All posts by n8rngtd.top

Celtic are ‘unlikely’ to sign Sweden attacker Jordan Larsson during the summer transfer window, reliable journalist Anthony Joseph has reported.

The Lowdown: Celtic linked with Larsson move

Ange Postecoglou is still working hard on making new signings at Parkhead this summer as his side prepare for an exciting return to the Champions League with two new faces in Benjamin Siegrist and Alexandro Bernabei already joining the three loans made permanent.

Larsson, son of Bhoys legend Henrik Larsson, is another player who has been linked with a move to the Hoops in recent weeks, being viewed as someone who can add extra end product in the final third.

The forward has scored once in seven caps for Sweden and is now a free agent after his Spartak Moscow contract expired.

The Latest: Joseph drops update

Taking to Twitter on Monday night, however, Joseph claimed that Larsson is highly unlikely to join Celtic despite ‘contact with the Hoops’:

“UPDATE: It’s looking increasingly unlikely that Celtic will offer a contract to forward Jordan Larsson. His reps made contact with the Hoops – as well as a number of clubs, including Nottingham Forest. Larsson weighing up options with interest from England, Germany & Italy.”

The Verdict: Time to look elsewhere

This is a clear blow for Celtic, considering Larsson is someone with undoubted pedigree, given his international stature and record of 27 goals in 83 games for Spartak.

Postecoglou now needs to look elsewhere for an attacking reinforcements, as he looks to make the Hoops more potent next season, bringing in someone capable of scoring regularly.

No player netted more than 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic in 2021/22, so signing a player capable of hitting 20+ could inspire them to more domestic glory and increase their chances of holding their own in Europe.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for free agent Paulo Dybala recently and the Argentine could be Erik ten Hag’s own version of Liverpool star Diogo Jota at Old Trafford.

Dybala was never going to be short of suitors after leaving Juventus earlier in the summer and United have been credited with an interest in the former Palermo man, as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season amid the imminent arrival of Lisandro Martinez.

Ten Hag will have to cope without the likes of Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard after their respective exits, while Cristiano Ronaldo has thrown a spanner in the works by suggesting he wants a move away, just weeks into the Dutchman’s reign at the club.

Therefore, attacking signings look to be a must for United this summer and they could sign a player of real quality in Dybala, without having to worry about an enormous transfer fee.

The 28-year-old was in excellent form for Juventus last season, contributing ten goals and five assists in 29 Serie A appearances, earning an impressive 7.22 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, he clearly felt it was time for a new challenge and decided to leave the Turin club on the expiry of his contract, opening the door for United to potentially sign him.

If he were to make the move to Old Trafford, he could be United’s own Jota – as FbRef suggests that the Portugal international is the ninth-most similar player to the Argentine in terms of play style.

Considering the former Wolves man has been superb for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, contributing 34 goals and nine assists in 84 appearances for the Reds, United would be foolish to turn down a player similar to him, especially on a free transfer.

WhoScored suggests that both Jota and Dybala like to cut inside, to tackle and to offer an indirect set-piece threat, so they are clearly both hard-working attackers who can also contribute defensively.

Therefore, the Red Devils should definitely consider signing Dybala this summer, as he could prove to be an “absolute phenomenon” under Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

AND, in other news: Ten Hag can finally axe £50m shocker as MUFC eye “amazing” £30m signing after de Jong…

It’s hard to believe, but it’s now almost a decade since Sir Alex Ferguson decided to call time on his glittering managerial career, and it would be fair to say that the past nine years since the Scot led the Old Trafford side to their last Premier League triumph have been among the toughest in Manchester United’s recent history.

That may all be about to change. If you are a Manchester United fan and a sports betting enthusiast, then you might want to check out the best new betting sites in the UK ahead of a possible wager on new boss Erik ten Hag’s reign being a fruitful one.

A succession of managers have been brought in to replace Sir Alex, and some have proven more disastrous than others, but in all honesty, the search for a replacement that can ably replace the Scot was always going to be something of an unforgiving task.

Of the managers who’ve tried to get the club back on track Jose Mourinho is arguably the one that has come the closest, the Portuguese manager did at least secure some silverware, but Ralf Rangnick (in an interim role) arguably brought the club to a new low with last season’s sixth-place finish that saw the club finish the campaign with their lowest points total since 1991.

So What Now?

Erik ten Hag comes with a stellar reputation, and the success he achieved during his five-year stint in charge of Ajax can not be underplayed. Three Eredivisie titles and a host of other trophies proved he knew how to get the most out of the Amsterdam giants, and perhaps more impressive was the way the club performed in the Champions League over the course of his tenure.

In 2018-19, only a 96th-minute winner from Tottenham winger Lucas Moura prevented Ajax from reaching the Champions League final.

The 52-year-old means business and isn’t the type of manager that is going to let a dressing room dictate proceedings, which is an issue that has been a big headache for a succession of managers.

This was something Sir Alex was adept at handling, and ten Hag will look to do likewise as he seeks to take a squad of underachieving stars more than just a sum of its parts. He’ll also look to bring in big new names, and with that in mind, he’s hot in pursuit of Dutch midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong, a player he knows well from the Barcelona star’s Ajax days.

What Can Be Achieved In the Short and Long-Term?

Since Ferguson left in May of 2013, United have employed no less than four permanent successors (as well as three interim/caretaker bosses), and ten Hag must be given time to make an impact.

This coming season will be a transition, and while this term is a dreaded one that fans hate to hear, you can expect the new Man United manager to do decidedly better than the last couple who have held the post.

We’d say a genuine push back into the top four is on the cards, and if Erik ten Hag is given the right backing, especially financially, then you can expect Man United to once again be a team that can truly be considered Premier League title challengers.

Photo by Unsplash

Jordan Campbell has now revealed some significant Glasgow Rangers transfer news on Cole McKinnon.

The Lowdown: New deal

As per the official website of the Ibrox outfit, McKinnon has now signed a new three-year deal at the club after impressing for the Teddy Bears’ B team last season.

The central midfielder won their Players’ Player of the Year award, after his contributions in the UEFA Youth League, SPFL Trust Trophy and their Glasgow Cup success last campaign.

The Latest: Campbell update

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Campbell has revealed that McKinnon is now ‘expected’ to join Partick Thistle on loan after signing his new contract, adding that he is ‘highly rated’ by the Gers:

“Understand Rangers midfielder Cole McKinnon, who signed a new three-year deal yesterday, is expected to join Partick Thistle on loan.

“The 19-year-old is highly rated at Ibrox and scored in the final league game of last season. Goes box-to-box and has a knack of getting a goal.”

The Verdict: Good move

After signing his new deal, a loan move for McKinnon would be best for all parties involved.

The Scotsman scored on his senior debut in the 3-1 win away at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership last term, but that is his only senior appearance for the club (Transfermarkt), and so would benefit from some regular game time at Partick.

A side also based in Glasgow, McKinnon would still feel close to home, and in the Scottish Championship, he will be able to further his development by playing competitive men’s football week in week out after impressing at youth level for the Light Blues.

Manchester United have reportedly made an offer to out-of-contract midfielder Christian Eriksen this summer, and if he were to arrive at Old Trafford, he would arguably be an upgrade on the departing Paul Pogba.

After some impressive performances with Brentford in the second half of last season, the Denmark international isn’t short of offers from Premier League clubs ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, with United, Everton, West Ham, Newcastle and Tottenham amongst those reportedly interested in the 30-year-old.

Eriksen signed for the Bees in January after he was released by Inter due to Serie A restrictions on players with heart monitors, and the bold move certainly paid off as his excellent displays inspired Thomas Frank’s side to a strong end to the season, which helped them secure their Premier League status with comfort.

In 11 appearances for Brentford, the former Spurs playmaker contributed one goal and four assists, averaging a superb 7.37 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which certainly justified Frank’s claim of the player being “world-class” when he signed earlier this year.

It is easy to see why United are interested, and Erik ten Hag certainly needs some midfield reinforcements after the departures of Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Pogba.

The Frenchman was rarely able to demonstrate his immense ability in a United shirt and was far from consistent enough, with injuries and perceived attitude problems limiting him to just 20 appearances in the top flight last season.

Eriksen has been a consistent performer throughout his career for both club and country and has enjoyed spectacular seasons in the Premier League before, contributing eight goals and 12 assists in the 2016/17 campaign.

He was certainly a fan favourite during his time at Spurs, with former team-mate Dele Alli singing his praises in 2019 by saying: “He’s got unbelievable technique. He’s a maestro and he’s a magician on the ball.”

Eriksen averaged more key passes, more shots and fewer dispossessions per game than Pogba last season, so with a full pre-season under his belt, the 30-year-old could be the perfect man to replace the Juventus-bound midfielder in Ten Hag’s side next season.

In other news… Forget Antony: Glazers can land Ten Hag his own Robben in deal for £65m “phenomenon”

Liverpool have already completed two signings and are on the verge of completing their third with Calvin Ramsey, and now a surprising new potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to The Irish Daily Star newspaper (via Paisley Gates), Liverpool could consider a loan move for Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here.

As per the report, Liverpool are adamant in their interest to sign Jude Bellingham but Borussia Dortmund are not willing to sell the youngster in 2022. As a result, there are whispers that the club could bring back the former Liverpool midfielder on loan from Paris Saint Germain.

Klopp would love it

There is no doubt that the surprising return of Wijnaldum to Anfield would be something Jurgen Klopp would love, as the German manager has always held the Dutch midfielder in high regard.

Klopp hailed the 31-year-old star “sensational” ahead of what was Wijnaldum’s last game at Anfield with his contract expiration looming back in 2021:

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

“Gini’s character is out of the question: he is a sensational guy, completely committed to the team and the club until the last day, and we’ll see when it will be.”

An extension on the midfield maestro’s contract was not meant to be and Wijnaldum joined PSG on a free transfer picking up a salary of £180k-per-week this season, but his time at the French club has been a disaster from start to finish over the last 12 months.

The Dutchman has scored three goals and contributed three assists in his 38 appearances in all competition for PSG, but was cruelly voted ‘Ligue One flop of the season’ after he failed to establish a consistent role and position in the team over his first season, something that Mauricio Pochettino should potentially take some blame for.

Despite his problems in France, Wijnaldum rarely failed to offer hard work and effectiveness when deployed in the Liverpool team playing a vital role in the side’s first-ever Premier League title win and eventually ended his tenure at the club branded as a “legend” and “the architect of our success” by the Reds boss.

With that being said, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for FSG to bolster the midfield this summer with a player who has experience in the team and can make an instant impact ahead of their pursuit of Bellingham next summer.

AND in other news: Liverpool now need £42.8m to sign “proper talent”, he could be Klopp’s next Jota

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Keane Lewis-Potter to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by I News, who claim that, despite Victor Orta moving on from his interest in Huddersfield Town central midfielder Lewis O’Brien, the sporting director is still tracking a number of the Championship’s most promising talents this summer, with Hull City’s Keane Lewis-Potter believed to be of particular interest to the Spaniard.

The report goes on to state that a number of other Premier League sides are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the left-winger ahead of a potential move of their own, while the Tigers are reported to be demanding a figure in the region of £15m in order to part with the England U21 international this summer.

“Similar to Hazard”

Considering how exciting a prospect Lewis-Potter undoubtedly is, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the 21-year-old to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

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

Indeed, over his 46 Championship appearances in 2021/22, the £10.8m-rated talent was in spectacular form for Shota Arveladze’s side, scoring 12 goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £500-per-week winger – who can also operate in attacking midfield and up top – average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Hull’s seventh-best player in the second tier of English football.

As a result of these impressive metrics, Lewis-Potter has already come in for a considerable amount of praise in his short career, with Hull youth coach Craig Fagan stating his belief that the England youth international is “similar to Hazard” in his playing style, while Nick Miller claimed that the youngster is a “special talent.”

As such, should Orta manage to get a deal over the line for the City starlet this summer, it would very much appear as if the Spaniard will have landed an exceptionally gifted young attacker – a prospect that is sure to delight both Jesse Marsch and the Elland Road faithful alike.

AND in other news: Contact made: Orta now in Leeds talks over £24.3m-rated signing, he’s “on KP’s level”

Leeds United supporters may not be too thrilled to see a familiar name linked with a switch to Elland Road this week…

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk editor James Marshment, relaying news from his website, the Yorkshire giants are keen on signing Adama Traore from Wolves in a cut-price deal.

“@TEAMtalk understands Victor Orta remains keen on a deal for Adama Traore this summer amid claims Wolves will now accept a cut-price £20m fee. Winger was brought to Boro by Orta back in August 2016,” he tweeted alongside an accompanying article written by his colleague Graeme Bailey.

Spurs have also shown strong interest in the Spaniard and there is currently no plan for Barcelona to sign him permanently following a mixed loan spell in LaLiga last season.

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

Poor Raphinha replacement

With the future of Raphinha so uncertain in west Yorkshire, there won’t be many supporters happy to see Traore’s name mentioned with a move to Leeds this off-season.

The Brazil international finished the 2021/22 campaign as their top scorer in all competitions and proved to be their major creative outlet on the wing, having averaged 0.7 more key passes per game than any other player, as per WhoScored.

It remains to be seen where or if he will go, though he’s going to rake in at least £45m, according to Fabrizio Romano (via Metro).

Simply put, Traore isn’t fit to lace Raphinha’s boots and would be something of a dire replacement, with his end-product a big, big issue.

“Last season his numbers were poor. Go back two or three seasons it was all about his end product not being good enough and it probably wasn’t,” claimed Danny Mills to Football Insider.

Indeed, at the Nou Camp, he could only muster up two assists across 11 appearances, taking his total combined for both Barcelona and Wolves in 2021/22 to one goal and four assists in 40 games, via Transfermarkt.

On that evidence, the current Leeds star is leagues apart from Traore, and Orta would be making a bad decision in signing him this summer, with some fans already left fuming on social media.

AND in other news, Leeds United can land their own Declan Rice by signing “unbelievable” £38k-p/w gem…

Reliable journalist Rob Dawson of ESPN has now shared a big Manchester City transfer update involving Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues eye more signings…

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, having watched the Blues retain their Premier League crown in such dramatic fashion, later confirmed that there will be even mores summer signings after Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

Fernandinho’s glittering nine-year stay at Eastlands has now come to an end with the fan favourite set to leave, prompting manager Pep Guardiola to set his sights on a midfield heir to the Brazilian.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice have both been linked with moves to Eastlands as well as Barcelona sensation de Jong.

Sharing news on the latter man, Dawson has a big update.

The Latest: Dawson shares big de Jong update…

According to the ESPN reporter, a Man City correspondent, the marquee Catalans star has been ‘offered’ to Guardiola and co with Barcelona desperately trying to raise £70million for new arrivals.

However, despite Barca handing City a chance to sign de Jong, the La Liga giants have only received positive responses from Man United and Paris-Saint Germain.

The Verdict: Reconsider?

As the Netherlands international gets placed on the table, we believe City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and Guardiola should, at the very least, consider a move carefully.

De Jong has been a mainstay under Barca boss Xavi, playing the fourth-most league minutes over 2021/2022 behind veteran stars Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jordi Alba (WhoScored).

His impressive pass accuracy of 91.3% is also on par with crucial City stars like Rodri, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias – backing how seamlessly de Jong would fit into Guardiola’s starting eleven (WhoScored).

Called a ‘phenomenal’ player by Spanish football expert and ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, the only red herring to this potential deal would be the 25-year-old’s lofty €85 million (£73m) price tag.

In other news: Journalist: Man City ‘offer’ on the cards to sign ‘unplayable’ star, Pep called him ‘incredible’…find out more here.

Liverpool are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to a report from The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Phillips a wanted man

Currently a one-club man, Phillips came through the ranks in Yorkshire and has amassed 234 appearances for his boyhood club so far.

Many of those outings came in the Championship before Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020, and since then the 26-year-old has proven his worth in the top flight and become a regular England international.

Such strong performances have sparked an increased level of transfer interest as Manchester United, Manchester City and West Ham all reporetdly take admiring glances at the combative midfielder.

The latest: Liverpool in the mix for Phillips

As per The Mirror, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is now ‘ready to rival’ Pep Guardiola for the signing of the 19-cap England ace.

It is claimed that the German is ‘understood to admire’ Phillips, with Leeds ‘bracing themselves for interest’ this summer after narrowly avoiding relegation last month.

The report added that it will cost around £60m to sign the midfielder, who was hailed as ‘superb’ at Euro 2020 by Oliver Kay after starting all seven games for Gareth Southgate’s side at the finals.

The verdict: Worthwhile target

Seemingly set to miss out on Aurelien Tchouameni, with Real Madrid the hot favourites to land the AS Monaco sensation, it’s no surprise that Klopp and Julian Ward would be seeking an alternative option for the upcoming transfer window.

During an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, Phillips earned a 6.84 Sofascore rating whilst winning an impressive 4.8 duels, making 1.2 interceptions and completing 38.9 accurate passes per game.

Aside from the battling qualities that the first of those metrics indicates, the 26-year-old displayed impressive versatility in the process when operating as a central defender, and as a more natural defensive midfielder.

Despite the lofty asking price, signing the Englishman as an understudy to Fabinho and to supplement Jordan Henderson would be a smart move by Liverpool, given his proven Premier League experience, age profile and positive impact on the all-important homegrown quota within the squad.

In other news: A fresh rumour has emerged over a possible Sadio Mane successor