Category Uncategorized

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in James Garner in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Magpies are one of a number of Premier League teams eyeing up the England youth international.

The report claims that Tottenham, Leeds, Southampton and Aston Villa are also competing to land his signature before next month’s headline.

It is stated that Manchester United are prepared to cash in on him but no teams are willing to pay the £14m asking price at this moment in time.

Eddie Howe’s own David Beckham

The Magpies manager could secure his own version of the Manchester United legend by swooping in to sign Garner before the end of the window.

TotalFootballAnalysis claimed that he is becoming a set-piece specialist with his ability to create opportunities from dead ball situations.

In the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest, he created a whopping nine goals outside of open play – with eight of those coming from corners – and this led to his teammate Ryan Yates calling him one of the best in the Championship at that part of the game.

Trevor Sinclair, meanwhile, compared his set-piece quality to that of a certain former England international, saying:

“James Garner’s deliveries remind me of David Beckham’s. He’s got that dip and that whip and it causes so many problems. The pace on the ball, he’s putting it on a sixpence every time.”

The ex-Real Madrid man assisted 80 goals throughout his time in the Premier League and found the back of the net 18 times from free-kicks, with Toon legend Alan Shearer once naming him as the best dead ball taker in the history of the league.

Newcastle could now find their own set-piece wiz from the Old Trafford academy set-up by signing Garner to create chance after chance with his ability from those positions.

The midfielder, who has been dubbed “simply phenomenal” in 2022 by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also has more facets to his game and this is backed up by his statistics in the Championship for Forest last term.

He averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.26 and made 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst winning 53% of his duels. The midfielder topped the charts for Nottingham Forest when it came to ratings and made more tackles and interceptions than every player other than Joe Worrall and Ryan Yates.

This suggests that the 21-year-old does not shy away from his defensive responsibilities and is capable of putting in strong performances on a consistent basis, along with having Beckham-esque set-pieces.

Howe must now take a punt on the youngster at £14m to see if he is able to make the step up to the Premier League to be Newcastle’s own specialist in the middle of the park.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of signing Mauro Icardi in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Magpies have been offered the opportunity to sign the PSG centre-forward before next month’s deadline.

Reporting for CaughtOffside, Romano said: “I’ve written about Mauro Icardi being offered to Manchester United, and also Arsenal earlier in the summer, though they preferred to sign Gabriel Jesus. I can now reveal that the Argentine also been offered to Newcastle.

“Icardi’s situation is really difficult. PSG want to find a solution soon, but the player does not intend to accept unwanted destinations.

“He has been offered to Man Utd and Newcastle who have not made any kind of proposal for Icardi so far. There are also Galatasaray emissaries who contacted Icardi’s camp this week.”

Imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

Earlier this year, Saint-Maximin claimed that he could rack up 15 assists if he had better finishers around him at St. James’ Park.

By signing the £185k-per-week PSG gem, Newcastle could now answer the Frenchman’s prayers by pairing him with an exceptional finisher.

Since the start of the 2014/15 campaign, Icardi has scored an eye-catching 125 league goals from 119.70 expected goals. This means that he scored roughly five more than he was expected to from the chances he was provided with in that time.

He has proven over the course of a number of seasons that he is a clinical finisher at the top level and, therefore, the type of player Saint-Maximin has called out for the club to sign.

Juventus and Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini previously lauded the Argentine forward’s ability in his autobiography, saying:

“Among the great attackers I have faced, I highly value Icardi, who inside the area is almost impossible to mark. Mauro against Juve has often scored, it hurt me.

“He’s a world-class centre-forward, even if he lacks something in the collective game, he’s a Trezeguet but with different characteristics, lethal in the aerial game but perfectible outside the surface.”

These quotes back up his impressive finishing statistics and suggest that, if Howe can get the best out of him, Newcastle could land a terrific number nine by snapping him up in the coming weeks.

At the age of 29, he is not at the end of his career and should still have plenty to offer to the Magpies – given his sublime goalscoring record – if Howe deems him suited to the way he wants to play.

Should the club opt to take advantage of their opportunity to bring the Argentina international to St. James’ Park then Saint-Maximin’s prayers would be answered and he would have to live up to his word when it comes to assists.

Tottenham Hotspur could target Marc Guehi in the future after an interesting transfer claim emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic, Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici is a big fan of the Crystal Palace centre-back.

“So Guehi they really like. Paratici definitely really likes Marc Guehi,” the journalist revealed during a recent appearance on The Last Word on Spurs YouTube channel.

“There is a guy that is young, English, homegrown, plays for England and he can play along the backline. He’s a fantastic player and there’s a lot of upside to him.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Pitt-Brooke also suggested that the Eagles won’t get pushed around to sell him as they have no need to with the England international under contract for another four years but it could be a potential signing to look out for in the next couple of windows and beyond.

Guehi would be colossal for Spurs

The Lilywhites have bolstered Antonio Conte’s squad with a trio of defensive additions, including that of Clement Lenglet, who has joined on a season-long loan from FC Barcelona.

He becomes the only left-footed central defender at the club, so you can see why the Italian wanted a signing there. But they continue to be linked to other options, ranging from Pau Torres of Villarreal to RB Leipzig gem Josko Gvardiol.

Although Spurs have another problem brewing at Hotspur Way and that’s with their homegrown quota, something that Guehi would help fix.

The likes of Japhet Tanganga and Harry Winks are expected to leave the club before deadline day on September 1st and that would mean that Conte is a further two players short when it comes to registering English talent.

Guehi, who came through the system at Chelsea, would be a like-for-like replacement in the registration list to either of the departing duo. His experience and performances for Palace also highlight why he’d be a solid signing.

Only three players registered a better WhoScored rating over at Selhurst Park, which suggests that Guehi was a mark of consistency under Patrick Vieira.

He also registered 1.62 interceptions, and 1.28 blocks per 90, via FBref, who have compared his statistical profile to that of Torres and even Leonardo Bonucci – a stalwart of Juventus and the Italian national team and someone that Conte has managed before.

Guehi’s former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik once dubbed the 6-foot colossus an “absolute tank” and claimed that he was “massive,” only adding to the reasons why Spurs should make their move.

The Englishman is currently valued at a whopping €70m (£60m) by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, so it’s clear that he wouldn’t come cheap but then again, proven homegrown Premier League players never do.

Whether it be this summer or next, the north Londoners must put Guehi high on their wishlist as he would be quite the coup indeed.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal bargain 7th signing in “special” dynamo, won’t cost Spurs a penny…

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for three defenders during the ongoing transfer window, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Man Utd’s defensive woes

The Red Devils struggled for consistency at the heart of their defence during the 2021/22 campaign, conceding 57 goals in the Premier League – the second-worst tally among the top 10 finishers.

Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof all had issues with either injuries or form at various points in the season, leading to Erik ten Hag attempting to address the problem area with the signing of Lisandro Martinez from his former club Ajax.

Off the back of the Argentine’s arrival, three central defenders are seemingly surplus to requirements at Old Trafford…

The latest: Three could be axed

As per the Daily Mail, United are ‘willing to listen to offers’ for any of Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly this summer.

It’s claimed that all three ‘could be allowed to leave’ the club as Ten Hag looks to ‘kickstart a rebuild’ in Manchester and overhaul an underperforming defensive department.

The report added that Jones – who was hailed by Luke Shaw for a ‘phenomenal’ 7.60 Sofascore rated display containing two clearances, three blocked shots and two interceptions in the Red Devil’s defeat to Wolves at the start of 2022 – has ‘attracted tentative enquiries’ from DC United, now managed by United legend Wayne Rooney.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates-5/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The verdict: Two must go

Ultimately, selling out-of-favour stars such as the aforementioned trio, and in turn releasing them from the wage bill, is imperative if the club are to move forwards from the previous era, particularly those such as Jones and Tuanzebe who have entered the final 12 months of their contracts (Transfermarkt).

Once regarded as a bright prospect at Old Trafford and having submitted an extraordinary performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, 24-year-old academy graduate Tuanzebe has never truly held down a place in the senior plans – making just 37 first-team outings – and a sale could be the best next move for all parties.

While Bailly’s future also appears on the line, he is under contract until 2024, so the 46-cap Ivory Coast international must surely be keen to impress Ten Hag and be given a stay of execution to prove his worth at United.

However, despite being a veteran of 228 appearances over 11 years for the Red Devils, only five of those have come in the last two years, and time certainly appears to be up on Jones’ career in Manchester. The former Blackburn Rovers man should be free to leave with the blessing of all associated with the club.

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce must finally axe Callum Robinson and sign a better replacement ahead of next season.

What’s the latest?

A report from Football League World states that West Brom are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the winger, with one pundit telling them that he believes now is ‘the right time’ for Robinson to move on.

Cashing in on the player would allow Bruce to reinvest the money elsewhere and sign a better replacement. Robinson has had an okay spell at The Hawthorne’s but there have been questions over his commitment with him being booed off the pitch at one point last season.

West Brom can do better

Robinson’s form last season wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.

He scored eight goals in all competitions which is fairly consistent compared to his previous seasons but was quite far behind the Baggies’ top scorer Karlan Grant.

He moved to the West Midlands in 2020 in an exchange deal between West Brom and Sheffield United that saw Oliver Burke move the other way. It was an exciting addition at the time and he signed a five-year contract signalling the club’s intent to make him a key part of their future.

However, he hasn’t turned out to as significant to their success as they may have first hoped and is he really the player who’s performances can lead them back to the Premier League?

Irish Football pundit Eamon Dunphy has described Robinson as “overhyped” and we agree.

He’s an average Championship striker and the Baggies can do better. The Irishman is currently being paid £18k per week so selling him would not only free up space, but also funds that could be used to buy someone who can make them serious contenders.

The club have recently been linked with Derby County player Tom Lawrence who could be available on a free transfer, he performed well in a struggling side last season and could offer everything Robinson can and they wouldn’t have to pay a fee.

Ultimately the club need to be setting their sights on better players if they want to be competitive and secure at least a play-off place next season. Allowing Robinson to leave would be the best decision for both parties.

AND in other news: Bruce eyeing “inspirational” £27k-p/w gem for West Brom, he’s a big Robinson upgrade…

Frank Lampard can land a big upgrade on Everton midfielder Allan by swooping for Austrian player Florian Grillitsch.

What’s the word?

Everton have been linked with Grillitsch since April, with the Hoffenheim midfielder leaving the German side on the expiration of his contract at the end of this month.

The interest looked like it had come to nothing following a verbal agreement between the player and Serie A side Fiorentina, however, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that there still hasn’t been an agreement on personal terms, giving the Toffees the green light to swoop in.

Lampard can get a big Allan upgrade

A move for the Austrian would be very shrewd and it appears to be very low risk. He earns £35k-per-week at Hoffenheim and whilst he will more than likely demand more at Everton, it won’t break the bank, plus signing him on a free is an added bonus.

Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen has described him as “exceptionally gifted” and Everton needs a player like him to add some bite and stability into their midfield ahead of a crucial season next year.

He will be a major upgrade on Allan, who played 28 matches in the Premier League last season and only registered two assists. The Brazilian was ranked a lowly 18th in the Everton squad with a WhoScored rating of 6.50, completing only 80% of his passes.

Compare this to Grillitsch, who was ranked fourth in the Hoffenheim squad with a rating of 6.87 and that’s having played ten matches fewer than Allan.

The Austrian showcased his incredible passing ability with an 89.4% pass success rate, the best in the squad who have played over five matches.

Allan only won 0.4 aerials per match last season compared to the 1.3 for Grillitsch. These stats clearly show the influence that the Austrian can have on his team, both on the deck and in the air; two areas where Everton are crying out for in the centre of the park.

Lampard will need to make his move quickly, however, or the opportunity could be gone.

AND in other news, Everton “still interested” in signing £107.8m duo this summer, Lampard will love them…

Leeds United winger Daniel James is a target for Serie A side Atalanta, according to a report from Calcio Atalanta (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Tough season

Reminiscent of the entire Leeds squad, James has endured a difficult campaign at Elland Road having made a £25million switch from Manchester United last summer when Marcelo Bielsa was still at the helm (BBC).

Overall, the young winger has directly contributed to nine goals in 35 appearances across all competitions for the Whites.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Despite not setting the world alight in Yorkshire, as the threat of relegation looms large ahead of the final day, there is now believed to be interest from Italy…

The latest: Atalanta make contact

As per Calcio Atalanta, translated by SW, Atalanta have already made ‘contacts with the player’ ahead of a possible summer transfer swoop.

It’s claimed that the Serie A outfit and regular UEFA Champions League participants will look to negotiate a ‘low’ fee for the 30-cap Wales ace if Leeds are relegated.

The report also states that Atalanta chief Lee Congerton has James – who was described as ‘unbelievable’ by former top-flight goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel – in his ‘notebook’ following scouting missions to the United Kingdom.

The verdict: No deal

Regardless of whether Leeds can retain their Premier League status or otherwise, the club must do everything in its power to retain the Welsh speedster.

Capable of playing across a variety of attacking positions, the £16.2million valued 24-year-old has previous experience of the Championship with Swansea and would be pivotal should the Whites face the drop, whilst also being the level of player Marsch can build a team around in order to enjoy a more fruitful season next term.

Under contract in Yorkshire until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Director of Football Victor Orta is certainly well placed to rebuff any potential suitors in the summer transfer window as Leeds either look to strengthen their ranks or retain key assets.

In other news: Orta now eyeing transfer move for exciting winger even if Leeds are in the Championship. 

According to a report from Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Valencia midfielder Valencia. 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

A product of the La Liga club’s youth academy, the 25-year-old has broken through as a leading star over the last 18 months following an inauspicious start to life as a senior professional.

Last season, Soler directly contributed to 19 goals in 32 league outings and is now an established member of Pepe Bordalas’ side at the Mestalla Stadium.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-31/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, having made the grade in Spain, clubs from across Europe are now paying close attention to the versatile star.

The latest: Reds named

As per Sport, translated by SW, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are all keen on Soler.

The report claims that the six-cap Spain ace is ‘upset’ with his manager and could be prepared to agree to a new release clause in order to ‘open the exit door’ for a move away.

Currently under contract until 2023 (Transfermarkt), the man hailed as the ‘complete midfielder’ by ex-Bats star Curro Torres once held a remarkable €150m (£128m) release clause.

However, due to his dwindling deal, a current £42.2million get-out clause could drop even further to £33.7million on the agreement of fresh terms according to the Spanish newspaper.

The verdict: Smart signing

Whilst Soler may not be a particularly glamorous signing as Julian Ward gets his feet under the sporting director’s table in place of Michael Edwards, the Anfield club have developed an ability to pluck lesser-known players from across the continent and turn them into household names.

This season the Spaniard has scored 11 times and registered five assists in 28 league outings – earning a 7.15 average Sofascore rating in the process – no Valencia player scores higher.

Predominantly operating as a conventional central midfielder, Soler is a close match stylistically for Gini Wijnaldum according to the Fbref comparison tool and therefore could be the ideal addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad to finally replace the Dutchman’s versatility, energy and skill-set.

In other news… an expert has delivered an update on the injury setback of Liverpool’s ‘unsung hero’.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s hundred propped up India on a day when the other batsmen faltered. His fight earned high praise on social media

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Dec-2018

It was a gritty innings from @cheteshwar1 under the circumstances. Congratulations to you on your brilliant century. Looking forward to many more knocks like this in the series. #AUSvIND #FightOfMight pic.twitter.com/MwhPN8BGW3

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 6, 2018

A innings to remember for a long time from @cheteshwar1 Pujara. Showed what can happen if one applies himself. Hopefully other batsmen can take inspiration from his ability to fight it out !#IndvAus

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 6, 2018

A display of tremendous resilience , grit and fight from @cheteshwar1 Pujara. A really special innings.
India need to bowl well and not let Australia get away with a big lead.#IndvAus

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 6, 2018

Wonder if Pujara can take little pieces out of his ample grit and patience and distribute to some of his batting colleagues.#INDvAUS

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 6, 2018

Pujara was like a sage on this first day. Focussed, determined and gritty . A knock to remember @cheteshwar1 #IndvAus

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 6, 2018

Amongst Australia’s dominance on Day 1, @cheteshwar1 has stood tall with a very fine. Aust have bowled exceptionally well in severe heat! #AusvInd

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 6, 2018

One the great guys of the game .. What an innings from @cheteshwar1 … Steve as the Yorkshire team call him as they couldn’t pronounce his 1st name … #AUSvIND @FoxCricket #Adelaide

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 6, 2018

Pujara you beauty! @cheteshwar1 #AUSvIND

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 6, 2018

Sterling century by @cheteshwar1, among the best he’s played as also among the best by an Indian batsman in Australia. Heavy duty concentration, application and commitment in stark contrast to the airy-fairy profligacy of the others. Kudos! #PujaraCentury #IndiavsAus

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 6, 2018

Australia’s day. Bowlers were good in hot conditions. But that was a serious test match knock from pujara. Patience,application,discipline and mental toughness. Soaked up the pressure early and cash in at the end of the day. Good test match cricket.

— John Hastings (@johnhastings194) December 6, 2018

Taskin Ahmed’s rehabilitative work has paid dividends and led to joyous scenes in his neighbourhood, but there remains much hard work to be done by other Bangladesh bowlers with suspect actions

Mohammad Isam24-Sep-2016A garland was put around Taskin Ahmed’s neck as he was mobbed by neighbours, friends and relatives on Friday evening. The Bangladesh fast bowler couldn’t enter his house in southern Mohammadpur as kids of all ages tried to lift his hand. He waved at the crowd and shed a few tears.Less than a kilometer to the west, selector Habibul Bashar was about to go to the pharmacy when his wife, scared of all the bursts and pops in the nearby area, asked him to stay indoors. Bashar headed out nonetheless, unaware of what was happening just few blocks away. When he arrived at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Saturday, he greeted Taskin who then described what had happened outside his house.”They burst crackers and rockets worth thousands. Everyone was celebrating, including my parents. I joined in too,” said a smiling Taskin, who had informed his mother first when he heard the good news on Friday afternoon.It was a scene out of an election campaign, and hardly something you would imagine for a fast bowler who had just had his bowling action cleared by the ICC. Certainly no cricketer who had just got cleared for an illegal bowling action has received such a reception.But that is how they roll in Zakir Hossain Road, Taskin’s quiet central Dhaka neighbourhood. When he plays for Bangladesh, there are posters of him everywhere in the area and kids try to imitate his bowling action and latest hairstyle. When he does well, his parents see neighbours bursting crackers and wishing them well. Now, they were celebrating the end of his exile, or at least that’s what it felt like.”When I walked out in the street, people asked me why my arm wasn’t straight,” Taskin said, recalling the time after his action had been reported. “There was a lot of pressure on me, so I am really happy now. This is an occasion to feel relieved, and I look forward to returning to international cricket.”The clean chit for Taskin’s action came as a satisfying reward for his hard work in the nets with bowling coach Mahbub Ali Zaki. It also vindicated his decision to play for Abahani Limited in the Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh’s domestic one-day tournament, which was seen at the time as a risky move and a hindrance to his rehabilitative training routine.But Taskin regularly worked overtime after Abahani’s training sessions between April and June, ensuring he was progressing as planned by Heath Streak and later Zaki. He monitored every single delivery, and then the footage was passed on to the BCB’s newly-formed bowling action review committee in August. He gave a mock test in front of their cameras, after which he was told that his bouncer, the delivery identified as illegal in Chennai in March, looked clean. But no one could be sure.Taskin and Arafat Sunny headed out earlier this month to Brisbane for their reassessment, their only route back to international cricket. Both are now in the clear, and for Taskin there is immediate on-field action in the Afghanistan-Bangladesh ODI series.The boisterous celebrations demonstrated Taskin’s popularity, but the experience he and Sunny have had over the last six months should serve as a cautionary tale for the many domestic bowlers whose actions have been questioned by the BCB’s review committee. It was the suspensions of Taskin and Sunny that spurred the BCB to take suspect bowling action seriously in domestic cricket, so the garlands and firecrackers shouldn’t mark the end of this problem.It was Taskin and Sunny who were given the relief, and before them Abdur Razzak and Sohag Gazi. The rest of the country’s suspected and illegal bowlers would still need to correct their actions, and the BCB must remain vigilant and keep weeding out the suspects.