All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has admitted that a permanent move away for Jamie Shackleton ‘cannot be ruled out’.

The Lowdown: Summer of change

It has been a busy month at Elland Road after Leeds secured their Premier League status on the final day of the 2021/22 season. The Whites have already brought in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca and are now keen on signing Club Brugge star Charles de Ketelaere.

There looks set to be a number of departures as well, with Manchester City and Leeds agreeing a £42m fee for Kalvin Phillips, while Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

Shackleton, who Marcelo Bielsa previously described as ‘energetic’, could well follow the duo out of Elland Road as he enters the final two years of his contract.

The Latest: Smyth’s claim

Smyth shared a transfer state of play on Sunday morning for The Yorkshire Evening Post, looking at possible replacements for Phillips.

He then looked at potential outgoings and said that Shackleton ‘is another who could seek opportunities elsewhere and a permanent move away cannot be ruled out’.

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The Verdict: Makes sense?

Shackleton has been in and around the first-team squad over the past four seasons, making 78 appearances for Leeds, but he has never nailed down a starting role under either Bielsa or Jesse Marsch, featuring from the off in only 19 league games.

He is now 22 years of age, so playing regular senior football appears to be imperative at this stage of his career.

Capable of playing in midfield or at right-back, Shackleton could potentially be an asset for a Championship club, and it looks as if his future will be one to watch over the coming months.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had their hopes of keeping Ruben Neves boosted.

What’s the word?

As per a report from Fabrizio Romano, via GIVEMESPORT, it is said that Neves could stay at Wolves after the club potentially priced him out of a move to Manchester United.

Romano believes that United may opt against negotiating for the Portugal midfielder due to Wolves’ starting price.

Speaking to GMS, Romano said: “The point is about the price because, a few weeks ago, Wolves manager Bruno Lage said in public that they want around £100m for Ruben Neves.

“They don’t see Manchester United paying that money for a single midfielder like, in this case, Ruben Neves. I’m sure that they will consider other options.”

Lage will be delighted

The latest news from Romano will come as a delight for Lage, who would majorly benefit from Neves’ stay at Molineux.

The 25-year-old is the string-puller in midfield for the Old Gold, averaging around 53.88 passes per match at a solid completion rate of 82.8%. The reason for his pass accuracy being in the early 80s in terms of percentile, is due to the types of passes he looks to make.

Despite occupying a slightly deeper role in the engine room, he is extremely progressive in his passing play, covering 1313.68 yards in total passing distance, with 14.31 long-distance passes completed per game.

6.63 of his overall passes are directed into the final third, whilst his average of 75.59 touches per 90 will not come at all as a surprise, considering his ability to dictate the play.

If Neves does stay, it will be a big victory for Wolves, and will almost feel like a new signing in itself.

It would give Lage a chance to bring in quality to surround the Portuguese and improve the team whilst sticking to a core base.

In other news: Lage could land Wolves their very own Cancelo by signing “unique” £30m machine – opinion

Everton have been named among a host of clubs interested in signing Fenerbahce defender Kim Min-jae this summer, according to a report from Takvim (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: ‘The monster’

Dubbed a ‘monster’ amid previous Toffees links – owing to his towering 6 foot 1 presence – Min-jae has been compared to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk in the past and has enjoyed a burgeoning reputation since arriving in Europe.

Signed from Chinese Super League outfit BJ Guoan in 2021, the 25-year-old South Korean has gone from strength to strength in Turkey and could now be ready for the next step in a promising career.

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Now, the latest report has claimed that Everton boss Frank Lampard is keen to include the towering centre-back as part of a summer rebuild at Goodison Park…

The latest: Toffees keen

As per Takvim, translated by SW, Everton are one of the ‘serious suitors’ to sign the 40-cap ace.

Premier League rivals Tottenham are also credited with a strong interest in Kim, whilst Napoli, AC Milan and Sevilla are also watching on with intent.

The report also states that the man hailed as ‘world class’ by journalist Jason Lee during a 1-1 draw with Trabzonspor has a €25million (£21.5million) release clause as part of a contract that runs until 2025 (Transfermarkt).

The verdict: Straight swap

With the future of injury-prone central defender Yerry Mina seemingly lying away from the blue half of Merseyside, signing Kim as a direct replacement would make an abundance of sense for the Toffees.

Albeit the South Korean missed four matches of his own last term, the powerful star has remained relatively injury-free thus far in what has been a career on an ever upwards trajectory.

Overall in 2021/22, he made 39 appearances across all competitions, including six Europa League outings whilst earning a strong 6.93 Sofascore rating comprising of 3.7 successful duels, 2.3 interceptions and 4.1 clearances on average per Super Lig game – more than any Everton defender when it comes to clearances.

Given the mooted price, the potential offloading of Mina and with Lampard attempting to fix a defensive department that conceded 66 goals last term, a move for the Fenerbache warrior would be a smart and wholly achievable one.

In other news: ‘Abolsutely magnificent’ Everton man wanted on loan, read more here

Wolves may have only finished 10th in the Premier League this season, but they managed to do so with a respectable defensive record.

Over 38 games, Bruno Lage’s side conceded 43 goals in total, which is fewer than the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, West Ham United and Leicester City, all of whom finished above them in the table.

One man who played a big part in Wolves’ impressive defence this season is Max Kilman.

Over 30 league matches, the Englishman won 33 tackles and made 52 blocks, 64 interceptions and 118 clearances.

To further highlight the defender’s talent and impact on the team, in the final six league games of the season that he missed through injury, Wolves did not keep one clean sheet, conceding 15 goals in the process.

Now that the season has ended and the summer transfer window is about to open, one man who has been linked with a move to Molineux and who could give Lage the chance to form a scary defensive duo alongside Kilman is Calvin Bassey.

Since joining Rangers two years ago, the defender has gone on to make 65 appearances for the Glasgow club across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and six assists.

In terms of his defensive capabilities, the 22-year-old made 20 interceptions and won 28 tackles in 29 Scottish Premiership games this season. Also, his performance in the Europa League final which saw Rangers lose on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt was described as “astonishing” by BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves.

This shows just how capable the defender is of playing on the big stage and stepping up for his team when it matters most.

Regarding a potential move to Wolves this summer, the fact that the defender has been deployed as a centre-back and as a left-back through the 2021/22 season could make him a useful squad option for Lage.

Taking into account Kilman’s clear significance to the team, as was unfortunately highlighted during the final weeks of the campaign, having him at the back alongside Bassey could be a scary prospect for opposing teams next season.

With a reported price tag of £25m, luring the Rangers star away from Ibrox and to the Premier League is definitely something that Lage and the Wolves hierarchy should consider as the summer transfer window approaches.

In other news: Lage can seal Moutinho 2.0 as Wolves eye £18m-rated wizard who turned down Man City

Fabio Paratici is closing in on a deal to bring Alessandro Bastoni to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere della Sera (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following Ivan Perisic’s move from Inter Milan to Spurs, there is now a good chance the 23-year-old defender follows the Croatia international to north London.

Further reports also claim that the Tottenham sporting director has sent unmistakable signals of intent to the Serie A side regarding a £54m deal for the Italy international, while Alasdair Gold recently revealed that Spurs “believe that they’ll be able to sort out wages and the fee for Bastoni” in the coming weeks.

“Heir to Jan Vertonghen”

Considering just how exciting a talent Bastoni undoubtedly is, in addition to it being reported that the signing of a new ball-playing left-footed centre-back is one of Antonio Conte’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, should Paratici go on to secure a deal for the Inter Milan starlet ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign it would certainly represent something of a huge coup for Spurs.

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Indeed, according to FBref data, the £60m-rated defender ranks in the top 15% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for pressures per 90, in addition to the top 14% for passes attempted, the top 25% for passes completed, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 22% for dribbles completed and the top 3% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

As such, it is easy to understand why Gold recently claimed that Spurs see the £122k-per-week talent as the “heir to Jan Vertonghen,” as the 23-year-old’s ability with the ball at his feet sees FBref rank him amongst some of the most prestigious ball-playing defenders in European football, such as Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Girondins de Bordeaux starlet Anel Ahmedhodzic.

However, with the Italian still appearing to have doubts as to whether this summer is the right time to make a move to the Premier League, it would seem as if Paratici still has a job on his hands to convince Bastoni that Tottenham is the right club for him – although, considering the centre-back’s ability, these efforts will be more than worth it if his transfer is eventually agreed.

AND in other news: Paratici can seal “complete” Spurs signing in £68m bid for Van Dijk’s worst nightmare

West Ham look set to get their summer transfer business up and running with a deal for Atletico Mineiro left-back Guilherme Arana.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness), who has stated that the Hammers have made contact ahead of a potential swoop for the 25-year-old. Although no bid has yet been submitted, the Premier League club have made Arana’s staff aware of their interest in the player.

Atletico Mineiro insider Fred Augusto has claimed that the fee to sign Arana will be around €19m (£16m).

Could be a huge coup for West Ham

Moyes led West Ham to a wonderful 2021/22 campaign and he will be looking to build on that over the summer by improving his squad.

Signing a top-class left-back will likely be one of the Scot’s main priorities this summer. Aaron Cresswell is 32 and, with his peak years behind him, perhaps it’s time for a replacement to be sought.

At 25 years of age, Arana still arguably has his peak years to come, and signing him for £16m would likely represent an excellent coup by the Irons.

The Brazilian has scored an impressive 19 goals and registered 28 assists in his career so far, which indicates that he loves to get forward and contribute in an attacking sense, and this is something that Moyes will love.

Arana represented Brazil at the Olympic Games last year, where his nation won the gold medal and he ranked as the squad’s fourth-best performer, with a ranking of 7.17 on SofaScore.

These performances translated into the defender making his senior international debut against Venezuela last October, and he has gone on to win two more caps in the meantime.

A move to the Premier League could well suit the left-back. He was described as “spectacular” by Brazil’s Olympic coach Andre Jardine following his performances in Tokyo, and his figures in an attacking sense appear to back up that compliment.

With the World Cup approaching later this year, Arana knows that there is a chance he could make the Brazil squad as they hope to end a 20-year wait to lift the trophy. The onus is now on Moyes to try and bring the 25-year-old to England and allow him to showcase his talents to a wider audience, while also giving West Ham a top-quality long-term successor to Cresswell at left-back.

AND in other news, West Ham eyeing deal for “exceptional” £35k-p/w monster, he’s the perfect Noble heir

West Bromwich Albion were ultimately lacking enough firepower in their squad to give them a good chance of securing promotion back to the Premier League in 2022.

In their recent Championship campaign, the Baggies ended up scoring just 52 times, fewer than a significant number of teams who finished below them in the table.

To try and fix their attacking issues, Albion secured the signing of Daryl Dike during the January transfer window. However, after just two appearances for the Midlands club, the former Barnsley and Orlando City striker unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury which prematurely ended his season.

This led to West Brom securing a deal for Andy Carroll to see out the season and help them finish as strongly as possible. After the club chose to quickly get rid of the 33-year-old target man, the focus can now turn their attention to finding another attacking option who could come in and give the Baggies some extra strength and depth in that area.

One man who has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns in recent months who could fit this bill and potentially form a deadly attacking duo with Dike next season is Dwight Gayle.

Imagine Gayle and Dike for WBA

With 286 senior club appearances under his belt, the Newcastle United striker has scored 103 goals and delivered 30 assists along the way, showing that he certainly has plenty of experience in finding the net.

This sort of experience could not only be useful for the West Brom team as a whole but also for Dike, who is in the early stages of his career with the Baggies, helping him to strike up what could be a formidable attacking partnership.

Speaking about the Magpies striker in the past, Bruce said: “I’ve said on record that I’ve tried to buy him three times. If you’re looking in the Championship, the first one on your list was always Dwight Gayle because of his natural finishing.

“I’ve said all along that I want him to stay fit because as you saw with the way he scored his goal today, he’s got that crucial thing of being able to score. He’s got the knack, and when you’ve got that, it’s invaluable.”

Having only played nine games across all competitions for Eddie Howe’s side this season, it seems as though Gayle could be more valuable for West Brom rather than wasting his time at St James’ Park, which could make a move to The Hawthorns this summer rather appealing for him.

In other news: Bruce can secure huge Phillips upgrade as WBA eye swoop for “terrific” £3m dynamo

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Calvin Ramsay.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that, alongside a deal for RB Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Victor Orta has also been working on a move to bring the Aberdeen right-back to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

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In his piece, Hay wrote: “The club have agreed a fee for Aaronson from RB Salzburg, and have also been working on Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a prospect Ramsay quite clearly is, the news that Orta and his Leeds United transfer team have been working on the transfer of the defender behind the scenes is sure to be an update that will have left the Whites faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 24 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £540k-rated talent enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season for Aberdeen, bagging one goal, providing five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.8 key passes, 0.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per game.

These returns saw the £880-per-week 18-year-old average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Jim Goodwin’s joint fifth-best player in the Scottish top flight.

And, with Luke Ayling looking as if he will be ruled out of the start of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign after undergoing knee surgery, the argument that Jesse Marsch and Orta could do with signing a new right-back this summer is an easy one to make.

As such, considering his age, undoubted ability and huge potential for future growth, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spanish sporting director to do everything he can to secure a deal for the Dons teenager in the coming weeks, as Ramsay could quite easily prove to be the next big thing to come out of Scottish football.

AND in other news: Forget Raphinha: Radz now set for LUFC disaster on £20m talent, he’s “one of the best”

Alasdair Gold has dropped a promising update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Harry Kane.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist revealed that, should Spurs go on to secure a top-four finish in the league, the 28-year-old’s long-term future in north London would not only be much less questionable but the England international could even be offered a new contract by Antonio Conte, Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy.

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Discussing the implications of Tottenham securing Champions League football, Gold said: “I don’t think there becomes any question about Harry Kane’s future. I wouldn’t be stunned if there ends up being a new contract for Harry Kane if Spurs get top four.

“You might think Harry Kane’s best thought would be to just see out his contract, but I don’t get the impression he’s that kind of guy. He loves Conte, and I think he’ll see where Conte is hopefully going to take them.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is true that, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo and the lingering interest of Manchester City, Kane did not get off to the best of starts in the current campaign, following Conte’s arrival in north London last November, the centre-forward has very much refound his best form.

Indeed, over his 27 Premier League appearances under the 52-year-old manager, the £90m-rated striker has bagged 15 goals and provided his teammates with seven assists – averaging a direct goal contribution every 109 minutes for the Italian – a stark contrast compared to his one strike and one assist over nine league outings for Nuno Espirito Santo.

These returns have seen the £200k-per-week forward average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.34, not only ranking him as Conte’s second-best performer in the top flight but also as the joint eighth-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, should Kane indeed go on to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, it would undoubtedly be a development that will leave Spurs supporters buzzing – as, only a matter of months ago, the Tottenham talisman’s time in north London appeared to very much be up.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Gold drops big Spurs injury update ahead of Norwich, Conte will be sweating

Ibrox boss Gio van Bronckhorst has been handed a huge Rangers injury lift over Ryan Jack ahead of the Europa League final next week…

What’s the talk?

Bundesliga journalist and commentator Derek Rae has revealed that the club are expecting the midfielder to be fit enough for the Europa League final next week.

The reporter has also confirmed that Scott Wright will not miss out on the game after he suffered a blow in the club’s 4-1 win over Ross County.

Rae tweeted: “After his goal, Scott Wright had to leave the pitch due to a bruise but his use in the final does not seem to be in danger. Rangers are confident that the important sweeper Ryan Jack will return, but for attacking all-rounder Kemar Roofe it will probably be tight.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The Light Blues’ supporters will surely be buzzing over this news, as having Jack fit and available is a major boost for the club.

He has not featured in a matchday squad for the Gers since the 3-1 win over RB Leipzig in the semi-final of the Europa League earlier this month but looks set to be winning the race to be ready to face Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on Wednesday night.

Jack has been sublime in Europe for the Gers this season. After an injury-hit start to the campaign, he returned to fitness and has started eight matches in the Europa League for Van Bronckhorst, averaging an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.94.

The Scotland international has made 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game and won 55% of his duels in the Europa League. This shows that he has been able to consistently hold his own in the middle of the park, winning the ball back off the opposition on a regular basis and providing the attack with a solid base from which to work.

He and John Lundstram have started all eight of the club’s knockout ties, although the latter has played at centre-back on occasion, and they have formed a strong partnership in midfield.

Therefore, the 30-year-old’s return will be a major boost for Van Bronckhorst’s side. Jack has proven that he can put in top-quality displays alongside Lundstram, helping the club to beat the likes of Braga and Borussia Dortmund along the way, and the supporters will be buzzing with his availability as they will want to see the best possible XI out on the pitch in Seville.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for big Rangers disaster on “ridiculous” £6.4k-p/w tank, GvB needs him…