All posts by n8rngtd.top

2019/20 hasn’t exactly been easy for West Ham United but now that they have successfully survived that particular battle, it’s time for David Moyes and co. to look ahead to the next campaign. Obviously, improving the squad is their priority and with that come purchases in the summer transfer window.

However, the Hammers don’t have a warchest just lying around so in order to buy, they will have to sell first. And according to Sky Sports’ new update, Moyes is ready to part with Issa Diop in an attempt to further raise funds.

Of course, this is not the first time we hear about the young defender attracting a lot of interest from various different teams. Just last summer, as the same outlet reminds, Diop was valued at £75m when Manchester United were knocking on West Ham’s door. Now, however, the Hammers will likely have to sell for around £45m instead.

The financial situation at the club is not brilliant, not in the slightest, and even though every club in the country was hit during the outbreak of the pandemic, the London outfit seem to be struggling more than most.

SkySports mention Diop actually earns less than half what some of his other teammates do and this could be a chance for him to finally start earning more than his £50,000 a week wages somewhere else.

West Ham, on the other hand, are just looking to cash in wherever they can and the same report states at least two Premier League clubs are currently interested.

Verdict

Diop will surely be missed if he ends up leaving the club in the ongoing summer transfer window. However, big changes are needed and this is the only way Moyes actually gets the chance to invest in his squad.

Sacrifices often have to be made and the young defender is looking likely to be the Hammers’ first one of the summer.

According to an update courtesy of reliable Sky Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking to the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho and co are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey – but the Bundesliga giants would command a price of around £44.4 million or higher. 

Romano, detailing Spurs’ potential next moves in the transfer window ahead of a busy 2020/2021 fixture calendar, has claimed that a new centre-back, winger and striker are chairman Daniel Levy’s top priorities.

Having already secured defensive acquisitions in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Matt Doherty and Joe Hart this summer, spending below £20 million on the trio when taking into account sales like Kyle Walker-Peters, the attacking slots are still yet to be filled with fresh talent.

Of course, while a centre-back is still on the agenda, with Tottenham most recently linked to Hellas Verona stalwart Marash Kumbulla (Corriere di Verona), the forward positions also need to be addressed.

When asked about key names Spurs haven’t yet been connected to in the press, Romano detailed that the Lilywhites are admirers of winger Bailey – with fellow Premier League club Man City also once touted to sign him as a like-for-like Leroy Sane replacement. 

However, while interest in the 23-year-old could excite plenty of supporters, the Italian journalist also details that Leverkusen will not let him go on the cheap – commanding a figure of around £44.4 million at least.

A seemingly better dribbler than both Dele Alli and Erik Lamela, completing more on average (1.6) as per WhoScored, Tottenham followers will have to wait and see if Levy takes a huge punt.

Lilywhites, should your club sign Bailey for around £44.4m? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below…

It had been reported by Football Insider that Glasgow Rangers are very interested in Preston North End player Daniel Johnson, and Kevin Phillips has been discussing the prospects of him signing for the Scottish side.

The report suggested that the Championship midfielder is in advanced talks with the ‘Gers over a move to Ibrox, with the Premiership leaders set to table a formal bid.

Speaking about this possible signing, Phillips believes it would be a very good one for the Light Blues as he said to Football Insider: “Johnson would be a fantastic signing. He is a player that was on our radar when I was at Derby and Stoke. We really liked him. He has got a bit of everything – aggression, energy, creativity, decent left foot and can score a goal as well.

“Coming from the Championship to the Scottish Premiership I think he would settle quick and do very, very well up there. The supporters would like him because he has a good attitude. He would be a really good signing for Rangers.”

The 27-year-old has a decent goal contribution record as a midfielder as he has scored 65 goals and provided 43 assists in 321 career appearances, per Transfermarkt, and any club would like to have such a creative midfielder. He recorded 12 goals and seven assists in the Championship last season, managing on average 1.4 key passes, 1.3 shots and 1.7 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

These figures make it very hard to disagree with Phillips on the transfer being a very good signing for the ‘Gers if they pull it off and it would give Steven Gerrard an injection of talent as well as some much-needed squad depth in midfield.

Hopefully the ‘Gers can manage to get a deal finalised sooner rather than later as there are now less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, so the clock is certainly ticking.

‘Gers fans, do you think that Johnson would be an ideal addition at Ibrox? Comment below with your views!

Glasgow Rangers are close to completing the signing of long-term target Bongani Zungu, according to reports.

What’s the word?

KickOff claims Zungu is already on his way to Glasgow with a fee yet to be agreed by both clubs.

The 27-year-old is reportedly ready to leave Amiens following the French outfit’s relegation to Ligue 2 last term.

It’s claimed that Rangers have reached an agreement with The Unicorns as Zungu has refused to sign a new deal.

He is now valued at a mere £1.44m via Transfermarkt although it was reported in July that the struggling French side wanted at least £3.6m for the 24-cap South Africa international.

Perfect fit

It is no secret that Steven Gerrard wants to strengthen the midfield before the close of play on Monday with Rangers remaining interested in Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson.

After Gerrard’s side secured Europa League qualification by beating Galatasaray last week, they have now turned their attention to signing Zungu instead.

The South African played 21 games in Ligue 1 last season, picking up 1 assist, as per Transfermarkt, whilst he made 1.3 tackles and 1 clearance per game, via SofaScore.

If we’re being honest, Steven Davis has ably deputised for Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent in their absence, but he has only started five games in the Scottish Premiership so far.

At 35 years of age, the former club captain isn’t getting any younger anytime soon, and it is about time the board brought in a suitable replacement.

Zungu will join his teammates Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Jon McLaughlin in the long list of new arrivals and provide some competition for places in the midfield at Ibrox.

His mentor Pitso Mosimane, who signed the player for Mamelodi Sundowns, once said the central midfielder plays “in the style of Vieira.”

If everything goes to plan, Gerrard will finally get the most important piece of the puzzle, and he should have his move completed in time for tonight’s midnight deadline, which will make him the club’s seventh signing of the summer.

AND in other news, Rangers must launch £4m bid for Daniel Johnson before it is too late…

Leeds United have told Serie A side Udinese that their pursuit of Rodrigo de Paul is likely to have come to an end, with the Whites set to complete a deal for Rennes forward Raphinha.

The Whites have already agreed terms over a deal with Rennes to take Raphinha on a permanent deal, whilst also agreeing personal terms with the 23-year-old, who will arrive at Elland Road on a five-year deal pending a medical and a work permit, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It now seems like Raphinha’s arrival will signal the end to the Whites’ long-term interest in de Paul, with Leeds having been consistently linked with a move for the 26-year-old throughout the course of the transfer window. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have informed Udinese that they consider the move to be off at this stage, according to Romano’s tweet.

Bielsa has been keen on adding some extra firepower and creativity to his squad before the window closes, and de Paul having scored seven goals and registered six assists from attacking midfield last term in Serie A (via Sofascore) looked like he would fit the bill for the Whites.

However, it now looks like Leeds will instead settle for bringing in Raphinha, who does play in a slightly different forward role to de Paul but also has plenty of attacking output to offer, hitting five goals and providing three assists in 22 Ligue 1 appearances last term, as per Sofascore.

Leeds missing out on de Paul would be a shame with the 26-year-old looking like a player who would be ideal for the way the Whites set up, capable of providing moments of magic in the final third that could have helped them edge tight matches with his 3.3 key passes per game. The club though do not want to over-spend this window so by bringing in Raphinha they will have to hope he is equally as efficient in the last third – he boasts 1.5 key passes per game.

The Whites have had a decent transfer window and have backed Bielsa as much as they can, and you would back any player arriving at Elland Road to thrive under his coaching given the way his side are playing at the moment.

Raphinha is an exciting addition with not much known about the 23-year-old, but Leeds have a coach who can extract the best from the player so he could well excel and prove to be a bargain addition.

Leeds fans, do you think the club has made the right decision opting for Raphinha? Comment below!

West Ham United take on Tottenham Hotspur this weekend looking to build on the momentum gained from beating Leicester City, but David Moyes should not have any concerns with one potential selection dilemma.

The Irons boss was without defender Ryan Fredericks for the Foxes affair after the right-back sustained a hamstring injury in his side’s prior Premier League fixture at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, which forced the 28-year-old off early in the second-half.

Hammers fans went on to see their side beat Wolves 4-0 and Leicester 3-0 as they kept their first clean sheets of the top-flight campaign, and will aim to make it three in a row this Sunday against Tottenham who are unbeaten since an opening day loss to Everton.

Moyes will likely be back in the dugout at Spurs, too, following his run of watching the east London outfit’s last four games from home after testing positive for coronavirus, but does not need to see that Fredericks joins him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is expected that Fredericks will be fit to face Tottenham this weekend, with football.london anticipating Sunday’s fixture as the earliest date for his recovery.

West Ham had confirmed that Fredericks only sustained a low-grade muscle injury to his left hamstring against Wolves, and that the club were hopeful the issue would clear over the international break so that he can face Spurs after scans confirmed their initial prognosis.

“Should everything go to plan, we hope Ryan will be available for selection again after the October international break,” Head of Medical Richard Collinge told West Ham’s official website.

Fredericks had started West Ham’s opening three games of the Premier League season and provided the assist for Michail Antonio’s initial equaliser in defeat to Arsenal, while sitting out each of the Irons’ Carabao Cup ties.

Moyes called on £5.4million summer signing Vladimir Coufal to start in place of Fredericks against Leicester, despite only welcoming the Czech Republic international to east London just days before.

The 28-year-old’s limited time with his new teammates failed to prevent Coufal from thriving at the King Power Stadium, where he recorded two key balls from 15 accurate passes – including one cross – alongside three clearances, three interceptions, three tackles and six duels won from nine contests, per SofaScore.

His performance left a positive impression on his new boss, with Moyes telling West Ham’s official website after the match: “I thought Vladimir was brilliant.

“I don’t think he disappointed anybody on his debut, that was for sure.”

Coufal’s display and Moyes’ remarks should ensure the Irons boss is relaxed over starting the former Slavia Prague ace at Tottenham, rather than rushing Fredericks back into the starting XI at the first potential opportunity and risk aggravating his hamstring injury.

AND in other news, West Ham can sign a “gifted” long-term target before Friday’s deadline after a Premier League rival turned to alternative options.

Liverpool could already be eyeing up a move to bring Rhian Brewster back to Anfield after a shock revelation from Jurgen Klopp. Following the Reds’ hard-fought 2-1 win over the Blades on Saturday, the manager backed the youngster to be a positive addition for Chris Wilder’s side.

“There is one change to Sheffield United that certainly makes them more dangerous. And that is the arrival of Rhian Brewster,” Klopp said (via Daily Express). “Our guy, our man – this will always be the case in our hearts. It would not be possible for me to understate my love, respect and admiration for Rhi.”

The boss went on to admit that sanctioning the 20-year-old’s permanent move away from Merseyside was a very tough decision to make, perhaps hinting that he wasn’t totally on board with allowing him to leave. Brewster arrived in Sheffield at the start of this month and it seems that already, Klopp is looking to bring him home.

Brewster could have a future with Liverpool

It was an odd decision to cash in on the rising star in the most recent transfer window, particularly with the club having a distinct lack of attacking personnel. However, the whole thing could just be another clever plan from Michael Edwards, who seems to always be two steps ahead when it comes to clever business for the Reds.

Along with an impressive transfer fee of £23.5million, Liverpool have negotiated a 15% sell-on fee, plus a buy-back clause that will remain active for three years (via BBC Sport). This hugely important part of Brewster’s move could mean that a return to Anfield may be on the cards, and a lot sooner than many think.

“He is a natural-born goalscorer,” Klopp said. “It’s in his DNA. He is a coach’s dream as he is so eager to learn but also a beacon of positive energy.”

With so many positive things to say about the rising star, it’s hard to imagine that Klopp isn’t already making room for him in the squad for in a couple of years’ time, should his performances for Sheffield United be up to scratch of course. Liverpool’s front three are ageing and whilst Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are still firing from all cylinders, there’s always the possibility of a shock Anfield exit.

Even if the trio remain at Anfield, Klopp could decide that a new era must begin and the likes of Brewster, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott could be the ones to spearhead it. With Klopp clearly indicating he didn’t really want to see the striker, plus the buy-back clause being included in the deal, it would not be a surprise to see Brewster back at Anfield in the future.

In other news, Michael Edwards may have started something exciting with Harvey Elliott loan move…

West Brom remain winless after seven matches in the Premier League having crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Monday evening.

Slaven Bilic’s side were downed by two first-half goals, scored within four minutes of each other, as they dropped into the relegation zone.

The Croatian kept faith with the XI that drew to Brighton a week earlier, though before the hour mark he made some interesting changes with Matheus Pereira and skipper Jake Livermore being withdrawn.

It was the second successive match in which the 30-year-old was hauled off early – a surprise given he had played the full 90 in each of their previous five outings.

Perhaps Bilic’s patience is wearing thin as his main man simply isn’t performing.

And he ought to be careful as the was one shining light at Craven Cottage displayed his credentials with an industrious and energetic display.

Conor Gallagher recorded a whopping nine tackles, two clearances, two dribbles, one key pass and won four free-kicks, via SofaScore.

The Chelsea loan star, valued at €20m (£18m), also engaged in 27 duels and made 26 passes – no other midfielder or attacker managed to better his 7.2 rating either.

He was absolutely everywhere in midfield, it’s no wonder his box-to-box abilities were once compared to his parent boss, Frank Lampard.

“The one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly.

“He’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

Keith Andrews on Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher was one of just two players who earned praise from Bilic post-game, he said: “I saw a young kid – Conor Gallagher, and I saw Barni Ivanovic – who is 30 something – who basically had more commitment.”

It’s rather telling that Livermore has been hauled off early twice now. He isn’t allowed as much time on the ball as he would be in the Championship, particularly against teams with a high-press like Fulham.

Whilst it’s too early to tell, maybe it could be the beginning of the end for the veteran midfielder. There’s a reason he’s been plying his trade in the second tier in recent seasons.

Bilic could continue to look to Gallagher’s exuberance and energy in midfield going forward. The former Charlton “jewel” was certainly a rare positive on Monday night.

AND in other news, Bilic must rue WBA not signing £5m bargain in speed demon who “terrifies defenders”…

Hugo Lloris continues to justify Jose Mourinho’s decision to sign Joe Hart this summer, with France legend Jean-Pierre Papin waxing lyrical over the Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper for his form during the November international break.

What’s he said?

While speaking with L’Equipe, Papin praised Lloris for working miracles as he helped guide France to victory over Portugal in the UEFA Nations League last Friday.

The 33-year-old pulled off, what Papin feels to be, three top-drawer saves that played a key factor in determining the result, which moved Didier Deschamps’ France clear of their Group A3 rivals with Portugal left trailing by three points.

France ensured they stayed top of their group in the final fixture on Tuesday night with a 4-2 home win over Sweden, while Portugal edged Croatia 3-2 in a nervy affair decided in second-half stoppage-time by Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.

Papin believes Lloris’ superb ability between the posts safeguarded France from any troubles in victory over Portugal, while the Spurs and Les Bleus captain earned the 119th of his 120 international caps.

“I liked the mastery of this well-organised team,” Papin said. “They displayed seriousness and discipline, which is reassuring for the future. We could fear that Portugal would crush us with their mastery, it was not the case.

“France was sure of the football, well in place, with a great goalkeeper. Lloris had three balls to touch and he achieves three miracles.”

Justifying Hart’s arrival

Lloris’ form with France and in north London this season continues to justify Mourinho’s decision to bring Hart to Tottenham as a free agent, having stated how he felt the former England international’s arrival would help inspire the French shot-stopper to up his game.

Mourinho was clear that Hart was not being brought in to make up Spurs’ domestic quota but to offer competition between the sticks, feeling that Lloris was not challenged enough by Paulo Gazzaniga and Michael Vorm last term.

“Joe is one of the top ‘keepers of the last decade in this country. He started very early, playing in a big club like [Manchester] City and playing for the national team,” Mourinho said, via quotes by One Football.

“Now he has a chance to be back at a club like us. Of, course Hugo is our captain – he is world champion captain. He’s a phenomenal goalkeeper and is very important in our group, but I think Joe will give him the hard competition that we need.”

Lloris has since proven Mourinho’s belief – and commitment to pay Hart £2.6million in a £27,500-per-week, two-year contract – true, with the 33-year-old keeping his 54th international clean sheet against Portugal after two shut outs in eight Premier League games.

The £10.8m-rated veteran has also made more saves (17) than Manchester City’s Ederson (15), United’s David de Gea (13) and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker (9), plus a higher number of high claims (4) than the rival trio in the top-flight this term, per SofaScore.

A five out of 10 match rating from L’Equipe for his efforts against Sweden, having conceded twice from two shots on target, however, also goes to show Mourinho’s need for high-level competition, as Hart can keep Lloris on his toes once the goalkeeper returns to north London.

AND in other news, Tottenham have been urged to sell a “world-beater” who’s also a Jose Mourinho outcast this January.

David Sullivan must strive to offload Ryan Fredericks in the January window amid reports David Moyes could look to offload the West Ham United full-back.

What’s the word?

According to football.london, Fredericks is among a clutch of players whose futures at the London Stadium are increasingly at risk approaching the January transfer window as Moyes continues to stamp his mark on a side heavily assembled by Manuel Pellegrini.

The Hammers are not blessed with the largest senior fold with just 23 players named in their Premier League squad, but the likes of Fredericks, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko are tipped for a fraught few weeks as West Ham were forced to conduct their business on a sell-to-buy basis this summer.

Anderson and Yarmolenko each found their place in the starting line-up dissipate following Moyes’ return to east London, while the £5.4million arrival of Vladimir Coufal last month saw Fredericks cast aside following a hamstring injury despite a strong start to the season.

Fredericks is now tipped for Moyes’ axe should the Scottish coach look to raise funds in the winter, with the January window a prime chance to land a suitable fee for the former Fulham defender whose £40,000-per-week contract expires in 19-months.

Moyes is expected to make do without the need for another right-back going forward as young hotshot Ben Johnson is seen as a worthy understudy for Coufal, who has started all five of the Irons’ Premier League fixtures since joining from Slavia Prague.

Sullivan’s easy call

If Moyes has decided that Coufal and Johnson carry enough quality to hold down the right-back position for the remainder of the season, West Ham co-owner and Chairman Sullivan has an easy call to make regarding Fredericks’ future and that is to sell the 28-year-old as soon as possible.

The verdict will come as a cruel blow for Fredericks, who would have expected to regain his place in the starting line-up upon his return from the hamstring injury sustained at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in September.

But Coufal’s performances have made it impossible for Moyes to bench the 28-year-old, who is now averaging more tackles (3.0) than Fredericks (1.18), plus ground duels won (4.2 to 1.57), accurate long balls (1.8 to 0.79), shots blocked (0.2 to 0.0) and a higher number of successful dribbles (0.4 to 0.39) per Premier League appearance, per SofaScore.

West Ham would still be able to recoup a worthy fee for Fredericks in January, with the former England U19 international bettering Coufal for interceptions (1.97 to 1.4), clearances (3.14 to 2.2), accurate crosses (1.18 to 1.0), accurate final third passes (9.83 to 6.0) and aerial duels won (2.36 to 1.2) per game.

Pellegrini also expected the future to hold Fredericks’ best years when he acquired the £3.6m-rated right-back on a free transfer from Fulham just a year-and-a-half ago.

“Ryan has good experience, with more than 150 senior appearances already but, at 25, he is still a young player with his best years ahead of him,” the Chilean said in 2018, via quotes by BBC Sport.

AND in other news, West Ham’s “real magician” has just six weeks to prove David Moyes does not need his £17m “complete” target.