All posts by h79snht.top

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their stance on interest in forward Bamba Dieng ahead of January…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jonathan Shrager has confirmed that the Whites are not in talks with the player’s agents over a potential swoop for him in the next transfer window.

He Tweeted:

“Dieng latest. No recent contacts with OGC Nice (nor any French club) to explore Ligue 1 ‘joker’ rule. At this moment, Leeds aren’t in contact with Bamba’s representatives about a possible January move. Omitted from Marseilles’ UCL squad, Dieng still hopes to get Ligue 1 game time.”

This comes after the player rejected the chance to sign for Leeds on deadline day for a deal worth a fee in the region of £10m before failing a medical at Nice and being forced to remain at Marseille in Ligue 1.

Bullet dodged

Opting to move on to other targets instead of attempting to go back in for Dieng in January is a wise decision by Leeds and Jesse Marsch is dodging a bullet in the process.

Dieng’s deadline day drama proved that he is a liability in more ways than one. Firstly, he left the Whites in the lurch by deciding not to board the plane that was set to bring him to England at the last minute to pursue a move elsewhere, which suggests that he was not fully sold on the idea of joining the club in the first place.

So, why should Leeds bring in a player who is not convinced that moving to Yorkshire is right for him? Marsch will surely want players who are fully committed to the cause and desperate to play for the club in the Premier League, rather than ones who would rather be somewhere else.

Also, the injury issue that Nice spotted in their medical was clearly significant enough for them to pull out of their deal to sign him from Marseille. This suggests that he is also a liability from an availability/durability point of view, as the Ligue 1 outfit spotted something that could cause problems in the future.

The 22-year-old did score seven goals and provide three assists in 25 French top-flight outings last season but he has never played outside of France at senior level and it remains to be seen how he would adapt to life in the Premier League.

When you add his potential injury issues, his lack of desire to join Leeds, and the fact that he is yet to prove himself in another country together it makes it easy to see why the club are not jumping out of their seat to snap him up in January.

Marsch is dodging a bullet by avoiding a deal for the striker and the American coach, alongside Victor Orta, must now pursue alternative targets.

Leeds United forward Rodrigo will give the team a ‘massive lift’ when he returns from injury, Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Rodrigo dislocated his shoulder in the first half of the 1-1 draw with Everton at the end of August.

He’d started all five of Leeds’ games up to that point, scoring four goals, but missed the 5-2 defeat against Brentford earlier this month.

Jesse Marsch’s side have the weekend off after their game against Manchester United was postponed.

The manager said that, because Rodrigo has avoided surgery, Leeds are targeting the period after the international break for his comeback.

The latest

O’Rourke says Leeds can use their extended break to reintegrate players who have been out injured at Thorp Arch.

And he says the return of Rodrigo in particular will be a big boost for the Whites.

He told GMS: “I don’t think anybody likes matches being called off for whatever reason, but it does allow Jesse Marsch maybe to have some players back on the training pitch getting back to full fitness.

“And Rodrigo had such a great start to the season before he dislocated his shoulder as well, so it will be a massive lift to get him back in the team.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-50/” title=”Latest Leeds United news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The verdict

Rodrigo offers this side more than just goalscoring.

He can be a creative presence, ranking in the 78th percentile among forwards in the big five leagues for xG assisted and progressive passes, and he also contributes out of possession too, placing in the 84th percentile for interceptions and the 93rd for clearances (via FBRef).

Micah Richards said after his goal in the 3-0 victory over Chelsea that Rodrigo was ‘on fire’ and hailed his ‘absolutely brilliant’ work-rate.

Leeds will be looking to muster a response to their heavy loss against Brentford when they face Aston Villa at the start of October, and £58,000-per-week man Rodrigo may yet be able to help them.

Tony Mowbray could reportedly be given the funds to make two new signings for Sunderland in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Seven summer signings

The Wearsiders made seven new permanent signings in the summer, but also saw a managerial change as Mowbray came in for Alex Neil, who left to join Stoke City late last month.

The new boss now has to work with the squad that he has inherited, and it is safe to say that he is doing a good job so far, winning two and drawing one of his opening four games in the Championship.

The Latest: January funds

As per The Sun, Mowbray could now be given extra funds in the January transfer window to make a couple of new signings.

That is if he manages to keep his team in the fight for promotion to the Premier League, with Sunderland currently fifth in the Championship table on 15 points from their opening 10 matches.

The Verdict: Big boost

It will no doubt be a big boost for the Black Cats if they are to hold more financial power in January.

Mowbray claimed that he missed out on a defensive midfielder and a defender on transfer deadline day, so it could be those positions that he looks to strengthen in the winter.

Nonetheless, Sunderland have a real shot of back-to-back promotions, and a couple of new additions mid-season could help them to achieve that.

Celtic will do all they can to complete the permanent signing of loan hero Jota this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Jota shines for Celtic

The 23-year-old arrived at Parkhead on loan from Benfica last summer with an option to buy, with Ange Postecoglou seeing him as someone who could add firepower to his squad.

Jota has done just that, scoring nine goals and registering 10 assists in the Premiership, doing his bit in their relentless title charge.

While the attacker is set to return to Benfica at the end of the season, Celtic appear very keen to sign him outright.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-5/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Journalist talks up permanent Jota move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that a permanent move for Jota is one of the Hoops’ main transfer priorities this summer. He outlined:

“Obviously they have got that option to buy in there, so the fee is all agreed, Celtic just need to stump it up and I’m sure personal terms won’t be an issue.

“Postecoglou will be calling on the Celtic hierarchy to get this deal done so he can start preparing for next season with Jota in his plans.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Celtic

Some loan signings can be good but ultimately not worth making permanent, but Jota looks like a superb long-term option for Postecoglou, with the 56-year-old describing him as ‘unbelievable’ earlier in the season.

He has brought so much quality and output from his wide attacking role, and at 23, he should only improve even more as a player in the coming years.

For that reason, the idea of him signing permanently for Celtic is hugely exciting, and we also know that he can cut it in the Scottish top flight. The main factor now is whether or not Benfica are willing to part ways with him completely.

In other news, one player has been tipped to finish his career at Celtic. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa and West Ham are reportedly readying big offers to sign Lille forward Jonathan David.

The Lowdown: David profiled

David, primarily a centre-forward who can also play as a second striker or as an attacking midfielder, has been with Lille since 2020. [Transfermarkt]

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates/” title=”Aston Villa latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Valued at £45m, the Canada international has scored 30 goals in 94 appearances for the Ligue 1 side and has an impressive record for his country, netting 20 times in 30 games.

Labelled as ‘fearless’ by Canada manager John Herdman, the two-footed forward is under contract in France until 2025, but it looks as if a summer exit could be on the cards.

The Latest: Villa ready to write ‘big cheque’

Sports Witness relayed a story from a French outlet regarding David on Thursday. They claim that both Villa and West Ham stand out in a long list of potential buyers, adding that they are ‘likely’ to write a ‘big cheque’ for his services.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and PSG are also name-checked in the report, with a €50m (£42.5m) fee mooted.

The Verdict: Watkins replacement?

It looks as if both Villa and West Ham are willing to spend big on a forward ahead of the 2022/23 season, with the Hammers actually keen on Ollie Watkins.

Reports in recent days have stated that David Moyes’ side are eyeing up a move for the forward this summer, with Villa looking to make a substantial profit on the 26-year-old.

So, should West Ham come in with a bid for Watkins, NSWE could then put those funds towards a move for David, who now has Champions League experience and has netted at least 13 league goals in each of the past three seasons, turning out in a variety of attacking roles.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho.  

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued an update regarding the fitness of defender Ben White, ahead of Thursday’s pivotal Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, the Spaniard revealed that it remains uncertain as to whether the former Brighton man will be fit to feature against Antonio Conte’s side, having been absent since the win over Manchester United at the end of April.

Asked about the injury latest regarding his squad, the Gunners boss stated that: “Thomas [Partey] is still out, Kieran [Tierney] is still out, “Ben [White] is a doubt. We’ll have to assess him he’s feeling much better and Bukayo [Saka] is the same.”

The 40-year-old went on to add that it will be a close to call as to whether both White and teammate Bukayo Saka will be able to feature: “Very difficult to rate (a chance) with injuries, it’s just how they feel today,” he said. “That’s the last day we can assess them so we’ll have to see.”

White has missed the wins over both West Ham United and Leeds United due to a hamstring injury, while Saka was withdrawn late on against the Elland Road outfit. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney remain on the sidelines.

Fingers crossed

Arteta will be praying that the England centre-back will be fit to feature at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with it set to be a titanic tussle between two bitter rivals going toe-to-toe in the race to secure fourth spot.

For the Gunners, however, the motivation is clear, with a win confirming their Champions League qualification ahead of their north London neighbours, with the Emirates outfit currently four points clear and with just two games left to play following the meeting with Spurs.

The club are on the cusp of a return to Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2017 following a largely promising season, although defeat would ensure a nail-biting end to the campaign.

Should White be absent for that encounter, it would no doubt serve as an almighty blow, with the 24-year-old having been in imperious form since his £50m arrival last summer.

The £36m-rated man, previously dubbed “exceptional” by pundit Jamie Redknapp, has been a real force of nature at the back so far this term, averaging 3.1 clearances, 1.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90, while also winning a solid 59% of his total duels and keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets from 31 league outings.

Comfortable as both a central defender and at right-back, the £93k-per-week gem also offers his manager valuable versatility and flexibility, with his ability to also feature as part of a back three – as he did under Graham Potter last term – potentially useful up against Conte’s 3-4-3 system.

It would appear, however, that the one-time Leeds loanee faces a race against time to be fit, with it simply set to be a case of crossing fingers ahead of a game of such long-term importance. Should he miss out, though, the manager will understandably be gutted.

IN other news, Vieira 2.0: Arsenal gifted chance to sign “top-class” £25m ace, he could guarantee UCL…

Everton will be relieved that they avoided Premier League relegation this season, but they may feel that their squad needs to be improved so that they don’t suffer a similar brush with danger next time around; and it seems that they are already reportedly lining up their summer transfer targets as a new update emerges.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph’s football reporter Mike McGrath, Everton have joined the race to sign Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet.

As per McGrath’s latest article for The Telegraph, the Toffees are now looking closely at the £17.5m relegation clause attached to Cornet’s contract which has been triggered in the past week.

The reporter also revealed that West Ham United will rival Everton for the Ivory Coast international’s signature this summer.

Lampard will love him

With doubts surrounding the futures of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park, it appears that Frank Lampard is looking to add attacking reinforcements to his squad this summer. Cornet would duly be a major coup for Everton, especially for such a low fee.

Despite being relegated with Burnley, the Ivorian winger – who was dubbed a “fabulous finisher” by Owen Hargreaves – has been drawing attention to himself since he joined the Clarets last summer, with the BT Sport pundit also labelling him “one of the signings of the season”.

As per SofaScore, Cornet has scored nine goals and contributed one assist, creating two big chances and taking 1.8 shots per game for Burnley. This shows that the 25-year-old is hungry for goals and could be a great addition to boost Everton’s productivity next season.

It has been reported that Salomon Rondon will be one of the Toffees players set to be offered out to other clubs this summer after a disappointing and ineffective season from the striker.

The prospective sale of the 32-year-old could give Cornet the perfect opportunity to come into the side and positively impact matches, while also being a promising prospect for the future at Everton. He has already proven his worth in his first season of Premier League football, and he could develop very well under an attack-minded coach like Lampard, who would surely love to have a player of such prowess at Everton.

Ultimately, if the powerbrokers at Goodison Park can secure a deal for Cornet ahead of West Ham, it would be a significant step forward for Everton in their pursuit to improve the squad, especially if they can sign him for his £17.5m relegation clause this summer.

AND in other news – “Sources tell me..”: Journalist drops big Everton transfer claim, it’ll delight supporters

An update has emerged on Rangers and their pursuit of a new goalkeeper to bring to Ibrox during the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Gers are one of two teams interested in signing Jack Butland ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Ross Wilson is plotting a move for the Englishman as a potential replacement for Allan McGregor in Glasgow as the veteran’s contract expires this year.

The report claims that Bournemouth are also keen on the shot-stopper and the Gers will need to beat off competition from the Cherries to land him.

Gio van Bronckhorst needs him badly

The Ibrox head coach needs him badly this summer as McGregor needs to be given significant competition – or to be replaced – next season.

In the Premiership, the 40-year-old played 29 games and conceded 0.9 goals per game as he made four errors directly leading to shots/goals. This shows that he had lapses in concentration as he made costly mistakes in the top-flight, including two errors in the 3-3 draw with Ross County.

If he does put pen to paper on an extension then Butland must be brought in to push him for the number one position so that they are not resigned to having an error-prone goalkeeper between the sticks. Of course, if the Scot decides to call a time on his career then the Gers will have a number one jersey to give to the Palace man.

Eagles reporter Mark Wyatt dubbed him as “incredibly brave” earlier this season as he won his place back in the team for a spell under Patrick Vieira. He made nine Premier League appearances ahead of Vincente Guaita and conceded 1.4 goals per game, whilst saving 100% (1/1) of the penalties against him.

In those nine matches, Butland did not make a single error directly leading to an opposition shot or goal, which suggests that he was a reliable option between the sticks for the English outfit. He has also only made one leading to a goal in his five Premier League campaigns throughout his career.

The £35k-per-week tank can, therefore, be can be a much-needed addition to the team if he can continue that level of reliability next term, given McGregor’s mistakes in the Scottish top-flight.

He still has plenty left to give at the age of 29, 11 years younger than McGregor, and can be van Bronckhorst’s number one for many years to come if Wilson can strike a deal for him.

AND in other news, Race won: Wilson lands Rangers deal for sought-after teenage gem, GvB will be buzzing…

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be ‘hoping’ to land Rangers defender Calvin Bassey this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Bassey linked with Villa

Villa have already made four permanent additions this summer. Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have converted their loan spells into full-time moves, while deals for Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos have been completed.

Bassey has also been linked with a move to Villa Park, with reports towards the end of May even going as far as suggesting that a transfer was close.

Speculation has cooled following the move for Carlos, but O’Rourke thinks that a deal for the Nigerian defender may still be of interest to Gerrard.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Bassey

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke said that the Villa manager will be looking to use ‘his past connections’ with Rangers to ‘swing’ a potential deal for Bassey ‘in his favour’.

The journalist stated: “I think for Rangers, they’ll be definitely trying to keep hold of Bassey, but Gerrard will be hoping his past connections with Bassey can maybe swing the deal in his favour, if Rangers do decide to sell.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Described as ‘absolutely sensational’ by Jason Cundy, Bassey can line out as a centre-back and left-back and was a regular at Ibrox this season, making 50 appearances in total.

Villa will now have five senior centre-backs after signing Carlos, but should Newcastle loanee Matt Targett seal a permanent move away from the Midlands, they could be short at left-back.

Meanwhile, Ashley Young is out of contract at the end of June, so Bassey could come in as competition for Lucas Digne while providing yet another centre-back option for Gerrard at Villa Park.

In other news: ‘Incomings…’ – Chief reporter drops what Villa supporters should now ‘expect’ after Olsen move

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce spoke previously about the significant overhaul that he’s looking to oversee during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Having secured a deal to sign John Swift on a free transfer from Reading last month, this shows just how eager the club have been to get new faces through the door quickly.

On the flip side, the Baggies did release some big names from the club in recent weeks such as Andy Carroll, Sam Johnstone and Romaine Sawyers.

Regarding any potential future recruitment from the club this summer, one player who has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns recently and who could be an ideal replacement for Sawyers in particular is Lewis O’Brien.

Having played in 123 Championship games throughout his career, with eight goals and 10 assists to his name, the 23-year-old certainly has the experience to come in and be a fine addition to Bruce’s side.

His latest season with Huddersfield Town saw the midfielder play a big part in their campaign which saw the Terriers make it all the way to Wembley for the play-Off final, only to then fall at the final hurdle and miss out on securing their place in the Premier League.

In 46 league appearances in the current campaign, O’Brien highlighted what a capable all-around midfielder he is by scoring three goals and providing three assists.

He also racked up 48 shots at goal, 31 crosses and 33 interceptions and won 59 tackles, totally eclipsing Sawyers for each of these statistics as the former Baggies midfielder spent the season on loan with Stoke City.

Ending the campaign as Huddersfield’s highest-rated outfield player according to WhoScored also shows how capable O’Brien is of performing at a high level in the Championship.

Labelled a “very special” player by Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan, the 23-year-old could be a significant prospective signing for the Baggies this summer as Bruce looks to build a side capable of reaching promotion back to the Premier League.

With a reported price tag of £10m, this is a deal that West Brom should be all over as they continue their summer overhaul ahead of the new season.

In other news: WBA can finally replace Evans as Bruce eyes move for “solid” £2.7m-rated machine