All posts by n8rngtd.top

Crystal Palace are plotting a bid for Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Ian Mitchelmore, who writes in WalesOnline that Palace are one of several Premier League clubs interested.

The Eagles are set to battle it out with Southampton and Wolves for his signature.

Swansea were reportedly expecting huge interest in him, as one of their standout performers, and is valued between £11m to £12m.

Imagine him and Doucoure

With the imminent announcement of new signing Cheick Doucoure, it appears that Patrick Vieira is building a new midfield to make up for the absence of former star loanee Conor Gallagher.

This tricky midfielder could be the touch of class to go alongside the midfield powerhouse that has already been tied down.

The £1.8m-rated maestro boasted a 6.83 average SofaScore rating, which is impressive given his age and consistency across 37 games.

Perhaps the 23-year-old could act as a metronome for Palace, given his 92.6 pass success percentage and 0.5 key passes per 90.

This, alongside the 2.26 interceptions and 6.87 progressive carries per 90 of Doucoure, could provide the perfect balance with regards to both offensive and defensive output.

Downes’ performances led Swansea manager Russell Martin to label him “incredible”.

He continued: “He has all the ingredients he needs to play at the very top. He knows how I feel about him and how we feel about him as a coaching staff and what his ceiling can be. I think he can go and play wherever he wants eventually.”

Vieira knows a thing or two about taking part in a near-perfect midfield, and if Downes and Doucoure can strike a connection early on it could help propel Palace, allowing them to build on their impressive 12th-placed finish last term.

Supporters from Selhurst Park can get excited at the prospect of this signing, as their business whilst dipping into the Championship has been impressive in the past.

Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise are two successes, and in Downes, they could have found another who could be the perfect midfield partner for their other prospective new signing.

AND, in other news: “Palace would be…“: Transfer insider drops huge update, supporters will be buzzing.

Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Clement Lenglet.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the Barcelona centre-back this summer, the 27-year-old is now set to sign for Antonio Conte’s side on loan – with a deal between the two clubs having now been completed.

In his tweet, Di Marzio said: “Clement Lenglet set to join Spurs on loan from FC Barcelona. Done deal.”

Conte will be buzzing

While it is true that Lenglet was not Conte’s first-choice target for the signing of a new left-sided centre-back this summer, with Tottenham having been heavily linked with both Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, the news that Spurs look now set to land the France international will nevertheless have left the Italian manager buzzing.

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Indeed, while the defender has fallen down the Barcelona pecking order since Xavi’s appointment at the Camp Nou last November – starting just five LaLiga fixtures under the 42-year-old manager – Lenglet’s metrics over the last 365 days very much suggest that he could be something of a perfect fit on the left of Conte’s back three at Tottenham.

According to FBRef data, the £170k-per-week left-footer ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, in addition to the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 18% for passes completed, the top 6% for assists, the top 15% for pressures, the top 39% for tackles and the top 43% for aerial duels won over the past 12 months.

As such, while he may not be the long-term prospect many Tottenham supporters would have been hoping for Paratici to land this summer, it would appear as if Lenglet more than possesses the ability to be being the ball-playing centre-back Conte was looking to add to his options at the back ahead of the new Premier League campaign – leading us to believe that Di Marzio’s latest update will have delighted the 52-year-old manager, especially after the club’s earlier capture of Richarlison.

AND in other news: Reliable journo drops big Spurs transfer update, supporters will be fuming with Levy

The summer transfer window is well underway and Everton have been one of the quieter clubs in the Premier League.

Centre-back James Tarkowski is the only senior signing to come through the door so far as Frank Lampard looks to build his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The 44-year-old still has well over a month left to do business and is reportedly eyeing up a number of players as he considers who to go for in the market.

It was recently reported that the Toffees have approached Chelsea over a potential deal to sign Albania international Armando Broja this summer, and earlier this year it was claimed that he could cost up to €70m (£60m).

Lampard is hoping to land the gem from his former club; and in doing so, he could evoke memories of one previous Everton striker by securing such a deal – Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian centre-forward joined the Merseyside club from Stamford Bridge on an initial loan in 2013 before the Toffees signed him permanently a year later.

He scored 15 goals in 29 starts in his first season before managing 28 goals in his next 68 starts in the Premier League for the Toffees. The forward ended his career at Goodison Park with 87 goals in 166 matches in all competitions.

In Broja, Everton can now find a new Chelsea striker to come in and score goals on a regular basis – potentially on an initial loan deal like Lukaku.

Albania’s assistant manager Sergio Porrini previously heaped praise on the young talent, saying: “From last year to this he has grown a lot, and at Southampton, he has exploded.

“His greatest qualities are in progression, especially the ball and chain. (He’s) less good, on the other hand, with his back to the goal, in the construction of the action. But, in the spaces, he is devastating!”

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In the top flight on loan at Southampton last term, the 20-year-old managed six goals in 21 starts and scored nine times in all competitions. This came after he managed 11 goals in 34 games at Vitesse, while he has also found the net four times in 14 caps for his country.

These statistics show that he has a wealth of experience under his belt and has the potential to score on a regular basis if he is able to keep improving.

At the age of 20, the phenomenon has the scope to develop even further, and that is why Lampard can land Everton’s next Lukaku, as Broja is another young striker from Chelsea who can come in and grow into a top-quality centre-forward.

AND in other news, Alan Myers drops exciting Everton transfer update, “outstanding” target could arrive…

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, West Ham target Jesse Lingard is asking for around £180k-per-week to make the move back to the London Stadium this summer.

The Lowdown: Plenty of interest

The winger’s contract with Manchester United has now expired, making him a free agent on the market for any potential suitors.

ESPN reported last week that the 29-year-old has flown out to America to listen to any offers coming from the MLS, but the article states that there is still interest in the Premier League in the form of the Irons, alongside rivals Everton.

The forward turned down the offer to join the Hammers on a permanent basis last summer in an attempt to nail down a regular place at Old Trafford, but that clearly hasn’t stopped David Moyes from wanting to try again.

The Latest: Lingard’s wage demands

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook insisted that Lingard would only consider re-joining West Ham if his financial demands were met. He said:

“I’ve heard anywhere from £150k up to £200k-per-week. So £180k-per-week sounds about right, which I think they think is a lot for a 29-year-old, who actually didn’t do a lot last season at United.”

The Verdict: A risk worth taking

Despite the former United star not having the impact he would have hoped on his return to Manchester, he contributed a whole lot to Moyes’ starting XI when on loan with the Irons, and that form wouldn’t have gone unnoticed.

The Warrington-born talent made a remarkable 14 goal contributions in just 16 appearances across all competitions during his time in the capital, as per Transfermarkt, and proved himself to be a constant threat in the final third.

West Ham will know how much of a difference he made to the performance of the team, and whilst his demands are astronomical for a player currently out of regular practice, it’s a risk worth taking and would no doubt be one that pays off in the long term.

Leeds United bringing in Juan Mata during the summer transfer window would be a ‘great signing’ for the club, according to pundit Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Orta closing in

The 34-year-old has left Manchester United after spending eight years there and is now on the lookout for a new club this summer.

Leeds have emerged as strong contenders to acquire Mata, as Jesse Marsch eyes up more attacking reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season. Indeed, according to reports in Spain, via MOT Leeds News, Victor Orta is set to win the race for the experienced free agent’s signature.

Mata has enjoyed a wonderful career, not only shining at club level but also winning the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain.

The Latest: McAvennie excited by signing

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, 62, claimed the Spaniard would be a superb addition to Leeds’ squad, should the move go through:

“When you’ve got such a good talent like Mata, I think he’s better than what’s he doing. I think he got a raw deal at Man United. Do I think he’s got something to prove? Yeah, definitely. Would he be good at Leeds? I think he’d be a great signing at Leeds.

“He loves getting on the ball, he would be the man there who could control things. I think he’d be a great singing. I just think he’s better than what he’s been shown.

“Mata is one of the ones I thought was a Man United player. If I think he’s good enough for Man United he’s certainly good enough for Leeds at the moment.

“He wasn’t getting a game for Man United but I would put him in straight away. He’s better than Fred and McTominay. When he comes in I don’t think he does anything wrong and then he’s out again.

“I think Leeds supporters would love him at the club. They’ve been out of everything for so long that a player like Mata going to Leeds would be right up their street.”

The Verdict: Still possesses class

While Mata’s very best days are now behind him, he remains a top-quality footballer capable of adding a sprinkling of stardust to Leeds United’s squad.

Much like someone like Joao Moutinho at Wolves, the veteran could bring that experience and class to the Whites’ midfield, opening up defences and having runners around him. He has 50 goals and 64 assists to his name in the Premier League, which speaks volumes about his abilities.

It may be that Mata isn’t viewed as a starter week in, week out by Jesse Marsch, given the fitness and work rate he expects from his players, but he could be a perfect squad addition, both on and off the pitch.

A claim has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of Nathan Broadhead in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Black Cats reporter James Copley has claimed that the club have not made any significant developments in the race to sign the forward, who is now attracting interest from elsewhere.

He tweeted: “Understand nothing is imminent regarding Nathan Broadhead to Sunderland. Still interest there following last season but there are other clubs interested in his services.”

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson confirmed that he was absent from his club’s match at the weekend, tweeting: “24 players named in Frank Lampard’s squad for Everton’s latest pre-season friendly at Blackpool this afternoon – and once again, SAFC target Nathan Broadhead is nowhere to be seen…”

Neil will be gutted

Alex Neil will be gutted by this news as the Championship campaign kicks off this weekend and he currently has just one first-team striker – Ross Stewart – at his disposal.

Since winning promotion to the second tier of English football, Sunderland are yet to sign an out-and-out centre-forward as snapping Leon Dajaku and Jack Clarke – two wingers – on permanent deals are the only attacking signings they made.

This means that there is a big gap in their squad at the top end of the pitch and little time left to fill it before it could cost them in a competitive match. They face Coventry City at the weekend and they are an injury to Stewart away from being without a number nine option.

Neil will, therefore, be gutted by the lack of progress on a potential deal to bring Broadhead back to the Stadium of Light, after his impressive spell on loan on Wearside in the 2021/22 campaign.

The Welshman caught the eye in League One as he found the back of the net 10 times from 15 starts in the division, playing 22 games in total. He only missed five big chances over the course of the season as he proved that he has the quality to be a composed and clinical finisher in the third tier.

At the age of 24, he has the time on his side to develop and is still gaining valuable experience at senior level, which means that he has the scope to make the step up to playing Championship football.

Broadhead would offer a much-needed goal threat to the team alongside Stewart and Neil will now be hoping that Kristjaan Speakman can win the battle to land his signature in the coming weeks.

AND in other news: Alan Nixon drops big Sunderland transfer claim that’ll leave supporters fuming

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension sporting director Fabio Paratici, remain linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, as journalist Paul Brown shares the latest on that situation.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye swoop for attacker…

As reliably reported, Spurs and Paratici remain in the market for a creative midfielder ahead of Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge of the club.

Following on from their fourth-placed finish last season, earning the Lilywhites qualification for the Champions League, Conte has been well and truly backed after ENIC’s £150m equity increase.

Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence have all arrived at Hotspur Way, with links recently emerging to the likes of James Maddison (Leicester) and Nicolo Zaniolo (Roma).

The Latest: Brown shares Tielemans update…

The Daily Star reporter Brown has now provided an update for Spurs supporters involving Foxes playmaker Tielemans.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist states that Tottenham, and by extension Paratici, have ‘looked at’ signing the 25-year-old.

He explained: “I think he’s someone that Spurs have looked at for quite a long time and that he might be a better fit than someone like Maddison in the system.

“Conte has done quite a lot of retooling in attack and midfield, but I think he has some of the kind of qualities that would fit at Spurs. He has a good passing range and I think he’d get involved and be a good signing for them.

But I think that would be the only other signing they make. They’d have to spend the rest of their budget to get him I think.”

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The Verdict: Make the move?

Contrary to Brown’s claim, some reports suggest that Tielemans could cost around £25m – a fairly reasonable price tag and an arguably affordable one for Paratici.

If Leicester are willing to part company with him for that amount, we believe that the Belgium international could be a potentially brilliant Spurs signing.

Having been called ‘scary’ by Daily Telegraph reporter Sam Dean and a ‘gem’ of a signing for Leicester by Foxes reporter Rob Tanner, Tielemans certainly has no shortage of admirers.

Indeed, he could even be open to joining Conte given Spurs’ status in the Champions League, with reliable journalist Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail (via Spurs Web) believing that the player ‘would pick Tottenham over Arsenal’.

What a feather that would be in Spurs fans’ caps!

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko.

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min, who note that Salzburg have no plans to sell the youngster. Wolves are said to have watched him closely, but this recent revelation could deter the Midlands club from pursuing the forward.

Interest is thought to be high, with Manchester United, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all attentive to the situation.

The next Haaland

Standing at a domineering 6’3 but possessing a blistering turn of pace, this physical anomaly has often been likened to the super-talented Erling Haaland.

Now looking to replicate the Norwegian and make the move to the Premier League, Wolves could be the beneficiaries of this forward labelled “generational” by journalist Ryan Taylor.

Last season, the RB Salzburg striker contributed to 17 goals in all competitions and has earned huge praise for the effect his physical presence has on the opposition.

The 19-year-old has also started off the new season with a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Austria Vienna, earning a SofaScore rating of 8.10 for his efforts. It looks like it may be a huge season for the breakout star, and perhaps Bruno Lage could look to invest in his talents now before he truly announces himself on the world stage.

The Old Gold struggled in the striking position last season, as the now 31-year-old Raul Jimenez only managed six league goals in 35 appearances. Another disappointing campaign for Fabio Silva, which resulted in no league goals, has even seen him sent out on loan.

Lage’s side is crying out for a hungry new striker to come in and make the position his own. Sesko could be just that man, and his hulking frame would thrive off the deliveries from the likes of Ruben Neves and Pedro Neto.

With 13 caps whilst still being a teenager, it is clear how highly thought of he is by those around his club and country.

Whilst the reported £55m price tag may seem steep, it could prove a smart investment as they look to tie down this generational forward who can emulate the machine that is Haaland.

AND in other news: Lage can seal his own Ronaldo with Wolves bid for “world-class” 308-goal target.

Manchester City have enjoyed a number of successful years under the management of Pep Guardiola.

Since the 51-year-old took charge of the club, the Citizens have won four Premier League titles, four League Cups and one FA Cup.

One figure in Guardiola’s squad that has played a massive part in the club’s success is Kevin De Bruyne.

With 267 appearances to his name under the current City boss, the Belgian has scored 70 goals and provided 108 assists along the way.

Now at the age of 31, De Bruyne is one of the four outfield players at City that are over the age of 30.

Bearing that in mind, the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window could give the Premier League champions the chance to secure what could be their next version of the star midfielder.

One player that has been mentioned with a move to the Etihad Stadium that could fit this bill is Lucas Paqueta.

In 186 combined appearances for Flamengo, AC Milan and his current club, Olympique Lyon, the Brazilian has found the net 34 times and delivered 21 assists.

To compare his previous league campaign with De Bruyne’s, the duo both managed to rack up just over 30 shots on target each, as well as the same number of goal-creating actions (14).

They also ended the season with just a difference of 17 progressive passes between them, with Paqueta racking up 140 and De Bruyne having 157. Evidently, just like the Belgian, the City target loves looking for a forward pass and picking out runners in behind.

This shows the similarities between the two midfielders and what the Lyon star could offer City should he join them this summer.

His overall performances in Ligue 1 earned him a solid season rating of 7.24/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player at Lyon.

Hailed as an “extraordinary” player by Peter Bosz, the 24-year-old has certainly shown he has the credentials to be the next version of De Bruyne and a possible long-term replacement for him at City.

With a reported price tag of £68m, securing a deal for the midfielder, especially if Bernardo Silva makes a move to Barcelona, would be a great way for the Manchester club to top off what has been a significant summer transfer window for them in terms of the number of players that have moved in and out of the Etihad.

Burnley could make Charlie Taylor available for transfer with Leeds United admirers of the left-back, according to Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Leeds eyeing a left-back?

The Whites are on the search for a new left-back this summer following an injury to Junior Firpo in pre-season.

Jesse Marsch has had to use centre-back Pascal Struijk at full-back in the two opening Premier League fixtures, with Leeds picking up a respectable four points.

A new forward also appears on the agenda, but it looks as if the Whites are on alert when it comes to a potential move for former full-back Taylor.

The Latest: Nixon’s claim

MOT Leeds News relayed a Burnley transfer update from Nixon’s Patreon account on Sunday.

The reliable journalist said that the Clarets could make Taylor available for transfer ‘before the window shuts’, saying that it would ‘alert Premier League admirers like Leeds United’.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

The 28-year-old left Leeds for Burnley back in 2017, but it looks as if roles could be reversed five years on with a potential Elland Road return.

The left-back has gained plenty of Premier League experience during his time at Turf Moor, and has even begun the new season playing as a centre-back under Vincent Kompany, showing his versatility.

He could be the perfect signing to challenge Firpo when he returns from injury, and would give Marsch another solid defensive option, so this could be one to watch closely.