All posts by n8rngtd.top

Newcastle United have been busy in the summer transfer window and have brought in several players to bolster their squad.

Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman have all arrived on permanent deals and the club are still in the market to improve their attacking options.

It has been reported that the Toon may look to make a “statement” signing at the top end of the pitch after their top scorer Callum Wilson managed eight goals in the Premier League last term.

One player who Dan Ashworth must now look to sign is Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford. Earlier this year, journalist Dean Jones named the Magpies as one of the clubs interested in snapping up the 24-year-old if he becomes available ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think as soon as Rashford’s future came into doubt, we did a story on the fact that Arsenal and Newcastle would be the two teams expected to lead the chase for Rashford, and I think that is the case.”

Manchester Evening News reporter Rich Fay once dubbed Rashford a “joy to watch”, and that is exactly what he would be for Toon supporters if Howe can get him back playing at his best.

A change of scenery could inspire the England international to rediscover his best form, while Newcastle would be landing a huge upgrade on Allan Saint-Maximin if he is able to do so.

Their respective statistics over the last three top-flight seasons suggest that Rashford would offer far more than the Frenchman in front of goal, whilst creating a similar amount.

Both of them have the quality to provide their team-mates with chances to score on a regular basis and that is evidenced by their statistics. However, the Red Devils man has the edge when it comes to finding the net.

Saint-Maximin has never scored more than five goals in a Premier League campaign, whilst the England international has netted 10+ goals in three of his last four.

In 2020/21, Rashford produced 11 goals and nine assists in 33 starts as he showed that he the quality to score and set up goals consistently. However, the £180k-per-week magician’s form dipped in 2021/22 as he scored just four times and managed two assists in 13 starts.

His impressive numbers in the seasons leading up to the last one suggest that it is just a blip for the Red Devils forward, and that is why Ashworth can land a huge upgrade on Saint-Maximin by signing the left winger this summer.

Newcastle must snap up Rashford from Old Trafford and offer him a chance to revive his career so that he can get back to scoring 10+ goals in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news, “Lots of talk..”: Keith Downie drops exciting NUFC transfer claim that’ll elate Howe…

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, following the news of AC Milan’s improved offer for Club Brugge KV centre-forward Charles De Ketelaere, Victor Orta has now turned his attention to other targets in the summer transfer window – one of whom is said to be the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward.

The report goes on to state that Leeds sent scouts to watch the Chile international in action for Rovers in their pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley last weekend, with the Championship side reported to have placed an asking price of £20m on the 23-year-old striker.

Imagine him & Kalimuendo

Considering the remarkable rise Brereton Diaz enjoyed with Blackburn last season, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be keen on a deal to bring the forward to Elland Road this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances in 2021/22, the £14.4m-rated talent was in breathtaking form, scoring 22 goals, providing three assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week forward who Tony Mowbray dubbed “extraordinary” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94 – with his 22 strikes seeing him rank joint-third in the second-tier scoring charts last time out.

Furthermore, with Orta also reported to be closing in on a £21m deal for Paris Saint-Germain centre-forward Arnaud Kalimuendo this summer – the France U21 international who scored 12 goals over 34 Ligue 1 appearances on loan at RC Lens last season – the prospect of Jesse Marsch adding both players to his attacking arsenal ahead of Leeds’ 2022/23 Premier League campaign is sure to be an incredibly tantalising one for the Elland Road faithful.

Indeed, with the Whites set to receive a club-record €72m (£61m) fee from Barcelona’s signing of Raphinha, Orta will have more than enough funds to pursue both attacking targets this summer – with a Kalimuendo and Brereton Diaz link-up in the Leeds attack next season undoubtedly being a terrifying thought for Premier League defenders up and down the country.

AND in other news: Journalist now reveals “verbal agreement” for £31m Leeds target, Orta will be fuming

Southampton have been linked with a summer transfer move for Manchester City striker Liam Delap.

What’s the news?

In a recent Twitter post, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had this to say on the matter.

“Manchester City are prepared to let Liam Delap leave in the next weeks. Been told Burnley asked for Delap on loan until end of the season, while Southampton are also interested but for permanent move. MCFC Final decision to be made in the next days.” 

Saints fans will be buzzing

City secured the 19-year-old from Derby County’s youth ranks back in the 2019 summer transfer window.

Since then, the striker has gone on to make 60 appearances for the Manchester club across their senior and youth sides.

In those appearances, the teenager has found the net 46 times and supplied 16 assists along the way.

This shows the goalscoring talent he has and why he’d be an exciting addition to Southampton’s ranks that would surely leave fans buzzing if he made the move to the south coast club this summer.

Bearing in mind how Pep Guardiola’s side will have the likes of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez as their two main centre-forwards for next season, it’s easy to see why they would be willing to allow Delap leave this summer.

As for a move to St. Mary’s, the fact that Armando Broja has completed his loan deal suggests that Ralph Hasenhuttl will have room in his squad for another young striker.

Southampton only managed to score 43 goals in the Premier League last season, 56 fewer than City, so adding a player like the Englishman to their squad who is capable of finding the back of the net would surely be a big boost.

Despite his lack of Premier League experience, having made just two top-flight appearances so far, securing a move for the forward would certainly be worth the effort for the Saints.

The prospect of playing regularly in the Premier League would surely be a tempting one for the youngster.

As a result, Southampton should definitely do all they can to beat Burnley to Delap’s signature, either on a permanent deal or a season-long loan.

AND in other news: “Sources tell me..”: Journo drops big Southampton transfer claim, Ralph will love it

Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared his verdict on the quest for additional attacking signings at Arsenal this summer, suggesting we could see a surprise signing in north London.

The lowdown: All change in N7

It’s been a busy window so far for technical director Edu as the Brazilian attempts to suitably reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, having missed out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League last term.

The Gunners have bolstered the ranks with the additions of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner, whilst Matteo Guendouzi, Alexandre Lacazette, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Auston Trusty have all left the Emirates Stadium in some capacity.

After the north Londoners missed out on Raphinha to Barcelona, Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to be the next through the door and links to the likes of Lucas Paqueta remain ongoing, leading to the belief another attacking option could yet be forthcoming…

The latest: ‘Happy to jump’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, renowned transfer guru Romano suggested that Arsenal could yet strike for a new target we don’t even know about yet if a perfect opportunity arises.

He said: “I think it’s a possibility but Arsenal will go with their strategy as always. As they did in January when they wanted Dusan Vlahovic and were not able to sign him, they decided to wait and sign a player like Gabriel Jesus.

“I think it will be the same. If they can find an opportunity for a player who could be Arsenal, the right player for Mikel Arteta and Edu, they will be happy to jump into it.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Albeit the business so far should be commended, the quick-fire double departure of previously talismanic duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lacazette puts huge pressure on Jesus to hit the ground running.

Whilst wide options such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and young centre-forward Eddie Nketiah have all proven to be capable of finding the net in the Premier League, ultimately the Gunners missed out on a top four finish with eight fewer goals scored than north London rivals Tottenham – a key reason behind the fifth place finish.

Plus, with UEFA Europa League football back on the table and big money flop Nicolas Pepe reportedly courted by Leicester City, adding sufficient depth in the attacking department will be imperative and as such, Edu must remain attentive to all potential opportunities.

Barcelona’s highly-rated young midfielder Marc Casado has opted to stay at the club despite interest from Southampton. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, who claimed that the Saints, along with Premier League duo Brighton and West Ham, had all submitted proposals for the 18-year-old.

He has instead opted to continue his development in Catalonia and joins up with Xavi’s pre-season squad.

The Premier League trio were all offering significant financial incentives, but the teenager’s heart reportedly remained with Barcelona.

Supporters will be gutted

Southampton have had a relatively busy summer, bringing in five players who will likely battle for first-team spots.

Whilst a new centre-forward is still the main area of concern, allowing this deal to escape will remain a sore spot for Ralph Hasenhuttl and Saints supporters.

The Barcelona under-19s captain has earned huge praise for his calmness on the ball, and many have expectations of him reaching the levels of Pedri and Gavi. In fact, he is reportedly primed to be the natural successor to club legend Sergio Busquets.

Southampton have a brilliant track record of producing and developing young talent, so there seems little doubt that a move to the English south coast would have helped Casado develop further.

Remarked upon for his ability to beat the press with neat turns, break up the play and pick out a killer pass, the 18-year-old appears to have the qualities required to succeed in the Premier League.

He would have occupied Oriol Romeu’s current role commendably, and in time he could have succeeded the former Chelsea anchor man. Alongside the potent James Ward-Prowse, he could have been moulded into an all-round quality central midfielder at St Mary’s.

To combine the teachings of both of these midfielders could have helped Casado to fulfil the ‘next Busquets’ prophecy, as it would have been the perfect blend of brutality and brilliant technique.

Southampton supporters have every right to be gutted as a potential midfield star of the future instead opts to stick around in Catalonia.

The south coast club were always fighting a losing battle to pry him from one of the foremost football clubs in the world, but Hassenhuttl will likely still feel aggrieved that Casado will not be joining the Saints.

AND in other news – After Mara: Ralph can finally axe “desperate” £15m Saints flop, he’s not good enough

Nottingham Forest are believed to be eyeing a move for Wolfsburg forward Omar Marmoush, according to reports in Germany.

What’s the word?

As per Kicker, the Reds have been named among a handful of clubs – along with fellow Premier League side Brentford and La Liga outfit Espanyol – who are interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer.

The report outlines that the Egypt international is yet to sign a contract extension, with just a year remaining on his existing deal with the Bundesliga club, although it’s set to be only a ‘matter of time’ before the 13-cap gem is offered improved terms.

The Cairo-born menace had spent last season on loan at Stuttgart, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 23 top-flight games.

Cooper’s own Salah

Fresh from that impressive spell with Die Roten, the £5.4m-rated ace has also settled in quickly to life back at his parent club, netting a 92nd-minute winner in the recent DFB-Pokal victory over Carl Zeiss Jena at the weekend.

Previously dubbed “fantastic” by Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat, the £20k-per-week forward has enjoyed a real breakthrough last 12 months or so, having also played a key role in his country’s surge to the Africa Cup of Nations final at the start of this year.

The 6 foot sensation featured in all seven games during that run to the decider, despite having only made his debut at senior international level last October, with the winger rubbing shoulders with national team icon Mohamed Salah as part of Egypt’s attacking lineup.

The hope for those at the City Ground will be that Marmoush – who also netted seven times while on loan at St Pauli in the second half of the 2020/21 season – can replicate the impact that his compatriot has enjoyed at Liverpool in recent times.

An integral figure under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, Salah has been in simply outrageous form for the Reds since joining from AS Roma in 2017, having scored 157 goals and provided 64 assists in 255 games so far.

The 30-year-old has won a plethora of major honours during his five years on Merseyside and is arguably one of the most potent forwards in the English top flight, having finished top of the charts for both goals (23) and assists (13) in the league last term.

Even if Marmoush – who can play anywhere across the forward line – were able to hit anything near those heights, it would no doubt be a real boost for Forest manager Steve Cooper, with the Welshman seemingly wanting to add increased squad depth despite having already made 12 summer signings so far.

Amid the buzz surrounding the arrival of players like Jesse Lingard and club-record purchase Taiwo Awoniyi, if the Wolfsburg ace were to be signed, it could be him who goes on to terrorise defences in the Premier League for Forest this season, just as Salah has so often done with Liverpool in recent times.

Wolves are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Marseille forward Bamba Dieng this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Wolves need more firepower

Bruno Lage’s side were goal-shy for much of last season and it eventually proved to be their downfall, as their European hopes faded late in the campaign.

Wolves are, therefore, in need of attacking reinforcements this summer, especially with Raul Jimenez missing the start of the 2022/23 season through injury and Fabio Silva departing on loan.

A new transfer claim has emerged in that respect, suggesting a new face could be heading to Molineux soon.

The Latest: Dieng linked with move

According to 90min, Wolves are among a host of clubs keen on acquiring Dieng’s signature, with the 22-year-old’s current Marseille deal expiring in 2024.

Newcastle United, West Ham, Everton, Leeds United and Crystal Palace are all credited with interest, however, so it won’t be easy for Wanderers to get their man.

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The Verdict: Strong option for Wanderers

Dieng could be exactly what Lage is after in the summer transfer window, considering he scored seven goals in just 11 Ligue 1 starts for Marseille last season.

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He already has 11 caps to his name for Senegal, starring alongside the likes of Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr, and at 22, he would represent a long-term signing with great potential.

With Jimenez past his best and increasingly injury-prone, a new striker is required to lead the line at Molineux and Dieng could be exactly that, having been described as ‘very, very fast’ by Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

Celtic have once again seen many players make moves in and out of the Parkhead club during this latest summer transfer window.

With there still being some time left before the window closes, there could well be some more movement taking place within Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

In terms of possible outgoings, it was reported earlier this month that midfielder James McCarthy is weighing up his future at Celtic Park, opening up the opportunity for him to potentially leave the club before deadline day.

On the flip side, one other figure that the club have been linked with that could see Postecoglou get rid of McCarthy is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Michut.

Having made 17 appearances for the French club across their senior and youth sides, the 19-year-old has one goal and one assist to his name.

This is one goal more than McCarthy managed to deliver for the Bhoys last season across his 22 appearances throughout his debut season at the club under Postecoglou.

Labelled as a “highly technical and creative playmaker” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig on Twitter, Michut could be an exciting midfield option for the Celtic boss to have at his disposal rather than going through another season with the ageing and more leggy 31-year-old.

Having previously been slammed as a “flop” by Eamon Dunphy, the fact that the midfielder was not included in the squad for Celtic’s first league game of the season against Aberdeen and was an unused substitute for their recent 3-1 win over Ross County does suggest that he’s not near the top of the pecking order for the Hoops boss.

Taking into account how McCarthy reportedly has doubts over his immediate future at the Glasgow club, it could benefit the Hoops more to have a young player that’s eager to learn and make a name for himself in the squad rather than an older player that has previous injury issues and isn’t fully focused on the team.

With that in mind, it could be a smart move for the Bhoys to not only get rid of the £14k-per-week midfielder but then pay the reported £5m that PSG would want for their young prodigy.

Fulham have been rather productive in terms of bringing new players to the club throughout this latest summer transfer window.

One area of the squad, however, that has not been particularly focused on in terms of adding extra strength and depth is their attack, as Manor Solomon is the only offensive player to have joined the west London club this summer.

With there still being some time left before the transfer window closes, this period could give the Cottagers the chance to top off what has been a busy summer of business by adding a new attacking figure to Marco Silva’s ranks.

One figure that has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage that would fit the bill is Ludovic Ajorque.

After scoring 20 goals in 70 appearances for his previous side Clermont Foot, the 28-year-old joined his current club Strasbourg back in the 2018 summer window.

Since then, the £14k-per-week centre-forward has racked up 50 goals and 19 assists in 139 appearances across all competitions.

Last season saw the attacker make 36 league appearances for Strasbourg, in which he managed to have 25 shots at goal, the joint-highest at the club.

One big-name figure that is included on FBref’s list of similar players to Ajorque is Antoine Griezmann, which only goes to highlight the dangerous nature of his play style.

Having made a total of 595 appearances for Real Sociedad, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the 31-year-old has 227 goals and 92 assists under his belt, which just goes to show how deadly he’s been in such a significant amount of time.

Thus, having a player of similar goalscoring ilk to the France international in the shape of Ajorque could be a very exciting move for Fulham to make. Both left-footed sensations, it’s clear to see where the biggest similarity lies.

That said, the Strasbourg striker’s conversion rate (25%) significantly beats Griezmann’s (7.69%), which highlights how dangerous the Fulham-linked centre-forward is and why he’d be a very useful addition to their squad.

Described as a “complete player who has developed his palette over time”, according to Julien Stephan, Ajorque certainly has the credentials to not only provide cover for current Fulham striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, but also potentially add some competition for his place in Silva’s team.

Aston Villa could solve their defensive crisis by seeking to raid a Premier League rival… 

What’s the word?

According to journalist Jakub Krupa, Steven Gerrard could look to tempt Southampton into allowing Jan Bednarek to leave St Mary’s.

Krupa tweeted on Friday that Villa “are exploring a move” for the Southampton and Poland defender.

Following the projected nine-month absence of summer signing Diego Carlos after he ruptured his Achilles, Villa have been left scrambling for reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut. Bednarek could perfectly fill this vacancy for the time being and grow into a fan favourite at Villa Park.

Gerrard needs him

Now that Gerrard is without Carlos for the foreseeable future, and not favouring Tyrone Mings over a full season, Bednarek would represent a solid addition for Villa.

The England defender had his captaincy stripped and was dropped for their opening game of the season, but he since returned to action against Everton last weekend.

Already proven in the Premier League, Bednarek has impressed with his performances for the Saints and would slot right in alongside Ezri Konsa as perhaps the more dominant defender of the two, so there is no discernible downside to this potential deal.

The Poland international featured 31 times in the league last season for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, even chipping in with an impressive four goals.

In fact, he ranks in the top 3% for non-penalty goals per 90 among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues in 2021/22. Also ranking in the top 14% for aerial duels won, his arrival could help solve Villa’s set-piece issues, both offensively and defensively – they conceded 31% of their goals in 2021/22 from set pieces.

The “brilliant” 26-year-old (as hailed by Radio Solent’s Adam Blackmore) could help to remedy this shortcoming, while his general defensive work sees him ranked as one of the more consistent defenders in the league.

He ranks in the top 6% for interceptions, top 11% for blocks and top 12% for clearances, living up to his title of a defensive “monster”, as dubbed by journalist and podcaster Sam Tighe.

This actually marks an improvement on the injured Carlos, who only ranked in the 16th percentile for interceptions, 46th for blocks and 48th for clearances while at Sevilla last term.

The £20k-per-week Poland defender would bring is a steely determination which should help to eradicate silly mistakes from Villa’s game.

Bednarek may not be the perfect player for the fluid style that Gerrard prefers, but for what he could bring in terms of defensive solidity to cover for a long-term absentee, surely Villa need him sooner rather than later.