All posts by z3u9t.icu

Back in 2019, Fosun and Nuno Espirito Santo made arguably one of the strangest decisions during their time at Wolves.

When it comes to recruiting and selling, the Old Gold have often got it spot-on. Think Raul Jimenez, Pedro Neto or Diogo Jota for instance.

However, in the case of Pedro Goncalves, puzzling circumstances arise.

The creative dynamo made just one substitute appearance for Wolves in the Carabao Cup before he hopped on a plane and headed to Famalicao. What followed was a move to Sporting Lisbon, where he has quickly become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.

Goncalves found the net on 23 occasions in 37 matches last season, the result of which was mega-money links away from Portugal.

It’s safe to say that Wolves will regret their decision to let him move on two years ago. However, they could make up for that error and sign a like-minded player this summer.

That happens to be someone with Sporting connections himself – Matheus Pereira.

Brazilian-born, it’s those Portuguese links which Kevin Phillips suggested earlier this year could see Wolves make a move after West Brom’s relegation.

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If they do try and land the Baggies magician, it would be an awe-inspiring acquisition. Like Goncalves, he has the ability to score goals on a regular basis but also assist with great frequency.

Last season, Pereira beat the goalkeeper 12 times and set up his teammates to score on six occasions.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to hear that the 25-year-old has been described as “silky” by watching pundits.

The West Brom star has the ability to play out wide and in more central areas, which is another comparable trait to Goncalves.

He picks up little pockets of space and can change the course of a game in an instant. Pereira jinks past players with ease and has quite wonderful vision, while is finishing isn’t bad either.

During West Brom’s promotion-winning campaign from the Championship in 2019/20, only Kevin De Bruyne (20) provided more assists than Pereira (16) in England’s top four leagues.

Goncalves is the definition of one who got away for the Old Gold, but Bruno Lage can stop that sense of regret by signing a new star in the same mould.

With 20 goals in just two season at The Hawthorns, Pereira undoubtedly fits the bill.

AND in other news, Lage could discover his Ruben Neves heir if Wolves unleash rarely-seen “goal threat”…

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass loves the idea of a Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson strikeforce at Newcastle United.

Falling out of favour at Chelsea following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, £36m-rated Abraham continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

According to The Northern Echo, St. James’ Park could be a possible destination for Abraham, with Newcastle said to be keen on bringing the 23-year-old forward and team-mate Billy Gilmour to the club.

For Windass, if Steve Bruce can pull it off and pair Abraham up front with Wilson, the Magpies could have quite the attack.

“I know Steve likes to play three at the back, so that means you can get two up top with Callum Wilson and Tammy Abraham,” the ex-Hull City star said to TT. “What a strikeforce that’d be in the Premier League.”

Indeed, it could be a very prolific forward line when you look at the records of the two strikers.

Wilson finished the 2020/21 season with 12 Premier League goals despite missing a lot of action due to injury, while Abraham was able to score 18 goals in all competitions back in the 2019/20 campaign when he was a regular under Frank Lampard.

Brandon Barker’s loan spell at Oxford United ended in disappointment after they crashed out of the play-offs, and his performances there did little to suggest that he will make it at Rangers next season, so Steven Gerrard should axe the winger from Ibrox this summer.

The former Manchester City man joined the English League One outfit on loan in the winter transfer window and has been a regular in Karl Robinson’s side for the second half of the season as they reached the play-offs.

The 24-year-old made 21 appearances in total for the U’s, contributing three goals and four assists and averaging a solid 7.01 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, he failed to impress when it mattered most, earning disappointing 6.29/10 and 6.3/10 ratings in the recent play-off games against Blackpool, which saw Oxford lose 6-3 on aggregate and fail to reach Wembley, where they could have earned the chance to earn promotion to the Championship.

Perhaps Barker was always likely to struggle to reclaim a starting space in Gerrard’s side next season, considering the manager will have the likes of Ryan Kent, Scott Wright and new signing Fashion Sakala available to him as options on the left wing, and this latest setback could be the nail in the coffin for the 24-year-old’s time at Ibrox.

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Since signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2019, the Englishman has made only 26 appearances for the Gers, in which he has managed just three goals and no assists.

His contract at Ibrox is set to expire at the end of next season, which suggests that a summer exit could well be on the cards if Rangers are to recoup any money for him rather than potentially losing him for nothing in 2022.

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Although Barker has shown glimpses of his ability, with Gerrard lauding his “dangerous” style of play in 2020, he has been far too inconsistent and has done little to show that he would be capable of playing in the Champions League next season.

Therefore, after this unfortunate setback for the winger, it seems likely that his time at Rangers could well be up.

In other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “brilliant” beast who will “only get better”

According to a report by Eurosport, West Ham United and GSB are now likely to sound out Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud with an offer as his contract nears expiry.

The Lowdown: Moyes on the striker hunt

After West Ham manager David Moyes failed to get his hands on a striker in January, much has been made of the Irons finally strengthening that position in the summer window.

Indeed, club insider Claret & Hugh believes that both a new forward and permanent deal for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard are at the very top of Moyes’ priority list.

The Latest: Giroud enters the fray…

The striker saga now appears well underway as Eurosport bring news of West Ham’s interest in Chelsea forward Giroud.

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Giroud is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, meaning the Hammers could feasibly sign him on a free deal amid difficult financial circumstances caused by coronavirus.

As such, journalist Dean Jones, writing for the outlet, believes West Ham are now ‘likely’ to sound out the 107-cap international with an offer to swap Stamford Bridge for the London Stadium.

However, the club face stiff competition for Giroud in the form of Italian giants AC Milan – who are believed to already be looking into a possible agreement.

The Verdict: Ideal signing?

The 34-year-old’s haul both domestically and at international level is something to be praised.

Indeed, Giroud has netted 44 goals over his plethora of caps for France and holds a fairly solid goalscoring record in the Premier League with 90 goals in 255 appearances overall.

The towering 6 foot 3 forward has also attracted pretty lofty praise from Gary Lineker, with the pundit lavishing Giroud as ‘the most underrated striker in the game.’ (via Twitter).

However, if Moyes wants a long term solution, Giroud may not be the most credible option given his age – with reported striking targets such as Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham arguably worth an investment which could pay off long into the future.

In other news: West Ham fans rave over this official club announcement, find out more here.

William Saliba would be open to joining Newcastle United on loan for the 2021/22 season, according to Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

Arsenal paid £27m to sign the Frenchman in 2019 but loaned him straight back to Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne. The 20-year-old then spent the first half of the 2020/21 campaign with the Gunners’ youth teams before a temporary switch to Nice in January.

He played 20 Ligue 1 games for the club, averaging 1.9 successful aerial duels, 1.3 interceptions and four clearances per match (via WhoScored).

Saliba has been tipped to enjoy a successful career in England by one-time Saint-Etienne team-mate and former Newcastle ace Yohan Cabaye, who said that the young defender was ‘like a big man’ and that the ‘future looks bright’ for him.

The latest

Ryder reported for Chronicle Live that Newcastle have been monitoring Saliba, now valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, for 18 months.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would not stand in his way if a loan bid arrives from St James’ Park, while the player himself would be keen on a chance to leave the Emirates Stadium and prove his worth in the Premier League.

As a result, this may be a ‘quick and easy deal’ for the Magpies to do, as Ryder tweeted.

The verdict

Saliba’s performance levels in France have actually merited a chance at Arsenal, but Newcastle would be more than happy to reap the rewards of the Gunners’ hesitancy, and this could be a very clever piece of business.

The club’s resources are said to be limited this summer but, with a shrewd approach, they can still enhance their squad significantly.

In other news, Newcastle have also been linked with an Arsenal forward.

Leeds United have reportedly shown interest in signing Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher on loan, but he looks set to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Lowdown: Several loans for Gallagher

The 21-year-old has found himself out on loan a number of times in his fledgling career in order to enjoy guaranteed playing time.

Gallagher has spent this season at West Brom, making 25 starts in the Premier League and chipping in with two goals and two assists apiece for the Baggies, whose relegation was confirmed on Sunday.

With his spell at The Hawthorns now coming to an end, the youngster will be looking to see what the next chapter in his career has in store.

The Latest: Leeds show Gallagher interest

According to journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter, Leeds are among several clubs who have expressed an interest in taking Gallagher on loan next season, with Crystal Palace and Newcastle United also mentioned as potential suitors.

However, it is stated that the midfielder now wants to fight for his place at Chelsea, aiming to catch the eye of manager Thomas Tuchel.

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The Verdict: Look for more experience alternatives

Gallagher is clearly a talented young player, being hailed by his former boss Slaven Bilic as an “energetic” midfielder who “has a lot of everything” [football.london].

However, Leeds may be better looking for a slightly older midfielder, bringing them in permanently in order to settle.

Someone like 26-year-old reported transfer target Rodrigo de Paul would be perfect, in that respect, with the Udinese man scoring nine goals and registering eight assists in Serie A this season, shining in one of Europe’s biggest leagues.

Leeds need to be in a situation where they are signing players who are highly likely to instantly make the squad stronger – while Gallagher has definite potential, that wouldn’t be a given considering his tender age.

In other news, a pundit has been left baffled by one Leeds player’s lack of football this season. Find out who it is here.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Tottenham defender Graham Roberts has urged his old side to sign Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar this summer.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are keen on bringing the 26-year-old to north London before the start of next season after coming close to acquiring his services back in January, and Roberts is adamant that this is a deal that they must get over the line.

Central defence has been a concern for Jose Mourinho this term, with Davinson Sanchez a defensive player who has not exactly covered himself in glory of late. Following Spurs’ recent 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, the Colombia international came in for some fierce criticism, including from former Leeds striker Noel Whelan.

They followed up by letting in three against Manchester United on Sunday, and it all leaves Mourinho in a situation where he may need to sign a new centre-half in the summer, and Roberts is hoping that centre-half turns out to be £49.5m-rated Skriniar.

On the Slovakian, the Tottenham legend told FFC:

“They’re talking about the lad Skriniar at Inter Milan, £40m, £50m, £60m. Well, if you’re going to sell one of your better players, then you’ve got to go and use that money to go and get him. I’d rather pay [for] one player a year, but a real quality player.”

With Toby Alderweireld also not getting any younger, Tottenham could perhaps do with freshening up their defence.

It’s fair to say that Ross Barkley hasn’t exactly enjoyed the greatest times of Aston Villa this season.

The midfielder has been on loan at Dean Smith’s side from fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea and has managed just three goals all season in the top-flight.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, the Villa manager confirmed that no talks over a permanent deal had taken place with Chelsea.

He said: “Ross Barkley came in on loan at the start of the season. Obviously, Frank was the manager at the time we did a deal to bring him in on loan. That’s where it was. He’s got another two years left on his contract at Chelsea and that’s not been discussed at all.”

In letting Barkley go in the summer and signing Jesse Lingard from Manchester United instead, Johan Lange could help to build a dream attack for Smith.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Villa are now ready to battle West Ham in the race to sign the £13.5m-rated ace from Manchester United this summer, and it’s a move which could pay off big time for Smith.

Since joining the Hammers, Lingard has been “absolutely phenomenal”, racking up an incredible nine goals and four assists in just ten Premier League games.

The England international’s ability to break the lines with his movement and constant running is something which has added a different dimension to West Ham’s game, and is a trait that Michael Carrick was quick to praise back at Old Trafford.

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

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With Ollie Watkins and Jack Grealish being the main sources of goals and creativity respectively this season for Villa, bringing Lingard into the side would go a long way towards building a devastating attack.

The 28-year-old could be the man to support Watkins and break beyond him into the box whenever the striker holds up the ball or runs the channels, while Grealish should also love playing with someone who will constantly move off the ball looking for pockets of space into which to run.

A revitalised Lingard seems like a perfect fit for Smith, and someone who could easily replace Barkley at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa could face major transfer misery over this maestro…

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Steve Bull, who made 561 appearances for Wolves, has claimed that his former club were interested in Tammy Abraham but his price tag may have put them off.

Abraham has reportedly been made available this summer, however Chelsea are wanting to receive £40 million for the England international and Wolves are one of several teams credited with an interest in the striker.

Nuno Espirito Santo may want to have more than just Raul Jimenez as a reliable striker option going into next season after he has seen how poor Wolves have been without their talisman.

Speaking on how Wolves were interested in a move for Abraham and why they have been put off by his large price tag, Bull exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think there were talks early on this season about Wolves going in for him but I think the price tag put them off because it was about £40 million, but for me I think £40 million is absolutely nothing these days for a proven striker.

“I think he is someone that could settle in our side, but when Jimenez comes back he’s going to get straight back in the team so it’s up to the club whether or not they want to pay that much for a second striker.”

Abraham enjoyed a great season last year under Frank Lampard but since the former Chelsea midfielder was sacked and replaced by Thomas Tuchel, the striker has found game time difficult to come by.

Tuchel has favoured playing Kai Havertz or Timo Werner as their focal point over both Abraham and Olivier Giroud with the latter’s contract set to expire this summer.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has suggested that Eddie Howe would be a brilliant replacement for Ralph Hasenhuttl if Southampton decide to make a change.

While the Saints are having an excellent FA Cup campaign, making it to the semi-finals following their 3-0 win against Howe’s former side Bournemouth, they have been extremely disappointing in the Premier League of late.

Southampton currently sit in 14th place, previously going on a run where even a point was hard to come by.

Despite this, there are no reports that suggest Hasenhuttl’s job is in danger. Should that change, however, and the Austrian coach does end up departing St. Mary’s in the near future, for Fry, Howe is one man that the south coast club should be looking at.

“Eddie Howe would be a brilliant option,” Fry told FFC. “He lives in the area and he does what Southampton love. He develops young players in his teams. He’s another one that’s worked a miracle at Bournemouth, getting them in the Premier League, retaining their Premier League status for so many years on a shoestring budget at a ground that holds 12,000 people.”

While Southampton’s league form under Hasenhuttl has certainly been disappointing, there could still be much to smile about come the end of the season.

After that triumph over Bournemouth, Leicester City are now the only thing standing in the way of the FA Cup final and a chance to win silverware this campaign. And while facing the Foxes will by no means be an easy task, the Saints will surely be glad to have dodged Manchester City and Thomas Tuchel’s new and improved Chelsea side.