All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton sits in dangerous territory. The Toffees survived on the final day last season thanks to a thunderous half-volley from Abdoulaye Doucouré, which secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bournemouth.

Whilst discontent swirls around the continued ineptitude of the board and ownership – whose leadership has overseen two nervy relegation battles in the last couple of years – the club must attempt to mold a more reliable squad.

Last season, Everton’s most damaging issue was a lack of potency and goals. In the division, Sean Dyche’s men managed the 12th-most shots (429) and missed the 10th-most big chances (47), whilst only netting 35 goals, which was the second-lowest.

No clinical edge or a consistently-scoring focal point nearly sealed an unwanted fate. A new frontman must be targeted to avoid similar troubles for the upcoming campaign. Leeds United’s Rodrigo has been tipped to solve this problem.

What’s the latest on Rodrigo to Everton?

According to the Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor, Everton are interested in a quartet of Leeds players, which includes Rodrigo.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said:

"There's a lot of interest from Everton, in particular, in a lot of their players. Gnonto, Rodrigo, there's Jack Harrison. There's one more as well, Crysencio Summerville.”

This follows a previous report by TUTTOmercatoWEB, who claimed that the Merseyside outfit is chasing Rodrigo to bolster their attacking options.

Who can Rodrigo replace at Everton?

Recently, Everton’s frontline has been weakened dramatically. Richarlison and Anthony Gordon have sought new challenges away from Goodison Park, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s abysmal injury record is very worrying.

The Englishman has missed 26 of the last 76 Premier League games through injury, to leave Dyche vastly depleted in forward areas.

The former Burnley manager is on a desperate hunt for a proven, reliable and experienced goalscorer for a reasonable price so Everton can dodge any FFP complications. Rodrigo is a man who emphatically fits this bill.

The 32-year-old was a shining light in a hugely troubled Leeds United as he netted 13 league goals in 23 starts. To put this commendable record into perspective, Everton’s top-scorer was Dwight McNeil with just seven. The injection of this “class above” asset – as once lauded by BBC Sport's Pat Nevin – could provide much-needed relief for a nervous fanbase.

The £100k-per-week ace ranks impressively across the continent as he sits within the best 12% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90.

These numbers hugely differ from Everton’s Neil Maupay, who appears hideously off the pace. In 29 appearances, the Frenchman has scored just once and is devoid of any threat.

He also dismally resides within the lowest 17% for touches in the attacking penalty area, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, and non-penalty goals, all per 90.

This awful reading has prompted GIVEMESPORT’s Paul Brown to label Maupay as a “total disaster” and “absolutely woeful.”

In the past, Calvert Lewin has demonstrated he is a worthy striking option, but with his patchy fitness record and the dreadful reality of relying upon Maupay, it is logical and necessary for Everton to pursue a deal for Rodrigo.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has had plenty to deal with since he made the decision to return to Parkhead for a second spell in the dugout.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond convinced the Northern Irishman to make the move back to Glasgow after Australian coach Ange Postecoglou opted to move south of the border to join Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Since the ex-Leicester boss came through the door, the Hoops have brought in two new additions and lost two key members of their first team from last season.

Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio have been brought in to bolster their options across the midfield positions, while Jota completed a permanent switch to Al Ittihad shortly after Aaron Mooy officially announced his retirement from professional football.

Is Kieran Tierney joining Celtic?

Last month, The Scottish Sun reported that Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney would consider a return to Paradise if he decides to move on from The Emirates on loan this summer.

A deal would be difficult as the Scottish giants would need to subsidise his £120k-per-week wages alongside paying a significant loan fee for his services, but the report does state that the defender would be open to reuniting with Rodgers.

Would Kieran Tierney be a good signing for Celtic?

Tierney would be an exceptional addition to Celtic's squad heading into the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign as he could play a part in making Tilio unstoppable in his debut season at the club.

Greg Taylor, the current first-choice left-back, has registered eight assists in 78 outings in all competitions over the last two seasons, which works out to an assist every 9.8 matches on average.

Whereas, the Arsenal ace set up 37 goals in 170 games for Celtic during his first spell in Glasgow, which is one every 4.59 clashes on average. He was also a prolific creator in the Premiership as the impressive dynamo assisted 25 goals in 97 appearances – one every 3.88 outings.

These statistics suggest that the 26-year-old, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by former Gunners star Paul Merson, has the quality to offer more in the attacking third of the pitch in comparison to Taylor, which could, therefore, provide the head coach with a greater threat on that side of the team.

Tilio is a versatile attacker who can be deployed on the left flank, which is now open to be filled after Jota's departure, and he could line up ahead of Tierney for Rodgers next term.

The Australia international scored ten goals and provided five assists in 25 A-League starts for Melbourne City last season, while only Jota (11) and Kyogo Furuhashi (27) scored more in the Premiership.

This suggests that the 21-year-old has the potential to be one of Rodgers' best goalscoring outlets if he is able to translate his form over to Scotland.

The signing of Tierney on loan from Arsenal could play a huge role in the exciting youngster's potential success as the Scotland international is a proven attacking threat who could slot straight into the team to link up with him.

His creativity from left-back could provide Tilio with chances while also giving opposition defenders another player to deal with on that side of the pitch. That could well be game-changing as it would open up more space for the Australian attacker to unleash his quality in-and-around the box.

Alongside finding a replacement for the potentially outgoing Declan Rice, West Ham must also be in the market for a new striker.

One of the names tipped to become the new talisman at the London Stadium is Viktor Gyokeres.

Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, the player's camp are currently leaning towards a free transfer in 2024 as the Coventry owner is demanding a “huge amount” despite the player having just one year left on his contract.

The tweet details that the Hammers, Fulham, Wolves, and Sporting are circling around the 25-year-old.

The forward, who is valued at around £20m, has expressed his desire to leave, saying: “There are a number of clubs that are interested and Coventry surely want what they want. Then you have to take it accordingly and see when the club feels satisfied. But I hope that the club can also think about what I want and what I feel for, and not just about who pays the most.

“I have been there and had two good seasons and feel like trying something new now. I hope it can be resolved.”

Who can Viktor Gyokeres emulate at West Ham?

The attacker is undoubtedly Coventry’s most important and productive player and has shown he is ready for the step up to top-flight football.

In his previous 91 Championship outings, he has notched 53 goal involvements, which included 21 strikes in the Sky Blues’ promotion push this year as he was the division’s second-highest scorer.

Described as “unplayable” by teammate Maxime Biamou, the Swede has demonstrated that he isn’t just a clinical focal point, but is also an innovative spark that links offensive sequences, which is signified by his league-high 12 assists.

His ability to play as a traditional number nine, as well as an impudent playmaker, is mesmerising, and this skill set is reminiscent of the glorious Marko Arnautovic.

In his first campaign with the Irons, the Austrian recorded 11 goals and six assists, as this split between bagging and providing mirrors Gyokeres’ current scintillating form.

This was almost replicated in his second season as the 106-cap international hit 14 goal involvements to underline his brilliance.

Both strikers possess an explosive, tricky, and technical style, and whilst in East London, Arnautovic amassed a reputation as a claret-blooded god for his influence, which is a status that Gyokeres is more than capable of matching given the repertoire he has to offer.

The Irons faithful are searching for a new hero and this Coventry marksman is the answer.

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks over a move for Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, and the defender has been placed on their shortlist alongside Edmond Tapsoba, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Micky van de Ven signing for?

Tottenham are set to do battle with Liverpool for the Wolfsburg defender's signature, and Football Insider report the Reds are currently leading the race, having identified him as one of their key targets ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

According to reports, the German club are set to demand at least €30m (£26m) to sanction the 22-year-old's departure this summer, however, there is no offer on the table at present, and there is a chance he remains at Wolfsburg.

The Dutchman is contracted until the summer of 2027, meaning the Bundesliga side are in a strong negotiating position, and they do not need to accept any offers below their asking price.

In a new update on Twitter, Romano has now claimed the centre-back is on Tottenham's "shortlist", alongside Tapsoba, with both players "appreciated by the club."

Talks have already taken place over the Dutch defender, however, it is unclear whether any progress has been made towards agreeing a deal.

Should Tottenham sign van de Ven?

It is clear that Spurs will need to bring in some new defensive options this summer, given their very poor record at the back last season, conceding 63 goals in the Premier League, the sixth-highest amount of any side.

Football Scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the Wolfsburg ace as a "complete & dominant" centre-back, while also praising him for his great positioning and tenacious tackling, however, there are aspects of his game that need to be improved.

Despite his 6 foot 4 frame, the Wormer-born defender has averaged just 1.06 aerials won per 90 in the past year, which places him in the fourth percentile compared to his positional peers, while he is also in the 13th percentile for interceptions.

That said, the former Volendam man displayed a keen eye for picking out his teammates last season, which is an important quality for a modern-day centre-back, recording a pass-completion rate of 83%, the highest figure of any Wolfsburg player that completed a full 90 minutes.

Van de Ven is far from the finished article, however, given that he will be available for just £26m, it could be worth Tottenham taking a gamble on him this summer, looking to pip their top-flight rivals Liverpool to a deal.

Newcastle United could land themselves Sofyan Amrabat this summer, with a report from FirenzeViola.it, via Sport Witness, stating that they are one of the only teams currently "ready" to stump up the funds for the player.

Are Newcastle United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

Having completed a permanent switch to Fiorentina in Italy three seasons ago, the midfielder has gone on to become an important first-team regular for the Serie A side during his time there. He featured on 29 occasions for them in the league this season and also helped lead them to the Europa Conference League final, with 13 outings in that competition.

It's not his first time in continental action either, having played in both the Europa League and Champions League before for previous sides Club Brugge and Feyenoord. Amrabat then is well-versed in top-level football and having now made a name for himself at the World Cup, he is drawing interest from elsewhere.

That's because, according to a report from FirenzeViola.it, via Sport Witness, the midfielder is wanted by both Newcastle and Liverpool during this summer window.

It states that both Premier League outfits are keeping tabs on the 26-year-old and that of all the interested parties in the player, they are the two clubs "ready to pay" the asking price for his services, though it does not specify what the price actually is.

What is Amrabat's transfer value?

Having become a key player for Fiorentina, they will no doubt want to recoup more money for the midfielder than they paid for him. No fee is mentioned in the report, but Transfermarkt suggests that his value currently could be around 30 million Euros (or £25.7m).

If that was the case, then Newcastle would have to pay at least slightly more than the Italians did for Amrabat, meaning the Serie A side would at least make a profit on him.

It could be worth paying that amount of money too. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has called the former Hellas Verona man an "icon of Moroccan football" because of his showings for club and country. You don't get that label for a World Cup semi-finalist without being a solid player, regardless of the concerns about buying players after international tournaments.

Newcastle would clearly be getting themselves a midfielder who can really do the business for them in the centre of the field, with Amrabat even likened to Gennaro Gattuso by former England manager Fabio Capello.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to revisit an old acquisition, seeking to make a questionable loan permanent.

What's the latest on Clement Lenglet to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to Spanish publication Sport, who suggest that Ange Postecoglou is keen to add Clement Lenglet to his squad for the foreseeable future, despite the French defender having struggled in north London.

The club have reportedly reaffirmed in recent months their satisfaction with his performances in a Spurs shirt, and therefore their willingness to strike a deal with Barcelona.

With three years left on his whopping £200k-per-week deal at the Spanish club, and the Catalan giants once again strapped for cash, they are seeking out a figure of around €12m (£10m) to recoup a portion of the €36m (£31m) they first invested.

Would Clement Lenglet be a smart signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

Whilst such a small fee would represent good value to add some depth to the squad, his performances for the Lilywhites were nothing short of abysmal in their most recent term.

Although it had been claimed so back in 2020, he really proved journalist Roy Nemer correct this season, who had branded him a "defensive liability". It could even be argued that the 27-year-old was even worse than Eric Dier, who acted as something of a lightning rod for criticism under Antonio Conte.

The England international may have been poor, but his 6.86 average rating was a far cry from the left-footed flop that Lenglet turned out to be. This figure was upheld by his 86% pass accuracy and 1.1 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game in the league, via Sofascore.

For comparison, the former Sevilla stopper saw his average rating plummet to 6.65, made worse due to his positional culpability and failure to dominate as expected. He would only muster 0.7 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per game in the league, also per Sofascore.

Even at the Nou Camp, his most recent year saw an average rating of 6.67 maintained too.

Despite this, it was the former Everton youth product that was most often lambasted, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Ambrose grouping him up with others who were "not good enough" for the club. He has become an easy target for ridicule in recent years.

It seems an easy excuse to rush at Dier for his failures, forgetting that the 29-year-old has been an ever-loyal servant to this club, making 361 appearances and enjoying some truly impressive spells. As recently as the 2021/22 season did he record a 7.01 average rating.

For all his shortcomings he at least deserves some credit, especially ahead of this loanee whom he actually outperformed during their most recent torrid campaign.

Lenglet could mark a bargain, but if he performs consistently like he did last term, at a level way below one of the club's most polarising figures, then it is a deal not even worth spending £10m on.

Liverpool have "lots of work to do" with Darwin Nunez next season, according to Redmen TV presenter Ste Hoare.

The Uruguayan international joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022 for a club-record fee of £85m, but the Liverpool expert believes that the enigmatic forward isn't the best player available in any frontline position at the club.

Has Darwin Nunez had a good first season?

After arriving from Benfica, Nunez has had an interesting first season on Merseyside, with incredible highs balanced out with embarrassing lows.

The 23-year-old made 42 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, and registered 15 goals and four assists, with his highlights being a brace in the Reds' historic 7-0 victory against arch-rivals Manchester United, as well as a fantastic opening goal in Liverpool's first-leg clash against LaLiga giants Real Madrid.

However, it hasn't been all positive for the former Almeria whiz, with moments such as his debut red card against Crystal Palace at Anfield, whilst a whopping 20 big chances missed in the Premier League gives further cause for concern.

The 6 foot 2 forward has found himself falling down the pecking order as well following the arrival of Cody Gakpo in January in tandem with the return from injury of both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, with the striker only starting three of the club's final 12 league games.

What has Ste Hoare said about Darwin Nunez and Liverpool?

Speaking on Nunez's situation at the club, the Redmen TV presenter told Football FanCast:

"There’s a question mark of how he fits into the team. Because he isn’t the best left option. And he isn’t the best forward option.

"Jota and Diaz are both better than him on the left, and at this moment in time, Gakpo and Jota are both better than him up front, so I think there is lots of work to be done on Darwin Nunez, to be honest with you."

What does the future hold for Darwin Nunez in Liverpool?

Liverpool won't give up on the £140k-per-week star just yet, with manager Jurgen Klopp stating before the Red's clash with Nottingham Forest in April that the situation is a "long-term project".

Whilst on the face of it, Nunez has had a mediocre campaign, his underlying numbers paint the picture of a player with all the potential to become one of the most feared attackers in European football.

His non-penalty expected goals + assists per 90 is 0.97, which according to FBref, is among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues, showcasing that should Nunez become more clinical and decisive, he could be contributing almost a goal a game.

Liverpool supporters will be hoping that the Uruguayan has a similar trajectory as his time at Benfica, where after a disappointing first campaign, the Uruguayan attacker burst to life, having scored 34 goals in 41 games across all competitions.

Leeds United will lose around £80m in television revenue after being relegated from the Premier League, according to a new update.

Has it been a nightmare season for Leeds?

The Whites started the 2022/23 season with high hopes that they could kick on after avoiding relegation from the top flight, but instead, a disastrous campaign unfolded.

Jesse Marsch ultimately proved to be out of his depth as manager and was replaced by Javi Gracia, but he lasted very little time in the Elland Road, with Sam Allardyce coming in to hopefully rescue things. He didn't manage to do that, however, having had so little time to work with his squad, and Leeds' fate was sealed last weekend, following their 4-1 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Not only have the club had to deal with the misery of heading back to the Championship but also the recent bombshell regarding owner Andrea Radrizzani reportedly looking to use Elland Road as a way of funding his takeover of the Italian club Sampdoria.

It's fair to say that this isn't a happy period for Leeds currently and a fresh update isn't likely to improve the mood of the supporters, either.

How much is Premier League survival worth?

According to Football Insider, the Whites' 19th-place finish and subsequent relegation means that they are "set to lose £80million in television payments alone after being relegated to the Championship". It is described as a "devastating financial hit", with money given to EFL clubs for TV rights "significantly less" than in the Premier League.

For that reason, there will now be a "major impact" on Leeds' revenues in 2023/24, showing how crippling it can be to be relegated from the top flight.

This is clearly a big blow for the Whites, even though it is one that they will have known was coming, and it goes to show how precious playing in the Premier League is. The biggest hope is that the potential 49ers Enterprises' takeover of the club still goes through this summer, in order to soften the blow of this update, considering the financial boost it could hand them.

It is imperative that Leeds make a swift return to the top of the English game rather than languish in the Championship for a number of years, but having the money to make good signings and redevelop the club is vital to that. Some good news is certainly badly needed in the coming weeks.

Arsenal deserve huge praise for the way in which they returned to the apex of English football, putting their trust in Mikel Arteta and remaining with him through the good times and the bad.

It is a method that has been so successful that clubs such as Everton, Aston Villa and even Chelsea sought to emulate it, placing their faith in a younger coach to lead them into the future. However, given that Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Graham Potter have now all been dismissed, it is clear that the Gunners invested wisely in their young tactician.

The Spaniard has retained the glorious free-flowing play style that the Emirates had become accustomed to, but finally harnessed some of the solid players to remove the weakness that often plagued the club.

Despite only finishing second, this has been a campaign of rapid progression.

Now, in an attempt to stride into this summer window and acquire more players in this steely yet silky mould, Hakan Calhanoglu has emerged as an outstanding option for Edu. His tireless work rate is paired with unparalleled creativity, making his €40m (£34m) valuation a seemingly fair price.

How good is Hakan Calhanoglu?

The Turkey international's key assets could see the Gunners replicate Manchester United's success with Christian Eriksen, having converted the former number ten into more of a number eight, with his defensive assets called into action.

It did not take long for the 31-year-old to prove his worth, with his debut year in Old Trafford seeing him maintain an 85% pass accuracy, 1.3 key passes and 1.8 duels won per game, via Sofascore. The injection of 12 goal contributions from deep is an added benefit too.

Meanwhile, for Inter Milan, the 29-year-old has maintained a 7.31 average rating this term, bolstered by his 2.2 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 2.9 duels won per game, via Sofascore.

Just last season also saw him record 21 goal contributions of his own, showcasing how these former attacking midfielders have moulded their styles to adapt to the modern game, without losing that touch of offensive class.

FBref serves to support this comparison too, with Eriksen featured among the former AC Milan gem's similar players list.

The latter's tireless nature is further emphasised through the words of his former coach Stefano Piolo, who claimed: "A lot of the credit goes to him, he’s a generous player with high quality, he works for the team."

Clearly a big fan of the Turkish trickster, on a separate occasion he also branded the £155k-per-week star a "leader on the pitch and "an intelligent player".

Calhanoglu clearly has all the assets needed to shine in the engine room, and when partnered with the defensive exploits of Thomas Partey, or even Declan Rice should recent reports come true, his career could reach new heights as Arteta seeks to push even closer to that coveted Premier League title.

Manchester United could target a ‘budget Declan Rice’ in the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Overhaul pending…

Incoming manager Erik ten Hag is expected to oversee wide-ranging squad changes in the summer as the Red Devils attempt to put a lacklustre 2021/22 campaign behind them.

With the likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all out of contract in the coming months and Nemanja Matic also set to leave the club, the Old Trafford ranks will take on a whole new complexion over the course of the Dutchman’s early reign.

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Having been heavily linked with a defensive midfielder as a priority, West Ham United star Rice, PSV Eindhoven sensation Ibrahim Sangare and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong – a former protégé of Ten Hag – have all been heavily linked with a move to Manchester.

The latest: Jones predicts ‘budget’ swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones explained that the United hierarchy may need to find a cheaper alternative to Rice given the Englishman’s £150m reported price tag.

The journalist explained: “If it doesn’t (work out with Declan Rice), they’re going to have to look for a budget Declan Rice.

“And ultimately, that’s when Ten Hag’s nous comes in in terms of negotiating and spotting people that can do as good a job in a short space of time.

“Maybe it’s Sangare, it looks like they’re out of the running for Tchouameni at this point. So, whatever it is, they’re going to have to move fast on that deal, I think.”

The verdict: Reinforcements needed

Ultimately, the Red Devils need to add high-quality additions to the central midfield ranks, particularly in a defensive sense given their 56 Premier League goals conceded this season, the second-highest among teams in the top half of the table.

Ironically, when using the FBRef comparison tool to seek out stylistic alternatives to Rice, Liverpool spoiler Fabinho and United’s own Scott McTominay are the closest matches to the Englishman. Further down the list are attainable such names as 21-year-old Khephren Thuram-Ulien and 28-year-old Mario Lemina, who both currently ply their trade at Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

Whilst either Sangare or Aurelien Tchouameni would represent viable options to bolster the Old Trafford ranks, Ten Hag and John Murtough may well need to get creative without the lure of Champions League football next term and could be looking beyond the traditional targets in order to bolster the squad.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘world class’ Premier League star. Read more here