All posts by z3u9t.icu

Incoming Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou could already be eyeing up a first signing of the summer at N17, following an update regarding the club's pursuit of Leicester City star, James Maddison.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to journalist Sean Walsh, writing on Twitter, the 57-year-old is said to have "approved" of the Lilywhites' pursuit of the England international, with the ex-Celtic man having been named as the new permanent head coach on Tuesday.

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh adds that the north London outfit are set to rival Newcastle United for the signing of the 26-year-old, with the playmaker in line to leave his current home following the Foxes' recent relegation.

This follows a previous report from The Sun which also claimed that both Spurs and the Magpies are 'pushing hardest' to sign the former Norwich City man ahead of next season, with the two-cap gem set to be available for around £40m with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

The fleet-footed "magician" – as previously hailed by Statman Dave – would likely prove an astute capture for new man Postecoglou, with the Coventry-born sensation having proven his credentials in the Premier League in recent years, with 75 goals and assists in 163 games in the competition to date.

Despite forming part of a Leicester side that only recently suffered relegation, the £110k-per-week maestro did still enjoy a positive individual campaign after racking up 19 goal involvements in 30 league appearances, with only Harry Kane contributing more goals and assists (33) among the Spurs squad.

That ability to make a telling impact in the final third could ensure that Maddison proves to be a dream partner to Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next term, with the latter man likely to thrive off such elite service.

Hailed for his "world class" delivery in the past by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, Maddison notably recorded 12 big chances and averaged 2.3 key passes per game in 2022/23 as a marker of his creative prowess, with that illustrating that he can be the man to deliver the goods on a plate for Tottenham's free-scoring, talisman.

Previously hailed as "the best centre-forward in world football" by his England colleague, Kane has been linked with a departure in recent times, although the current suggestion is that the 29-year-old will not be sold this summer, despite having just 12 months to run on his current deal.

As such, the 280-goal marksman would likely thrive off having quality figures around him under Postecoglou next season, such as Maddison, with the latter man clearly an asset who seeks to play forward at every available opportunity as he ranks in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive passes, as per FBref.

With Spurs seemingly "in need of that creativity" – as pundit Noel Whelan previously stated – the signing of the Leicester man could well have Kane licking his lips this summer…

Following the culmination of a dramatic final day in the Bundesliga, champions Bayern Munich have turned their attention to the transfer market and specifically one of the league's standout players.

According to Italian outlet ilBiancoNero, Bayern are looking to sign Frankfurt forward and French international Randal Kolo Muani for an estimated €80m (£69m) this summer.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is another option for Thomas Tuchel up front, and could be available for a similar price.

Why are Bayern Munich looking at Kolo Muani?

Kolo Muani is one of the hottest prospects in European football. At just 24, the striker is on the radar of multiple clubs around Europe as he enters the prime of his career.

It’s not hard to see why Bayern are considering Kolo Muani as their signature signing of this summer window.

The Frenchman is predominantly a No.9, playing as the central striker in Frankfurt’s front three. Kolo Muani has the ability to play both on the left wing and the right wing, and provides both goals and assists to his current Frankfurt side.

Kolo Muani notched 15 goals and 14 assists this season in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt, meaning the 6 foot 1 forward was involved in exactly 50% of the teams goals during the 22/23 campaign.

The Frankfurt frontman also contributed six goals and three assists in the German cup this season and finished as the top goalscorer in the competition.

The striker’s form was rewarded by France manager Didier Deschamps, giving Kolo Muani his international debut in September 2022. So far, the former Nantes player has made six appearances for his country, netting one goal.

Are Bayern Munich likely to sign Kolo Muani?

Having joined Frankfurt from Nantes just last summer for an estimated €16m, Kolo Muani will be a cheap option this summer. The player is contracted to the winners of the 2022 Europa League winners until 2027, so Frankfurt will have a strong hand in negotiating a hefty fee for the sought-after target.

Bayern have a history of sweeping up talent from within the Bundesliga. Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski were all signed from title rivals Borussia Dortmund, while defender Dayot Upamencano and Marcel Sabitzer were both signed from RB Leipzig in the same summer transfer window.

It’s part of the reason Bayern have 11 straight Bundesliga titles, and the signing of Kolo Muani could help take Thomas Tuchel’s side to the next level, replacing the aging Thomas Müller and Eric Choupo-Moting up front.

An update has emerged on Burnley and their plans to bolster their attacking options heading into the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Jack Clarke to Burnley?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Clarets have made a bid to sign Sunderland winger Jack Clarke ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Fellow Premier League rivals Brentford and Crystal Palace are also said to be in the race for the Englishman's signature, but the Black Cats are going to make it hard for them as they want to keep hold of their star forward.

The reporter tweeted:

"Burnley, Brentford and Crystal Palace have all submitted bids for Sunderland talent Jack Clarke. #SAFC Understand Sunderland are currently negotiating a new deal for Clarke as he’s considered ‘vital’ for the club to get promoted."

How did Jack Clarke perform this season?

The £15k-per-week gem enjoyed a stunning campaign in the Championship with Tony Mowbray's side and would arrive at Turf Moor as a big upgrade on Anass Zaroury.

Clarke averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 45 appearances in the division and contributed with nine goals and 11 assists as he proved himself to be a reliable option in the final third at that level, with journalist Josh Bunting going as far as to say that the homegrown talent is "unplayable" at times.

The former Tottenham Hotspur attacker was clinical in front of goal as he scored nine times from 6.92 xG, which shows that the gem outperformed the quality of chances that were presented to him.

Zaroury enjoyed similar success in the Championship as the Moroccan wizard plundered seven goals from just 4.0 xG and this indicates that there is not a major difference between the two in terms of their finishing as neither of them were wasteful with their shots.

However, Clarke does have a much greater edge when it comes to creating opportunities for others – the 22-year-old racked up 13 assists in all competitions and amassed 11.10 xA, with 6.8 xAG in the league, whereas the Burnley star, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.94, only registered six assists and an xAG of 6.0.

These statistics suggest that the Sunderland magician, who also completed 0.4 more dribbles per match (2.0) than Zaroury (1.6), could offer far more creativity from the left wing by providing his teammates with a higher quality of chances.

When you also factor in that they are both impressive finishers, Clarke could come in as a big – and instant – upgrade on the Clarets dynamo to improve Kompany's squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

West Ham United are believed to be closing on the permanent signing of Alphonse Areola, following the goalkeeper’s successful loan stint at the club.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are edging ever closer towards extending the Frenchman’s stay at the London Stadium, with the Premier League side set to activate the buy option included in his temporary switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

Writing on Twitter about the 29-year-old’s situation, the respected insider revealed that a deal is in the works: “West Ham are prepared to pay €9m fee for Alphonse Areola. Buy option clause is expected to be triggered as West Ham are planning with Areola as goalkeeper.  New direct contact with his agents will take place this week.”

There had been suggestions that the World Cup winner – who made the move to east London on loan last summer – could prove too expensive to re-sign due to his wage demands, although it appears an agreement may well be able to reach.

Supporters will love it

It may seem bizarre that supporters would get excited over the signing of a player that made just one league appearance during the 2021/22 campaign, although it is hard to argue with his undeniable quality in between the sticks – something he more than proved in the club’s run to the Europa League semi-finals.

The one-time Fulham loanee featured in 11 of the Irons’ 12 games in the competition – only missing the group stage opener against Dinamo Zagreb – playing a crucial role in helping to continue the remarkable European adventure under David Moyes.

He conceded just eight goals in that continental voyage – a rate of just 0.7 goals per game – keeping five clean sheets and averaging an impressive 2.8 saves per 90, with only six members of the West Ham squad having enjoyed a better average match rating than his 7.08.

Such form had seemingly warranted increased involvement domestically, although that chance will likely – and deservedly – come should his permanent deal be confirmed, particularly with current number one Lukasz Fabianski having only recently turned 37, heightening the need for a longer-term replacement.

Pundit Alan Hutton has suggested that the three-cap international can battle his veteran teammate for a starting berth next term, with supporters inclined to agree, particularly if the experienced Pole endures a tricky run of form in the early stages of the campaign, or suffers injury.

Even if the former Arsenal man retains his place as the first-choice stopper, it is vital to have an able understudy such as Areola in reserve, while the 6 foot 5 colossus is also likely to enjoy another extended run out in next season’s Europa Conference League.

Whether supporters think he should start or be a strong back up, it will simply be good news all around if the deal can be struck.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

According to the BBC, there has been a significant West Ham United transfer update involving long-time transfer target Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Moyes attempts permanent move…

Ever since the Manchester United ace thrived during a loan spell at the London Stadium in the first f ew months of 2021, Irons manager David Moyes has been attempting to re-sign the player on a permanent deal.

The Englishman has been at the centre of West Ham transfer attempts both in January and last summer, but those failed to result in Lingard signing for the Hammers indefinitely.

However, as the 29-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford nears its end, Moyes and GSB have the opportunity to finally seal his capture for zero transfer cost on a Premier League Bosman deal.

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The Latest: BBC share Lingard update…

According to Simon Stone for the BBC, the West Ham manager is indeed back in for Lingard once more, with the east Londoners already making a pre-summer move in the form of an enquiry.

Stone added that Moyes has a personal long-standing interest in his former attacker, who is set to leave Manchester as a free agent next month.

The Verdict: Seal a move…

Signing Lingard for no transfer fee really is a no-brainer for Moyes and West Ham, who will be looking to build upon their remarkable rise over the last two seasons.

Having already excelled under Moyes, all while knowing the club from his first temporary spell, the Red Devils outcast could find a real home at Rush Green, and we believe that Lingard should give first priority to an Irons reunion.

Pundits like Paul Robinson, who was speaking to Football Insider on the possible transfer, have claimed that Lingard would be a ‘massive signing’ for West Ham, and we’re inclined to agree, especially considering that he can now join for free at the end of June.

In other news: Club chief flies to London as West Ham now eye ‘incredible’ £30m striker…find out more here

Aston Villa are set to add to their squad this summer, with Steven Gerrard looking as though he will get an opportunity to make his mark at Villa Park.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail which claim that the 41-year-old has dropped his biggest transfer hint yet.

As per the report, it looks as though Gerrard is set to sign multiple players, and it could involve a free agent or two in the mix.

The Villa boss is also keen to get his business done as early as possible, saying: “I want them in yesterday. The quicker you get them in, the quicker you can get them settled. In an ideal world you want all your business done for when you come back for the first day of pre-season but that is unrealistic because people go away and do different things.”

The report mentions the likes of Luis Suarez, James Tarkowski, Divock Origi, Jesse Lingard, Conor Goldson, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as free agents that Gerrard could bring in.

Gerrard means business

If his latest comments are anything to go by, Gerrard means business this summer. His reputation as both a player and a manager can be put to good use, with Villa now able to be resourceful in their business.

All of the aforementioned players could leave a positive impact for Gerrard, with the likes of Suarez surely making the mouths of the Villa faithful water amidst the prospect of another link-up with recent permanent signing Coutinho after their mutual stints at both Liverpool and Barcelona.

The 41-year-old’s ideology of getting players in as quickly as possible is yet another positive that fans can take from his approach as a manager, with him looking to bed players in as early as possible to have them ready for the start of the new season.

Whilst it has been a tough start to his managerial career in the Premier League, he clearly has a plan and he should get the opportunity this summer to bolster a squad who will be looking to challenge for the European spots in what will be Gerrard’s first full season in charge of Villa.

In other news: “Gerrard wants“: John Percy drops big Villa transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Leeds United winger Raphinha has now agreed on personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a summer move, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Final home appearance?

The Whites travel to Brentford on Sunday for the final game of the season, with relegation back to the Championship still a major possibility for Jesse Marsch’s side.

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Leeds managed to take a point in their last home game of the campaign against Brighton which took them out of the bottom three for the time being, with Burnley set to travel to Aston Villa on Thursday night.

Raphinha played the entirety against the Seagulls and came back out to an empty Elland Road following the final whistle, sitting on the turf, with some believing that was his final home appearance for the club.

The Latest: Terms agreed

Goal Brazil provided an update regarding Raphinha and Barcelona on Tuesday. They claimed that the winger has now agreed on personal terms ahead of a move to the Nou Camp which will see his current salary doubled through to 2027.

The Catalan giants will be able to sign the 25-year-old for €25m if Leeds are relegated and are yet to put an official offer on the table, as reports have recently suggested.

The Verdict: Sunday huge

Raphinha has made it clear to Leeds chiefs that he wants to depart this summer, so a transfer to the Nou Camp seems to be a matter of when and not if, following Laurens De Bock as the second man out of the door after the left-back signed a one-year deal with Zulte Waregem.

However, if the Whites manage to remain in the Premier League, they’d hold the cards when it comes to a deal. You’d expect that the attacker would go for much more than €25m if Leeds avoid the drop, another reason why Sunday’s trip to Brentford is absolutely huge both in the short and long term.

In other news: Radz and Orta have had enough of Leeds ‘liability’; now set to be released from Elland Road. 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Calcio Mercato reporter Daniele Longo has revealed that the Magpies are set to swoop for the Nigerian centre-forward.

He Tweeted: “Il #Newcastle pronto a fare una offerta al Napoli per Osimhen.”

This roughly translates to “The Newcastle ready to make an offer to Napoli for Osimhen.”

It has been reported that the Italian club will be looking for a fee in the region of €100m (£85m) but it remains to be seen how much the Toon are willing to offer.

Eddie Howe would love him

The Magpies head coach would love the attacker at Newcastle next season as he has proven his quality throughout the season with Napoli and has the potential to get better.

In the Serie A this season, he has scored 13 goals in 22 starts for the Italian side and averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.18. He has been a consistent performer, and goalscorer, in the division as he has been able to deliver the goods on a regular basis, earning plenty of plaudits along the way.

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo previously showered his international teammate with praise, saying:

“He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard-working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him.

“He has that lion’s heart. I love him, I just want him to keep working hard the way he’s doing, he’s going to break so many records in Europe and Nigeria.”

He was also dubbed a “thoroughbred bomber” by Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti and these comments from his manager and teammate highlight how impressive he has been.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson is Newcastle’s top scorer in the Premier League with six strikes this term and this illustrates how badly Howe needs a consistent goalscorer to bolster his squad. He would, therefore, love Osimhen as the forward is exactly what he is missing, as proven by his excellent form so far for the Serie A giants this season.

At the age of 23, the Nigerian also has time on his side to continue his development. He can hone his finishing skills and improve his consistency, with the ex-Bournemouth boss potentially getting the chance to play a part in helping him fulfil his potential.

AND in other news, Howe plotting NUFC swoop for £9m-rated “goal machine”, he’s a huge upgrade on Wood…

Pep Guardiola has delivered some early Manchester City team news involving Kyle Walker ahead of their upcoming Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The 31-year-old has been out of action for almost a month after sustaining a serious ankle injury in the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid, and the City manager had even admitted that he was unsure whether his right-back would play again this season.

However, in a surprising update, the 52-year-old shared some positive news and confirmed that Walker has stepped up his rehabilitation; and as a result of the progress made, the right-back could have an outside chance of coming into contention for the game at the Bernabeu.

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The Latest: Walker being monitored

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola revealed that the 65-cap England international would be carefully monitored between now and kick-off.

He told the media: “Kyle trained today and he will travel. Tomorrow we will decide – he is three weeks without training but we are happy he is back. We will decide tomorrow.

“We will see with Kyle tomorrow how he is after treatment tonight and tomorrow. Then we will decide.”

The Verdict: A pivotal player

Whether or not Walker is named in the starting XI against Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit on Wednesday, knowing that he is nearing a return to action will come as a huge boost for Man City.

The £22.5m-rated star has been a regular starter under Guardiola this term and is a pivotal player in this City side, having made 30 appearances in all competitions, providing two assists in that time and averaging a pass success rate of 88.9%, as per WhoScored.

Once hailed as “one of the best” by ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney, the sooner that Walker is available for selection again the better, particularly with City having been short on defensive options in recent matches.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has claimed that there is ‘no way’ this Man City star will sign a new deal this summer

Rangers duo Ross Wilson and Gio van Bronckhorst are set for a busy few months of work as they look to shape their squad heading into next season.

The Ibrox giants will be buying and selling players as the Dutch head coach will get his first summer transfer window in charge of the club. It is his first real chance to bend the team to his will as he has more than just one month – as he had in January – to bring in his own gems to improve the side.

Van Bronckhorst bringing in his own recruits will mean that other players will need to be let go and this means that we could see a number of departures from the club in the coming months.

One of the players who could be on their way out of the Glasgow giants this summer is central midfielder Glen Kamara.

FFC recently published an article explaining why this summer may be the perfect time for the club to cash in on the Finland international. Wilson can sell him before his value plummets if he continues to decline next season, after his recent poor form for the Gers – with journalist Andrew Dickson recently dubbing his play against Motherwell as a “shambles”.

However, selling Kamara will leave a vacant spot in the squad for a defensive midfielder, which the club should look to fill before they move the ex-Arsenal man on.

Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign RB Leipzig brute Eric Martel and van Bronckhorst must now secure a deal to sign the German youth international in order to axe his Finnish conundrum in the middle of the park.

This season, he has averaged a score of 7.01 on loan at Austria Wien as he has shown that he can perform consistently at senior level, despite only turning 20 last month. He has made a whopping 5.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 56% of his individual duels and can bring a steeliness to the Rangers midfield next term.

The £1.8m-rated gem has “huge potential” – according to journalist Pete O’Rourke – and this means that the Gers would be signing a player with the scope to improve as well as someone whose statistics this season suggest he can be an asset to the side in the immediate future.

This is why he must be brought in to Ibrox this summer as he can be a fantastic signing for van Bronckhorst, given his potential and current ability as a defensive midfielder, and come in to allow Kamara to be sold.

AND in other news, Wilson must reignite Rangers swoop for “impressive” 28 G/A flier, GvB needs him…