All posts by n8rngtd.top

To suggest that affairs at Manchester United over the last year have been a mess would be putting it lightly.

Fortunately for those of a United persuasion, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

What’s the word?

When the going gets tough, the Red Devils’ hierarchy tends to look into their bank account and find the largest sum available to spend on new players.

It’s unsurprising, therefore, that another spending spree looks set to be sanctioned this summer.

One of the club’s targets in Darwin Nunez looks likely to arrive in the Premier League this summer and according to Dean Jones’ sources, a deal is close.

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Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider said: “One source described this deal to United to me as being ‘extremely close’.

“They consider Atletico Madrid as their main rivals to sign him, from what I hear, but obviously, loads around Europe are looking. If Darwin does move to Old Trafford, it will be a brilliant signing for the Ten Hag era.”

Previous reports suggest he could cost the new manager around £50.6m.

The new Forlan?

Last summer’s business from Man United was incredibly impressive with Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane all arriving in the northwest of England.

However, judging by their dreadfully frantic season in 2021/22, supporters may well have to be a little more reserved when assessing ten Hag’s first signings at Old Trafford.

Yet, in Nunez, he’d surely uncover a gem for the Red Devils.

In fact, the Benfica striker has already been dubbed a “diamond” by Steve McManaman, and it’s clear to see why.

This is one of the most clinical forwards in world football at the moment, scoring 34 In 41 appearances across all competitions this term.

Based on that scoring record and his Uruguayan nationality, he could well become the club’s next Diego Forlan.

The veteran never really lit up Old Trafford but after leaving United behind he became one of the most feared and rampant attacking products around.

Ten Hag and the club’s supporters would certainly hope he betters Forlan’s record of 17 goals in 96 matches for the Premier League outfit but his record later on in his career is comparable to Nunez, an offensive revelation capable of bullying goalkeepers around the world.

A special talent with speed, robustness and confident finishing ability, Nunez really does feel like the type of player who could inspire United back to greatness.

He is bang in form, relatively cheap in today’s market for his goal tally and he’s still very young at 22.

It would take some player to live up to Forlan but at the same age, you sense that the Benfica star has a much higher ceiling.

It would mark ten Hag’s first major move of the window but there would be no real greater statement of intent than by signing the Uruguay international.

AND in other news, Man United now closing in on “sensational” £50m signing, he’s the next Paul Scholes…

Tottenham Hotspur could launch a move for Marc Guehi this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who claimed that the Crystal Palace colossus is among Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte’s central defensive shortlist, where other names such as Alessandro Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol feature.

Unfortunately for Spurs, the 21-year-old signed a long-term deal to 2026 at Selhurst Park, so he would not come cheap.

CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, currently estimates his worth to be around €70m (£60m).

Two birds with one stone

As Gold goes on to state in his report, Guehi would hugely help two of Conte’s big issues at Spurs. The first is their need for a new centre-back and the second is their need to bolster their homegrown quota.

The former Chelsea graduate recently earned a senior call up to Gareth Southgate’s England side and has captained Patrick Vieira’s Eagles at times this season.

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So with the north London outfit looking to improve their homegrown numbers, Guehi instantly fits the bill.

Only three other players outscored the 21-year-old centre-back in southeast London in terms of average WhoScored rating for the season. It was his ball-playing ability that shone through, though.

As per FBRef, the Englishman made 61.7 live passes per 90 at an accuracy rate of 87.5%. And when you then throw in defensive figures of 1.62 tackles and interceptions, and 1.28 blocks per 90, he emerges as a pretty solid all-rounder; one that would suit Contes’s system to a tee.

Standing at 6 foot tall, it’s no wonder the defender has been lauded as an “absolute tank” and “massive” by England U21 shot-stopper Josef Bursik.

He alongside Cristian Romero and fellow countryman Eric Dier, who was surprisingly snubbed from the latest Three Lions squad, could make for a formidable trio heading into next season.

English talent does come at a premium in the Premier League but when they can fix two glaring problems, then it should be money well spent. Paratici and co must seriously consider Guehi this off-season.

AND in other news, Contact made: Romano reveals Spurs talks for 8-figure “wonderkid”, he’s “unbelievable”…

Celtic have never been shy when it comes to signing players on temporary loan deals during previous summer and winter transfer windows.

One of their more recent and successful loan deals came during the previous summer window when the Hoops brought in Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Having ended the season with 46 appearances under his belt across all competitions, the centre-back chipped in with four goals and one assist, all of which came in the SPFL.

In terms of his defensive output, the 24-year-old was crucial for the Hoops at the back and was undeniably a big reason why they ended the campaign with fewer goals conceded than any other side in the division.

With 33 league appearances to his name, he made more interceptions (43) than any other player in Celtic’s squad and racked up the highest average of clearances per game (4.2) as well.

Now that this successful season has come to an end, the current summer transfer window may give the Bhoys and Ange Postecoglou the chance to land what could be their next version of the Spurs defender.

Last month, it was reported that Celtic are monitoring Manchester City’s £6.3m-rated defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis in regards to a potential summer move.

Being on a similar path to Carter-Vickers by being a youth product of one of the Premier League’s top clubs that has been moved out on loan more than once, the City defender could be the next figure to move to Parkhead and make a name for himself in a Hoops shirt.

His latest loan spell came with Stoke City in the Championship for the second half of the season.

During his period there, the 20-year-old managed to end the campaign with the joint-highest average of interceptions per game (1.9) as well as the second-highest average of clearances per game (3.5) out of players currently at the club.

This shows just how similar he is to the Spurs defender in terms of what he can do at the back to help his team avoid conceding.

Labelled as being “pretty aggressive, dominant aerially and assured” on the pitch by Tony Mowbray, Harwood-Bellis should definitely be in Celtic’s transfer plans for the summer if they aren’t able to secure a permanent deal for Carter-Vickers.

In other news: Postecoglou can seal his own Dembele as Celtic eye move for “prolific” 74 G/A wizard

Leeds United have been given the green light to seal one of their mooted summer transfer targets…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, back in May, the Yorkshire giants were one of the teams said to be interested in signing centre-back Jake Clarke-Salter and now following his release from Chelsea, Whites director of football Victor Orta is free to strike.

Over the weekend, the Blues announced that several players were to be released following the end of their contract, including the 24-year-old, who enjoyed a spell on loan to Coventry City last season.

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Sheffield United and the Sky Blues were also mentioned with interest in the report, too.

He could become their third summer signing after the arrival of RB Salzburg duo Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.

Free-agent bargain

Leeds had the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League last season, so adding a new option would certainly be a smart decision. The likes of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente have flattered to deceive since they arrived in west Yorkshire.

Only relegated Norwich City conceded more goals than Jesse Marsch’s men.

It’s hard to imagine Clarke-Salter making an instant impact at Elland Road. However, competition for places could help elevate the game of others and eventually, he may well be trusted to start.

“When he’s played, he’s been absolutely outstanding,” claimed Coventry boss Mark Robins, whilst back in 2016, he caught the eye of Stamford Bridge great John Terry.

“Jake has a great attitude,’ said the former England captain. ‘I remember watching him a couple of years ago being in control of the game and a really vocal player. He reminds me a bit of myself.”

The young defender ranked as Coventry’s sixth-best performer in the Championship in 2021/22, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.80. He also won an average of 3.6 aerial duels, 2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions, too.

On the above evidence, he would be a really solid signing for Leeds and one that Orta must press head to make in the coming weeks. The door has now opened to strike, so it’s on the Spaniard to deliver a third summer signing, all without costing a penny.

AND in other news, Leeds winger Raphinha subject to fresh Premier League interest…

Journalist Jacque Talbot has delivered an update regarding West Ham United and their pursuit of Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.

The lowdown: Loan sensation

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a successful period on loan at the London Stadium in 2021 before returning to Manchester in the hope of earning regular football at his boyhood club.

However, following a run of nine goals and five assists in east London, form whch saw the 29-year-old recalled to the international fold, the versatile attacker barely featured upon returning to Old Trafford.

Now set to become a free agent after a forgettable ending to the 2021/22 campaign for him and the Red Devils, West Ham have been linked with a reunion, and one journalist has suggested that it is a distinct possibility.

The latest: Talbot on Lingard

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Talbot claimed that the two parties still have some negotiating to do in terms of Lingard’s salary but didn’t rule out the move.

He said: “I think they probably have to meet in the middle somewhere with regard to the wage and how it’s done. He can’t have the same wages he was on at Man United.

“I think he’s a very capable attacking midfielder. There are some legs to it obviously, and I think he’d do well for them.”

The verdict: No-brainer

Given Lingard’s track record under David Moyes at West Ham, this has to be regarded as an attractive proposition for all parties concerned, as the Irons attempt to strengthen their squad and the 32-cap England international looks to revive a stuttering career once again.

Still holding a perceived market value of £18m (Transfermarkt) despite a lacklustre season in which he scored just twice in 22 appearances, his quality, experience and ability to operate in numerous positions would make the 29-year-old a shrewd acquisition for the Hammers.

Should this move come to fruition, the absence of any transfer fee means that GSB should be willing to offer more in wages to the player who was hailed by journalist Simon Peach for his ‘absolutely outstanding’ form during his previous time in east London.

In other news: West Ham ‘in talks’ to sign ‘amazing’ forward for Moyes…find out more here

There is another name that Tottenham Hotspur are “looking at” if they cannot seal a sensational return for Christian Eriksen, according to football.london’s Alasdair Gold…

What’s the word?

In a recent Q&A with supporters, the ever-reliable reporter claimed that Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta was someone Spurs had been monitoring ahead of the summer transfer window.

“If he [Eriksen] decides against Spurs then, among others, the club have also been looking at Lyon’s Brazil international Lucas Paqueta, a player Newcastle tried to sign earlier this year,” he revealed.

“The versatile 24-year-old can play in an attacking midfield role, centrally or on the right and can also play up front when required.”

Eriksen is thought to be weighing up “multiple offers” following his impressive comeback at Brentford during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, with the Bees, Spurs and Manchester United all keen on sealing his signature on a free transfer.

Perfect Eriksen alternative

The Dane enjoyed a remarkable return to professional football this year and played a big part in Brentford remaining a top-flight outfit heading into next season.

Across ten appearances, he provided one goal and four assists, also averaging an xG+A of 0.48 and 6.25 progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Compared to his positional peers in the Premier League, Eriksen ranked inside the top 2% for assists and key passes per 90, the top 6% for shots on target, and the top 1% for dead-ball goal-creating actions (set-pieces).

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It’s no wonder Conte is keen to bring him back to Hotspur Way this off-season. However, if he re-signs with Brentford or goes to Manchester United, then Spurs will need a solid alternative, and there won’t be many better than the Lyon maestro.

Paqueta delivered nine goals and six assists across 35 appearances in Ligue 1 last term. He also averaged more xG+A than the Denmark international, registering 0.56 per 90.

When comparing his exploits to the rest of Europe’s elite divisions and his general midfield peers, the 24-year-old dynamo ranks inside the top 1% for shots on target (1.07 per 90), the top 2% for expected assists (0.25 per 90) and the top 2% for shot-creating actions (3.99 per 90), also via FBRef.

Lyon team-mate Jerome Boateng waxed lyrical about the Brazil international, claiming: “He brings so much to our team. He’s running a lot, his skills of course, his technique, his creating chances, his passing, his fighting for the ball, he helps us a lot. And I think he has a big potential to be really a world star in football.”

Also lauded as “amazing” and “extraordinary” by his manager Peter Bosz, the £31.5m-rated star could be the ideal alternative, if not a much better option considering his age and long-term potential, to Eriksen – the only problem would be the fact that a transfer fee would need to be paid.

On the above evidence, though, he would surely be worth every penny, thus making him the perfect signing this summer.

AND in other news, Paratici eyeing Spurs deal for “unstoppable” £17m wizard, could be Conte’s own Dybala…

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been left stunned by some news from Lee Ryder involving Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Season tickets in demand

As per the club’s official website, they have released a limited number of season tickets to supporters with a previous purchase history ahead of the new campaign, after an unprecedented level of renewals from existing season ticket holders.

Taking to Twitter, Lee Ryder added that more than 30,000 people have tried to get their hands on just 1,000 season tickets, with The Chronicle journalist posing the question of whether St James’ Park should be expanded as a result.

The Latest: Kenny stunned by Newcastle ticket demand

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny was left stunned by the news, claiming that the number of people going after such a comparatively small amount of tickets is ‘crazy’.

The ex-Sheffield United ‘keeper said: “That’s crazy, that many people going after that number of tickets.

“If Newcastle keep performing as they did in the second part of the season and keep signing good players then the demand will stay there.

“For me, they have to look at expanding. Moving to a bigger stadium could be considered, look at what is has done for Tottenham.

“This isn’t a problem that is going to go away any time soon so something needs to be done. It’s a win-win for the club because if they build an extension onto one of the stands, they will fill it.

“Just think, St James’ Park is always full when Newcastle aren’t playing well and we know they are only going to get better.”

The Verdict: Exciting times

The takeover from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium and the calibre of players brought in during the January transfer window and the summer has given a new sense of hope around Tyneside, so it is not a surprise to see so many supporters wanting to buy season tickets for the new campaign.

These are exciting times if you are a Newcastle fan, and St James’ Park is expected to be rocking every time there’s a match on.

In terms of potentially expanding the stadium, that could well be in the minds of the new owners as they really look to kickstart their long-term project on Tyneside.

Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece believes the club may launch a move for Conor Gallagher this summer.

The Lowdown: Gallagher links

Villa chiefs have already signed two new players ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season in Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos. Loan moves for Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have also been made permanent, with transfer rumours cooling in recent weeks following the move for Olsen.

However, journalist Josh Holland has claimed that a move to Villa Park for Gallagher could be a possibility, with Fabrizio Romano saying that Gerrard ‘loves’ the midfielder.

The Latest: Preece’s claim

Preece shared answers to a Birmingham Live Q&A on Tuesday morning, looking at a number of Villa-related topics.

He was asked by one Villa supporter about a potential move for Gallagher, to which he said:

“I have a feeling Villa will test the water with that one but that’s just the vibe I’ve been getting. Gerrard, I’m told, really rates him. Villa yet to make an approach to Chelsea so nothing has happened.”

The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if Villa could well approach Chelsea over a move for Gallagher, who has just come off the back of a stellar campaign with Crystal Palace which resulted in a senior England debut.

The 22-year-old contributed to 13 goals in 39 games at Selhurst Park, playing as both a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder.

Gallagher can even play in a defensive midfield role if required, and with John McGinn linked with a Villa Park exit, he could be a shrewd signing, even if it is on loan, allowing Gerrard to buff up his ranks in multiple positions with one move.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella recently, and the Italian could solve a long-term issue in Jurgen Klopp’s side should he make the move to Merseyside.

According to reports from Italy, the Reds manager is very keen on signing the 25-year-old this summer as he looks to add to his midfield options at Anfield.

The report suggests that Inter are unwilling to let him go as he is contracted at the San Siro for another four years, but Liverpool could offer an exchange to make the Serie A outfit lower their demands.

While tying down Mohamed Salah to a new contract was the news that many Liverpool fans were hoping for this summer, signing Barella would arguably be an even bigger deal for the club.

Klopp has already shown that he is casting an eye towards the future with the signings of Calvin Ramsay, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho, and one area in which the Reds need long-term solutions is midfield.

Thiago is 31, Jordan Henderson is 32 and James Milner is 36, so the German won’t be able to rely upon those options for much longer. Meanwhile, Naby Keita’s injury problems and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s potential departure threaten to leave the Reds short in midfield again next season.

Although they have Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones as potential options for the future, Barella is arguably at his peak right now and would offer an elite option in midfield next season, with his performances in Serie A in recent years emphasising his ability and consistency.

We have already seen Liverpool’s likely title rivals Manchester City on the brink of recruiting Kalvin Phillips as their long-term successor to Fernandinho, and the Reds arguably need to take the same approach if they are to compete with Pep Guardiola’s side again next season.

Barella enjoyed another impressive campaign with the Nerazzurri last time out, contributing three goals and 12 assists in 36 top-flight appearances, averaging a superb 7.13 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Klopp is already a fan of the midfielder and knows what he is capable of. The Reds manager spoke highly of the 25-year-old ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Inter in the Champions League last season, saying: “He’s a really good player, a really good player and I like him a lot. He has all the things you want from a midfield player: he is aggressive, he is technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things. That’s a top-class player.”

Therefore, considering Liverpool’s ageing midfield options, and with Klopp clearly keen on signing him, FSG should definitely do all they can to bring Barella to Anfield this summer.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update on £34.4m Liverpool target, FSG must act now

Aston Villa are thought to be weighing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Successful Palace loan

Gallagher enjoyed an impressive loan spell away from Stamford Bridge last season at Crystal Palace.

The 22-year-old was a regular under Patrick Vieira, making 39 appearances in all competitions and scoring eight goals for the Eagles to take his senior club tally to 16.

Described as “outrageous” by Palace podcaster Dan Cook, Gallagher also picked up the Player of the Season award at Selhurst Park, and it looks as if he could be on the move again this summer.

The Latest: Villa weighing up Gallagher move

The Express & Star’s Joseph Masi reported on Friday morning regarding Villa and NSWE’s interest in Gallagher.

He outlined that Villa are one of the clubs considering a move for the midfielder, who wants to play regularly over the coming months to put himself into Gareth Southgate’s thinking for the World Cup later this year.

The Verdict: Get it done

Gallagher has gone from strength to strength over the last 18 months, which has resulted in his Transfermarkt valuation rocketing to a career-high £22.5m.

He can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder and even on the right if required, so he would bring plenty of versatility to Steven Gerrard’s squad if he comes to Villa Park.

Villa are thought to be seeking a ‘big addition’ in midfield ahead of the new season, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Gallagher could prove to be that man, making this potential move one to watch.