All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly now made a bid to try and bring Antonio Colak to Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Broke Gers hearts…

Colak is a striker who will be familiar to Gers supporters, as he was the player who scored two goals at Ibrox for Malmo in the UEFA Champions League qualifier last season, sending the Swedish side through and breaking Gers hearts in the process.

Back at Greek club PAOK after his loan spell in Sweden, the six-foot-two colossus scored three goals and made a further two assists in 23 matches for them last term (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Bid rejected

Taking to Twitter, Greek football journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos has revealed that the Light Blues have now made a bid for Colak, although it has been rejected:

“Rangers have bid rejected for PAOK forward Antonio Colak.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Even though Colak showed what he is capable of against the Teddy Bears last campaign, his numbers have not been consistent enough to warrant a big move, especially given that they already have Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe as striker options.

At 28 years of age, 35 strikes between them in all competitions.

Nonetheless, there is still plenty of time left in this window to move onto other targets, with Erik Botheim and Stephen Odey thought to be options for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

According to reports coming out of Spain, a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Villarreal defender Pervis Estupinan.

The Lowdown: Conte plans in full flow…

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has reportedly earmarked key positions of the Lilywhites squad to be strengthened ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge in N17.

The north Londoners are after new signings defensively, in midfield and further forward, with club chief Fabio Paratici already securing two fresh faces.

Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster have arrived in north London on Bosman deals, with Spurs now also entering pole position for Ecuador international Estupinan according to Marca.

The Latest: Spurs enter pole position for Estupinan…

Indeed, the Spanish news source claimed that Tottenham are now the ‘main candidate’ to sign the Villarreal wing-back for Conte.

Spurs are apparently pushing to sign Estupinan as the La Liga club place the 24-year-old on their transfer list.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘excellent’ by members of the press (Zach Lowy, Breaking the Lines co-creator), the South American would come as a potentially cheap and solid option for Paratici and co, given his estimated £18m valuation by Transfermarkt.

Conte reportedly wants new wing-back additions on both the right and left flanks as Tottenham potentially look for ways to satisfy the Italian’s demands without going over budget.

Estupinan could be a credible candidate to rotate with Ryan Sessegnon on the left and possibly replace Sergio Reguilon, who has been linked with an exit from the club.

Still quite young, the former Watford player averaged Villarreal’s fourth-highest number of crosses per 90 in the Spanish top flight in 2021/22, emphasising his attack-minded style.

Estupinan’s links with Spurs may well be worth keeping an eye on throughout the summer.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft?’ – Media thrilled by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Aston Villa have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the Englishman seemingly set to depart Anfield this summer.

What’s the word?

Villa have regularly been linked with a move for the former Arsenal man in recent months, with Steven Gerrard keen on bolstering his midfield options at Villa Park.

Paul Joyce, a journalist for the Times, has now reported that Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old and will allow him to depart should they receive a suitable bid, with previous reports suggesting that he would be available for as little as £10m.

Therefore, the green light has been signalled for any willing suitors to swoop in and seal his exit from Merseyside.

Lange must act

Although Oxlade-Chamberlain has endured some serious injury problems during his time at Liverpool, he was a key part of Klopp’s squad in the past, particularly in the 2019/20 title-winning season, when he made 30 appearances in the Premier League.

His game time last season may well have been limited, perhaps due to the quality Klopp has in his Liverpool midfield, but in his six Champions League appearances, he averaged an impressive 7.07 rating from WhoScored, while he also impressed with his performances in the League Cup.

He also popped up with two goals and one assist in just 17 Premier League appearances, with eight coming from the bench, which shows that he can add goals from midfield.

This emphasises that he still possesses a lot of quality and he could be a consistent regular in Gerrard’s side at Villa Park next season.

Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Oxlade-Chamberlain after he scored twice in a Champions League win against Genk in 2019, saying:

“He’s a fantastic footballer and it’s all about decision making there. He offers something totally different in the midfield for Liverpool.”

The former England international would certainly add a lot of energy and dynamism to Gerrard’s midfield next season, and given his vast experience in the Premier League, this seems like a no-brainer deal for Villa to complete.

Therefore, Villa director of football Johan Lange should act quickly to bring him in for £10m, as there will undoubtedly be plenty of Premier League suitors for Oxlade-Chamberlain at that price.

And, in other news… Gerrard can land Coutinho 2.0 as Villa now eye £50m wizard, “goals are his speciality”…

Tottenham Hotspur could seal a perfect alternative to Alessandro Bastoni as another Serie A titan is targeted this off-season…

What’s the word?

According to reports in Italy, Spurs are eyeing up a move for Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer.

“#Tottenham strong on #Bremer: the contacts between the player’s entourage and the Spurs continue. There is talk of a first offer around 35m € + bonus. On the Brazilian also #PSG and #Inter and other English clubs including Leicester (but Champions priority for him),” Toro newspaper Corriere Granata tweeted.

Bastoni alternative

The Lilywhites’ pursuit of Bastoni has been quite frustrating with Inter Milan asking for a fee in the region of £51m and the player seemingly not willing to make the switch to the Premier League.

Bremer could be a very strong alternative, indeed.

As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old colossus ended the 2021/22 season as Torino’s best-performing player, averaging a rating of 7.22.

Over the past 365 years, the Brazilian ranks inside the top 1% of his positional peers across Europe’s top-five divisions for aerial duels won (4.80 per 90) and blocks (2.68 per 90) and the top 2% for pressures (16.85) and interceptions (3.64 per 90), via FBRef.

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Not only that but he offers just as big a threat in the final third for his team, ranking inside the top 1% for non-penalty expected goals (0.13 per 90) and top 3% for touches in the opposition’s box (1.68 per 90).

This shows that the 6 foot 2 titan a defensive animal and also a massive nuisance in attack, too, which has to be a mouthwatering prospect for manager Antonio Conte, who must view him as a perfect option.

It’s no wonder that Bremer has been lauded as a “monster” by journalsit Maxi Angelo, as well as being “faultless” and “unbelievable” by Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor.

If Spurs cannot secure a move for Conte’s former Inter gem, then the £27m-rated Torino titan is certainly a viable, solid and far cheaper alternative at around £30m.

AND in other news, Spurs now eyeing £60m-rated “absolute tank”, he’d solve Conte’s two biggest problems…

Celtic have seen many players move in and out of Parkhead on loan deals over the past few years.

As happens with a lot of other clubs, some players only have temporary spells, whereas others end up signing on permanent deals.

Moving into the summer transfer window, it seems as though a clue has emerged regarding the future of one such player who ended up playing a key part in Celtic’s season after arriving on loan last summer.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Michael Bridge discussed the possibility of Cameron Carter-Vickers putting pen to paper on a permanent deal at Parkhead following his loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sky Sports journalist said: “I think that will happen, because he’s a player who’s been on loan to every other club, he’s never found his home. He’s had about 20 EFL loans, but he’s ended up winning the title with Celtic, so I think he’s found his home there.”

A product of Tottenham’s youth system, the centre-back has only made five senior appearances for the north London club.

As Bridge mentioned, the defender has had previous loan spells at clubs such as Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Swansea City, Stoke City, Luton Town and Bournemouth before finding himself at Celtic.

Fans would be thrilled

Taking into account how the 24-year-old made more appearances for the Hoops this season than for any other club he has represented throughout his career, it’s easy to see why Bridge thinks Carter-Vickers may see Celtic as his “home” now.

The fact that he played a big part in the Bhoys’ Premiership title victory would also presumably give him a stronger connection to the club and possibly make him want to stay on a permanent basis.

With 33 league appearances to his name in the league, only Joe Hart and Carl Starfelt racked up more top-flight minutes than the American, highlighting just how important he was for Postecoglou in 2021/22.

Having ended the campaign as the fourth-highest rated player currently in Celtic’s squad based on his league performances according to WhoScored, it’s safe to say that many Hoops fans would be thrilled if their club finally bring Carter-Vickers’ time as a Tottenham player to an end and keep him at Parkhead for the foreseeable future.

In other news: Worrying behind-the-scenes development emerges, it’s bad news for Celtic

A major Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on PSG winger Neymar heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Ligue 1 superstar is keen on the Magpies and that he held the information back because of how unlikely a deal is.

Talbot Tweeted: “Two months ago I heard noise about Neymar fancying Newcastle but didn’t release it as the club would just never go for a player like him – not to mention his ridiculous wages.”

This was in response to a Sports Witness article link that reads: “Neymar | ‘Only Newcastle…’ – Magpies pushed forward as possible destination, with it thought other clubs won’t be keen.”

Supporters will be delighted

Toon supporters will be delighted by this claim for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be buzzing with the suggestion that Neymar is potentially interested in a deal to join Newcastle from PSG. It shows how much of an attraction PIF have made the club with their ambitions and this is hopefully a sign of things to come in the future.

If a player of the Brazilian’s ability and pedigree is keen on the club then who would not be? The winger has enjoyed a stellar career and would arrive at St. James’ Park as a certified star.

In 186 games for Barcelona, he produced 105 goals and 76 assists before leaving to join PSG. Since moving to France, he has scored 100 goals and provided 60 assists in 144 matches, showing that he has consistently scored and assisted goals at a stunning rate throughout his time in Europe.

This is why fans will be delighted to learn that a player of his quality is open to the switch. Although, they will also be pleased with Talbot’s claim that he is not someone PIF will want to bring in.

SalarySport report his wages to be £606k-per-week in Paris, whilst they report Newcastle’s top earners to be Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier on £100k-per-week each respectively. This means that the club would be obliterating their wage structure by bringing him to the club and taking on a huge financial commitment that would impact their ability to spend in other areas due to Financial Fair Play.

Neymar is also 30 and heading into the final years of his career instead of being a player who can grow alongside the club in the years to come. This is another reason why the fans will be delighted with the club from Talbot as it shows that they are sticking to their project and will not blow it up just to land a big name.

AND in other news, PIF plotting Newcastle swoop for “scary” £30m “freak”, he’s a major Almiron upgrade…

Manchester City can seal yet another Premier League title with victory over Aston Villa this afternoon, and Phil Foden can play a crucial part in getting them over the line.

On the Chalkboard

Pep Guardiola will face a selection dilemma as he prepares for his side’s biggest game of the season today. Just one point separates City and Liverpool heading into the final day and Guardiola will need to pick his best 11 to ensure there are no slip ups.

With a large squad to choose from it’ll be difficult to decide who deserves to start, but we think that their star attacking midfielder Phil Foden can make all the difference and should be brought back into the line-up after being benched last time out against West Ham United.

Yesterday the £100k-per-week Stockport born star was named the Premier League’s young player of the season for the second successive year, with his teammate Kevin de Bruyne picking up the more senior award.

He already has three league titles to his name and has been key in City’s run to try and retain the trophy. He’s made 27 league appearances in 2021/22 and directly contributed to 14 goals.

Given the amount of young talent in the Premier League, the fact he’s been named the best for two years running shows just how good he is, which makes it a no-brainer to start him against Villa.

He’s been described as “incredibly talented” by his manager and he certainly lives up to that billing.

Pep likes his team to put their opponents under huge pressure and if they are to nullify the threat Villa can pose then they can’t give them time on the ball.

When you compare Foden to other Premier League players in his position he ranks in the top 3% for pressures in the attacking third this season, this is key in allowing City to win the ball high and score as much as they do.

It’ll be goals that will ensure they don’t drop points and allow Liverpool to beat them to the trophy this afternoon. If they lose the title then there will be huge question marks over how City have come away with no silverware this season.

Those questions shouldn’t arise if Foden is unleashed by Guardiola.

IN other news: Forget Carney: Gerrard must unleash “world-class” AVFC ace, he’ll give City nightmares…

Celtic showed during the previous summer window how efficient they can be in the transfer market when it comes to securing deals for players and bringing them to Parkhead.

Now that Ange Postecoglou’s side have ended their season as SPFL champions, their attention can now turn to the next summer window and what business they could look to do in it ahead of their next campaign.

With that in mind, it seems as though a big clue has emerged regarding one deal that could be set to take place at the Parkhead club in the coming weeks.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham had this to say about the situation surrounding Cameron Carter-Vickers and the chances of him signing a permanent deal with Celtic from the Premier League club.

“I think it is just a matter of time at this point. The fact they are back in the Champions League gives them the money to get it done.

“He came in there and has barely missed a minute. He’s an Old Firm goalscorer, a cup winner and a title winner.

“He is worth the money Tottenham will be asking for, the money is there. I expect an announcement or significant progress to be made very soon.”

Fans will be thrilled

During his season with the Hoops on loan away from the north London club, the American quickly became a crucial figure for the title-winning Bhoys.

With 45 appearances under his belt across all competitions, the 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes in all of the 33 league games he played in.

To further highlight how significant the centre-back was in Celtic’s title charge, he racked up more interceptions (43) than any other Hoops player as well as the highest average for clearances per game (4.2) in the league.

This shows how much of an impact his arrival had on the team and why they ended their campaign with the best defence having conceded just 22 times in 38 games.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to suggest that should the Hoops secure a permanent deal for Carter-Vickers in the coming weeks, the Celtic fanbase will undoubtedly be jumping for joy over the team being put in the best possible shape to be successful once again next season.

In other news: Ange can land dream Rogic heir in Celtic swoop for “unbelievable” £1.5m “class-act”

Tottenham Hotspur have held a London meeting with Bologna sporting director Riccardo Bigon as he offers out five players, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Big few months ahead…

Spurs face off against arch rivals Arsenal today in the Premier League, a blockbuster derby clash which may well determine who is playing Champions League football next season.

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Antonio Conte’s side, if they’re victorious this evening, could be given a major boost in so many ways – including the potential for bigger pull in the summer transfer market and the financial windfall which comes with it.

As the Italian prepares his side for their most important match of the 2021/2022 campaign, Lilywhites officials will be contemplating how to strengthen Conte’s team this summer with or without a top-four finish.

Now, according to Calcio Napoli 24, it appears the club have held talks with Bologna chief Bigon as he travels to England.

The Latest: Bigon in London ‘to sell five players’…

Their sources claim the high-ranking Serie A official was in London yesterday ‘to sell five players’ with the aim of ‘meeting’ several clubs including Spurs, holding talks and ‘probing their intentions’.

Naming the players in question, it is believed Mattias Svanberg, Jerdy Schouten, Aaron Hickey, Arthur Theate and Riccardo Orsolini are all on offer as the Italians look to deal their most valued assets.

The Verdict: Svanberg a must…

Of all the men reportedly on offer from Bologna and Bigon, we believe Svanberg stands out as the main man and he has been linked with a move to N17 before.

Described as ‘one of the top four or five’ number 8’s in Europe by an iNews source, it was claimed that the Lilywhites and Paratici were even favourites to sign the Swedish ace ahead of title contenders Man City.

As Svanberg’s club seemingly look desperate to offload this summer in a bid to raise funds, Tottenham shouldn’t hesitate in snapping up the midfield gem who Conte ‘would enjoy working with’, especially given the boss’ reported desire to sign two new midfielders.

In other news: Conte could now convince ‘phenomenal’ 6 foot 3 powerhouse to join Spurs! Find out more here.

German sources have now shared a big update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach star Jonas Hofmann.

The Lowdown: Hofmann on the move?

The Premier League top-four chasers have been linked with a move for one of Monchengladbach’s most crucial players in recent months.

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Tottenham boss Antonio Conte wants to make new additions this summer and has allegedly earmarked signings for many positions, including further forward (The Telegraph).

Sport Bild (via Sport Witness), sharing news in early March, name-dropped Spurs as an interested party to sign Hofmann who has been a ‘figurehead’ and crucial in-form player under Adi Hütter this season.

However, the 29-year-old’s deal expires in 2023 with no sign of an extension, throwing his future at the club into disrepute.

The Latest: German sources share Hofmann update…

Now, Sport Bild (via Sport Witness) have again shared some news on Spurs’ interest in Hofmann as the Lilywhites now make contact.

As Spurs regularly approach Monchengladbach over the attacker, according to this report, it is believed that the Bundesliga side will green-light his exit in the event of a suitable bid.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Given Hofmann’s contract situation, transfer chief Fabio Paratici may well be in a strong negotiating position to force their hand and ease the German side into accepting a lower price tag.

The international winger would be worth the hassle, especially going by his previous plaudits from big names and form over 2021/2022.

According to WhoScored, he’s racked up the most goals and assists combined domestically out of anyone in the Monchengladbach side whilst also reigning superior in terms of shots and key passes per 90.

If that wasn’t enough, Hofmann has also averaged their highest match rating in the Bundesliga, leaving little wonder Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once called him ‘extraordinary’ and ‘perfect’ (via Borussia Dortmund reporter and Buzz 09 founder Sandra Goldschmidt).

If Paratici can seal his signing for Conte, there is little doubting he could add something.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.