All posts by h716a5.icu

Sunderland have now been presented as favourites in the race to sign Arsenal defender Daniel Ballard.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from ChronicleLive who claim that Ballard’s proposed move to Burnley has broken down, with Sunderland now said to be leading the race for his signature.

As per the report, the 22-year-old was set to sign with the Clarets and even travelled to Lancashire for a medical before the switch foundered due to both sides failing to agree terms.

As such, it is said that Sunderland have stepped up their interest in the Arsenal defender but will face competition from Championship rivals Millwall and Blackpool, with the defensive asset having been on loan at both clubs.

Neil will love him

“Ball player” Ballard, as he has been dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting, spent last season on loan at Millwall, with the £1.8m-rated defender establishing himself as a key man in Gary Rowett’s backline.

Ballard made an impact at Millwall, placing himself amongst the top three players in the squad in four different categories.

Most notably, his average of 31.4 accurate passes, 3.1 accurate long balls, 1.7 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per 90 have made him a sought after asset in England’s second-tier and in Rowett’s defence-first system, helped to guide the the Lions to become the sixth-best defence in the league, conceding just 45 goals at a goals conceded per match rate of 1.0.

His 31 Championship appearances will come as a big boost in a newly-promoted Sunderland side who will no doubt face a tough test in their survival bid for the upcoming campaign.

And with his 25 appearances in League One the season prior, it now means that the Northern Ireland international has two full seasons of first-team football under his belt.

He can be effective for a defence that ranked as the tenth-best in League One last season, conceding an average 1.2 goals conceded per match.

And if Sunderland can get this deal wrapped up, Neil will no doubt love him.

AND in other news: Kristjaan Speakman now plotting behind-the-scenes SAFC deal, Alex Neil will be buzzing 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has revealed that PIF have held talks over a potential swoop for the Everton attacker, who is one of a number of players who they are currently eyeing.

He Tweeted: “Latest: Moussa Diaby IS on NUFC radar. That’s as far as things are at the moment. They have an extensive list of attacking targets. Still no movement on Ekitike which remains ‘dormant’ currently. Broja and Calvert-Lewin also discussed.”

The Mirror recently reported that the Magpies have been quoted a price of £60m for the England international and will look to negotiate a lower fee.

Imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

If Newcastle can secure a deal to sign Calvert-Lewin, the Toffees striker could form a brilliant partnership with Allan Saint-Maximin.

He can thrive off of the Frenchman’s crosses and passes and be the focal point for Eddie Howe at the top end of the pitch as he is a well-rounded number nine.

Former Manchester City forward Shaun Goater dubbed his skillset “unique” and Richarlison – now of Tottenham – claimed that he has a leap like “Cristiano Ronaldo”.

Calvert-Lewin certainly leaps like a salmon in the air to get on the end of crosses and this is reflected in his impressive Premier League scoring record with his head. He has found the back of the net 19 times with headers in the top-flight, along with 25 with his feet – showing that he is a versatile finisher.

In the league last season, Saint-Maximin created seven ‘big chances’ and provided 1.4 key passes per game for the Magpies. This came after he created six ‘big chances’ and managed 1.2 key passes per match in the 2020/21 campaign.

The French attacker has the ability to deliver chances to his teammates on a regular basis and this means that he can supply Calvert-Lewin with a constant supply of opportunities to score from.

Between the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, the Englishman plundered a whopping 29 Premier League goals and has proven that he has the quality to find the back of the net consistently at this level.

This suggests that he will be able to make the most of Saint-Maximin’s creativity and that is why they would be a superb pair to watch playing alongside each other for the Toon next term.

AND in other news, NUFC may pursue “big money” move for “frightening” £80m gem, supporters surely excited…

Fabrizio Romano has said that Manchester United is ‘an option’ for Ajax star Antony, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Antony linked with Man Utd

The Red Devils were first linked with a move for the right-winger following Erik ten Hag’s appointment towards the end of April. Rumours have continued in recent months, with journalist Alex Crook stating that United are ‘working hard’ on a move for Antony.

Hailed by Dutch football pundit Johan Derksen as a player who gives defenders ‘sleepless nights’, the 22-year-old has scored 26 goals during his club career, 12 of which came under Ten Hag last season.

The Latest: Romano’s claim on Antony

Talking to GiveMeSport, Romano said that Antony is ‘an option’ for United, although he claimed that agreeing on a fee could prove tricky.

The Italian transfer guru stated:

“At the moment, we have to consider Antony as an option for Manchester United.

“The real point will be the fee, I think, because Ajax have already lost many big players and the feeling around Lisandro Martinez is for him to go this summer.”

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The Verdict: Needed

United could do with bolstering their attacking ranks ahead of the new season, and Antony could be the perfect addition both in the short run and over the long-term.

He has just come off the back of his best season in front of goal and was used solely as a right-winger by Ten Hag.

The United boss has limited senior options on the right in Manchester, so signing Antony – who has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket to a career-high £31.5m – could be just what he needs.

Ten Hag knows how to get the best out of Antony, and you’d like to think that he’ll only get better. He could solve United’s problems on the right flank going forward, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga battling it out for a spot on the opposite wing.

Manchester United are reportedly getting closer to their second summer signing, as they remain in talks with Christian Eriksen over his move to Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

After his impressive performances in the second half of last season with Brentford, Eriksen has been a man-in-demand so far this summer, with the vast majority of the Premier League linked with signing him at one point or another.

The 30-year-old is available on a free transfer having only signed a six-month deal with the Bees in January and while they are understandably keen on keeping him, it seems as if United are in pole position to bring him in.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth recently revealed that:

“I’ve been told today that the signing of Christian Eriksen is progressing positively. Three-year deal we know has been agreed in principle, it will formally be signed off once Christian Eriksen completes that medical with Manchester United.”

The news comes amid United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong with talks ongoing in Barcelona between the respective parties.

Ten Hag will love him

Eriksen has proven himself to be a world-class player over the past decade, contributing 69 goals and 90 assists during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, and to sign him on a free transfer represents excellent business for United.

The Denmark international was in inspired form for Thomas Frank’s side last season, helping them comfortably avoid relegation, as he contributed one goal and four assists in 11 Premier League appearances, averaging a superb 7.37 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

No player in United’s side would average as many key passes (2.7) per game than Eriksen last season, which emphasises just what he will add to Erik ten Hag’s midfield.

Considering the Dane came through Ajax’s famous academy, he will already be aware of how Ten Hag will want to play at United next season, and his immense ability on the ball suggests that he could be a perfect midfield player for the new manager.

If he can carry on his form with Brentford at Old Trafford next season, he will surely prove to be a quality signing for the Red Devils.

AND, in other news: BBC journalist drops big Man United transfer update, supporters will be buzzing…

Crystal Palace are seemingly closing in on their fourth summer signing, with reports suggesting that the Eagles have a verbal agreement to sign Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards.

What’s the word?

Patrick Vieira’s side were linked with the USA international last week, with Southampton and Leeds United also said to be interested in the 22-year-old.

However, it seems as if the Selhurst Park outfit have won the race to sign Richards this summer, as Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed on Twitter.

He wrote: “Chris Richards: He has a verbal agreement with Crystal Palace. The Bayern defender wants to join them. Now the clubs has to find an agreement. Negotiations ongoing.”

Supporters will be buzzing

After an impressive first season in charge of Palace, Vieira is working quickly to continue his overhaul at the club, having already brought in Sam Johnstone, Malcolm Ebiowei and Cheick Doucoure this summer.

Under Roy Hodgson, Selhurst Park was home to far too many journeymen and players in decline, but they have been transformed into an exciting, youthful side over the past 12 months. In Richards, the Eagles will be getting another promising young defender who has been a regular on loan at Hoffenheim for the last two Bundesliga seasons.

The centre-back made 34 appearances across his two loan spells at the club, contributing one goal and two assists in that time to add to his 10 senior outings for Bayern Munich.

Richards has been tipped for a bright future by USA manager Gregg Berhalter, who spoke highly of the youngster last year, saying: “Chris is one of our central defenders of the future. I like his development very much. I find the cooperation between Bayern and the USSF to be outstanding. Together we’re trying to develop a great player from a great talent.”

While Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen formed a strong partnership at the heart of Palace’s defence last season, Vieira will be glad to have another young option at the back, and supporters will surely be delighted to hear that Richards is ready to make the move to Selhurst Park.

AND in other news: Vieira can land his own Cavani as Crystal Palace eye move for £42m “huge talent”

Aston Villa have been handed a major boost in their pursuit to sign Burnley winger Dwight McNeil this summer.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT regarding West Ham’s reported interest in the player, journalist Paul Brown said: “I think there are agents putting his name out there with various clubs. I think he’s probably an option for West Ham, but I don’t think they’re pushing particularly hard for him at the moment.”

With Villa recently linked to the Burnley man, this will be welcome news and could give them an advantage if they are more determined than others to do the deal.

McNeil is keen on remaining a Premier League player and with Burnley having been relegated his only option now is to depart Turf Moor.

He could be available for as little as £15m, but with at least two years remaining on his contract, the Clarets are in a strong negotiating position.

Supporters will love the news

Supporters of Villa will be delighted to hear the news that West Ham aren’t pushing hard to sign McNeil and will be hoping that their club makes a move for the player as soon as possible.

At just 22 years old, it seems a no-brainer to sign a player of his quality for a potentially small fee. Despite still being young, the Englishman isn’t short of experience in the top flight having played 134 games over five seasons as a senior player at Burnley.

It will be an emotional goodbye for the player who joined the club’s youth setup after being released from Manchester United at age 14, but it’s one that’s needed for him to continue his remarkable development.

His record last season wasn’t the best, but in a side that was in a constant relegation battle, it’s hard for a forward player to shine. However, he did create six big chances and boasted an average pass accuracy of 78%.

Moving to Villa Park and being part of a forward line which includes the likes of Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho will surely be attractive to McNeil.

It will also allow him to properly express himself in a side that plays more attractive football than what we’ve seen over the years at Turf Moor.

AND in other news: Gerrard could land his very own Jude Bellingham in Villa swoop for £50m”joy to watch”

Crystal Palace are believed to be closing in on another summer signing…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, the Eagles are negotiating a deal for Northern Ireland under-21 international Kofi Balmer, although are yet to agree a fee with his current club Larne.

Writing on Twitter about the Premier League club’s interest in the 21-year-old, the transfer insider wrote: “Crystal Palace are in talks with Larne FC over a potential deal for defender Kofi Balmer. It’s understood that the clubs are still to agree a fee for the 21-year-old centre-back. The Northern Ireland U21 international has two years left on his contract at Larne.”

The promising centre-back – who is also comfortable at full-back – only made the move to Larne from Ballymena last summer on a free transfer, with two years left to run on his existing deal at present.

Vieira will be buzzing

Although a deal for Balmer is seemingly more of a nod to the future, his prospective capture would represent another fine piece of business for Palace so far this summer, with Patrick Vieira set to be buzzing at the work done by the club to help bolster his squad.

A move for the highly-rated youngster – who has been dubbed “phenomenal” by his manager Tiernan Lynch – would be the fifth summer addition for the south London outfit, having only recently secured the signing of Bayern Munich’s 22-year-old starlet Chris Richards.

There has undoubtedly been a focus on youth for Vieira and co this summer, having also brought in Malcolm Ebiowei (18) and Cheick Doucoure (22), with England international Sam Johnstone (29) the only experienced acquisition thus far.

After the mass exodus of experienced figures last summer, the club are slowly but surely rebuilding the squad in the image of their new manager, with the Arsenal legend seemingly intent on nurturing and developing young talent.

While something of an unknown quantity, Balmer is another gem who could well thrive under the Frenchman’s watch, having already racked up a hugely impressive tally of 134 appearances in his club career despite his relative youth, chipping in with ten goals and four assists in that time.

Competition for a regular centre-back role will be fierce due to the presence of Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi and the aforementioned Richards, although the Northern Irishman could well be a player to look out for during the 2022/23 campaign.

Vieira will be simply delighted if Palace can get the Larne defender on board.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge Crystal Palace development, supporters will be buzzing

Sunderland have been hit with a setback in their pursuit of Cameron Archer in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Premier League reporter Rob Scanlon has revealed that Aston Villa will be keeping hold of the youngster for at least the first half of the 2022/23 campaign.

The reporter recently interviewed Steven Gerrard who said: “We’ve made a decision with Cameron Archer that he’ll be staying in the door. He will be part of the first team group and he needs to be ready when called upon to contribute to the team”

The Black Cats are one of a number of Championship outfits said to be keen on a swoop for the young centre-forward, with all of them now set to be gutted by this news.

Big blow for Alex Neil

This update on Archer’s situation will come as a big blow to the Sunderland head coach as it means that he will not be able to bring the talent to the Stadium of Light this summer.

The Scottish manager has confirmed that he wants up to five new signings over the next few weeks and another striker could be on the cards, as Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms are currently his only natural options in the number nine position.

In Archer, Sunderland could have landed a player capable of making a big impact for the club in the Championship after he caught the eye in the 2021/22 campaign.

The gem scored four goals in two EFL Cup matches and produced six goals and two assists in four EFL Trophy outings for Villa in the first half of the season. Preston then snapped him up on loan and he found the back of the net seven times in 18 Championship starts.

Last month, journalist Ryan Taylor praised the attacker and tipped him to remain at Villa Park, Tweeting: “Cameron Archer on target for Aston Villa in pre-season win at Walsall. Array of clubs prepared to wait to land him on loan later in window but don’t be surprised if he forces his way into reckoning at AVFC. Goal machine. Him & Joe Gelhardt are my ones to watch this season.”

This suggests that he has made his mark in pre-season by carrying his form over from last term, which shows that he is developing as a player as Gerrard has now deemed that he has improved enough to make the squad.

Therefore, this is a blow for Neil as Archer’s goalscoring record – especially in the Championship – suggests that he would have been a fantastic signing, particularly when you consider that Stewart and Simms have zero goals in the division between them in their respective careers.

Newcastle United are set to return with another offer for Everton starlet Anthony Gordon, having previously been rebuffed by the Toffees earlier this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Chronicle, the Magpies are believed to be ‘considering’ a new bid for the 21-year-old, as they remain frustrated in their approach for Leicester City’s James Maddison – having seen two offers rejected by the Foxes thus far.

In the case of the Merseyside youngster, the Englishman was reportedly the subject of a £35m approach by the northeast side back in early July, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie recently suggesting that a wide player – as well as a striker – could be targeted before the window closes.

Despite having brought in three new faces so far this summer, the Tynesiders are yet to bring an attacking recruit to help bolster the current squad, with manager Eddie Howe opening up on his desire to add to his forward line in the coming weeks.

Could be incredible

While it could prove a hefty fee for a player who has made just 50 Premier League appearances in his embryonic, senior career thus far, Gordon has no doubt illustrated just what a talent he is of late, having enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign last time out.

After returning from a six-month loan spell at Preston North End at the end of the 2020/21 season, the local lad went on to become a key figure at Goodison Park last term, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 35 league games for the club, proving a rare ray of sunshine in what was another wise turbulent season for Frank Lampard’s side.

A dynamic and relentless attacking presence, the £18m-rated ace also impressed due to his stunning defensive approach, ranking in the top 2% for blocks, the top 4% for tackles and the top 5% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Current Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin, for instance, ranks in just the bottom 1% for tackles made and pressures, as well as in the bottom 5% for blocks made, with that a stark illustration of the differing work ethic between the pair.

Not that the Frenchman would need to be necessarily dispensed from the side, however, with Gordon potentially able to make up for Saint-Maximin’s defensive shortcomings and allow the mercurial talent to shine, while he also offers the flexibility to feature all across the front line, having notably started through the middle in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The £10k-per-week sensation may not be the glamour name that Magpies supporters were craving – after a summer of links to the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Moussa Diaby – yet he remains an “incredible” talent, in the words of former teammate Morgan Feeney, as well as a “frightening” prospect for any defence – as per Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard.

A player with invaluable Premier League experience already under his belt, there is no reason why the Kirkdale-born star couldn’t thrive as part of Howe’s squad this season were he to sign on the dotted line.

Although desperation is potentially setting in at St James’ Park as the search for a new forward addition goes on, Gordon could well prove to be an ‘incredible’ capture, both for his attacking flair but also his dogged defensive approach.

A report by The Daily Express has shared a ‘cautiously’ optimistic Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep busy…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte has started the season off in fine fashion with a 4-1 home win against Southampton last weekend with sporting director Fabio Paratici reportedly attempting to strengthen the Italian’s options further.

Six major signings have been made in north London with Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence putting pen to paper this summer.

The likes of Zaniolo have been heavily linked after these arrivals with the north Londoners now allegedly hunting a creative playmaker to boost Conte’s options.

The Latest: Spurs chiefs ‘hopeful’

The Daily Express and reporter Ryan Taylor have now shared an optimistic update on Spurs’ chances of signing the Italy international.

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It is believed that there is ‘cautious optimism’ within Tottenham that a deal could ‘potentially be struck’ in the final weeks of the window as Lilywhites chiefs are ‘hopeful’ they can sign him.

This comes amid strong reports that Paratici has reached a full agreement to sign Udinese starlet Destiny Udogie.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Zaniolo finished the 2021/2022 season very strongly as one of Roma’s brightest attacking players.

As per WhoScored, none of Jose Mourinho’s men averaged more successful take-ons per 90 or attracted more fouls than the 23-year-old – perhaps highlighting why Spurs are allegedly keen on adding his direct threat to the squad.

Called a potentially ‘exciting’ signing for Conte by former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, capping off this summer window with a move for Zaniolo would be quite the statement of intent.