All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sunderland have reportedly held talks over a move for Fulham striker Jay Stansfield, but the Black Cats aren’t the only club keen on the forward.

Are Sunderland signing a striker?

Tony Mowbray and those at The Stadium of Light have brought in six new players so far this summer in Jenson Seelt, Jobe Bellingham, Eliezer Mayenda, Nectarios Triantis, Bradley Dack and Luis Semedo.

However, the club have been on the search to sign a new forward for a number of weeks now, with Bellingham and Dack, primarily midfielders, occupying attacking roles in the 2-1 win over Rotherham United last time out. Bellingham was the match-winner with two goals, however, Mowbray admitted he wants to bring in a new striker who can run in behind.

"We're trying to control the game on most occasions, and then it's about seeing whether teams are going to press or sit off in a block.

"That's why ultimately you need some mobility at the top end because if people are sitting in a mid-block and your centre-half doesn't think they can get through the lines, sometimes you have to go over the top with some speed and some threat.

"At the moment that's what's missing from this team, because that's not really Hemir or Dack's game. Jobe has that powerful running action that can pressure people, of course, but it's not necessarily speed.

"If we can get a striker in who wants to run in behind and wants to stretch them, it'll give us more space us to play in – that'll help us create more chances and win more games."

It looks as if the club are now working on a move for Stansfield, with The Sunderland Echo reporting that talks have been held with Fulham over a loan move. However, the report adds that several other clubs are also keen on bringing in Stansfield before the deadline.

Who is Jay Stansfield?

Stansfield initially came through the academy at Exeter City before moving to Fulham in 2019. Since then, the 20-year-old has gone on to make eight senior appearances for Fulham and spent last season back in Devon on loan with Exeter.

The forward contributed to 17 goals in 39 games in all competitions for the League One side and is now into the final 12 months of his Fulham contract, although the top-flight side have the option to extend that by a further year.

Kevin McDonald, who played alongside Stansfield at Exeter, praised the player as a forward who has "got it all".

“He's a top, top guy; he's willing to learn every single game and barely ever complains. We get on well and he's a good laugh too. He's technically gifted and a lovely finisher.

“He knows he needs to bulk up as such and he will over time. He's got it all, though. I said that when I was back there [at Fulham] a couple of years ago and even more so now.”

A loan move to a Championship side appears to make sense for Stansfield as he continues his development, and by the looks of things, that could be with Sunderland following discussions over a transfer.

Tottenham Hotspur have Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou on their wanted list to take over as manager this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke has recently claimed he would like to see Ruben Amorim or Roberto De Zerbi take over at Tottenham, as they would be akin to the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, however there are other options available for the board.

Spurs are set for talks with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, according to De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, although he clarifies the club will speak with three or four managers, also name-checking Julian Nagelsmann and Pochettino.

Postecoglou has been linked with a move to N17 as far back as March, and there could be a growing possibility he is tempted by a move to the capital, according to a new report.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are now fearful their manager has already to decided to join a Premier League club this summer, having impressed top-flight teams with his transformation of the Glasgow side over the past two seasons.

The Australian's in-depth knowledge of the Japanese and Asian markets has caught the eye of a number of English clubs, with Tottenham placing him on their wanted list, while there could also be competition for his signature from Leeds United.

The report also details the Scottish side are not well-protected from a potential raid, as the Spurs managerial target is still on the 12-month rolling contract he signed when he initially arrived at Celtic Park.

Should Tottenham appoint Ange Postecoglou?

There is no denying the Athens-born tactician has done a fantastic job in Glasgow, leading them to the Scottish Premiership title in his first season in charge, and he has now won another title after his side's victory at Hearts yesterday.

That said, success in Scotland does not automatically translate to the Premier League, considering it is a much weaker league, and there are probably better options available, despite the fact the Aussie has been lauded as "incredible" by members of the media.

De Zerbi would be an exciting appointment for Spurs, having done an incredible job in his first season in the Premier League, leading his Brighton side to the FA Cup semi-final, and they are well in contention to qualify for Europe.

Having been hailed as "sensational" by the media, Amorim could also be the young, progressive coach Tottenham need to rebuild their squad, given his success with Sporting CP, winning a league title and three cup competitions.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that West Ham United could owe millions in unpaid fees to Russian clubs and it could result in a transfer ban.

What are the latest West Ham transfer rumours?

In the summer transfer window before last, Nikola Vlasic arrived from CSKA Moscow on a permanent transfer, while Alex Kral joined on loan from Spartak Moscow for the 2021/22 season.

It's safe to say those moves didn't go great for either player. Indeed, Vlasic is now on loan with Serie A club Torino after one goal in 19 Premier League outings for the Hammers, while Kral finished his loan with just six appearances under his belt across the entire season.

On top of that disappointment, it seems as though West Ham now have another headache to consider relating to the flops.

Indeed, while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex revealed the club still owe money relating to unpaid fees, with payments affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The insider said (0:21): "West Ham apparently owe a collective amount of £7.8m to the Russian authorities over unpaid transfer fees.

"So the first one is for Alex Kral’s loan move from Spartak Moscow, apparently, we still owe £4.38m for that. And that we still owe CFK Moscow £3.5m for Vlasic.

"Now, West Ham are arguing that you're not allowed to send money to Russia, obviously as a result of the Russia-Ukrainian war.

"But the Russian authorities are saying they're owed that money, and there's even talk that they're applying for us to have a transfer ban as a result of not paying these figures.

"I mean, the figure is so small that I'm sure if that ever became a realistic penalty, then then we would just pay it. But we're still disputing this."

Why did Alex Kral flop at West Ham?

It's fair to say Kral didn't enjoy his time with the East London football club. Indeed, he told Capital Football in a interview earlier this season: “Really fast I recognised I won’t play in too many games, so I worked on my weaknesses in each training.

“Moyes didn’t speak much with me, he was detached.

“I only spoke to him one time when I went to him, asking him what I needed to improve to play, at a time when Rice and Tomas were out of the game.

“But something was off because if I had been doing everything right I’d be playing, no? So, I tried to speak like this with him, I didn’t go and ask: ‘Why am I not playing?’.

“But he kept saying that I needed to wait for my chance, the rest was between him and me."

In the end, he left West Ham have played for just one minute in the Premier League, so it's safe to say it wasn't a good loan spell – nor was he worth that £4.38m still owed.

Vlasic also struggled as mentioned earlier and seeing as he cost an initial £25.7m plus £7.7m in add-ons, which seems to not have been paid yet, the Irons must truly regret these deals now.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly eyeing a Serie A ace this summer, as Julen Lopetegui confirms his place in the front seat ahead of the transfer window.

Ongoing speculation regarding the Spaniard’s future at Wolves was ended this week as the Telegraph confirmed his choice to stay at Molineux amidst Financial Fair Play (FFP) woes.

Regardless of having to remain on a budget, the Old Gold must introduce reinforcements to improve on this season's mishaps, which they could do in signing the latest talent linked to the club.

What’s the latest on Antonio Sanabria to Wolves?

As reported by Italian outlet Torino Granata – relayed by Sport Witness – Wolves are interested in Torino striker Antonio Sanabria.

The report claims that Wolves are ‘chasing’ the forward, along with fellow Premier League competition in Everton and Crystal Palace.

It’s added that club chairman Urbano Cairo has set the 27-year-old’s price tag at €25m (£21m) however ‘will sell’ the Paraguayan for €20m (£17m) if a suitable offer is made.

What could Antonio Sanabria bring to Wolves?

In a season lacking inspiration in all areas, Wolves’ requirement to obtain a goalscorer is critical this summer having scored just 31 goals in 38 games.

Such perished form in the final third ranked the Midlands side as the lowest scorers in the Premier League, averaging just 0.82 goals per match in a campaign that highlighted what the club needs to return to its former heights.

The drop in form of Raul Jimenez following his devastating head injury is a subject damning to both player and club, with the Mexican ending the term with no goals in 15 appearances.

Across the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, Jimenez contributed 44 goals and assists in the Premier League in a streak of form that is greatly missed at Molineux, via Transfermarkt.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed a memorable career at Wolves, however could now see his place taken by fellow forward Sanabria.

As per Sofascore in 33 appearances for Torino in Serie A this campaign, the Paraguayan contributed to 16 goals, scoring 12 himself and assisting four in a strong personal year of football.

Hailed as “brilliant” by Serie A and Roma legend Francesco Totti, the 27-year-old could be exactly what is required to kickstart Lopetegui’s side into producing in the final third again.

Averaging 2.1 shots per game in the league, the San Lorenzo-born ace is a live wire in front of goal as well as being a playmaking outlet for those around him as highlighted by his seven big chances created, via Sofascore.

Lopetegui must identify what is required to get his side firing after a testing Premier League season, in signing Sanabria the Spaniard could inspire his attack with the essence of the striking flair that once ascended on Molineux through Jimenez.

Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea will still feel like "they can win the signature of Lavia" as the race to land the Southampton midfielder is still "pretty open", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Arsenal transfer news – what's the latest on Romeo Lavia

The summer window has kicked off in some style in Islington as the Gunners have already confirmed the £65m purchase of Chelsea's Kai Havertz, and the deal to bring Declan Rice to the Emirates is also nearing completion.

Alongside these established names, the club has been linked to Southampton's exciting young prospect and full Belgian international, Romeo Lavia.

According to a report from the Independent, Arsenal first turned their attention towards the £45m player after concluding that any deal to bring in Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo would be too difficult to achieve alongside their other targets.

However, the race has become a lot more complicated as Chelsea and Manchester United are said to be directly challenging the Gunners for his signature, with Liverpool 'monitoring' developments for now.

Where there is some doubt as to where Lavia would fit in at Arsenal, there is less about any potential move to the Red Devils.

At the moment, Erik ten Hag's choices in defensive midfield are the imperious Casemiro and the hard-working but under equipped Scott McTominay. If United could bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford, he could make for the perfect understudy to the 30-year-old Brazilian, eventually stepping in to replace him a few seasons from now.

Chelsea on the other hand have just sold a huge portion of their midfield with N'Golo Kante moving to Saudi Arabia, Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City and the aforementioned Havertz to Arsenal deal, so a move for the Brussels-gem would make perfect sense, filling a current gap in the team and potentially staying with the club for the next decade.

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about the race to sign Romeo Lavia?

Jones was confident that no club had the upper hand regarding the young Belgian at the moment and that all three teams will feel relatively good about their chances.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I honestly think it's pretty open race at the moment. I wouldn't say that Arsenal are placed any better than Chelsea any better than Man United. I think that all of those clubs will feel that they can still win the signature of Lavia."

Do Arsenal need to sign Romeo Lavia?

The sides in this transfer saga could clearly use Lavia both now and in the future, but what about Mikel Arteta's side?

Well, it's a little more complicated; as things stand, the club have Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny in that defensive midfield position and will soon add Rice, the club's most expensive transfer ever.

From that, it looks hard to see where the "monster" – as dubbed by football writer Benjy Nurick – would fit into Arteta's immediate plans.

However, if the recent report from the Telegraph claiming that the club will cash in on Ghanaian international Partey is true, there could well be a way into the team for the ex-Manchester City wonderkid.

However, with Rice likely to take Partey's place as the clubs go to defensive midfielder anyway, Lavia would still be firmly behind a player only five years his senior.

While he would certainly be a fantastic rotation option, the player might view himself as something other than just a backup.

Whoever ends up landing the Southampton starlet will have an unbelievable prospect on their books, but it looks like some teams need his services more than others.

Manchester United are keen on signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but they may have to do battle for his signature with one of their Premier League rivals…

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

As a result of his public fallout with Erik ten Hag, Jadon Sancho will look to leave Man United in the January transfer window, with the winger expected to leave on loan initially, before making a permanent exit from Old Trafford next summer.

Sancho is not in the manager's plans at the moment, with the 23-year-old not being named in the squad for the recent trip to the Emirates Stadium, while Antony has been given a leave of absence, amid off-field allegations.

Having recently left PSV Eindhoven by mutual consent, Anwar El Ghazi has now emerged as a target for the Red Devils, with the Dutchman available on a free transfer, but he is not the only player on Ten Hag's shortlist.

According to reports from Spain (via The Hard Tackle), Man United are looking for a right-winger who can "stand out in the short and long term", and Williams fits the bill, but he is a "highly sought after" asset ahead of next summer's transfer window.

Not only are United keen, but Barcelona and Liverpool are also interested, with Jurgen Klopp eyeing a right-winger who can take the place of Mohamed Salah, who is being tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia.

The Athletic Bilbao winger's contract is set to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign, at which point three of Europe's top clubs are set to do battle for his signature.

The report makes it clear that Man United's interest stems from the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Antony and Sancho, and Ten Hag's poor relationship with the latter player could open the door to Williams' arrival.

What position does Nico Williams play?

The 21-year-old is capable of playing on either flank, but he has predominantly featured on the right wing during his time with Athletic Bilbao, weighing in with 17 goals and 20 assists in 71 appearances in that area of the pitch.

Scout Antonio Mango has previously explained why the Spaniard prefers playing on that side, saying:

"Nico is best suited on the right because he likes to cut inside a lot, looking to either carve a shot out for himself, dribble past opponents or cross into the box. Nico excels is his close ball-control dribbling, he ghosts past opposition as if they weren’t there.

Mango has also lauded the Bilbao starlet as "extremely dangerous", which is demonstrated by the fact he ranks in the 92nd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

The Pamplona-born winger has made a flying start to the current season, recording four assists in his opening four La Liga games, and it is no wonder so many top clubs are queuing up for his signature next summer.

It is exciting news that Man United are one of the teams in the race for Williams, and they should continue to monitor his performances between now and the end of the season.

A key feature of Liverpool's recruitment of recent years has been their ability to recoup sizeable fees when moving players on, having repeatedly hit the jackpot when it comes to selling first-team assets.

Be it the £142m brought in for Philippe Coutinho back in 2018, or more recently the £35m departure of Sadio Mane – who had just a year to run on his existing deal at the time – the Anfield outfit appear to have maximised their profits wherever possible.

One such transfer tale which can be looked upon favourably is the sale of Mamadou Sakho to Crystal Palace in 2017, with the Merseysiders having no doubt struck gold by being able to rake in £26m with the centre-back's exit.

Where is Mamadou Sakho now?

The Premier League giants had appeared to have landed something of a coup with the £16m signing of the Frenchman back in 2013, with the defender having previously caught the eye after taking on the captain's armband at former club Paris Saint-Germain at the age of just 17, while also winning the Young Player of the Year award in France during the 2010/11 campaign.

Lauded as an "important, marquee signing" by former managing director, Ian Ayre at the time of his arrival in England, the 6 foot 2 brute would go on to play 18 Premier League games during his debut campaign, as Brendan Rodgers' side launched their bid for the title.

The Paris native would, however, fail to truly establish himself in the side over the next few years, with club legend Jamie Carragher writing in 2014 that Sakho 'doesn't fill you with confidence when you watch him'.

The polarising "monster" – as hailed by Rodgers – would notably fall down the pecking order following Jurgen Klopp's arrival at the club, having been sent home from the club's pre-season tour in 2016 due to concerns over his attitude.

Having been deemed surplus to requirements during the following campaign, Sakho was ultimately allowed to join Palace on loan in January 2017 for a fee of £2m, going on to make a strong impression in his temporary home despite only featuring eight times due to a season-ending knee injury.

After being nominated for the Eagles' Player of the Year by supporters despite that limited involvement, the Selhurst Park outfit made the decision to splash out £26m to tie him down on a permanent deal, offering Liverpool a rather hefty sum for a player who appeared to have no future under Klopp.

That sale looked even more astute as Sakho went on to make just 75 appearances across all fronts over the next few years, eventually leaving the London side on a free transfer in 2021.

Now at Montpellier, the 33-year-old is now said to be worth as little as £2m – according to Football Transfers – with that a further indication of just what a perfect deal it was for the Reds to move the centre-back on just under six years ago.

Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke outlined his surprise that both Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason have remained in charge of Tottenham Hotspur after Antonio Conte was sacked.

What's the latest on Cristian Stellini and Spurs?

On Sunday night, Spurs officially announced that the club's now former head coach would be leaving by mutual agreement as they thanked him for his contribution.

In the statement, chairman Daniel Levy said: "We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place. We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our Club and amazing, loyal supporters.”

On top of that, it was explained that Stellini and Mason would remain in charge of Tottenham for now with the 48-year-old Italian working as acting head, coach while the Englishman would be his assistant.

While speaking about this development on TalkSport, Pitt-Brooke explained why he was somewhat taken aback by the news that both men would remain with the club.

Indeed, he explained (1:16): “Well, it's very unusual, isn't it? Off the top of my head. I can't think of any other examples of a manager leaving and his two assistants stay in place.

"I mean, I think the presumption was that Ryan Mason would stay on which of course is what he did after Mourinho was sacked in 2021. But not many people expected Stellini to stay on as well.

“I think in part, it reflects the fact that they don't want a complete repeat of 2021 when Ryan Mason had the last few games. Equally. I think it's also just an acknowledgement of what a good job Stellini and Mason did.

"I mean, frankly, that was his best run in the season when Conte was recuperating from surgery at home in Italy. And Stellini and Mason helped them beat Manchester City and Chelsea. But you're right, it is very odd. It's not something that would normally happen."

How did Ryan Mason do as Spurs manager?

As Pitt-Brooke mentions, Mason was of course in charge as the club's interim for seven games back in 2021 after former coach Jose Mourinho was sacked.

Promisingly, for fans, he actually managed to win four of these games. However, he lost the other three and in that period even managed to squeeze in a Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

He has remained as a coach at Spurs ever since and so it's safe to assume he'll remain in that position when the club do hire a permanent replacement.

As for Stellini, though, it remains unclear if he will remain in north London when a new man comes in. After all, he was hired by Conte and so is very much connected to the Italian's tenure – which explains why there is some surprise that he too hasn't now departed.

Manchester United have identified a "massive" Premier League player as their "number one target" in a key position in the January transfer window, according to a new update.

Man Utd targeting January signings

The Red Devils have suffered huge injury problems in defence this season, with Lisandro Martinez a long-term absentee who has been a big loss, given his influence since arriving from Ajax. Raphael Varane has also continued to struggle with fitness issues, while the likes of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are others who have been unavailable at different times.

In fairness, Erik ten Hag's side have done well to tackle these problems, winning five of their last six Premier League games., despite having so many defenders out of contention. While Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have largely performed well of late, including in Sunday's 3-0 victory away to Everton, it is clear that reinforcements are needed at the back, with neither representing the future at Old Trafford.

United have been linked with various centre-back options in recent times, with Sporting CP youngster Goncalo Inacio one player who has emerged as a potential addition at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, a broader report has claimed that the Red Devils are prioritising the signing of a central defender in January.

"Incredible" Man Utd player lined up for shock move amid frustration at ETH

Manchester United could offload one of their first-team stars in January….

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 27, 2023 Man Utd want Marc Guehi

According to Football Insider, Manchester United have made Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi their main January target in defence, seeing him a great option to boost Ten Hag's back-line.

"Man United are planning a January move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, sources have told Football Insider. The centre-back, 23, is firmly on the radar of the Premier League giants ahead of the winter window.

"A senior source has told Football Insider that Guehi is the 'number one target' for United going into January. The club are keeping close tabs on the England international and doing background checks."

Guehi is someone who looks like a perfect centre-back choice for United in the January window, with the 23-year-old becoming such a consistent performer for Palace in recent years, arguably making Chelsea look foolish for deciding to sell him to the Eagles back in 2021.

The United transfer target is enjoying an excellent individual season once again in 2023/24, having a 89.3% pass completion rate across 12 Premier League appearances, as well as averaging 4.8 clearances, 1.4 aerial duels and 1.2 tackles per game in the competition.

Pass completion rate

89.3%

Clearances per game

4.8

Aerial duel wins per game

1.4

Tackles per game

1.2

Guehi could even feel that moving to Old Trafford increases his chances of featuring prominently for England at Euro 2024 next summer, potentially even taking Maguire's place in the Three Lions' starting lineup. He would be noticed more playing for one of the biggest teams in the country, and he could immediately come in as an upgrade on the former Red Devils captain.

The Palace ace has been hailed as both "massive" and an "absolute tank" by former Stoke City goalkeeper Josef Bursik in the past, having played together for England's Under-21s, and at 23 years of age, he should only get better as the years pass, possibly even proving to be a key man at United for the next decade.

Greg O’Keeffe has name-dropped last summer’s target Mohammed Kudus as the type of player Everton need to be signing.

The Lowdown: More goals are needed at Everton

Everton are the league’s joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League this season, which may not be a surprise given that the Toffees have been without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the majority of this campaign.

The Everton board clearly knew they needed more firepower in the final third because of Calvert-Lewin’s shocking injury record and that they’d sold Richarlison by targeting Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.

While it was reported that Kudus was keen on leaving Ajax for Everton in the summer, his form this season has shown why he was indeed right to stay in the Eredivisie as he will have bigger clubs pushing for his signature.

The Latest: Kudus-like player is what Everton need

Despite his scintillating form for Ajax this season, O’Keeffe name-dropped Kudus on the All Together Now podcast as the player Everton could target and if not him, then someone of a similar mould, despite Ellis Simms’ latest heroics.

He said: (19:00) “It’s dead interesting because I think he’s [Ellis Simms] not the kind of striker if we all, well I can’t speak for everyone, but if I had my choice, I’d want Everton to be in the market for like Mohammed Kudus. I know he’s not a striker but I’m sure he could [play there], a Richarlison or those sorts of players.”

The Verdict: Everton are desperate for a proven goal scorer

While O’Keeffe and many other Evertonians would likely love to have someone such as Kudus in their squad, after his stunning season for Ajax, coupled with the fact he starred for Ghana out in Qatar last winter, he will probably have loftier ambitions having proven himself to be a ‘goal threat’.

Last summer was the chance for Everton to go all out, back Frank Lampard and land a proven goal scorer, but they decided to save their cash and instead brought in Neal Maupay who’s netted just once in the league this term.

Everton managed to get £60 million for last season’s hero Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur over the summer and at no point did they replace him or even bring in a player similar to him and the qualities he brought to the side, which is simply negligent on Everton’s behalf.