All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United reportedly now ‘like’ the look of Gianluca Scamacca as a potential alternative to Hugo Ekitike.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The Italian has come off the back of a standout season at Sassuolo, where he scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A games (Transfermarkt).

Magpies supporters may have become familiar with him, having watched him play against England for Italy in their 0-0 draw in the UEFA Nations League recently, as the Three Lions defence found it difficult to play against him at times.

The striker won all three of his aerial duels against Gareth Southgate’s men at Molineux, a testament to his imposing 6 foot 5 stature.

The Latest: Ekitike alternative

Taking to Twitter, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that Newcastle now ‘like’ Scamacca as a potential alternative to Ekitike, with the latter’s agent holding out amid interest from Borussia Dortmund.

However, there is a ‘feeling’ that Scamacca would prefer to stay in Italy, as Chelsea forward Armando Broja is also a player in whom the Magpies hold an ‘interest’.

The Verdict: Wait for Ekitike…

Ekitike still remains the Tynesiders’ number one centre-forward target, so they should wait to see if a deal can be pushed through for him first before they look at signing Scamacca or Broja.

Dubbed the ‘next Mbappe’ by some in France, the teenager certainly has a big future ahead of him, having broken onto the scene with 11 goals and four assists in French football last term (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Scamacca is not much older at 23 and was called ‘deadly’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so he too has an eye for goal which could take Newcastle to the next level.

In other news, find out which deal NUFC have now tried to ‘hijack’

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now dropped a West Ham United transfer claim involving Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse rumours swirl

Back in January, the Spanish media reported that Premier League clubs Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were all interested in signing the Saints midfielder in the summer.

More recently, the Daily Mail have claimed that Fabio Paratici is interested in a deal to sign the 27-year-old for Spurs, whilst ExWHUemployee has claimed that West Ham are now expected to make an offer for the England international.

The Latest: Romano’s news

Romano has now shared his own update on Ward-Prowse’s transfer interest, amongst a number of rumours suggesting various potential destinations.

Taking to an interview on YouTube with Chris Cowlin, Romano claimed (via a transcript on Twitter):

“No update on him (joining Spurs). West Ham are tracking him though.”

The Hammers are widely expected to wrap up a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd in the coming days, so perhaps Ward-Prowse could be their second major target this summer.

The Verdict: Would be a great signing

The Saints skipper’s set-piece abilities have always been lavished with high praise, and his numerous fantastic free-kicks this season have now pushed him towards David Beckham’s Premier League record.

With 11 goals in all competitions, the midfielder was Southampton’s top scorer for the 2021/22 campaign, earning plaudits from football analyst Statman Dave as having had a ‘memorable season’.

However, according to former teammate Charlie Austin, it is “the nuts and bolts of his game: running hard, winning the ball back, and leading his team, [which] are phenomenal”.

Austin’s comments suggest Ward-Prowse could be a great acquisition for many top-half sides, including the likes of West Ham, who could do with signing another midfielder following the retirement of club legend Mark Noble.

In other news: Irons will look into signing Emmanuel Dennis

Celtic have been circling Israeli midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani ahead of a potential summer move, according to Record Sport.

The Lowdown: Abu Fani’s career

Abu Fani has spent his entire professional career in his native country, where he currently plays for Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa.

For the 2017/18 season, the midfielder was sent out on loan to second-tier outfit H. Ramat Gan, before returning and quickly heading straight back out to Hapoel Hadera, where he enjoyed two separate loan spells with the club.

All in all, the versatile midfielder has 18 goals and 11 assists in 182 club appearances.

The Latest: Hoops interested

According to a report by Record Sport, Celtic are keen to strengthen their squad further after their Premiership win and have identified Abu Fani as a potential arrival.

It is said that the Hoops are now circling the midfielder ahead of a potential summer switch.

As per Sport 5, Celtic will send scouts to watch Israel face Iceland and Albania in the UEFA Nations League, as they assess the 24-year-old before making a move.

The Verdict: Good signing for depth

Taking to Twitter, football analyst Julien San James has analysed the Israel international’s game, claiming that he has a ‘fearsome’ long-ball strike, and that he is ‘mobile and technical’ on the ball.

Following the departure of midfielder Nir Bitton, Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou needs to bring in a fresh face as a means of developing the squad’s depth, as the Glasgow side will look to make a push in next year’s UEFA Champions League.

Therefore, the Israeli’s arrival could prove useful for Celtic’s busy schedule next season, as rotation will be a key for success.

In other news: Alex McLeish makes Hoops transfer claim

Wolves will try to nail down Morgan Gibbs-White to a new contract this summer but may also be tempted to cash in on him, according to journalist Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White in good form

The 22-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Sheffield United, where he enjoyed a hugely fruitful time of things.

Gibbs-White ended up with a tally of 12 goals and 10 assists in the Championship for the Blades, being hailed as having the ‘world at his feet’ by Bramall Lane team-mate David McGoldrick.

The midfielder will now return to Molineux this summer, at which point a big decision may need to be made regarding his future.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-the-latest-from-wolves-8/” title=”All the latest from Wolves!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Gibbs-White’s Wolves future

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook claimed that Wolves are very much keen on securing his future at the club, but could also be tempted by a substantial transfer offer for him. The journalist stated:

“There’s a lot of interest in Morgan Gibbs-White, I’m just trying to stand up exactly where that’s going. I think Wolves would like to sign him to a new contract, but if he’s a player they can get £20m for, they might see that as a good investment and a chance to rebuild.”

[freshpress-poll id=“388780″]

The Verdict: Don’t lose him

To lose Gibbs-White at this point in his career would be criminal, considering his vast potential and the distinct possibility that Ruben Neves will be sold.

The 22-year-old is too good a talent not to be kept at the club, considering that he has made seven appearances for England’s under-21s and been touted as one of the best young players in the country.

Handing Gibbs-White a new deal seems a no-brainer for Wolves, especially given his current form. Whether or not the player accepts it is another thing altogether, and he may feel that he wants a new challenge. An interesting summer could lie ahead for player and club.

In other news, a key update regarding one Wolves hero’s future has emerged. Read more here.

West Bromwich Albion are interested in Millwall midfielder Jed Wallace.

What’s the word?

As per a report from The Sun’s Alan Nixon, it has been claimed that West Brom have opened talks to sign the Millwall midfielder who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Steve Bruce is said to be keen on the 28-year-old but he has been offered new terms by his current employers.

Bruce needs him

The latest news is timely for Bruce, who is set to lose midfield depth in the form of Romaine Sawyers, who will leave in the summer on a free after the Baggies decided against triggering his one-year contract extension.

It is no wonder as to why Wallace has so many reported suitors, especially when you consider that he was hailed as “unbelievable” by current manager Gary Rowett too.

Of the last three Championship campaigns, the Englishman has struck gold with his attacking returns – managing a whopping 27 goals and 30 assists.

57 returns over the last three seasons presents serious value for a club who can prise him away on a free at the end of the season.

And he has continued in that vein, with another six goals and 12 assists shooting Millwall to within touching distance of the play-off places.

Compared to Sawyers, therefore, he’d be a huge upgrade. Since signing for Albion, the 30-year-old has only ever scored once and laid on a solitary assist.

Furthermore, Wallace is also a more versatile threat, possessing the ability to play in Sawyers’ attacking midfield role, but also on the flanks.

In other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing 19 y/o dynamo who has a “knack of scoring” 

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has shared some worrying injury news regarding defender Fabian Schar ahead of the Magpies’ trip to Turf Moor.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s finale

Newcastle are preparing for their away trip to Turf Moor on the final day of the season, as Burnley fight for three points and Premier League survival.

Sitting in 12th position, the Magpies have enjoyed a hugely successful end to the campaign, having won four of their last six league games under Eddie Howe’s management.

If all of the results go their way, Newcastle could see themselves climb up to 10th place, if they secure three points against a desperate Burnley side..

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Howe’s injury news

Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s clash against Burnley, Eddie Howe has shared the latest injury news on Schar, after the Magpies defender was forced off during the side’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Monday night, having clashed heads with Eddie Nketiah.

Journalist Lee Ryder relayed the comment on Twitter: “We’re following concussion protocols. He may be doing something outside today but we’re following the protocols closely so it’ll be a late decision on him.”

The Verdict: Worrying news

The fact that it will take a ‘late’ decision suggests that Schar isn’t 100% ready and thus should be left to rest on the bench, and only make an appearance if needs be. Head injuries are always worrying, and taking a risk at this stage would feel foolish.

However, this will come as a blow to the Magpies, as 30-year-old has become a mainstay in Howe’s starting XI, having been benched just three times in the Premier League under the former Cherries manager.

Therefore, it will be a big boost for Burnley if Schar is absent, and could even make the difference to whether the Clarets stay up.

In other news: Newcastle United: Italian source makes Thomas Strakosha claim

Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey has declared himself fit for Wednesday’s Europa League final. 

The lowdown

Rangers are due to meet Eintracht Frankfurt at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium as they go in search of their first European trophy since the 1972 Cup Winners’ Cup and only their second of all time.

Then, on Saturday, they take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.

These could well be the final two games of Ramsey’s Rangers career, with his loan from Juventus due to expire at the end of the season.

The Welshman only started one of the Gers’ knockout matches – the second leg against Braga – and has only featured in the XI for five Scottish Premiership fixtures, missing out on eight matchday squads overall through injury.

But he got 60 minutes under his belt in the 3-1 victory over Hearts on Saturday.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-4/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The latest

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ramsey said he is ready to play in Seville after managing to build up his fitness.

“I’ve managed to get some minutes in recently so I’m good to go,” he claimed.

The verdict

It remains to be seen whether Ramsey starts, but his experience of the biggest occasions could be an asset for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

He won the FA Cup three times while he was at Arsenal and has also claimed the Coppa Italia during his time at Juventus.

Ramsey, named in the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2016, is a player who boasts real trophy-winning pedigree.

Sporting director Ross Wilson regards the £4.5million-rated ace as a ‘leader, a quality player and a wonderful character’, highlighting his value on the field and in the dressing room.

It’s a big boost to have him fit and available after the troubles he’s had.

In other news, Four Lads Had A Dream lavish praise on this man. 

Celtic are closing in on securing the Premiership title this season with just two matches left to play.

The Hoops are in action tonight as they take on Dundee United away from home, before Saturday’s final game of the season against Motherwell at Parkhead.

Heading into these two big matches, it seems as though a worrying update has emerged regarding the possibility of whether or not one important Bhoys figure will be able to play a part.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his latest press conference on Tuesday, Postecoglou updated Celtic fans about the current situation surrounding Josip Juranovic and his fitness.

The 56-year-old said: “Josip Juranovic is still not fit for tomorrow. He’s half a chance for the weekend – we’ll see. He’s in rehab.”

The defender has been out of action since last month after he picked up an injury during their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Rangers.

Celtic signed the full-back from Legia Warsaw last summer on a five-year deal worth a reported £2.5m.

Since then, the 26-year-old has been an important figure for the Bhoys, making 35 appearances across all competitions. In that time, the right-back has chipped in with five goals and provided two assists along the way.

He has also shown how solid a defensive player he can be by making 22 interceptions and winning 28 tackles, putting him in the top five in Postecoglou’s squad for both metrics.

While the Parkhead club are on the verge of landing the league title and taking it off their Old Firm rivals, it will still be worrying for the 56-year-old to potentially see the summer recruit fail to make a recovery by the weekend.

Also, with fellow right-back Anthony Ralston posting the joint-lowest SofaScore match rating during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Hearts according to, perhaps having him play instead of Juranovic could be a concern for the Hoops manager.

If Celtic are able to get over the line and clinch the league title without the Croatian, everyone will then be hoping that he will be able to recover over the summer and stay fit for next season.

In other news: “Postecoglou knows”: Insider drops Lennoxtown claim, Celtic supporters will be elated

Manchester United legend Roy Keane singled out Anthony Elanga for praise during the Red Devils’ 3-0 Premier League victory over Brentford. 

The lowdown: Much-needed positivity

The Red Devils ended their 2021/22 home campaign on a high as Ralf Rangnick’s side ran out comfortable winners at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the first half before a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty was followed by Raphael Varane’s first goal for the club to cap a much-improved display.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Sitting in the studio watching an important night on and off the field, United legend Keane was impressed by one bright spark in particular…

The latest: Keane praise for Elanga

Speaking at half-time during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football [via Manchester Evening News], the midfielder who made 471 appearances for the club was full of praise for Elanga after the 20-year-old provided the assist for the first goal.

Keane gushed: “Just the movement from Elanga, he’s very positive. Very good movement, but poor defending.

“That’s what you want from young players. You got to mix your game up, when to go short, when to spin. It’s a good ball from Dalot.

“Right into the area and Fernandes, very simple but very effective. Lovely ball (from Elanga). He’s definitely got a bright future. Everything he does, on the pitch, is always positive.”

The verdict: Green shoots

Elanga has certainly been a rare beacon of positivity from what has been an otherwise dismal season for the red half of Manchester.

Predominantly operating as a right winger, the twice-capped Sweden international has created three big chances, completed 0.6 dribbles and taken 1.1 shots per game on average in the Premier League (Sofascore).

Overall, Elanga has scored three times and provided two assists in 25 appearances across all competitions and seems almost certain to play a major part in Erik ten Hag’s impending rebuild.

In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here

As if Everton weren’t already having a nightmare season in the Premier League without speculation mounting on the future of their players, and now a fresh update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

Football Insider has reported that a recruitment source has revealed that the Toffees striker will leave this summer whether the club stays up in the Premier League or not.

The source also confirmed that Calvert-Lewin has told friends that Arsenal is his preferred choice of club after being linked with a move to the Emirates and St James’ Park this summer.

Fans will be fuming

There is no doubt that Everton fans will be fuming with the news on top of all the turmoil they are currently experiencing with their beloved club potentially set for their first-ever Premier League relegation this season.

The England international has had a less than a satisfactory season at Goodison Park, plagued with injuries throughout the campaign and has failed to tally up a single goal since last August when he scored against Brighton, making just 14 appearances scoring three goals and contributing which has played a part in Everton’s vulnerability in keeping their top-flight status.

Since returning from a quad and fractured toe injury Calvert-Lewin has struggled to stay fit and has now been sidelined again over the last two league games with another quad injury, but Frank Lampard has confirmed he’ll possibly return against Chelsea this weekend.

The amount of disruption Calvert-Lewin’s departure could have on the team is unfathomable at this point of the season, but when the side’s fate has been sealed this summer depending on whether they can succeed in their relegation battle, selling the striker could be the best option for the Toffees.

Despite being a clear fan favourite, Everton reportedly need to recoup money for financial losses if Lampard is to have any chance of rebuilding the squad with a healthy transfer budget in the upcoming window and if they can get a good price for Calvert-Lewin it could be a good opportunity for Everton to wipe the slate clean and start again by building an improved attacking force for next season.

Ultimately, Lampard and his team must focus on securing Premier League football next season in their last six games of the season, putting transfer dealings on the back burner until they have confirmed the position they will be in next season.

AND in other news: Talks planned: Moshiri must now finally brutally axe “dangerous” £49k-p/w Everton gem