All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to a rumour suggesting that Ben Davies could move to Celtic in the summer transfer window.

The Reds had a disastrous 2020/21 season at centre-back, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all missing the majority of the campaign through injury.

Their lack of availability meant that both Davies and Ozan Kabak were signed in the winter transfer window, but it has been a frustrating time for the former.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Davies didn’t get a single minute of action after joining from Preston North End and there are now doubts surrounding his future at Anfield.

According to the Daily Mail [via Anfield Watch], Celtic are interested in signing the defender this summer, having also shown an interest back in January. A season-long loan move is mooted, with a host of Championship clubs also believed to be keen.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-6/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to Davies exit links

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the update, with sympathy shown but many supporters behind any possible decision from Michael Edwards to sanction a quick exit for Davies.

“Nah that’s cold Michael Edwards”

Credit: @AtheistAkki

“Feel for this lad in fairness. Why was he bought and never given a run?”

Credit: @TouheyMark

“Thanks for the memories Ben, club legend”

Credit: @Ahmed_mansour01

“Would be downright hilarious if we managed to flip him for a huge profit despite never featuring for the club”

Credit: @RevivedDanny

“We could probably sell him to Bournemouth for £20million”

Credit: @ScouseCxfu

“Sell, get a profit when he hasn’t kicked a ball. Let him go and move on”

Credit: @alwilk1

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited by another transfer rumour which has emerged. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring Nottingham Forest loanee Djed Spence and Fabio Paratici has even been to the Midlands to see him in action, confirms football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Conte’s RWB dilemma

Since his arrival at Hotspur Way, Italian boss Antonio Conte has struggled to determine his go-to options in the wing-back positions.

As a result, the manager has flicked between Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty throughout the season.

After a string of extremely impressive performances, the Irishman recently came out on top, appearing to be Conte’s favourite option at right wing-back.

However, the 30-year-old has recently been ruled out for the rest of the season, once again sparking issues in the position.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Gold’s Spence claim

Throughout the January window, Spurs were linked with a number of right wing-backs; one of the most prominent being Djed Spence, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.

In football.london’s most recent QnA, Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold was questioned over the Lilywhites’ options at RWB and the rumours linking the north London club with a move for Spence. Gold revealed Paratici has been personally scouting the player:

“Spurs like Djed Spence. Fabio Paratici went to watch him recently, along with Brennan Johnson. Spence certainly ticks the homegrown box and is a talented young defender with plenty of attacking potential.

“I think Doherty has done enough to suggest that when he returns to fitness he will remain next season as an experienced wing-back and, while Emerson Royal now has the chance to make his case in the seven matches ahead, I do wonder whether he suits Conte’s system enough. This summer could provide the opportunity for Spurs to get their money back as he’s a decent right-back, just not a wing-back, and there will be interest in him.”

The Verdict: Great potential

Since arriving in Nottingham this season, Spence has gone on to have a fantastic season with the club. The 21-year-old has featured in 35 games in the Championship and played in every minute of Steve Cooper’s side’s run in the FA Cup.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright hailed the right-back’s praises for his performance against the Gunners in the FA Cup, claiming that it was one of the best right back displays he has ever seen. He even proceeded to compare the youngster’s “unbelievable level” to that of Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Therefore, having shown that he can perform against some of the top sides in the Premier League, Spence would be a great signing for Tottenham.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Alasdair Gold drops verdict on the futures of Lo Celso and Ndombele

West Ham United have been told exactly how much it’ll take to secure mooted transfer target Noa Lang in January…

What’s the word?

According to Belgian outlet Voetbal Belgie, the Irons will need to pay in the region of €40m (£34m) to land the Club Brugge attacker as they anticipate a bidding war ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Leeds United are also said to be keen, along with Serie A giants AC Milan and German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach.

A fee in the region of £34m would be a record in Belgium and the Jupiler Pro League club are in no position to sell as Lang is contracted until 2025.

Shades of Payet

It’s no wonder the Dutch winger has become hot property in recent months as he has continued his remarkable form for both club and country this season.

The 22-year-old, who stands at 5 foot 10, delivered 17 goals and 11 assists as Brugge clinched the Belgian title last term with a whopping 16-point margin, with Lang evidently playing a major role in the attack.

That form has extended into 2021/22, where he has already bagged four goals and provided five assists in 17 appearances, via Transfermarkt, including a ‘Man of the Match’ showing against French giants Paris Saint-Germain – a really encouraging sign to his true potential as he clinched the award over the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

“Lang is without a doubt the best player in the league, I think. Pure class,” suggested Belgian football pundit Filip Joos explained to Extra Time. “His technique is not normal. Lang is constantly on the move, he glides across the field, he likes to dribble, but he will always play at the right time.”

The young dynamo, valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has also been dubbed a “phenomenon” by journalist Peter Vandenbempt for his achievements in Belgium.

Now capped twice by the Netherlands, Lang’s career trajectory is only going to go up, and given everything mentioned above, he could well become the most exciting and biggest signing since Dimitri Payet at the London Stadium.

Evidently, the 22-year-old gem has the flair and skillset to replicate the Frenchman’s thrilling exploits at the Hammers. Lang likes to cut inside, with dribbling and passing two key attributes of his, as per WhoScored.

That only further suggests he could become the next Payet in east London.

With everything in mind, West Ham’s new head of recruitment Rob Newman must do all he can to land Lang for manager David Moyes.

AND in other news, Moyes may have another Antonio in West Ham’s “hard-working” 17 y/o who “loves to score”…

As per Fanatik, an update has come to light on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans involving Fenerbache defender Kim Min-jae.

The Lowdown: Tottenham target centre-half…

The Athletic recently revealed that Spurs and manager Antonio Conte have a new central defender in their sights this summer with a number of key targets already shortlisted.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

According to their information, Joško Gvardiol, Alessandro Bastoni, Sven Botman and Nico Schlotterbeck have all been identified for possible attempts this summer as club chief Fabio Paratici gets to work on the 2022/2023 campaign.

Now, with news emerging on another defensive candidate out of Turkey, it appears Conte has personally approved a move for Kim.

The Latest: Conte green-lights move…

According to Fanatik, Tottenham and Everton have ‘taken action’ over Kim with Lilywhites officials scouting the player and recommending him to Conte.

Subsequently, the Italian has now personally approved a move for the South Korea international defender by giving the ‘green-light’.

The Verdict: Right call?

The 52-year-old wants to see new additions at N17 over the summer as he seeks to improve Tottenham further over his first full season in charge next year.

Kim, who could cost around €23 million (£19m), certainly comes as an affordable alternative to fellow targets on the list with the defender also being called a ‘monster’ in his homeland.

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse, branded one of the stars of the transfer window this summer by Fanatik, may well be one to watch out for if Spurs can’t offload players like Tanguy Ndombele for a profit.

In other news: Tottenham official dispatched as Conte identifies ’emerging superstar’ signing, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have been left buzzing over a transfer update out of Anfield involving RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku.

As both star forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, much has been made of how manager Jurgen Klopp will cope without the Reds duo.

There have even been reports of possible bids for alternatives, including the likes of Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, with Mane’s contract situation also a point of contention.

The Senegalese star has just 18 months remaining on his current deal at Anfield as things stand with both FSG and the Reds potentially having to ponder replacements if he doesn’t opt to to extend.

As such, both Spanish news outlet Fichajes and the Liverpool Echo (Tuesday, 10:01) have shared that Klopp is personally eyeing Bundesliga forward Nkunku as a possible like-for-like successor.

It is believed that the 24-year-old is well liked by Klopp with Liverpool now holding a keen interest.

Liverpool fans buzz…

Flocking to this claim, many Reds supporters have been left buzzing on Twitter, with one fan even calling him a would-be ‘dream signing’.

Scoring 16 goals and assisting eight others over his German top flight and Champions League appearances combined this season (WhoScored), Nkunku has also impressed in other attacking aspects.

Indeed, the Frenchman has averaged a highly threatening 2.2 completed dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga – more than any player in Liverpool’s squad by comparison (WhoScored).

It is clear that Nkunku could certainly add a different dimension in the final third as many Reds rave over their side’s interest.

Find all of their best reactions down below:

“Brilliant player yesss please worth up to 55-70 but hopefully can get him for 40-60mil”

Credit: @AbzzLDN

“He’s literally the most perfect player for us”

Credit: @FPLlfcarish

“sign him now”

Credit: @Veettu_

“Please

@LFC”

Credit: @DanTremarco

“Would be the perfect signing for us”

Credit: @NabySZN21

“oooooooo I hope this true but not too replace mané, just add too what we have”

Credit: @oni_kzz

“We already started making moves. Watch this space”

Credit: @ItsssAkiii

“Would be a dream signing tbh, Nkunku built different”

Credit: @Aadam_B4Z

In other news: Liverpool now want to seal signing of ‘exceptional’ player as soon as possible, find out more here.

Ashley Preece is ‘expecting’ Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey to return against Wolves on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Bailey’s injury

The 24-year-old actually injured himself when he scored his first goal for Villa following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen. The Jamaican suffered a thigh strain against Everton and missed games with Manchester United and Tottenham as a result.

Villa were targeting a return following the international break against Wolves this weekend, and Preece believes that it could be on the cards.

The Latest: Preece’s tweet

Reliable reporter Preece took to Twitter on Monday evening to inform supporters of Bertrand Traore’s latest injury.

He was asked by one fan for any news on Bailey, to which he replied: “I’m expecting him to play some part on Saturday, Smith might not want to risk him from the start. We’ll wait and see. Due a team news update later this week.”

Preece’s post appeared to go under the radar, with just one retweet and four likes as of Tuesday morning.

The Verdict: Good news

Even if Dean Smith doesn’t risk Bailey from the start on Saturday and places him on the bench, it will still give Villa a big boost for the game against their Midlands rivals.

Bailey has already shown what he can do off the bench at Villa Park, and another starring cameo display this weekend could make all the difference if it is a tight match.

Hopefully he will be in and around the matchday squad on Saturday, but if he isn’t fully fit, he shouldn’t be risked.

In other news: Smith looking to pip Arteta again as Aston Villa eye move for ace who has the same agency as Mings

Sheffield United centre-forward Oli McBurnie has dropped a promising injury update ahead of the club’s Championship fixture this Saturday.

What’s been said?

In comments cited by the club’s official Twitter channel, the 25-year-old revealed that he feels he has recovered from the foot injury which had kept him out of action since April and is now concentrating on getting himself back to full fitness in order to feature from the off for the Blades in the near future.

He said: “The foot feels fine. I was doing rehab with the fitness guys for a lot of time before I could get into full contact training. I feel fit, I feel ready. It’s about getting minutes under the belt now and getting my way back into the team.”

Music to the ears of fans

Like the vast majority of the Sheffield United squad, McBurnie had something of a season to forget in the Premier League in 2020/21. However, considering how impressive the striker was in his most recent Championship campaign, the news that the Scotland international appears to be nearing full fitness is sure to be music to the ears of Blades fans.

Indeed, over his 42 Championship appearances for Swansea City back in 2018/19, the £9m-rated man scored 22 goals, registered four assists and created four big chances for his teammates, taking two shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns saw the forward earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as the Swans’ third-best performer in the second tier that year.

As such, it would very much seem as if a fully fit McBurnie would provide Slavisa Jokanovic’s chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League this season with a considerable boost, given his track record of scoring plentifully at Championship level.

With the Blades facing his former club on Saturday evening, there would appear to be no better place for the 25-year-old to kickstart his Championship campaign than at the Liberty Stadium, where he is no stranger to finding the net.

In other news: Sheffield United dealt blow over “superb” £26k-p/w gem, Jokanovic will be fuming

A number of Everton fans have been reacting to transfer news which has emerged on Ivan Perisic.

As per a report from Tuttosport earlier this week, which has since been shared by EFC DAILY on their Twitter page, Perisic has made it known to Inter Milan that he does not want to sign a new deal at the San Siro, with his current contract expiring next summer.

The ‘most likely’ destination for him would either be a return to Germany or a move to England, with which the Goodison Park club have been strongly linked recently.

Of course, Perisic is now 32 years of age and almost certainly past his best, while the Merseyside club already brought in two wingers in Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend in the summer.

However, he would bring so much experience to the team, winning the Champions League in addition to many of the biggest league titles in European football with some top clubs (Transfermarkt), and he showed what he can do with an impressive performance against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday evening.

Everton fans on Perisic transfer news

These Everton supporters gave some mixed reactions as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“My mate thinks it’s 2018 and the World Cup has just finished”

Credit: @efc_cain

“Lure him with what, the prospect of playing with big Rondon upfront?”

Credit: @Simonkefc

“That’ll make him U-turn and sign an extension with Everton interest?”

Credit: @ScousePirlo_

“He cuts across Walker and puts that cross to Richarlison’s feet.”

Credit: @Toffeebluebloo1

“He’d still be our best player though”

Credit: @iamawayrightnow

“He played well yesterday.”

Credit: @DavidBailey132

In other news, many Everton fans have flocked to this injury update

Everton could form a formidable defensive partnership after being linked with a move for Inter centre-back Stefan de Vrij ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

According to 90min, the Toffees are one of several Premier clubs keen to secure the 29-year-old’s services, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also listed as potential suitors.

It’s claimed that De Vrij has been offered to the Magpies after they joined football’s financial elite following their recent takeover, but Everton and Spurs still retain an interest.

With the Dutch international having just 18 months left to run on his current contract – and Inter needing to lower their wage bill – the £45m-rated colossus could be available for a bargain fee this winter.

Since his arrival at San Siro back in 2018, De Vrij has established himself as one of Europe’s most dominant centre-halves, making 139 appearances for the Nerazzurri in all competitions.

And the highlight of his career came last season when the 6 foot 2 beast played a pivotal part in Inter’s first Serie A title success in 11 years, ending Juventus’ run of nine consecutive victories.

Amongst De Vrij’s list of admirers is former Lazio teammate Mauricio, who lauded his quality to ESPN (via Football Italia), saying: “Stefan is a great defender and deserves to be at a big club. He’s very tall, he’s strong and fast, he runs a lot – he’s a monster! He’s a calm defender who never gets agitated.”

Recent reports have claimed that Benitez could have up to £35m to spend in the January window after splashing out just £1.6m on Demarai Gray over the summer, and De Vrij could be the ideal candidate to bring in using that money.

Everton have kept just three clean sheets all campaign, conceding three or more goals on three occasions, including a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of newly-promoted Watford.

Therefore, defensive reinforcements may well be prioritised by the Merseyside outfit, and De Vrij would make for the perfect partner for the highly-rated Ben Godfrey.

The 23-year-old is still very much learning his craft at Goodison Park, but his versatility, mobility and tackling ability highlight a promising future, while De Vrij’s experience, passing range and concentration would superbly compliment the youngster.

As a result, their partnership would have the potential to transform Everton’s fortunes this season, and Marcel Brands should carefully consider sanctioning a move for a player that the club’s supporters would surely love based on his wonderful list of expertise.

And, in other news…Huge boost: Everton receive selection uplift ahead of BFC, Rafa will be delighted 

West Ham United are reportedly considering making a move for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Express, David Moyes’ charges are weighing up whether to make a loan bid to sign the 27-year-old England international this summer.

The report states that West Ham are prioritising the signatures of Jesse Lingard or Matheus Pereira over the Liverpool ace, meaning that a deal is unlikely to happen at this stage.

Jurgen Klopp will be fuming

Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Anfield in a £35m move back in 2017 and hit the ground running at his new surroundings. The box-to-box dynamo scored five goals and provided eight assists in 46 appearances for the Reds, playing a pivotal part as they reached the Champions League final.

However, a serious knee injury picked up in the first leg of Liverpool’s semi-final against AS Roma that year ruled him out for almost the entirety of the following campaign, limiting Oxlade-Chamberlain to just two outings in 2018/19.

He returned to form during Liverpool’s title-winning season, but a string of minor fitness issues once again plagued the former Arsenal ace last term.

Nevertheless, despite Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury concerns, Jurgen Klopp will surely be fuming if the club’s hierarchy sanction his departure.

With Gini Wijnaldum already leaving Merseyside this summer, Liverpool are light on numbers in the middle of the park and need to bolster their current options, not deplete them further.

On his day, Oxlade-Chamberlain is a very useful asset to have, capable of scoring on a semi-regular basis, and is a perfect fit for Klopp’s gegenpressing style.

Therefore, director of football Michael Edwards must keep hold of the £120,000-per-week monster for at least another 12 months, avoiding a potential nightmare and allowing Klopp to slowly overhaul his first team squad.

Liverpool currently have several big names approaching the final two years of their contracts, with Oxlade-Chamberlain one of them.

Allowing him another season to prove his worth before deciding to extend his deal or cut him loose appears to be the best option for the 19-time English champions, and one which Edwards must choose in order to help prevent another disappointing campaign for the Reds.

In other news… Romano drops disappointing update over “devastating” LFC target, Klopp will be gutted