All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United appear to be closing in on bringing former midfielder Ronaldo Vieira back to Elland Road, according to Italian outlet Club Doria 46.

The Lowdown: Vieira’s injury issues

Marcelo Bielsa has a number of his Leeds United players out through injury at this moment in time, including two of his four midfielders in Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton.

However, Vieira, once labelled as ‘different class’ by Ian Holloway, has also had his injury issues. The 23-year-old made just four Serie A appearances last season due to hamstring and thigh problems and is yet to turn out for Sampdoria during the 2021/22 season.

Despite this, it seems as if he could be about to move back to the Whites, more than three years after he was sold.

The Latest: Vieira ready to return home

Club Doria 46 provided an update regarding Vieira ahead of the January transfer window, which was relayed by Sports Witness on Wednesday.

They claimed that Vieira is ‘ready to return home’, with a move back to Leeds, owned by Andrea Radrizzani, ‘approaching’.

The report adds that Vieira ‘packs his bags’ ahead of a Sampdoria exit, where Leeds ‘awaits him’.

The Verdict: First January signing?

It seems as if Vieira could well become the club’s first signing of 2022 following this update, but it could well be a risky move due to his injury issues over the last 18 months.

Bielsa needs a midfielder who can come in and hit the ground running in the second half of the season, especially with the Whites short on numbers and flirting with relegation.

Leeds will know all about Vieira’s attributes, however, he’s hardly featured over the last two seasons. Adam Forshaw has proven that you can return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and become a regular in the Premier League, so should Vieira move back to Yorkshire, the Whites will have everything crossed he can stay fit.

In other news: ‘Unbelievable’ Leeds man may now need an operation after injury and could miss 12 games – expert. 

Everton target Denzel Dumfries starred for the Netherlands in their opening game of EURO 2020, scoring the winner in a 3-2 win over Ukraine [BBC].

Seemingly snatching a draw from the jaws of victory, up stepped the 25-year-old at the back post to nod home a priceless winner for the Dutch national side.

Reported to be an Everton target as they look to build towards 2021/22 [90MIN], the marauding full-back has pretty much been ever-present for current employers PSV Eindhoven, making 41 appearances across 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].

Within that time frame, he has chipped in with four goals and nine assists, eventually helping his side to finish runners-up in the Eredivisie table [Infogol].

Making a lasting impression, the PSV captain has now taken his exploits one step further and onto a global stage. In light of last night’s performance from Dumfries,it was  no wonder that loads of Everton diehards took to Twitter to drool over his potential signing.

Everton fans react:

Here is what some of the Everton support had to say surrounding Dumfries’ display against the Ukraine:

“Has to be Denzel Dumfries. The lad is a monster. Really would love him at Everton”

Credit: @PaulMoorcroft9″Denzel Dumfries will be an Everton player”Credit: @RobMDK”Denzel Dumfries to Everton, who says no?”Credit: @evertonhub”Everton legend Denzel Dumfries”Credit: @MerseyBIue”Denzel Dumfries is a baller. Have him at Everton any day. Perfect replacement for Coleman.”Credit: @LifterUnknown”I would like Denzel Dumfries in an Everton shirt by next week thank you”credit: @aperhacs76In other news, Everton are eyeing a move for an international goalkeeper.

Charlton Athletic may have extended their unbeaten run to nine matches over the weekend but the truth is, they never looked like scoring against fellow playoff hopefuls Ipswich Town.

Nigel Adkins also kept his record since arriving last month intact but he’ll need to solve the issue if the Addicks are to bolster their promotion ambitions.

Tonight, they head to Plymouth Argyle knowing a victory could see them rise into sixth place above Oxford United, with one game still in hand on them.

The 56-year-old has been without his two top goalscorers Chuks Aneke (12) and Conor Washington (11) in recent outings, and whilst the pair returned to training this week, it’s unlikely we’ll see them in action – or at least starting from the off at Home Park.

With Jayden Stockley misfiring against the Tractor Boys, it could be time to see forgotten January arrival Ronnie Schwartz given a run-out.

He arrived as the Danish Superliga’s top scorer for 2019/20 and signed a two-and-a-half-year deal but has been restricted to only three starts and 390 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking after clinching his man, Lee Bowyer waxed lyrical about his goalscoring ability to the club’s official website:

“His finishing is very good, I witnessed it first hand in training today. To see him finishing the way he does and know that he is going to improve is a big plus,” claimed the former Addicks boss. “Strikers tend to win you games, once we create chances he is a fox in the box. His work rate is good, his movement is good and he’s very clever. He’s got all the experience, so it’s a great signing.”

Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard also lauded the 31-year-old talisman, claiming that “Ronnie is a proven goalscorer, with a great goalscoring record.”

On Saturday afternoon, Adkins’ men fired 14 attempts at the visitor’s goal, with 50% of those being on target. Stockley, who played the full 90, accounted for three of these but just could not make a successful impact.

Perhaps it’s time for a change to spark life back into the Addicks’ attack; you could even pair Schwartz with Stockley, as the latter is winning a whopping 9.9 aerials won per game and a natural goalscorer like the Dane could thrive playing off him.

Having played just 11 minutes since Bowyer’s departure, Adkins must give the rarely-seen Schwartz an opportunity tonight.

AND in other news, 19x possession lost: THIS wasteful Addicks star let Adkins down massively at the weekend…

Liverpool will be among the clubs interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice when the summer transfer window opens, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Contract rebel

A recent report from The Guardian has claimed that the 23-year-old has rejected a third offer a new deal at the London Stadium and is ‘open’ to a move away at the end of the season.

With Rice under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), Hammers boss David Moyes has previously placed a £150m price tag on the England international, who previously came through the Chelsea academy.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-29/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Amidst growing interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, the Reds have now been tipped to show their own admiration for Rice…

The latest: Jones makes Rice transfer claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Liverpool will be weighing up a possible swoop for the 29-cap England ace.

The journalist stated: “Of course, they’re going to be interested in Declan Rice because if Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have had that player on their radar, then you kind of at least have got to consider whether you’re going to need him.”

The verdict: An unnecessary expenditure

Currently, Jurgen Klopp has Fabinho as the only recognised senior defensive midfielder within the Anfield squad, although Jordan Henderson, James Milner and youngster Tyler Morton have all deputised in the role at times this season.

Nonetheless, the powerful Brazilian midfield general has enjoyed a stellar campaign, with five goals and four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions; and despite the lack of natural options in that position, spending anything like the mooted £150m on Rice simply isn’t a realistic prospect for the Reds.

Instead, as the two Manchester clubs potentially do battle for the 23-year-old’s signature, Klopp and incoming Anfield sporting director Julian Ward are more likely to set about pursuing an affordable alternative.

Using the FBRef comparison tool, statistically this term, 21-year-old Nice starlet Khephren Thuram-Ulien is the closest match to Rice, whilst Liverpool’s own Fabinho also appears in the top 10.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Swansea will be looking to move into the automatic promotion spots when they take on Luton Town in Saturday’s early kick-off in the Championship.

Steve Cooper’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers in midweek, with Andre Ayew finding the net from the penalty spot once again, with the Swans having struggled to score from open play in recent fixtures.

Swansea are currently level on points with second-placed Watford in the table, although they have a game in hand on the Hornets.

With Norwich City running away with it at the top of the league, it is imperative that Cooper’s side pick up three points against a Luton side who are well in the bottom half of the Championship.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Cooper to set his side up against Luton on Saturday, with three changes from the team which started against Blackburn…

Despite the lack of clean sheets in recent fixtures, Freddie Woodman keeps his place in goal, and he should perhaps be confident of a shut-out against a side who have just 28 goals in the Championship so far this season.

There are two changes in defence, as after returning to the bench in recent fixtures, Ryan Bennett comes back into the side in place of Ben Cabango, with Cooper perhaps taking the opportunity for rotation amid the glut of fixtures.

Meanwhile, Ryan Manning comes in for Jake Bidwell at left wing-back, having impressed there in the 2-1 win against Stoke City recently.

There is one change in midfield as Korey Smith replaces Jay Fulton, whose ineffective display against Blackburn was characterised by a team-low 14 passes, and he features alongside the more attack-minded Matt Grimes and Conor Hourihane.

Ayew keeps his place up front but the Swans will have to start sharing the goals around more if they want to go up automatically, so Jamal Lowe will be hoping to end his rotten streak with a goal against the Hatters.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Rekeem Harper looks set to depart The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Express & Star, who claim that the 21-year-old is on the brink of joining Ipswich Town after passing a medical with Paul Cook’s side in the last few days.

It is reported that the deal will cost the League One team up to £1m if all clauses are met, with the baseline figure believed to be £500k.

The Express & Star also reveal that the Tractor Boys had originally contacted West Brom regarding the possibility of loaning Harper ahead of next season, before being informed by the Championship club that a permanent deal could be done.

Grave error

Having been a highly-rated part of the West Brom youth setup and first-team for the best part of a decade, the news that Harper looks set to move onto pastures new this summer could well be something of a cause for concern among Baggies fans.

In his breakthrough campaign with the club back in 2018/19, the £2.25m-rated midfielder went on to make 16 Championship appearances, over which he scored one goal, provided one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, earning a seasonal SofaScore rating of 6.60.

These performances saw the former England U19 international linked with a move to the likes of Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur, however, £8k-per-week youngster eventually committed his future to the Baggies, signing a three-year deal with the club in the summer of 2019.

Over the last two seasons, however, game time has become more limited for the midfielder, with the 21-year-old making just ten Championship appearances in the club’s 2019/20 campaign and a mere two appearances in the Premier League last term.

However, despite this lack of minutes – something that has undoubtedly stifled his development as a footballer – the decision to offload the player whom Slaven Bilic claimed has “no limits” in the game looks to be something of a backwards step for West Brom. With a little more trust placed in him, it would very much appear as if Harper has the talent and ability to become a real star for the club.

In other news: West Brom handed boost over “top-class” manager target that should have fans buzzing

Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard is still expected to leave Parkhead despite his move to Leicester City falling through.

The Lowdown: Rumours Edouard could stay at Celtic

Fabrizio Romano revealed in the week that the Foxes have moved on to RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka after failing to agree on a fee with the Hoops for Edouard.

The 23-year-old told friends he would be heading to the King Power to reunite with Brendan Rodgers, however, it seems as if that will not be the case after all.

Reports from the Daily Mail then claimed the French forward is now considering running down his Hoops contract with a view of leaving as a free agent next summer.

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

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared a contrary story on Edouard on Saturday morning, claiming West Ham are weighing up a move for the striker.

A source with knowledge informed the site that, despite rumours of Edouard remaining in Glasgow, he is still expected to depart the club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Verdict: Hoops must get a respectable fee

If that is the case and Edouard does indeed move on, it is pivotal Celtic still receive a respectable fee for his services – losing such a talented player for nothing could turn out to be a disaster.

Celtic have to hand over 50% of any profit they make on Edouard to Paris Saint-Germain, so every penny over £9m matters, and they will hope the interest from West Ham is joined by more clubs, perhaps prompting a bidding war.

Charlie Wyke appears to be an attacking cut-price target for the Hoops, but should Edouard move, the Hoops may have to use some of the money they receive to bring in another forward for Ange Postecoglou.

In other news: Celtic working on two transfer deals, find out more here. 

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that Celtic’s failure to sign a goalkeeper cost them the chance of winning 10 in a row.

In each of the previous eight seasons, the Hoops have had either Craig Gordon or Fraser Forster as their main shotstopper, but the latter’s loan deal expired last summer, whilst Gordon rejected a new contract offer before joining Hearts.

Celtic did bring in AEK Athens goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, leaving Scott Bain and youngster Conor Hazard to compete for the number two spot.

But Barkas and Bain have both been in and out the team, whilst Northern Ireland international Hazard enjoyed a brief spell in the side around Christmas when Bain was injured.

McAvennie revealed that Celtic did try and bring Forster back to Paradise, although the England shotstopper ended up staying with parent-club Southampton, where he’s started three of their previous four Premier League matches.

And the former Hoops striker admitted that not replacing Forster allowed Rangers to cruise to their first league title since 2011.

He told Football FanCast: “I think they wanted him in the summer and he wouldn’t come. So I don’t know if the fans would be too happy about it.

I think that was the biggest problem going for 10, they didn’t have a goalkeeper. Somebody went out and bought Barkas, but no disrespect to the boy, he’s not good enough for Celtic. And Bain has not done it, he’s not brave enough.

“Look at what Allan McGregor has done for Rangers, he’s basically won the league for them, and I’m not being disrespectful to the rest of the players.

“But Forster won the league for Celtic last season, he won the cup – they were battered by Rangers and Celtic won it 1-0. When you have got a good goalkeeper, that’s what happens. He was worth the money, I don’t know why they didn’t spent it.”

Celtic’s defensive issues have been a major reason for their struggles this season. The managerless Hoops have already conceded more than they shipped throughout the previous two campaigns, not helped by the amount of chopping and changing between the sticks.

At long last, Celtic supporters can crawl into hibernation and hide for the next few months.

Their long gruelling campaign has come to a close with little fight from the Hoops, drawing their final game 0-0 in a match that typified their woeful season.

This has been a shambolic term from start to finish for the Bhoys as they failed to lift silverware for the first time in a decade.

You can blame Peter Lawwell for the appointment of Neil Lennon or you can blame Nick Hammond for his shoddy transfer policy.

Whatever way you look at it, negativity has found a way to engulf Paradise. Celtic’s home hasn’t lived up to its name this season, housing languid football and toxic protests.

That said, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Eddie Howe looks set to arrive as the next Celtic boss and with him, he’ll bring a number of new coaches with fresh and vibrant ideas.

After all, the backroom staff he hopes to bring in has been part of a Bournemouth team who have earned a place in the Championship play-offs.

Howe had great success at Bournemouth, a stint that embodied a Football Manager simulation in the real world. He took the Cherries from League Two to the Premier League and then managed to sustain their top-flight status for five years.

[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!”]

Playing an aesthetically pleasing brand of football, the south coast side liked to play with the ball on the deck and with lots of possession.

By doing so, the 43-year-old manager developed Nathan Ake into one of the eye-catching central defenders in England.

Previously of Chelsea, the Dutchman found a home for himself under Howe, developing astutely before Manchester City paid £40m for him last summer.

Ake was a key cog in the machine at the Vitality Stadium, playing out from the back and starting attacks with his incisive passing. During his final season with Bournemouth, he completed over 87% of his passes, a number that’s only improved since joining the Premier League Champions.

At Man City this term, the defender has completed 93.1% of his passes; a particularly impressive number.

With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if Howe wanted his defenders to play out from the back at Celtic.

This would be perfect for Kristoffer Ajer, someone who registered a pass success rate of 97% against Hibernian last weekend. It would also be ideal for the Norwegian’s protégé; Leo Hjelde.

Dubbed the next Virgil van Dijk by Ross County boss John Hughes, the 17-year-old has caught the eye while on loan at Dingwall during the second half of the season.

He is a special talent, a player that Howe simply has to turn to if he’s handed the reins at Paradise.

Hjelde is a centre-back by trade and plays in a very similar way to Ajer, pressing relentlessly and marauding forward.

Speaking earlier this season, the teenager commented: “Kristoffer is a very good player and he had the same career path like me too.”

He added: “I like to be on the ball and try to create things too but my main priority always has to be defending. I keep in contact with him still. He has been very good to me and he still gets in touch and gives me advice.”

With this in mind, Howe would be foolish not to unleash him at Parkhead next season.

His style of football and the way he developed a promising centre half like Ake suggests he could turn Hjelde into something special too.

In the words of Hughes, he’s got a “massive future.” Celtic need to nurture him and ensure he lives up to the Van Dijk billing.

AND in other news, Celtic can axe Griffiths by landing “terrific” 18-goal gem, he once embarrassed Bitton…

Sheffield United are reportedly closing in on the loan signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane.

The Lowdown: Blades look for late summer business

The summer transfer window closes late on Tuesday night, with clubs up and down the country looking to do some business at the 11th hour.

The Blades have been linked with signing a number of players recently, but they now appear to be on the verge of officially completing a move for the Aston Villa midfielder.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The Latest: Hourihane set for Bramall Lane move

According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law via Twitter, Hourihane is set to join Sheffield United on loan, with his medical taking place on Monday.

He claimed that the 30-year-old will be a ‘great signing’ for Slavisa Jokanovic’s side, having made some ‘huge contributions’ during his time at Villa, tweeting: “Conor Hourihane is close to joining Sheffield United on loan from Aston Villa with the player expected to have a medical today. Will be a great signing IMO. Hourihane has been such a great pro at Villa and made some huge contributions.”

Hourihane has scored 29 goals and registered 23 assists in 151 appearances for the Villains, not to mention winning 26 caps for Ireland.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Strong signing for Sheffield United

This could be an excellent signing for the Blades, with Hourihane a hugely experienced player at Championship level, playing 145 matches in the division and winning promotion from the second tier with Villa in 2019.

He could help steer Jokanovic’s side clear of the relegation zone following a hugely disappointing start to the season, bringing some much-needed quality to the squad.

Hopefully Law’s prediction regarding Hourihane’s impact at Bramall Lane will come true – his reputation as a stellar professional and his promotion-winning experience suggests that the journalist could be proven right.

In other news, Sheffield United are thought to be eyeing up a late-summer move for a defender. Find out who it is here.