All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to a report by TRANSFERmarketWEB.com, Tottenham Hotspur now want to sign Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Jonas Hofmann.

The Lowdown: Spurs in 2019 talks…

As per reliable German news outlet Bild, as translated by talkSPORT, this isn’t the first time Spurs have targeted the 29-year-old with talks held all the way back in 2019 during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.

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Indeed, the Argentine and Tottenham apparently hoped to entice Hofmann with a move by making him one of their highest earners at N17 during that time.

The report claimed Spurs were willing to table a £100,000-per-week salary offer for the Germany international, with news now emerging of some fresh interest from managing director Fabio Paratici.

The Latest: Spurs targeting Hofmann…

TRANSFERmarketWEB say that Hofmann has been ‘targeted by Tottenham’ ahead of the January window.

The £14.4 million-valued winger, who can also be deployed in central midfield, has a deal at Gladbach which currently expires in 2023 – with there being no sign of a renewal just yet.

While there is nothing further to add in terms of an approach or talks, it appears Paratici has set his sights on yet another new target for Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Verdict: Good move?

At 29, Hofmann would come with little sell-on value but his market rating indicates it wouldn’t be that much of a risky move financially.

In terms of quality, the attacker is a regular in Germany’s national team and was hailed as an ‘outstanding player’ by former Gladbach coach Dieter Hecking.

Last year, Hofmann managed an impressive 11 assists and six goals from midfield for Gladbach whilst making 2.4 key passes per 90 (WhoScored) – more than any Spurs player in the Premier League over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

He’s continued to be a threat this season with 2.3 shots on goal per game over his trio of German top flight starts – potentially highlighting how he could be a real asset under Nuno at N17.

In other news: Medical was done: Source reveals player’s summer move from Spurs fell apart at the very last second, find out more here.

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes it will take a serious bid for Aston Villa to consider selling Douglas Luiz before the deadline.

Birmingham Live reported that AS Roma head coach Jose Mourinho remains interested in Luiz ahead of the 11pm cut-off on Tuesday and that Luiz was a name mentioned not long after Mourinho took charge of the club.

The 23-year-old, defensive midfielder has made 78 appearances for Aston Villa during his time with the club, including playing Villa’s last two Premier League matches against Newcastle United and Brentford.

Luiz is now an Olympic Gold Medallist, as he was part of the Brazil team which went undefeated through the Olympics this summer and defeated Spain in the final 2-1 after extra-time.

Whilst there is interest in his signature from Roma, Hatfield believes it will take a serious bid for Villa to consider selling him, telling Transfer Tavern: “I don’t know how keen Villa would be to let him go now. Obviously if there was an offer which was too good to refuse then they’d probably consider it and have to wave goodbye to Luiz. 

“I think Villa will have been impressed by the way that Luiz has come back from action in South America and at the Olympics and he actually put in a really good performance on his return as well against Newcastle, I was pretty impressed by him.

“So, I’d be surprised if they’re willing to let him leave before the transfer window closes, but you know money talks, so if Roma come in with a serious bid and Villa think they can reinvest that cash in another area or in another player then maybe it’s one they consider.”

Villa have had a brilliant summer, strengthening their squad with real quality. With the new signings and getting four points from a possible nine so far in the Premier League, Villa will be hoping to improve on last season’s eleventh placed Premier League finish.

A worrying report has surfaced that’ll surely leave West Ham United boss David Moyes worried…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun’s Charlie Wyett (via the Daily Mail), the Irons’ new summer signing Kurt Zouma’s £125k-per-week wages haven’t gone down with the Scot’s tight-knit group of players at Rush Green.

The 26-year-old centre-back, who has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League, joined the east London outfit in a reported £29.8m deal from Chelsea just a few days before the deadline last month.

His wages have instantly seen him become the Hammers’ highest-paid player, as per Spotrac, with Andriy Yarmolenko (£115k-per-week) and Jarrod Bowen (£96k-per-week) following closely behind.

Trouble in paradise?

It’s no wonder several of Moyes’ current squad are upset by this development, even if a player of that calibre has fully justified such a high amount of money.

For example, in recent months, Vladimir Coufal has reportedly been left frustrated and let down with talks over a new deal, per Sky Sports.

The Czech right-back wants to remain at the club but feels the quality of his performances last season has earned a major hike on his £30k-per-week contract, rather than it being based on appearances.

Similarly, the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee recently revealed the reasons behind Declan Rice not signing an extension at the London Stadium yet. In response to the Telegraph’s bombshell that the England international had rejected two new offers, the club insider said (via Hammers.News):

“The information about Rice is true. This is because the contract offers have been below what Yarmolenko is currently on, what [Javier] Hernandez was on and other well paid players. For the player to stay at the club and turn down big moves the pay needs to reflect his ability.”

Therefore, this claim from The Sun could have some truth to it, particularly given Ex’s previous remarks on a similar matter.

This is the last thing that Moyes will need heading back into the domestic campaign following the international break. His side have started the season in great form, going unbeaten from their three matches, having ended last term in sixth-place and earning qualification to the Europa League.

He won’t want a situation brewing heading into some crucial encounters, including their first group game in Europe, so you could forgive him if he was a little concerned about the players’ attitude and morale.

All in all, the squad should be delighted with the addition of Zouma as it takes them one step closer to the next level. The rest should come in due course, if the Hammers’ hierarchy has any sense about them.

AND in other news, West Ham receive huge transfer boost as exciting report emerges…

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is now expected to remain at Old Trafford this summer despite continued speculation over an imminent exit.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has been linked with a variety of clubs in the current window after a string of outstanding performances on loan as West Ham United in the second half of last season but is now set to stay put.

On the latest episode of the Talk of the Devils podcast (as relayed by UtdDistrict), The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell revealed Lingard is part of United’s first-team plans for the upcoming campaign.

He said: “Manchester United are looking at Lingard as a genuine player for the squad….the noises are that he’s going to stay.”

Fans should be buzzing

Following an impressive 2017/28 campaign for United, which concluded with Lingard scoring one goal and providing two assists in three appearances as England reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, Lingard badly struggled for form.

Over the next two seasons, the versatile forward started just 28 Premier League fixtures for the Red Devils, contributing to just eight goals as the Jose Mourinho era made way for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rejuvenation project.

However, a short-term loan move to West Ham halfway through 2020/21 sparked Lingard into life again in dramatic fashion.

In just 16 top-flight outings for the Hammers, the England international put the ball in the back of the net on nine occasions, laying on a further five assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part as the capital club qualified for the Europa League.

With only one year remaining on his current deal and talk of United needing to raise funds for a new defensive midfielder, Lingard had been tipped to wave his boyhood club goodbye on a permanent basis in the current window.

Now though, that prospect looks extremely unlikely, and the sudden U-turn is something that United supporters should be buzzing about.

Key attacker Marcus Rashford is set for a three-month spell on the sidelines after deciding to undergo surgery for a long-term shoulder injury, leaving Solskjaer without one of his star performers until at least October.

And while Dan James has also worked extremely hard when given the chance to impress, the Wales international has, so far, been unable to show the quality required to make a difference at the highest level.

Lingard, on the other hand, has produced big moments on the biggest of stages. He’s a ready-made replacement for the absent Rashofrd, and his form for West Ham shows he’s now back to his best.

United’s decision to keep him around for another season could prove to be a very astute one by Solskjaer, who is developing a solid reputation for his work in the transfer market.

And, in other news…Man Utd must swoop for “complete” £58.5m-rated machine this summer, Ole would love him 

Liverpool could still make an attacking signing if certain players leave in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Quiet summer at Liverpool

While the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have spent big this summer, the Reds have had a low-key window.

Ibrahima Konate remains Liverpool’s only new signing, while Gini Wijnaldum is yet to be replaced after his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

It remains to be seen whether any news faces will be brought in, but Pearce has given an update on the current situation.

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The Latest: Pearce provides key update

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after Liverpool’s 3-0 win away to Norwich on Saturday, the journalist said that Xherdan Shaqiri or Divock Origi leaving could lead to some transfer activity, particularly if the latter moves on. He outlined:

“As I’ve written a few times it all depends what happens with outgoings. If Shaqiri and Origi both leave then I’d expect LFC to bring in an attacker. I asked Klopp about the midfield yesterday and he’s adamant he has enough cover.

“With AFCON on the horizon, I do think the squad needs another Jota type signing. My info is that if as expected Shaqiri goes he’s unlikely to be directly replaced as they see Elliott having his minutes. If Origi left too then I think LFC would be active in the market.”

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The Verdict: One more addition needed

Liverpool’s squad looks strong, as shown by them beating Norwich comfortably without Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Roberto Firmino starting, but a new signing would still be welcome.

Greater attacking depth would help ease the workload of the current players, giving Jurgen Klopp extra options in the final third throughout the season.

It is slightly frustrating that Wijnaldum seemingly won’t be replaced, but if Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stay fit, that issue will be somewhat alleviated.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been critical of some recent Jurgen Klopp comments. Read more here.

The London Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser has confirmed that West Ham United have no intention of selling Declan Rice this summer, although he believes that a deal for him could be done at a price of around £80m.

Rice has been linked with a potential exit from the club this summer and the focus on his future has been sharpened by the fact that he has rejected two contract offers, per a separate Standard article.

Rice has been linked with various clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, but there has yet to be a bid tabled for the England international, who thrived at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions reached the final.

Rice also captained the club at times last season, when Mark Noble was on the bench, and the club, per Rosser, do not want to lose him this summer.

However, he believes that a deal could be done at a steep price, making the claim that a bid of around £80m would likely force the Irons to the negotiating table.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: “Declan’s a difficult one. Moyes doesn’t want to lose him.

“West Ham are insisting that he’s not for sale but that’s all well and good until someone dangles £75m, £80m under your nose and really tests that resolve.”

Southampton have been credited with an interest in Atalanta ace Joakim Maehle this summer but he would reportedly cost Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side more than £20m.

What’s the word?

Southampton were regularly linked with Maehle during his time at Belgian Pro League side Genk but a deal could not be agreed, and he would eventually join Atalanta in December 2020.

However, after a superb European Championships with Denmark, rumours resurfaced, with Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claiming that the Saints were keen on bringing him in this summer.

Unfortunately for Hasenhuttl, the versatile full-back may well be out of their price range, as Serie A expert Conor Clancy suggested in a recent interview with Football FanCast, with the editor-in-chief of Forza Italian Football saying:

“To a Premier League club, anything above £20m, you never know, but if he were to join another club in Europe, £10m to £15m, it’s that Premier League inflation.

“Atalanta only sell if it works for them so he’s not going to be sold for £15m because there’s no reason for Atalanta to do that six months after signing him.”

Could Southampton sign Maehle?

As much as Southampton fans might be keen on Maehle after his impressive performances for Kasper Hjulmand’s side over the summer, which helped Denmark reach the semi-finals of the Euros, it seems unlikely that the Saints will spend over £20m on another full-back.

Hasenhuttl’s side have already brought in Romain Perraud at left-back, as well as Tino Livramento as a back-up to Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back, so it would be strange to see another marquee signing at the back, especially with the Austrian manager suggesting ahead of the transfer window that they would target players for £10m or less this summer.

It is a blow for Southampton that the 24-year-old would likely cost so much this summer, as his versatility would surely have been appreciated by Hasenhuttl, whilst his superb displays at the Euros emphasised just how much quality he possesses from both a defensive and attacking point of view, as he averaged an impressive 7.38 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Ian Wright was quick to sing his praises after the quarter-final win, when he contributed an incredible assist with an outside-of-the-foot cross, as he said:

“Along with Spinazzola, Maehle has been fantastic in this tournament.

“He has scored the last couple of games but that is probably one of the passes of the tournament so far for me.”

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Maehle surely would’ve been an excellent addition to Hasenuhttl’s side, so Southampton fans will no doubt be gutted at his price tag this summer and plenty will be wishing that they had managed to sign him from Genk.

And, in other news… Semmens should seal summer swoop for “complete player”, Ralph would love him

It should become clear in the next week whether or not Leeds are willing to pay Nahitan Nandez’s release clause, according to a report from Italian newspaper La Nuova Sardegna (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The 25-year-old midfielder made 34 appearances in all competitions for Cagliari last season, averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.5 clearances, 1.2 dribbles and one key pass per Serie A match (via WhoScored).

A couple of months ago, Italian football expert Mina Rzouki hailed Nandez as ‘one of the most underrated players’ in the league after a string of ‘amazing’ performances.

The midfielder was called up by Uruguay for the Copa America, but only made one appearance at the tournament prior to their quarter-final exit.

The latest

La Nuova Sardegna stated (via Sport Witness) that Leeds are an option for Nandez, but a ‘decisive’ period awaits ahead of his return to Italy for pre-season training. Cagliari, who finished 16th in Serie A last season, are waiting to see if they will need to recruit a new midfielder to replace him.

His release clause stands at €36m (£30.8m), which would break Leeds’ transfer record if they agree to meet it.

The verdict

Nandez appears to be an exceptionally well-rounded midfielder who could make a big impact at Leeds, but the price tag is a little prohibitive.

Marcelo Bielsa could do with more competition in the middle of the park, as demonstrated by the drop-off in Mateusz Klich’s form during the middle of last season, but does that really demand a record outlay?

Perhaps a club like Cagliari who only narrowly staved off relegation would be willing to negotiate if it still meant a major influx of cash, so maybe Leeds could try to negotiate a more cost-effective deal for Nandez if they are determined to sign him.

In other news, this Leeds ace has been earmarked for a lengthy Elland Road stay.

Many West Ham United fans are far from happy after reliable club insider ExWHUemployee revealed that the Hammers are not close to signing any senior players and are instead looking at youth arrivals.

David Moyes led the Irons to a magnificent sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season despite battling relegation the previous year, and they will duly be competing in the Europa League this coming season. However, if they are to compete on four separate fronts, they must move their transfer business along, as they are yet to make a new summer signing.

Hammers supporters will have been hoping for a positive update from ExWHUemployee, but he has instead revealed that the Irons are not close to signing any senior players, tweeting: “mainly youth players more concrete at this point” in response to a query about possible incomings.

ExWHUemployee’s update on Twitter, and it attracted plenty of attention from West Ham fans, many of whom then vented on social media. Some took aim at the club’s much-maligned GSB ownership over the apparent transfer stance.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the club’s transfer plans

“Hahahahaha – club is a joke”

Credit: @RichardKnott2

“Embarrassing”

Credit: @thorpe9214

“Oh I give up”

Credit: @IanCullyMorga2

“Again, GSB out should not even be in any doubt.”

Credit: @camwestham

“15th place finish this season with no squad depth, thanks @davidgold, son’s crying.”

Credit: @NthnFrnkln

“God I really hate those slimey owners”

Credit: @WestHam_Central

In other news, some West Ham fans were far from happy with this transfer bid.

Arsenal could be making a change at right-back next season…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Norwich City gem Max Aarons is one of several names the Gunners have interest in this summer and it’s not the first time that he’s been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Back in May, journalist Freddie Paxton, who has been featured on the Guardian and the Independent, claimed that the North London outfit have been tracking the 21-year-old for several years and that the club considers him a long-term replacement for Hector Bellerin.

He’s expected to cost in the region of £30m.

Bye-bye Bellerin?

This interest certainly could spell the end for Bellerin after nearly a decade at the club.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that there are ‘huge chances’ the Spaniard is sold this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain interested in the past and his price tag now set at €20m (£18m).

Aarons would be a pretty nice replacement as he’s a player with a ton of potential and one that could instantly fulfil Bellerin’s homegrown spot in the squad, so it seems like a win-win.

During the Canaries’ last stint in the top-flight, the England U21 international thrived, so it was a surprise to see him remain at Carrow Road instead of following teammate Ben Godfrey back into the Premier League.

He’s continued to impress, seeing his 6.55 average rating rise to 6.93, which sees him rank seventh overall in Daniel Farke’s squad. The German put a lot of faith in Aarons as he played more minutes than any other player.

“In my eyes, he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future,” Farke told reporters in December. “I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well, I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.”

The £20m-rated dynamo would fit Mikel Arteta’s system very well, being a more attack-minded full-back. He averaged 1.4 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per league outing in 2020/21, via WhoScored, which suggests he likes to get forward to be a major source of creativity.

By comparison, Bellerin only managed an average of 0.8 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game, and was often snubbed in favour of Cedric.

On the above evidence, you can see why Arteta and Edu appear to be gunning for a change at right-back and a move for Aarons could be a very smart one come to next season.

AND in other news, David Ornstein drops encouraging Arsenal transfer update, fans will surely be buzzing…