All posts by z3u9t.icu

It has been confirmed that the ever-reliable Roy Hodgson will lead the post-Patrick Vieira era after a successful interim role at the end of last season. The 75-year-old transformed Crystal Palace’s attack and guided the club to a comfortable mid-table finish by playing far more dynamic and free-flowing attacking football.

While Wilfried Zaha’s uncertain future still hangs over Selhurst Park, the south Londoners must begin to look forward and add more reinforcements to keep their distance from the relegation zone.

The ideal way to move forward from the possible loss of their mercurial winger would be to secure the signing of Arsenal's Folarin Balogun.

What’s the latest on Folarin Balogun to Crystal Palace?

The Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor previously revealed that the 22-year-old is on Palace’s radar, but there are many other sides who are also interested.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “They are looking at him, from what I understand. I've had conversations about Balogun's future. There are a lot of clubs informed on his situation. Palace are one, Inter Milan, Monaco, Marseille, Leipzig, AC Milan.”

However, in his most recent update, he expressed concerns over Palace’s budget, but feels it would be a “sensational” coup: "I'm not sure how much money Palace have. Obviously, if Zaha doesn't stay, which looks quite likely at the moment that he's not going to, I think that will free up a bit of cash in terms of wages.

"But Palace aren't a team that have had a lot of money to spend in recent years, so I'm not sure whether they can match the kind of money but to answer your original question. – yes, I think he'd be a sensational signing."

It is understood that a bid of around £50m would tempt the Gunners hierarchy to sell the youngster.

Speculation around Balogun has been fuelled by his declaration that he “definitely won’t go on loan again.”

Who can Folarin Balogun link up with at Crystal Palace?

In August 2022, the United States international joined Reims on loan and his adaptation to Ligue 1 proved simply magnificent such was his wonderful, goalscoring form.

In 37 appearances, Balogun scored 21 times at a rate of 0.63 goals per 90, the fourth-best total in the division.

Reims manager Will Still was full of praise for the two-cap international’s impact and said: “He is a super complete striker, he is able to play with his back to goal, in-depth. It is technically very clean. He scores, he is decisive.”

A player of this quality and potency can provide a formidable focal point for Eberechi Eze, who can seemingly be the man to supply quality service to the "golden" Gunners ace – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The playmaker is a real creative force for his side and was in imperious form throughout last season, having created six big chances in 38 league outings – second to only that of Michael Olise (11) among his Palace teammates, as per Sofascore.

The Englishman recorded 14 goal contributions in the Premier League, the highest in the squad, and his skill, elegance, and technique were arguably untouchable at times, having been described as "mesmerising" by teammate Joel Ward.

Coupled with his impressive productivity, the 25-year-old was a pivotal figure within offensive sequences and consistently showcased his mesmeric dribbling. The 25-year-old ranks within the best 6% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90 and shot-creating actions per 90.

The prospect of a scintillating attacking partnership between Eze and Balogun is extremely exciting and will help to ease the potential departure of Zaha.

Manchester United target Diogo Costa's name 'keeps coming up' at Old Trafford as Erik Ten Hag endeavours to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest transfer news involving Diogo Costa?

According to The Daily Mail, Porto goalkeeper Costa and Inter Milan stopper Andre Onana are among the favourites to replace David De Gea at Old Trafford.

The report states that Manchester United's budget won't be able to cover bringing in both a goalkeeper and a striker, so a compromise of some sort will need to be found within their recruitment process.

Football Insider claim that it looks likely that De Gea won't return to Manchester United amid uncertainty surrounding his contract situation and the fact he is now a free agent while he isn't keen to play second fiddle at the Premier League giants.

In terms of the Red Devils' attraction towards Costa, A Bola via The Sun have revealed that he has a clause of around £65 million in his current contract at Porto.

As per The Athletic, Manchester United have also contacted Feyenoord over the availability of goalkeeper Justin Bijlow as they step up their transfer proactivity.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports journalist Sheth has detailed that Costa is a name that carries on getting mentioned in conversations at Old Trafford.

Sheth said: "United will be looking at other keepers. Diogo Costa from Porto is a name that keeps coming up.

"David Raya from Brentford, possibly a little bit too expensive for what United believe, with him only having a year left on his contract and making it clear that he wants to leave."

Would Costa be a good signing and who else had been linked with the Red Devils?

Costa, who has been hailed as "sensational", has earned a reputation as a reliable stopper between the sticks and could help Manchester United to reach a new gear in 2023/24.

Last term, the 23-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions for Porto and managed to keep 20 clean sheets in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Costa also achieved a save percentage of 77.2% in the Primeira Liga and 81.6% in the Champions League, respectively, demonstrating his capacity to keep the majority of strikes he faces away from the target.

Sofascore illustrate that Costa earned an average match rating of 6.95/10 for his exploits on the pitch in the Portuguese top-flight last campaign.

In other news, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has completed his medical ahead of a move to Manchester United. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update on the state of play surrounding the England international on Twitter, stating: "Mason Mount’s medical was fine and successfully completed — waiting for Manchester United announcement. Mount’s expected to share his ‘goodbye’ message to Chelsea — then Manchester United will unveil Mount as their first summer signing."

The Daily Mail have reported that Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is another target for Manchester United, with talks continuing between both parties, indicating a busy summer window ahead at Old Trafford regarding incomings.

Manchester City are ready to pay to complete the signing of Achraf Hakimi, with Pep Guardiola said to be a big fan of the Paris Saint-Germain star, according to a report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Man City transfer news?

Man City are planning to spend big on West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, having submitted a £90m offer for the England international, although that proposal was swiftly rejected by the Hammers.

Central midfield is not the only position that needs strengthening, however, with Kyle Walker's future in doubt. A new right-back may be required, with the likes of Nahuel Molina and Hakimi being linked with moves to the Etihad Stadium.

It is detailed that Guardiola wants to build a side capable of competing on all fronts next season, with the PSG defender being identified as a player who could help them do that, and there has now been an update on City's pursuit.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Sky Blues are now "ready to pay" to complete the signing of the 24-year-old, as they hold a strong interest in his services.

Guardiola is said to be a big fan of the Moroccan, who features highly on Man City's shortlist of potential defender signings, but he would command a big fee. The Citizens' interest in the right-back comes amid doubts over the futures of Walker and Joao Cancelo, with the latter of the two set to leave this summer.

How much does Achraf Hakimi earn?

The PSG full-back is currently tied down to a £240k-per-week deal with the French champions, which is not due to expire until 2026, meaning his current employers will be in a very strong negotiating position this summer.

However, Man City are seemingly willing to spend big on the Morocco international, and there is every indication he could be worth it, given the threat he poses on the front foot.

In the past year, the former Inter Milan star has averaged 0.17 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the 93rd percentile compared to his positional peers, with a pass-completion rate of 89% placing him in the 98th percentile.

Any player operating in a Guardiola system needs to be an assured passer of the ball, and the right-back fits the bill in that regard, while he has also been hailed as "sensational" by journalist David Amoyal.

Hakimi could be a perfect long-term replacement for Walker, and Man City should now look to test the waters with an opening offer – showing that Guardiola is not messing around in the market with midfielder Mateo Kovacic set to become the first signing of the summer.

Manchester United have made an enquiry about the availability of Utrecht midfielder Taylor Booth, according to a recent report from ESPN.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Man United's pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has reached an impasse, as the Blues were unwilling to accept a bid of £55m, meaning Erik ten Hag and the club have now started to refocus on other targets, identifying several options.

The Red Devils could still make a move for Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch, who would be more than willing to make the switch to the Premier League, with transfer expert Dean Jones also confirming West Ham United's Declan Rice is of interest.

Jones outlines the likes of Romeo Lavia, Adrien Rabiot and Amadou Onana as alternatives to Mount, and a new report from ESPN has now linked United with a move for Booth, who currently plays for Utrecht in the Eredivise.

The report confirms that Man United's £55m offer for Mount remains on the table, should Chelsea choose to change their stance, but they appear to have moved on to other targets, with an enquiry being made about the Utrecht midfielder, amongst others.

Contact has been made with Ajax over the availability of Mohammed Kudus, while they have also asked about Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo. The Red Devils are said to be working within a strict budget this summer, with Ten Hag keen to bring in a midfielder, striker and goalkeeper.

Who is Taylor Booth?

The 22-year-old is lesser known than the majority of players Man United have been linked with, however, he is starting to make a name for himself in the Eredivisie, with members of the media praising him for his performances last season.

Journalist Joseph Lowery has described the American midfielder as "skillful, creative, quick, intense and versatile", while he has also added he is "tearing up" in the Netherlands, and it is hard to disagree.

The Utah-born ace displayed his versatility by regularly playing on the left-wing, right-wing and through the middle last season, during which time he weighed in with two goals and four assists, earning himself his first call-up to the USMNT.

That said, Booth is still young and not yet the finished article, so it could be a big risk for Man United to bring him in as an alternative to Mount, who has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years.

A number of Liverpool fans believe that Virgil van Dijk has hinted that the club will be making multiple signings this summer after his recent comments.

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds endured a pretty poor 2022/23 Premier League season, finishing in fifth, four points outside of the Champions League spots.

With that in mind, Jurgen Klopp and co will desperately want to vastly improve next term and they’ll stand a better chance of doing that with some clever business in the transfer window.

Liverpool have made a good start on that front, completing an initial £35m move for Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion early on in June.

However, it appears that they aren’t done yet and Van Dijk has essentially confirmed as much when speaking to the press recently.

Indeed, the Dutch defender explained that he was looking forward to the future, with “new players”, plural, coming in this summer.

He said (via The Express): “I still have two years left on my contract and I assume that they [Liverpool] still consider me important for the team. If not, I am sure I would have heard about it.

“My contact with the manager is good and I feel very positive about things again. The way we finished the season motivates me to go into pre-season with the new players who are coming in.”

The quotes were quickly circulated on social media and it’s fair to say a number of Liverpool fans spotted the transfer hint and were left pretty excited by it all. Here are the best Twitter reactions…

The Reds haven’t always been that keen to spend big in the market. Notably, last season when they wanted a new midfielder, Klopp ended up with Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus and he saw just 13 minutes of action before departing.

And after missing out on Jude Bellingham, some fans may have feared the worst…

But VVD’s comments seem to bode well.

Aston Villa are "keeping tabs" on Almeria winger Largie Ramazani ahead of a potential summer move for him, according to a new update.

Who is Largie Ramazani?

The 22-year-old is an exciting young player who is currently plying his trade in La Liga, catching the eye with his performances for an Almeria side who finished 17th in 2022/23, avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth.

Despite their struggles, Ramazani still chipped in with three goals and one assist in 13 starts in the league, doing his best to provide an attacking spark.

The Belgian's current Almeria deal runs out in the summer of 2025, but he could look for a move away before then, in order to test himself at a bigger club. Not only that, but his current side will be aware of his contract situation, knowing that now could be the best time to cash in on him.

With Villa looking to make some significant reinforcements during the summer window, it looks as though the young winger is on their radar.

Could Ramazani be off the Villa this summer?

According to Diario de Almeria [via Sport Witness], Villa are one the clubs who are "keeping tabs" on Ramazani, with the Almeria man having a "good reputation" in England.

The situation is seen as "win-win" by the La Liga side, considering their prized attacker would either stay put or they will earn good money for his signature, even though the report states that an "exorbitant amount" won't be needed to prise him away. In fact, Almeria feel that the "time has come to sell him", seeing him as a "sellable" asset.

Ramazani could be an exciting long-term acquisition by Villa, not definitely coming in as an immediate nailed-on starter under Unai Emery, but representing a good squad option and someone who should only grow as a footballer as the years pass.

The four-cap and two-goal Belgium Under-21 international has been described as "The Mini-Vinicius" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, referring to his similarities to Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr as a player, as he also highlights the starlet's "electric pace and accelaration" and "superb dribbling skills and close control".

This perfectly illustrates what a big prospect Ramazani is moving forward, and why Villa signing him could potentially be a masterstroke by Emery, as he looks to bring in both established and young talent between now and the start of next season.

Manchester United remain interested in the Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the summer transfer window having missed out in January.

How old is Sofyan Amrabat?

Erik ten Hag's season may be over on the touchline, however, he is seemingly set to tackle the summer transfer window ahead of the new campaign.

The Red Devils have been linked with potentially huge moves already following the conclusion of the action on the pitch with the likes of Mason Mount reportedly a target.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea will hold out for a bid in the region of £68m this summer but United are one of the sides believed to hold an interest in the England international.

As well as Mount, it is claimed the Premier League giants have earmarked Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane as a serious option to address their issues up top.

However, there could be another star from the World Cup who could be an option for the Dutchman this summer with Amrabat once again linked with a possible exit from Fiorentina.

This comes after the reports in January which had linked the 26-year-old with interest from both United and the newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed – although La Liga is his preferred option – the Premier League is an attractive proposition for the midfielder this summer:

"Let me say there's a lot of interest into this player, Sofyan Amrabat. It's true that Bayern Munich have an interest but the priority of the player is La Liga, is Spanish league or Premier League also really attractive to him.

"But La Liga is the priority with Barcelona or let's see if Atletico Madrid will return to the race. Mentioning Premier League, let's see what happens with Chelsea and Man United because these two clubs were in contact with his agents in January."

How much is Sofyan Amrabat worth?

The Moroccan was linked with a potential move to the Premier League last year when Spurs were heavily linked with interest in the 26-year-old.

However, it was in the World Cup that he made a real name for himself over the winter after playing a significant role for Morocco as they made their way to the semi-finals.

Indeed, the 26-year-old became the first player in the tournament to record 50 recoveries as he became a real rock in the middle of the Morocco midfield.

The 26-year-old's performances in Qatar saw him dubbed as an "absolute midfield monster" by some in the media as they ended the tournament in fourth place.

Amrabat has played a significant role for Fiorentina this season having totalled 49 appearances across all competitions, however, his deal is now running into its final year.

And as a result, the 26-year-old could potentially be made available for a reduced price with the Serie A side believed to be looking for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m).

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly identified a potential replacement for Alfredo Morelos, amid reports regarding the Old Firm outfit's apparent interest in Rijeka's, Matija Frigan.

What's the latest on Frigan to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are said to have made an enquiry regarding a possible summer move for the 20-year-old striker, with manager Michael Beale in need of a new centre-forward addition amid Morelos' impending departure.

The report suggests that while the Glasgow giants have not yet submitted a bid for the promising Croatian, the belief is that his current side are set to demand a fee of around £5.2m, with two years left to run on the youngster's existing deal.

The piece does also add that the Gers may have competition in their bid to land the 6 foot 1 ace, however, with Dinamo Zagreb also in the running for his signature – albeit while having had a £3m offer rejected.

Who is Matija Frigan?

The Croatian youth international could well prove to be Rangers' next Antonio Colak, with the latter man – who also turns out for Croatia at international level – having also made his name at Rejika prior to joining the Scottish Premiership side last summer.

After spending his early career plying his trade for a variety of clubs in his native Germany, Colak particularly caught the eye after plundering 51 goals and providing 15 assists in just 90 games for Rejika, having initially joined the club on loan in January 2018.

That prolific form earned the three-cap marksman subsequent moves to Greek outfit PAOK and Swedish giants, Malmo, before being snapped up by Giovanni van Bronckhorst last summer on a £1.8m deal.

While there are reports that new boss Beale could already be looking to move the 29-year-old on after just a solitary season at Ibrox, the £18k-per-week asset did seemingly enjoy a respectable campaign last time out, having netted 18 goals in 39 games in all competitions.

Clearly a clinical presence in front of goal, young Frigan also appears to share that prolific nature having scored 15 goals in only 31 appearances so far this season, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as "another extremely interesting youngster from Croatia".

Also dubbed a "complete forward" by Kulig, the exciting goal machine is also able to offer a creative outlet in attack having created three big chances in the league in 2022/23 as well as averaging 0.6 key passes per game, with Colak also creating three big chances and averaging 0.5 key passes per game from his 25 Premiership appearances.

That would suggest that there is a real likeness between Frigan and the current Gers forward, with the hope being that the younger man can go on to achieve even bigger and better things than his compatriot under Beale next season.

Arsenal have been linked with a Serie A striker ahead of the summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his Premier League title-challenging squad.

The Gunners enjoyed an impressive season but fell just short of Manchester City, and with the transfer window fast approaching, the Gunners will hope to bring in reinforcements to challenge once more.

What’s the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Arsenal?

As reported by 90min last week, Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has attracted interest from Arsenal ahead of the window.

According to the report, the Gunners have ‘touched base’ with both the forward’s agents and club along with fellow Premier League representatives Manchester United.

90min understand that the reported fee from Atalanta for the youngster is in the region of €65m (£55m).

What could Rasmus Hojlund offer Arsenal?

Lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig as being an “absolute monster”, the 20-year-old has endured an impressive first season in Serie A, after signing from Sturm Graz last summer.

As per Sofascore, the youngster has scored nine goals and assisted two in the Italian top-tier this campaign, making him one to watch this summer with a host of clubs interested in the talent.

Arsenal haven’t struggled for goals as such this season, however, there is always room for improvement, as highlighted back in December when Gabriel Jesus was forced to undergo knee surgery leaving the Gunners with just one forward in Eddie Nketiah.

Such shortages in the strike department may not be expected next season, with Folarin Balogun due to return from his loan spell at Reims, however, there is some doubt whether the 21-year-old will be with the squad next season.

As reported by Football Insider, Balogun is against returning to north London unless a starting spot is guaranteed, a big ask but a reasonable one for a player who has found the net 21 times in Ligue 1 this term.

If the youngster is to depart on this basis, Arteta may not need to worry should he capture the signature of Hojlund.

Hailed as being “scary quick” by journalist Sacha Pisani, the young forward could fill the boots that Balogun may leave without requiring any consideration for what could have been for the Ligue 1 ace.

Likened to each other based on statistics over the past year, the two young forwards are almost identical in terms of their averages per 90.

The Danish striker averages 0.44 goals, as well as receiving 11 progressive passes and making 6.53 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, as per FBref, showing the danger he possesses in the box and his desire to be on the ball in the final third.

Similar numbers are recorded by the Reims loanee, who averages 0.45 goals, making 5.94 touches in the attacking penalty area and receiving an average of 8.49 progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

If the rumours surrounding Balogun’s future are true, Arsenal may not need to look further than Hojlund should they wish to add another striker to their weaponry.

With competition for places vital in promoting a higher level of performance, it’s integral that Arteta recruits this summer to get the best out of his side next term to compete at the top once more.

Recent reports have suggested that Aston Villa are in the race for Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij, with the Dutchman set to be available for as little as £15m, with just a year remaining on his existing deal.

That news comes amid suggestions that manager Steven Gerrard is eyeing a new left-sided centre-back this summer, throwing into doubt the future of England international Tyrone Mings.

Further rumours this week have also claimed that the current club captain could well be moved on in the upcoming window, with fellow defender Ezri Konsa another name potentially on the chopping block.

Such speculation illustrates a notable decline this season for Mings, in particular, with the 29-year-old having gone from starting group stage games at Euro 2020 to fearing for his place at club level, all in the space of just ten months.

Pundit Danny Mills has previously suggested that the former Bournemouth giant was “fortunate” to earn a Three Lions call up in the first place, while the 44-year-old also more recently slated the Villa man for his current displays, insisting that there “seems to be a mistake in his game somewhere.”

The statistics also prove rather damning, with the £28.8m-rated man part of a backline that has shipped 46 goals this season – the tenth-worst in the division – while he has also given away one penalty and committed one error leading to a goal in the top-flight this term.

In De Vrij then, Gerrard appears to have identified a viable alternative, with the 30-year-old offering a wealth of experience, having made 55 caps for his country as well as being a vital part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

As for this term, as the Italian giants chase a second successive Serie A title, the £116k-per-week “monster” – as he has been described by former Lazio teammate Mauricio – has caught the eye again, averaging 1.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and one interception per game.

Not just impressive defensively – with the one-time Feyenoord man lining up on the left of a back three at the San Siro – he is also comfortable in possession, ranking in the top 5% for pass completion among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

As the current Villa boss seeks to take the ambitious club back towards the European qualification places next season, a quality upgrade such as De Vrij could be what is needed, with £80k-per-week Mings the man who must give way.

IN other news, “Destined for a move”: Journo drops exciting AVFC transfer claim, Gerrard will love it –