been talked up. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Pablo Sarabia… 

What’s the talk?

According to reports in Spain, the Magpies are one of three teams keen on a deal for the Spanish playmaker at the end of the campaign.

He is currently on loan to Portuguese giants Sporting but Villarreal, Sevilla and Newcastle are now hoping to snap him up in the summer on a permanent deal.

Masterclass

Eddie Howe could seal a masterclass by securing a move for Sarabia ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as he could be an incredible addition to the squad.

The 29-year-old has been in fine form this season, whilst he has also proven his quality throughout his career at the top level. He has produced 13 goals and nine assists for PSG and Sporting combined this term, which means that he has 22 direct goal contributions in 34 appearances.

This shows that he is capable of making a big impact in the final third as he has the ability to both score and create goals for his side.

Sarabia has a wealth of experience in Europe too, having played over 200 games in La Liga with Getafe and Sevilla before moving to France in 2019. He managed 13 strikes and 13 assists in his final season in the Spanish top-flight and has 22 goals and 12 assists in 79 matches for the Ligue 1 giants to date.

Former PSG coach Thomas Tuchel previously lauded the Spaniard’s ability, saying: “Pablo is really impressive. He runs well, with and without a ball. His game without the ball is a great example. He plays with a lot of intensity and does not stop [working] defensively.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

These comments suggest that he also has the work rate required to be a fan favourite at St. James’ Park. His statistics throughout his career show that he has the potential to come in and be an eye-catching player for Newcastle in the final third, but his play off the ball is also important and means that he will not be a lightweight who needs to be carried through games.

Instead of signing a luxury player who could negatively impact the side’s defending, Howe could pull off a masterclass by finding a gem who can impress at both ends of the pitch. This is why the Toon must ensure that they win the race for the Spanish international’s signature at the end of the season.

AND in other news, Howe can finally axe £37k-p/w “weapon” as Newcastle eye swoop for 66-goal “phenomenon”…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts has shared his utter disbelief over a major report this week on Antonio Conte’s future.

The Lowdown: Conte clause emerges…

Breaking some significant news, Italian outlet Calciomercato lifted the lid on Conte’s stance over a move to Paris Saint-Germain, whilst also revealing a worrying clause in his Spurs deal.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 52-year-old can apparently activate an option to leave at the end of this season, even though his deal expires in 2023, with Conte also refusing to rule out a switch to the French capital from N17.

It is believed that PSG contacts have started for the Italian, with Conte ‘not totally opposed’ to the idea of signing a contract at the Parc des Princes.

The Latest: Roberts in disbelief…

Reacting to this news, in an interview with GiveMeSport, Spurs legend Roberts simply can’t believe the alleged existence of such a clause which would allow Conte to quit early. He stated:

“I think they have to buy players, they have to spend money.

“But I can’t believe that we have signed a manager, given him an 18-month contract but we’ve actually signed him for six months and he walks away.

“I don’t know where the club will be after that.”

The Verdict: Who do Spurs turn to?

If the report is indeed true and a clause of that nature does exist, it is believed that former Spurs manager and fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino is the top contender to take over from Conte.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Telegraph claimed that chairman Daniel Levy personally has the Argentine on standby in case Tottenham’s fiery head coach does push the ejector button.

Taking this into account, some Lilywhites supporters could take comfort in that reliable update, but the thought of losing Conte may still be a worrying one for many.

In other news: Conte eyeing star with £336m release clause, Spurs could offer out ‘one of the best’…find out more here.

The strained relationship between Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and striker Mario Balotelli has taken another turn, as the pair exchanged angry words at the club’s training ground.

The Italy international forward was fined a week’s wages earlier this month after he visiting a strip club 36 hours before the side’s fixture with Bolton, and has had an up and down time in England since moving from Inter in August 2010.

The Telegraph report that Mancini berated the attacker due to a lack of effort in team training on Wednesday, with coach Attilio Lombardo urging Balotelli to train elsewhere to avoid the volley of abuse.

City have dismissed the incident as part and parcel of football and Mancini’s drive for high standards, however with the team’s performances not up to usual calibre in recent weeks, the pair’s relationship looks strained.

By Gareth McKnight

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]