All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is reportedly ‘very keen’ to join West Ham and remain in the Premier League ahead of next season.

The Lowdown: Star performer for West Brom

The Baggies were relegated back to the Championship after a disappointing campaign, with Sam Allardyce unable to steer them away from the drop.

Johnstone stood out as one of West Brom’s most consistent performers starting 37 out of 38 league games and being hailed as ‘magnificent’ by Allardyce.

Focus now turns to planning promotion back to the top flight, but the Baggies may have to do that without the England international.

The Latest: Johnstone keen on West Ham move

According to Football Insider, Johnstone is keen on the idea of moving to West Ham this summer, potentially replacing Lukasz Fabianski as first choice.

The Hammers are believed to be ‘lining up a bid’ for the 28-year-old, with Tottenham and Manchester United also linked with him in the past.

The Verdict: Big loss for Baggies

There seems an inevitability about Johnstone moving on, considering that he is part of England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad and wants to be playing at the top level.

While it would be a huge bonus to keep hold of him beyond the summer, West Brom must accept the likelihood that their star players might not be content to be playing in the second tier of English football.

That being said, assuming Johnstone does leave, it would generate funds to spend on new signings, as likely new manager Chris Wilder looks to make a strong start to life at The Hawthorns.

In other news, one attacking player has been linked with a return to West Brom – find out who it is here.

Leeds United believe they can secure a move for Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones…

What’s the word?

Football Insider recently reported on the Whites’ interest in the RB Leipzig centre-back, claiming that they had scouted him for the past two years and it’s believed that director of football Victor Orta has kept a close eye on his progress.

Now valued at around £27m, the Yorkshire giants could well make their move this time around, especially with his former manager – Jesse Marsch – now in the dugout at Elland Road.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

And according to the Eurosport journalist, the club very much believe they can compete for his signature. He revealed to GIVEMESPORT:

“I thought at first it was a bit too ambitious, but the more I speak to people, the more I start to realise that Leeds are starting to believe that this is where they should be shopping.

“These are the sorts of players that they believe they can get. So, I’m certainly not going to rule it out.”

Marsch madness

Considering the 20-year-old is estimated to be worth around €120m (£100m) by CIES Football Observatory, landing him for a fifth of the price would certainly be quite the steal.

And the Leipzig colossus would be an absolute coup, too.

It’s no secret that Leeds have struggled defensively this campaign, ranking as the second-leakiest backline in the Premier League, so signing a talent so young and promising would go a long way in fixing that issue in the long run.

As per FBRef, Gvardiol ranks amongst the top 1% for dribbles completed, top 2% for interceptions made and top 4% for progressive passes compared to his positional peers across Europe over the last 365 days.

Meanwhile, as Leipzig’s second-highest performer in the Bundesliga, he’s not only showing he’s tough defensively and adept as a ball-playing option but also one that is remarkably consistent.

Once described as being “built like a tank,” the 6 foot 1 titan has been tipped to become “as good as Virgil” van Dijk one day by Germania Sport assistant editor Izak Ante Sucic when speaking to the BBC.

Given the Whites’ defensive struggles, it is no wonder the recruitment team are targeting an arrival in that role this summer and if they truly believe that they can contend for Gvardiol’s signature, then it would be a no-brainer to sign him.

The 20-year-old, also described as being a “top talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, could be a revolutionary signing for Marsch’s backline and surely something of a dream, having already signed him once before.

AND in other news, Orta scouting mission: Leeds eyeing 6 ft 3 titan who “fits the bill”, Marsch would love him…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to a transfer update on social media regarding Wayne Hennessey.

According to Football League World, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Preston North End are just three of the clubs who are taking a look at the 34-year-old ahead of the summer window.

Hennessey is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season, so it looks as if he’ll be leaving Palace on a free transfer over the coming months.

The Welshman has made 132 appearances for the Eagles across a seven-year period. However, he has turned out just once under Roy Hodgson this season in a Carabao Cup defeat to Bournemouth.

His Palace deal is thought to be worth £40,000-a-week, but it seems as if his days in the capital are now numbered.

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared the transfer update regarding Hennessey on Twitter on Friday afternoon. Here is what some Palace fans had to say in reply, with many not exactly distraught at the goalkeeper’s impending exit.

“I’ll get the car started”

Credit: @stuartAchalmers

“Finally”

Credit: @CalumCPFC

“It was a good ride sir”

Credit: @cpfcpaddy0

“So which club’s going down then?”

Credit: @cpfcboiling

“Unlucky lads”

Credit: @danofthesouth_

“Time for him to go. Sorry, never seen a goalkeeper so tall who is completely unable to take a cross. Never understood what they did in training as not improved at all.”

Credit: @ThompsonKthom42

In other news: Many Palace fans buzzing over club’s interest in Arsenal ace, find out more here. 

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United have Celtic starlet Leo Hjelde on their radar.

What’s the story?

Having recently sealed deals for Amari Miller and Lewis Bate, Marcelo Bielsa’s side look keen on reinforcing their academy side even further this summer.

According to Hay, the Whites have their eye on a pair of Celtic starlets, with centre-back Hjelde, and left-back Matthew Anderson on their radar.

Hay adds that “Leeds are persisting in forming a junior pool who, in a number of positions, might realistically succeed members of Bielsa’s current starting line-up.”

Fans will be excited

The 17-year-old joined fellow Scottish side Ross County on loan, and the club’s boss, John Hughes, has admitted that he could have linked up with Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League instead.

He said: “Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk – trust me on that. The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo.

“Before he came, Leeds United were after him. I think he had to sign an extension to his contract for the loan to go through.”

While he may only be 17, Hjelde is clearly someone with a lot of potential, and Hughes has placed a lot of faith in him by using him in multiple positions, including at left-back and further forward in left-midfield.

And, after seeing him score his first professional goal against Kilmarnock earlier last season, the manager was quick to shower him with praise.

He said: “He found himself out of the team a little bit, then came on there and got his goal. He’s destined for big, big, big things. He won’t be far away from the Celtic first-team when he goes back, but this is what he needs to be doing.”

Given Leeds’ recent signings of Bate and Miller, and that follows on from the business last summer that saw the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood arrive, fans will no doubt be excited about the future of their club.

Whether Bielsa is still the manager when these players eventually make a name for themselves in the first-team in the years to come remains to be seen, but these long-term based signings ensure that the club is in good hands.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay claims there’s a “decent chance” of Leeds making this signing…

Rafa Benitez is reportedly keeping a ‘close eye’ on Gabriel Barbosa ahead of a potential move to Everton in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Barbosa catching the eye

Barbosa is only 24 years of age but already has 116 senior goals to his name combined for both club and country, having broke into the Brazil national side (Transfermarkt).

Brazilian legend Adriano has recently been singing his praises, dubbing him as a ‘decisive’ striker, which will surely interest the Goodison Park faithful.

The Latest: Benitez interested

As per football journalist and transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Benitez is keeping a ‘close eye’ on Barbosa ahead of a potential move.

The Spaniard clearly wants more competition up top for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and feels as if ‘Gabigol’ would fit the bill.

The Verdict: Sign

The Merseyside club certainly need a player who can ease the goal-scoring burden off of Calvert-Lewin, and Barbosa has proven throughout his career so far that he knows where the back of the net is.

A potentially mouth-watering link-up with Brazilian teammate Richarlison could well be on the cards too, as he could really help bring some real South American flair to the Toffees, considering that they also have the likes of James Rodriguez, Allan and Yerry Mina already on their books.

Nonetheless, the Flamengo star would certainly be an exciting new addition for the Blues, providing that they can get a deal over the line.

In other news, find out what club update has Evertonians buzzing here!

Aston Villa appear to have leapfrogged Burnley in the race to sign West Brom defender Harry Williams.

The Lowdown: Williams’ Burnley trial

The Baggies reportedly told Williams he is free to find a new club, with the 18-year-old recently heading to Lancashire for a Clarets trial.

Burnley were thought to be impressed with Williams following his youth-team displays and were set to give the youngster a number of weeks to impress.

However, no deal has been reached for the centre-back as of yet, and it now seems as if Villa have moved into pole position.

The Latest: Villa source shares update

Football Insider ran a story on Williams on Saturday morning, claiming he has headed to Villa after being given permission from West Brom.

A Villa source revealed that Williams has been at the club and is expected to spend a week with the Villans ahead of a potential move.

The latest report claims Burnley are still in the race, but with the central defender now at Villa, it seems as if Dean Smith’s side now hold the upper hand.

The Verdict: Latest addition to Villa’s exciting youth set up?

Should Williams pen terms at Villa Park, he could well become the latest addition to the club’s exciting youth side.

Villa are actually in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against West Brom, however, you’d expect Williams to link up with the club’s Under-23 side, should he move across the Midlands.

He already has eight Premier League 2 appearances under his belt at the age of 18, and that could well increase over the next 12 months if Villa secure his services.

In other news: Villa set to launch £15m bid for creative ace, find out more here. 

Crystal Palace unveiled their new training collection for the 2021/22 season on Friday morning.

And, as to be expected going off events over the past 24 hours, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the club’s official post on social media.

Many Palace supporters may have been hoping the club would’ve been announcing a new manager ahead of the weekend.

Lucien Favre appeared to be the man who would become Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager agreed to take over at Selhurst Park on Wednesday and was waiting on a work permit before finalising a move to London.

However, 24 hours on, Favre had second thoughts and informed the club he no longer wants the job. Steve Parish and co now appear to be back to square one when it comes to appointing a new boss, with the new season creeping closer.

Palace fans react

As mentioned, Palace posted their new training wear on Twitter on Friday.

It didn’t take long for a number of Eagles fans to vent their frustrations at the club, with a selection of responses available to view below.

“These lot are just trolling now”Credit: @SelhurstCPFC”Oh god…even the new training wear looks awful”Credit: @OnYaHeadCoops”Really?”Credit: @CroydonExile1″Disgusting. Bring back Roy”Credit: @elliotcpfc”This is poor from the club. Should have read the fan base and thought maybe now isn’t a good time to release training gear”Credit: @RobbieHuck555″Might buy one and just burn it”Credit: @Adam_Palace

In other news: These CPFC fans think one man might be staying after official post, find out more here. 

Manchester City fans want to sign Dusan Vlahovic after it was revealed the Fiorentina striker’s contract talks with the Serie A club have collapsed.

The Citizens have so far had a relatively good start to the campaign – they are just two points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea after a momentous win over the Blues last weekend (Sky Sports).

However, results such as the 0-0 draw with Southampton indicate the Citizens are struggling to convert chances without a reliable centre-forward after failing to capture Harry Kane during the summer.

They were also linked with Vlahovic during the transfer window, but he ended up staying in Italy. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Serbia international’s contract talks have now fallen apart.

His current contract is set to run out in 2023, meaning Fiorentina could be open to selling him the next year rather than lose him for free the following term.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Vlahovic news

“January and we’ll win the Champions League.”

Credit: @jofer_ms

“Get him in!!”

Credit: @MCFCYoungboy

“January”

Credit: @shaunyb3000

“Get him in jan”

Credit: @_KawaiiKayky

“Yes. Sign him.”

Credit: @WayneJa01355301

“Sign him in January!”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

In other news, Man City fans have been reacting to this transfer news.

An update has emerged on Leicester’s Youri Tielemans, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are eyeing up a swoop for the Leicester City midfielder as they target the best talent outside of the top-six clubs in the Premier League.

The report names Tielemans and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher as two players the Magpies are looking at, as PIF look to reshape the squad following their takeover of the club.

The Belgian arrived in England two years ago after a £35m move but he could be signed at a cut-price fee next summer with his contract expiring in 2023.

Cabaye 2.0

Newcastle could find their next Yohan Cabaye with a deal for Tielemans in the January window, or next summer if a move midway through the campaign is not viable for the Foxes.

The Frenchman, Cabaye, was the Magpies’ midfield magician in the early 2010’s and Tielemans could provide a similar level of quality, given what he has achieved at the King Power.

Cabaye scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 93 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions. In all three of his seasons at St. James’ Park, he averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.20 or higher as he created at least 1.6 chances per game in each campaign.

Tielemans, meanwhile, has scored 18 goals and provided 21 assists in 119 matches for Leicester. Last season in the Premier League, the Belgian international averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.09 as he created 1.3 chances per game for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

That goes to show just how similar they are in terms of technical ability.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once lauded the 24-year-old when speaking about Leicester’s impressive team. He said:

“Ndidi is doing really well. Tielemans is a top, top-class player. I remember when I arrive my first season and Vincent Kompany started speaking about him when he was in the national team for Belgium how good he was in that period.

“Vincent as always he was right. Top, top club, players are quality.”

This, along with their similar statistics, suggests that Tielemans could be Newcastle’s new Cabaye if they are able to bring him to the club.

He can be their midfield maestro stringing the play together, whilst also chipping in with vital goals and assists to help the Magpies progress up the Premier League table. That’s exactly why PIF must ensure that the ex-Monaco man is playing in black and white in 2022.

AND in other news, “As of last night” – Caulkin drops big Steve Bruce update at NUFC, fans surely buzzing…

West Ham United have entered into preliminary discussions with Rennes central-defender Nayef Aguerd as their search for defensive recruits hots up [Football Insider].

Enjoying a solid 2020/21 season, the Morocco international was ever present for the Ligue 1 outfit making 40 appearances and registering four goal contributions; three goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Seeking reinforcements within the backline moving closer to the new campaign, the Irons have begun talks over landing the 25-year-old on a permanent deal at the London Stadium [Football Insider].

He has impressed Hammers scouts considerably, whilst could be seen as an ideal replacement for the departed Fabian Balbuena who departed after the expiration of his deal last month [Football Insider].

As you can imagine, loads of Irons diehards flocked to Twitter to express their opinions on recent developments.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham United fan outlet West Ham Central, here is how some supporters reacted to the latest reports:

“I swear to god we just sign PES versions of real players Balbuena instead of Valbuena Coufal instead of Boufal Now Aguerd instead of Aguero”

Credit: @leogowing23″Who”Credit: @MarshyBoy26″He’s a player you know. Only issue he’s left footed he isn’t taking Ogbonna’s role in the team.”Credit: @DNXN90″Anyone know much of him?”Credit: @Irons_Stuff”Very good player, definitely the type of CB we need and makes me think Moyes wants the three at the back to continue. He reads the game well & very mobile.”Credit: @RobWaldon”Thanks for assuring me. I guess if it’s good enough for Moyes, it’s good enough for me”Credit: @bartong2011In other news, West Ham United fans react to a pre-season update.