All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leicester City are set to step up their efforts to tie star midfielder Youri Tielemans down to a new contract over the coming days.

What’s the story?

The 24-year-old is expected to return from his holiday later this month, and convincing him to put pen to paper on fresh terms is a top priority for the Foxes’ hierarchy, according to Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse.

Tielemans’ current £33k-per-week contract expires in the summer of 2023, and a new deal would see him join Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel as the club’s top earners.

Rodgers will be delighted

Since arriving on English shores back in January 2019, Tielemans has established himself as one of Leicester’s key players, bagging 17 goals and providing a further 19 assists in 108 appearances for the Midlands outfit.

His best moment in a Leicester shirt – and arguably his career – came at the end of last season when struck a thunderbolt into the top corner of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s net at Wembley Stadium, securing the club’s maiden FA Cup crown.

After a string of impressive performances in recent years, Tielemans is believed to have caught the eye of some of the continent’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool heavily linked a move for the midfield maestro in recent weeks.

Several reports suggested he was set to seek pastures new this summer in order to play Champions League football, but Leicester are under no pressure to sell, and with no club’s making a formal offer, he could commit his future to Brendan Rodgers’ charges.

News that the club’s hierarchy are set to offer Tielemans a new contract imminently will leave Brendan Rodgers feeling delighted.

The Northern Irish tactician has guided the Foxes to consecutive fifth-place finishes in the Premier League standings during his two full seasons in charge, and he’ll be determined to go one better next term.

Securing the services of new signings Patson Daka, Boubakary Soumare and Ryan Bertrand represent some fantastic transfers business by Leicester, but their most important deal could be convincing Tielemans to commit his future to the club.

Breaking into the top four will be Rodgers’ aim for 2020/21, and doing so would be almost impossible if the former Monaco midfielder departs the King Power Stadium this summer.

And, in other news…Journalist delivers exciting transfer update that’ll leave Leicester fans buzzing 

Dean Windass believes that if given the opportunity, Steve Bruce would love to sign out of favour Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham as he’s the ideal player for the manager’s system.

Bruce will know that a striker is crucial this summer considering that Callum Wilson scored 12 of the Magpies’ 46 Premier League goals and Joe Willock, who has returned to Arsenal, got eight as well, so it’s natural that they have been linked with a move for Abraham who is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt.

Abraham thrived under Frank Lampard during the 2019/20 campaign after netting 18 goals in all competitions, however since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, the England international has been bumped down the pecking order even finding himself left out of the squad in the FA Cup final.

If the £57,692 per week striker moved to Tyneside he could reignite his career which at one stage looked set for stardom, and when asked about if Newcastle fans would be happy and if Abraham has any future at Chelsea, Windass had this to say, telling Football FanCast exclusively:

“Yeah, they will be and I think his days are numbered now at Chelsea especially after they won the Champions League and he wasn’t involved, and sometimes he wasn’t even making the squad.”

Of course, Abraham, who has 30 goals in 82 games for the Blues in total, will have a long line of potential suitors this summer, with West Ham set to test the waters but Windass believes that Abraham would be perfect for Bruce and Newcastle, he added:

“I know Steve both as a manager and as a man so I think he’d be right up his street. So, if Steve is going down that line then I could see Steve signing someone like that.”

It would be an attacking force to be reckoned with if the Magpies could rely on Abraham, Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron next season. It would also surely see them aiming for greater heights than 17th.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he is “inviting players like” Brighton’s Yves Bissouma to Villa Park.

Bissouma has been in superb form for the Seagulls this season, boasting some good numbers for dribbling when compared to the rest of Graham Potter’s squad (via WhoScored), and is now being linked with an Amex exit.

According to The Times, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have all looked at the player, while there is also said to be interest coming from France.

Hendrie, however, would love it if Dean Smith could lure the 24-year-old midfielder to his old club.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Bissouma, the ex-Villa player said:

“I did a chat with myself and Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday a few weeks ago talking about Bissouma, and we highlighted what he actually does. I mean, his stats are absolutely phenomenal, the way he breaks the game up, his forward play.

“He’s got a good football brain. Like I said, when you’ve got someone who breaks the game up so well and can go join in and play, I’m inviting players like that to the football club.”

Villa look in danger of losing one of their midfielders in Douglas Luiz, with Manchester City weighing up whether to trigger a buy-back clause, so Smith may find himself needing to dip into the market to sign a new man for the middle of the park.

The Athletic’s Manchester City correspondent has recently delivered an enticing update on City’s interest in Tottenham Hotspur Harry Kane, with a switch to Pep Guardiola’s side looking more and more likely as we approach the summer transfer window.

Lee revealed, in a recent article, that Kane wants to join City this summer if he can get out of Tottenham Hotspur, with the North London side’s disappointing season clearly the final straw for the England captain, as he made it clear that he wanted to leave the club this summer as he looks to win his first career trophy.

City have regularly been linked with the 27-year-old forward ahead of the summer transfer window, with recent reports suggesting that Guardiola’s side could even offer a few first-team squad players, such as Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, to Spurs in an attempt to bring Kane to the Etihad.

It is no surprise that Guardiola is keen on signing the Spurs man this summer, as he enjoyed a phenomenal campaign with the Lilywhites, finishing top of the goalscoring and assist charts in the Premier League.

In 35 Premier League appearances this season, the impressive striker would contribute 23 goals and 14 assists, earning a superb 7.79 average rating from WhoScored, which saw him edge out Kevin De Bruyne as the highest-rated player in the top-flight.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

Considering City will be without the legendary Sergio Aguero next season after he joined Barcelona on a free transfer, you could argue that the Citizens need to add a clinical striker to their squad if they want to progress from this season.

The Champions League final emphasised that City could do with a physical presence up front, as in the latter stages of that game, they became desperate and began launching the ball up to John Stones who was playing as a target man, so having someone such as Kane, who is adept at holding the ball up, would help them avoid situations such as that.

The “unbelievable” forward also showed how dangerous he can be this season when dropping deep and playing through balls to wingers, so he could prove to be extremely effective in the same team as someone such as Sterling, Riyad Mahrez or Phil Foden next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

Therefore, after the latest report suggesting that he is keen to join City, Txiki Begiristain should do all he can to bring Kane to the Etihad this summer.

And, in other news… Guardiola handed huge boost with “exceptional” beast, City fans will be relieved 

Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff could be set for a St James’ Park exit; as Udinese have re-ignited their interest in his services [Football League World via Corriero Dello Sport].

The Lowdown: Squad re-shaping begins on Tyneside

As Steve Bruce’s men gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season, they have been linked with moves for the likes Matt Grimes and Nat Phillips, but potential departures will also come to the forefront soon.

Toon icon Andy Carroll and winger Christian Atsu are expected to leave following the Premier League released list update earlier this month [Chronicle].

21-year-old Matty Longstaff could be next to depart the North-East giants after this latest development.

The Latest: Udinese re-ignite their interest in Longstaff

Serie A side Udinese have once again expressed an attraction towards the box to box midfielder [Football League World].

Interestingly, the Italian outfit were also keen to take Longstaff to Stadio Friuli last summer [talkSPORT], but the youngster elected to sign a two-year extension on Tyneside .

Recently, Derby County have also been monitoring the situation as they look to rebuild for 2021/22 [Derby Telegraph].

The Verdict: Losing Longstaff would be a blow

Undoubtedly, losing one of their premium young talents would be a bitter blow for everyone associated with Newcastle United.

Enduring an injury ravaged 2020/21, the willing runner only managed to complete five appearances for the Toon [Transfermarkt].

Seemingly out of favour under Bruce, he still managed to complete an average of 1.2 successful dribbles per game, showing his propensity to progress the ball up the pitch, something Bruce’s side struggled to do [WhoScored].

Once labelled ‘outstanding’ by brother Sean Longstaff  [GIVEMESPORT], he gained notoriety on Tyneside after his iconic goal against Manchester United in the 2019/20 campaign, helping the Geordies to a 1-0 triumph [BBC].

While he failed to make a significant impact this term, Newcastle United would be losing a very talented individual if they were to sell him on.

In other news, a pundit exclusively warns Newcastle United over a potential transfer gamble.

Jesse Lingard looks increasingly unlikely to join West Ham on a permanent deal this summer, acting as a blow to the Hammers.

The Lowdown: New Hammers hero

The England international moved to the London Stadium on loan in the January transfer window, looking to get his career back on track after struggling for game-time at Manchester United. The 28-year-old has since excelled for West Ham, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in just 14 Premier League appearances.

There has been hope that the Hammers could sign Lingard on a permanent deal, but a negative update has been provided in that respect.

The Latest: Lingard unlikely to sign this summer

According to The Athletic, West Ham’s chances of snapping up the midfielder are fading, with Manchester United keen on making Lingard a ‘makeweight’ in a deal for someone they want to sign, such as Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, rather than loaning him out again.

There is a chance that Declan Rice could also be one of those individuals, but the Hammers will surely be desperate to keep hold of the Englishman.

The Athletic added that David Moyes appeared to concede defeat in terms of Lingard being at the club again next season, telling reporters prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton: “I am not actually sure how realistic it is. Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has, we have enjoyed having him.

“He is Manchester United’s player, so they can decide what to do with him. If they want to let him go, let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options.”

The Verdict: Big blow for West Ham

Given Lingard’s exceptional performances for West Ham, which have seen him labelled an “intelligent footballer” by Rio Ferdinand, there is no denying that this update will come as a blow for anyone of a Hammers persuasion.

Swapping him for Rice is a deal which wouldn’t make sense, with the latter being six years younger and possessing greater long-term potential.

In an ideal world, the £75,000-a-week Lingard would come in permanently, but with every passing week that is beginning to look less likely, meaning that David Moyes will need to look elsewhere for reinforcements and hope that they can make a similar impact for the Irons as the 28-year-old has done.

In other news, some West Ham fans have blasted one player’s performance after the draw with Brighton. Find out who it is here.

According to Corriere Dello Torino (via Inside Futbol), Tottenham are in talks with Maurizio Sarri to become their new manager, and the Italian would look to bring Paulo Dybala with him if he does move to Spurs.

Sarri wants Dybala

Jose Mourinho was sacked as Tottenham manager earlier this week, and Daniel Levy and co are now looking to replace him while Ryan Mason serves as interim boss.

Former Chelsea manager Sarri is seemingly on their radar, with Levy even said to be in regular contact with to the Italian. Now, these reports from Italy claim he loved working with Dybala in Turin and could demand his signing in north London, with the Argentine showing no signs of penning a new deal at Juventus.

Double deal

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for the Argentina international in the past (The Guardian), so it is unsurprising to see him mentioned alongside them once again. It feels like Dybala has been around for years and years, but he is still only 27.

That may be because throughout his senior career, he has managed a whopping 120 goals (Transfermarkt), while Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero called him a “complete” player last year (via Forbes). For a player still just entering his prime, he has already proven so much at the elite level.

Dybala is currently valued at £54m (Transfermarkt) but, with just one more year left on his contract, his current club could be convinced to sell him. After all, he has made just 15 league appearances throughout the term.

Getting Sarri to join Tottenham may be the key to Levy finally bagging the striker he has long been looking to capture.

In other news, this Spurs man will reportedly leave the club this summer.

Frank McAvennie believes Glasgow Rangers should expect more shocks in the future following their defeat to St. Johnstone.

McAvennie makes Gers claim

The Gers were dumped out of the Scottish Cup quarter-finals as they were defeated on penalties by the Saints after a 1-1 draw.

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie suggested the Ibrox outfit should get used to such losses because being champions prompts the best from opposition teams. He said:

“The biggest problem Rangers have is that they’re the champions.

“People stand up to them, they fight more. It’s not happened with Celtic this season because they’ve not been scared of them. 

“I don’t think Rangers underestimated St Johnstone and I wouldn’t say they were disrespectful either. 

“They thought they had the game won and took their foot off the gas, they didn’t mark the goalkeeper because they didn’t think he’d do anything. 

“Look what happened there. There was some naivety there, that’s what it was. When you’re champions, everyone wants to knock you off your pedestal. It will probably happen again.”

In Rangers’ hands

Of course, the Gers are now an even bigger scalp than they were before. That comes with the territory of being the Premiership champions, and Steven Gerrard will not be complaining. However, the Gers have proven in the league that they are more than a match for every other side – they remain unbeaten in that competition (BBC).

The defeats to St. Johnstone and St. Mirren – they were beaten by the Buddies 3-2 in the Scottish League Cup – were disappointing, especially given how comfortable Rangers have been in the Premiership. Of course, teams will want to beat the Gers, but that does not mean they need to get used to losing. What kind of message would that send? The 55-time Scottish champions play to win every match – a couple of poor defeats will not change that.

In other news, Rangers are believed to be interested in this goalscoring midfielder.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock this season, you’ll know that everything is far from rosy for Celtic Football Club.

Parkhead has been rocked by the absence of a trophy and the Hoops could now witness a number of their top players leave and head for pastures new.

What’s the word?

Odsonne Edouard is close to completing a move to England, while Ismaila Soro and Kristoffer Ajer also have admirers south of the border.

A mass exodus is set to disrupt the Hoops this summer but, in a rather worrying turn of events, they could also lose David Turnbull. The Scot only arrived last year but is already being linked with the exit door.

According to The Sun, Aston Villa are lining up a summer swoop for Turnbull as they look to bolster their midfield options. A move may cost the English side as little as £7m, a mere bargain for a player of his abilities.

Villa have watched the 21-year-old on several occasions now and feel as though he would offer similar value for money as John McGinn.

A huge blow for Celtic

Forget Ajer and Edouard; if Turnbull leaves Paradise this summer, it will be a disastrous blow to Celtic’s ambitions.

After all, this is a midfielder who was not only crowned the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year but also scooped the club’s Player of the Season award.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-mcgregor-mccann-tierney” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Celtic have had a particularly difficult campaign but, when the going got tough, Turnbull has shone like a beacon for a ship lost at sea.

The youngster has been so impressive that he has now earned a call-up to the Scotland squad for the first time and will travel to the European Championships. He has been spectacular and, during the 2020/21 campaign, he scored ten goals and produced eight assists.

Also offering a set piece threat, there are fewer players in Scottish football with more creativity than Turnbull. In fact, during this season, no player recorded more key passes in the Premiership than Celtic’s young midfielder with 85.

Talking about him back in March, Owen Coyle provided a glowing review, one which demonstrates why it would be a significant blow if he left.

“His physical attributes are there,” Coyle began. “He’s got an unbelievable engine, he goes box-to-box, covers the ground. He’s a team player who works his socks off. I think he’s a manager’s dream.”

Edouard might be Celtic’s top scorer but Turnbull is a player who has glued everything together during a chaotic first season in Glasgow.

The threat of their most vibrant young player leaving should leave Celtic supporters running for the hills. Him leaving would be a scary way to start the transfer window.

AND in other news, Celtic can find the new Scott McDonald by signing 24 y/o with “everything to his game”…

Leeds should look at a summer move for Harry Winks after Paul Robinson claimed he would be a “great signing” for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

What’s the story?

The £25m-rated England international has struggled for game-time in the Premier League this season with Spurs, making just ten appearances in the top flight.

Robinson has suggested that Bielsa’s side could be an ideal destination for Winks to rejuvenate his career, and insisted that he remains a “great player”.

The former Whites goalkeeper said: “Harry Winks would be a great signing, I’d love him to come to Leeds. He’s a great player, I rate him really highly. He’s been unlucky at Spurs not to get more game time because I think he could get in any of the top-six sides. He’s a great player.

“If he came to Leeds it would be a real coup. Harry Winks and Ben White would be a great start to the summer and I expect Leeds to spend big again.”

Midfield technician for Bielsa

The £50,000-a-week earning Winks has fallen off the radar somewhat in recent seasons, having been a firmly established player at both club and international level when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge at Spurs.

The former Lilywhites boss made it clear just how much he rated the 25-year-old, saying back in September 2018: “The characteristics are perfect to play football. When we talk about midfielders – because you like to use Spanish midfielders like Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta – he’s like this type of player, this capacity but please he needs to take in a very positive way my words.”

While that Xavi comparison certainly seems far-fetched given how the Spurs midfielder’s career has stalled, Winks still hasn’t lost his calmness in possession and has averaged a superb career passing accuracy of 90.2% – far better than any Leeds player who has played more than 90 minutes this season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Latest Leeds transfer rumours and news”]

Being able to retain possession and keep things ticking over in the middle of the park would give Bielsa’s side a bit more control in the engine room and help them build out from the back to feed the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison further forward.

Victor Orta could strike gold in the Spurs gem this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a real upgrade on Patrick Bamford in this star…