All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United moved into the top four in the Premier League with a win over local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Irons striker Michail Antonio’s sixth goal of the season was enough for the home side to seal all three points at the London Stadium. The 31-year-old talisman tapped home from close range after a pinpoint corner from Aaron Cresswell.

Both the goalscorer and provider were candidates for the ‘Man of the Match’ award, as were David Moyes’ resolute backline who kept their second clean sheet of the week.

But it was England midfielder Declan Rice who absolutely ran the show in east London.

With the captain’s armband on, the 22-year-old powerhouse led by example as he was graded a 7.5 by SofaScore – better than the goalscorer and both central defenders.

He led the game for passing accuracy, making 93% of his 40 attempts, ranked third in the Hammers’ squad for touches (58), so as ever, a lot of things ran through him.

But instead of bombing on and contributing in the final third as he has done recently, he was back to his anchorman duties, registering a game-high eight tackles – three more than the next best and two fewer than Spurs’ whole backline combined.

Rice also put in two interceptions and won a total of ten duels from 16 (62.5%) midfield battles, as per SofaScore.

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser waxed lyrical about his performance in his post-match column, claiming the academy graduate ‘oozed class’ in the win.

‘With Soucek off the pace Rice stepped up and dominated midfield almost on his own. First to almost everything and always looking to drive the Hammers forward,’ he wrote.

It’s no wonder new teammate Nikola Vlasic dubbed the £60k-per-week England interantional as “unbelievable” in a recent interview.

For the umpteenth time this season, Rice absolutely dominated another Premier League side. That will only cause interest in his services to increase heading into 2022, so the London Stadium faithful better enjoy it whilst they still can.

AND in other news, Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Joe Cole in 19 y/o gem “similar to Jack Grealish”…

Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth was an unsung hero for manager Eddie Howe in their win over Leicester City in the Premier League.

The Magpies’ fine run of form under the Englishman continued as they took another big leap towards safety with a 2-1 victory over the Foxes, courtesy of a last-gasp winner from winter signing Bruno Guimaraes, who bagged a brace on the day.

He cancelled out Ademola Lookman’s 19th-minute opener on the half-hour mark before heading home a bounced ball from Joe Willock in stoppage time late in the second half at St James’ Park.

The Brazilian powerhouse will take much of the plaudits but it really was a team effort from Howe’s men, with the Swedish defender arguably standing out amongst his peers.

He was an absolute colossus defensively and tried to contribute going forward from the right-back role, too.

Shields Gazette reporter Dominic Scurr waxed lyrical about Krafth’s input in his post-match ratings column, where he graded the 27-year-old an eight out of ten – the same as Guimaraes, and wrote:

‘Had a couple of shaky moments but more than made up for them with some crucial blocks and challenges to keep Leicester at bay. His best performance of the season. Booked.’

Indeed, no Magpies player had more touches than the former Amiens man as he registered 61 touches, some eight more than the next best, Joelinton (53).

Meanwhile, further back, Krafth registered a whopping seven tackles, which was more than anyone else on the pitch in the northeast, and he also recorded three interceptions, one clearance and he won 80% of his battles, as per SofaScore.

The £57k-per-week ace also drew further praise from other journalists following the match – Newcastle World reporter Liam Kennedy dubbed him “immense”, whilst ChronicleLive’s Mark Carruthers claimed he had a “really solid game” up against “two tricky opponents.”

On the above evidence, the Sweden international was certainly one of the unsung heroes for Howe against the Foxes. He, and the Magpies faithful, can be proud of that display, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Bid made: PIF in negotiations for £83m “diamond”, he’d be a huge coup for Newcastle…

Much to the relief of Eddie Howe and the club’s fans, Newcastle United finally secured their first win of the season at the 15th attempt with a 1-0 defeat of Burnley at St James’ Park this afternoon thanks to a goal from Callum Wilson.

With the 29-year-old on the scoresheet and the defence able to keep a clean sheet, another man who impressed on the day was Jonjo Shelvey.

In his 90 minutes on the pitch, the midfielder had 62 touches of the ball, making 35 accurate passes, three key passes, three crosses and seven long balls, highlighting his range of passing ability. The midfielder also had two shots at goal and completed one dribble, showing his attacking prowess as well.

From a defensive point of view, Shelvey made one clearance and won three out of his six duels, helping his side to keep their first clean sheet of the season.

This latest performance for the Toon earned the midfielder an overall match rating of 7.6/10, making him the second-highest rated player on the day after Wilson according to SofaScore.

Labelled a player who Howe feels could be an “important” one for the Magpies, Shelvey certainly repaid the faith put in him by his manager on this occasion.

With some Newcastle fans previously sharing their criticism of the 29-year-old in the past for his performances, with some even calling for him to leave the club altogether, it seems as though Shelvey could be starting to get some of the doubters back on side with this performance against Burnley.

Moving forward, if he can continue playing regularly for the Toon and putting in this sort of solid display in an attacking and defensive sense, whilst adding some goals and assists to his tally, he could potentially save Newcastle from relegation and finally prove himself to the club and their new owners.

However, with Newcastle having to face off against the likes of Leicester City, Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs this month, Shelvey and the rest of his teammates will need to be at the top of their game to build on today’s breakthrough victory.

In other news: PIF must seal dream NUFC move for “exceptional” 114-goal magician who Howe would love…

Leeds United are among the teams interested in Manuel Lanzini ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claim the Yorkshire giants have submitted an enquiry to West Ham over the 28-year-old attacking midfielder, though the Irons have rebuffed such advances.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Southampton and Everton are also said to be keen.

It remains to be seen how much the Argentinian would command next month, having cost the east London outfit just £9m from UAE Pro League side Al Jazira back in March 2016.

He is thought to be on around £70k-per-week at the London Stadium.

Creative solution

Although the Hammers are rejected the idea of letting Lanzini leave this winter, it would be hard to imagine them rejecting a substantial bid for his signature considering he has slipped down the pecking order this season.

Both Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma are often preferred to him, whilst Irons boss David Moyes made a €39m (£33m) investment in Nikola Vlasic in the summer.

The 28-year-old’s vast experience in the top-flight would make him an interesting candidate for this struggling Leeds side – one that could ultimately do with some creativity in the final third.

Only five teams have scored fewer goals than the Whites from 18 league matches this season, two of which sit in the relegation zone. 44% of these goals have come from set pieces and they are amongst the four worst teams when it comes to scoring from open play, per WhoScored.

Lanzini, who has never really been a regular figure at West Ham, has still proven to be a playmaking influence, having averaged 1.7 key passes per 90 throughout his time in east London.

If he were to perform to that level at Elland Road right now, then only two players would rank ahead of him, one being the wing threat of Raphinha.

“In training, being around this player all the time, he’s brilliant, he’s amazing. I’ve never seen a player like him,” once claimed former teammate Jordan Hugill. “The things he can do with a football, it’s incredible just to watch him and in training, it’s even better.”

Ex-manager Slaven Bilic even likened him to Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, whilst Darren Bent dubbed him a “top player” with “wonderful feet” to Football Insider just last year.

On the above evidence, Bielsa signing his fellow countryman could be quite a shrewd move, whether it can definitely happen or not remains to be seen but United would be foolish to not try again next month.

AND in other news, Leeds source drops major behind-the-scenes Bielsa update at Thorp Arch, fans will be worried…

According to Dan Sheldon of The Athletic, another loan spell at Southampton is unlikely for Broja, but a permanent move is possible in the summer.

The Lowdown: Broja’s outstanding form at Southampton

The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as one of Southampton’s most important players since arriving on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The striker has made 17 Premier League appearances this season, nine of which have come as part of the starting XI.

Broja has scored five goals and produced one assist under Ralph Hasenhuttl, which makes him Saints’ second top scorer in the league behind James Ward-Prowse.

The Latest: Broja permanent transfer possible

Hasenhuttl has previously stated that talks are taking place between Martin Semmens, Southampton’s club’s chief executive, and Marina Granovskaia at Chelsea over the Albanian’s future.

According to fresh reports from Dan Sheldon and The Athletic, ‘as it stands’, another loan move for Broja is unlikely. Therefore, this means that the loanee will either leave Chelsea on a permanent transfer this summer or will remain at Stamford Bridge in a bid to fight for his place in Tuchel’s side.

This is fantastic news for Saints fans, as it is also said that Broja is enjoying his time at Southampton and that he has developed a good relationship with Hasenhuttl, meaning if a fee can be agreed the player certainly seems keen to stay put at St. Mary’s.

The Verdict: Massive for Saints fans

The possibility of a permanent deal coming to fruition will arouse excitement amongst the Saints fanbase, who are desperate to keep hold of the 20-year-old beyond the summer.

Broja is scoring a top flight goal every 175 minutes this season, a fantastic rate for a player who had rarely stepped foot on a Premier League pitch before 2021.

The fact that the player has a good relationship with the manager will give the club a big boost in negotiations over a permanent transfer, as this could influence Broja into pushing for a return move.

Hasenhuttl would clearly love for the striker to return, having described the striker as ‘dangerous’ in front of goal. Therefore, it likely all depends on whether Southampton have the finances needed to meet Chelsea’s asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring James Maddison to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that both Spurs and their north London rivals Arsenal are in the frame to land the Leicester City attacking midfielder at the end of the season – for whom the Foxes are believed to be willing to part with if their £60m asking price for the 25-year-old is met.

The report goes on to state Antonio Conte is known to be a fan of the England international, with the 52-year-old thought to be keen to increase the number of his attacking options at Tottenham this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Conte can axe Lo Celso with Maddison

Considering how impressive Maddison has been for Leicester this season, in addition to the fact that the £55m Giovani Lo Celso – who John Wenham dubbed a “disaster” – looks as if he will be departing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a permanent basis this summer, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a move for the 25-year-old ahead of Spurs’ 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 28 Premier League appearances this term, the £45m-rated midfielder has been Leicester’s standout performer, scoring eight goals, registering five assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £110k-per-week player who Brendan Rodgers dubbed both “unbelievable” and “immense” average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as the Foxes’ best player in the English top flight.

As such, should Villarreal go on to make Lo Celso’s temporary spell at the Estadio de la Ceramica a permanent move this summer – as it has been reported the LaLiga side are keen to do – considering Maddison’s incredibly impressive returns this season, in addition to his excellent positional versatility and high resale potential, the player Rodgers also claimed is “a bit like Coutinho” would very much appear to be a huge upgrade on the outgoing Argentina international.

AND in other news: “Understand…”: Alasdair Gold now reveals “bad news” for Spurs, Conte will be fuming

Aston Villa must finally land Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard amid his recent comments.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Dean Smith’s side were ready to rival fellow West Ham in a move for the 28-year-old.

The Times then delivered an update on Lingard’s situation, name-checking Villa as one of the teams who have registered their interest in luring Lingard away from Old Trafford, and that the attacking midfielder had turned down a contract offer from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

And now, Lingard has admitted that regular first-team football is what he is interested in as he looks to force himself into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next year’s World Cup.

He said: “Obviously, the World Cup is a long way away but… you need regular football. I was so close to going to the Euros and I think obviously it plays a huge part and it’s a big factor. If you’re playing over 20 or 25 games, of course you know you’re knocking on the door so I think it does play a big part in that.

“You want to start games. When I’m a sub I’m always ready to play. I’m always ready to be needed when I’m called up. It’s one of those things I’m going through at the moment but I think on recent performances hopefully we’ll see a change in the next few weeks.”

Goals from midfield

After joining West Ham back in the January transfer window on a short-term loan, Lingard racked up an incredible nine goals and four assists in just his first ten Premier League games for the club – it was no surprise then that he was lauded as being “absolutely phenomenal”.

His ability to score goals from midfield is exactly what Villa could do with going forward, with John McGinn their top scorer last season from a central area with just three.

What marks Lingard out as a real threat is his timing of his runs, and it’s something Michael Carrick has previously raved about.

The United coach said: “He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

His performances with the Hammers showcased the kind of impact the £75k-a-week earning star can have when he’s on song and the confidence is flowing through his veins.

If he isn’t getting enough first-team football at United, then Smith and Villa must absolutely be all over a move for him in the January transfer window.

It would seal a dream midfield for the Villa boss.

Meanwhile, Villa could have another academy breakout in this star…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Leandro Paredes to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici is keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder ahead of a potential move for the 27-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

The report goes on to state that Tottenham’s managing director was believed to be interested in signing the Argentina international for Juventus prior to his move to AS Roma back in 2014, while PSG are thought to be demanding a figure of around €20m (£16.5m) in order to part with the midfielder this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Conte can axe Ndombele with Paredes

Considering just how impressive Paredes has been for PSG since his €45m (£37.5m) move to the French capital back in January 2019, in addition to the fact that Tanguy Ndombele looks as if he will be on his way out of north London this summer, it is easy to see why both Paratici and Antonio Conte would be interested in a move for the 27-year-old.

Indeed, despite suffering from several knocks this season, the £18m-rated dynamo has been an important part of Mauricio Pochettino’s table-topping PSG side over his 15 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring one goal and registering two assists, as well as making an average of 0.5 key passes and taking 0.5 shots per game.

The £148k-per-week defensively-minded midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 59.6 passes and winning 2.9 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who @MrAcconci – the co-founder of WhoScored – dubbed the “ultimate midfielder” and Joe Prince-Wright labelled a “superb” talent average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01.

As such, with Ndombele – a player who Scott Saunders dubbed “anonymous” – looking likely to be shipped out permanently this summer, it would appear highly advisable for Conte to reinvest the funds received from the £120k-per-week Frenchman’s departure into a move for Paredes – as the Argentine would appear to be a much better fit for the Italian’s setup in north London.

AND in other news: Paratici handed major boost on £21m Spurs-linked “monster”, he’s Conte’s dream signing

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over a transfer update from The Daily Mail as reporter Simon Jones shares manager David Moyes’ plans for January.

The Hammers and recruitment chief Rob Newman are set for an interesting winter window as they aim to back Moyes in his quest to guide West Ham to a top four finish.

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

The club also find themselves still competing in Europe after finishing top of their group but it is arguable that West Ham need some fresh faces this month if they are to stay at this level.

According to Jones of The Mail, the Irons and Moyes are eyeing a centre-back, left-back and forward this month as both Newman and Moyes work their way through targets.

It is believed that the West Ham chiefs could now target Lille star Jonathan David, Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, Everton’s Lucas Digne and Sparta Prague attacker Adam Hlozek.

West Ham fans erupt…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham fans have been left overjoyed by the four names allegedly on Moyes’ and Newman’s agenda this month – with one supporter calling this transfer claim ‘sensational’.

Another claimed landing all four men would be the Irons’ ‘best ever window’.

It’s not hard to understand their excitement either, with Digne racking up an impressive seven assists in his last full top flight campaign, while David has bagged 15 times this season and Hlozek six.

“ALL 4 PLEASE, DAVID”

Credit: @JamesGunn23

“Would be our best ever window. They should have all been signed and training by now if we were serious.”

Credit: @Onlywestham

“I think there might be some legs in us going all out for David possibly.”

Credit: @EthanP48445025

“Sensational stuff”

Credit: @_ghzst

“PLS

@WestHam”

Credit: @Icevain7

“yes, yes, yes and yes”

Credit: @WHUInfo

“Lucas Digne & Adam Hlozek would cost us around 25m for both of them. So i can see that happening and it would be a huge improvement over the squad.”

Credit: @DKouzas

In other news: West Ham set for imminent move to sign ‘phenomenal’ powerhouse as reporter drops Twitter message, find out more here.

Steven Gerrard will be able to bring a Liverpool player to Aston Villa on loan, former Villa Park man Alan Hutton claims. 

The lowdown

Gerrard is, of course, an icon at Anfield, where he spent almost the entirety of his playing career.

He helped the Reds win major 11 trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2005 (via Transfermarkt).

Having begun his managerial career in Scotland with Rangers, Gerrard will now take on the English Premier League with Aston Villa.

Sky Sports (via The Daily Star) reported in the summer that Villa considered a move for Reds midfielder Curtis Jones, only to decide against it late in the window.

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton floated the possibility of Gerrard doing business with his former club.

He says the 41-year-old has enough pulling power to persuade a player to swap Anfield for Villa Park.

“Maybe we are talking about going getting a player on loan from Liverpool,” he said. “I can see that happening. Maybe a calibre of player that wouldn’t go to Rangers but would go to Aston Villa to play in the Premier League.

“He can attract a certain type so I think the January window could be exciting times.”

The verdict

Could a move for Jones be reconsidered in light of Gerrard’s appointment? Potentially.

He’s only started three of the Reds’ first 11 Premier League games, so Villa may feel as if they have a chance.

Liverpool look to be well-stocked in central midfield when everyone is fit, and if most of their options are available come in January, they may at least consider a short-term proposal for the £27million-rated ace, especially if Harvey Elliott has recovered by then.

In other news, read this exciting behind-the-scenes claim from Gregg Evans.