All posts by n8rngtd.top

Former Everton defender Michael Ball believes that Kalidou Koulibaly quality is much needed at Goodison Park. 

The Napoli centre-half has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, with Manchester City one of the clubs who were interested in signing him last summer.

And it appears that Koulibaly is on Rafa Benitez’ wish list this summer, with Calciomercato (via the Liverpool Echo) reporting the Toffees’ interest in the highly rated defender.

On the transfer rumours, Ball told FFC: “Everton do have quite a lot of centre-backs, but I feel his quality is much needed. The defensive side of Everton last season was pretty good at times, before the last game of the season the drubbing from Man City hurt them quite badly on the goal difference situation.”

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti obviously rates the defender highly and doesn’t want him to vacate the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this summer, as Goal reported that Spalletti said in his press conference that “to keep him, I will chain myself somewhere”.

Rafa Benitez has already dipped his toes in the transfer market this summer acquiring both Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, as well as Asmir Begovic, but if the Merseyside outfit are to land Koulibaly, they are going to have to break their transfer record for the defender.

This is because journalist Fabrizio Romano told the Don Robbie YouTube channel: “I see some reports from Italy saying €40m/€45m, I’m told that it’s more than this. It’s far more than this, around €70m, something like this to sign Koulibaly, so it won’t be so easy.”

Mark Douglas has revealed what insiders at Newcastle United are looking for after the latest twist in the takeover saga.

The Lowdown: Arbitration adjourned

As shared by the official website of the St. James’ Park faithful, the arbitration proceedings between them and the Premier League have now been adjourned until early next year due to issues with the disclosure of evidence.

The process was expected to take place this month, but now further delays have been implemented, leaving the North East club in limbo for the foreseeable future.

The Latest: Insiders looking to Ashley

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, football journalist Douglas has shared that insiders at the Tyneside club are now looking to Mike Ashely to re-engage with their immediate concerns and ‘set the parameters’ of summer recruitment.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium ‘remain committed’ to the deal, although the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are ‘yet to be drawn’ on the arbitration delay.

The Verdict: Plan needed

With the adjournment to the arbitration case, there is certainly a plan that needs to be made by both Ashley about the direction in whic the club are heading in the immediate future.

There has been delay after delay, and for the hearing not to take place until 2022 is certainly a kick in the teeth but there is a new season on the horizon and plans must now be made to help the Magpies have a successful campaign.

It is not ideal for the Magpies to go into yet another season with uncertainty, but so long as the consortium ‘remain committed’ to the deal, then there is till hope that eventually the takeover can be completed.

However, in the short term, Ashley needs to re-engage and provide Steve Bruce with the funds he needs to build a squad that can compete in the Premier LEague in the upcoming season.

In other news, find out which £50,000-per-week target NUFC is a ‘huge lure’ for here!

Former Glasgow Rangers striker Nacho Novo believes Alfredo Morelos is in no great rush to depart Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Morelos the subject of heavy interest

Morelos has been the subject of heavy interest already this summer (A Bola), with Portuguese outfit Porto in particular in pursuit.

So far, there does not appear to be any concrete approach made, but there is still plenty of time left before the transfer window slams shut.

The Latest: Novo discusses Morelos

Speaking to The Daily Record, Novo, who ‘took Morelos under his wing’ at Ibrox, believes the striker is in no rush to depart. He said:

“I don’t think Alfie has to prove himself to top clubs in Europe because his record is there for everyone to see. But obviously, if he can do as well in the Champions League as he did in the Europa League then he will attract even more attention and maybe a year from now he can move on.

“That’s a situation where everybody will win.

“He is a big, confident player. He believes in what he can do and he believes in himself. You look at him and he is more relaxed on and off the pitch. He has been at Rangers a long time now and he is settled.

“I know things can change very quickly in football and with agents involved anything can happen, but I know Alfie and I know he loves Rangers. He is passionate, he loves the atmosphere around the club and loves the fans. I honestly don’t think he is in a great hurry to move on.”

The Verdict: Big season ahead

Novo, who has been involved in some controversies down the years (centrocampista.com), knows all about what it takes to be successful in Glasgow. He helped the Gers win several titles, while he was also a part of the team that reached the 2008 UEFA Cup final, which the Gers lost to Zenit St Petersburg.

At 25, the Colombia international meanwhile still has plenty of time left ahead of him, but he will be aware that the time is approaching for him to move on. If the Gers qualify for the Champions League group stages this campaign, it may be the perfect way for Morelos to bow out and move on next summer.

In other news, Rangers fans were unhappy with the exit of this man.

Sunderland are interested in a deal to bring Jamie Robson to the Stadium of Light this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claimed that both Lincoln City and the Black Cats are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Dundee United left-back in the summer transfer window.

The report added that the Imps have even gone as far as to submit a bid for the 23-year-old, with their six-digit offer believed to have been rejected by the Scottish Premiership outfit.

Meanwhile, it is said that although Lee Johnson’s side are interested in a move for the defender, they have yet to firm up this interest with a concrete offer.

Louis-Dreyfus must move

With the contract situation of Denver Hume having dragged on for over a month now, and there having been no updates regarding the 22-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the Stadium of Light despite the new League One season kicking off this weekend, it would appear to be time for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to make a move in the market for another option in that position.

Considering the potential Robson seems to possess, he would very much appear to make a fine addition to Johnson’s side ahead of what is sure to be another arduous campaign in the third tier of English football.

Indeed, over his 36 Scottish Premiership appearances for Dundee last season, the £360k-rated man helped his team to keep 12 clean sheets, averaging 1.3 interceptions, two tackles and 2.3 clearances and winning 5.5 duels per game.

For comparison, over Hume’s 24 League One appearances last season, the Sunderland left-back made an average of 0.6 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 0.7 clearances and won 4.1 duels per game.

While it would undoubtedly be a blow for the club to lose the services of Hume this summer, if Louis-Dreyfus manages to bring in the man who Micky Mellon dubbed a “brilliant” player in as the 22-year-old’s replacement – or better yet, as competition for the academy product – it would certainly soften the blow for Johnson and his side. We believe the Sunderland owner should do all he can to land Robson this summer.

In other news: Speakman drops update on “huge” £4.3k-p/w “nightmare” that will have SAFC fans buzzing

Journalist Liam Kennedy has told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Newcastle United to ramp up their interest in Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury as they close in on a deal for Joe Willock.

Willock, who is set to join Newcastle from Arsenal for around £20m, and Choudhury are both midfielders manager Steve Bruce wants in his squad.

According to The Athletic, Choudhury is a player prominent in Bruce’s thoughts and was targeted by the Magpies back in January.

Ultimately, with the Willock saga coming to an end, Kennedy believes Newcastle will now turn their attention to another midfielder like Choudhury. The Shields Gazette reporter said to TT in a chat:

“When Newcastle United are freed of the burden of Joe Willock, then I think you’ll see the likes of Hamza Choudhury and others, with the meagre budget that they have but loan spots to play with as well, I think you’ll see Newcastle United ramp up their business in that department.

“Choudhury will be in that conversation, no doubt.”

Choudhury certainly does look like a realistic option for Newcastle as they look to add some more energy and tenacity to their midfield.

The 23-year-old was barely used by manager Brendan Rodgers in the Premier League last season, so a move to St. James’ Park, in search of more game time, may be something that interests him.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been showing their delight after Virgil van Dijk signed a new long-term contract at Anfield.

The Reds begin their Premier League on Saturday evening, with newly-promoted Norwich City awaiting at Carrow Road.

The hope is that Jurgen Klopp’s side improve on their third-place finish last time around with key players fit again and other individuals refreshed.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Van Dijk’s return to fitness is arguably the biggest positive, with the Dutchman overcoming the cruciate ligament damage he suffered last October.

The 30-year-old is in contention to face the Canaries, but more importantly, he has also signed a new deal with Liverpool which runs to 2025, as confirmed by the club on Friday.

It is a huge boost for the Reds, with the centre-back such a colossal performer since arriving from Southampton in January 2018.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to huge Van Dijk news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their delight at the news.

“The best CB in the world signing until 2025? What could be better than that?”

Credit: @AnfieldEdition

“The season could not have started on a better note”

Credit: @menaceandmonk

“BIG VIRG! You absolutely love to see it!”

Credit: @ReeganXRS

“That’s now the best centre back, goalkeeper, right back & defensive midfielder signed to long term contracts. Amazing news. Next up, get Mo done…..”

Credit: @JamieHolme

“Oh my good God someone hold me I’m weak”

Credit: @itsmeg_statham

“Outstanding news! All the top players committing to the club is fantastic news! There must be serious hope now that @VirgilvDijk can not only come back the same player, but even better! What a Friday! “

Credit: @SearlyC82

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a Reds injury. Find out who the player in question is here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are relieved that the Reds didn’t sign Renato Sanches after the Lille midfielder picked up a knee injury in recent days.

Jurgen Klopp’s men got their 2021/22 Premier League season off to a winning start on Saturday, clinching a 3-0 victory away to Norwich City. Liverpool were imperious for much of the game at Carrow Road, silencing the doubters and showing that they will likely be title contenders once again.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

It has been a quiet summer on the transfer front at Anfield, with Gini Wijnaldum’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain potentially heightening the need for a new central midfielder to come in.

Sanches is one player who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, but a transfer hasn’t materialised and he has now picked up a knee injury which will require surgery, as reported by L’Equipe [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter].

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to Renato Sanches update

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the news, claiming it is fortunate that the Reds didn’t sign the injury-prone Portugal international following this latest setback.

“Put a line through that then”

Credit: @stevie80con

“Hope the best for him but happy that it means we won’t go for him. That was the exact reason I wasn’t convinced. Baller though.”

Credit: @SirXabi

“He’s finished”

Credit: @Sarrvish

“LOOOOL next target”

Credit: @LFCameron8

“Glad we stayed clear. In hindsight wanting him to replace Gini was a bit ridiculous…”

Credit: @SMXLFC

“Glad we didn’t get him”

Credit: @Jasonftbl

“Another target gone. I’d rather us get a forward player”

Credit: @mdeeks76

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been critical of Jurgen Klopp’s recent comments. Read more here.

Lots of Wolves fans have been slamming Stuart Attwell after a decision did not go their way at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

As per Tim Spiers, Bruno Lage’s side had a ‘massive’ shout for a potential penalty in the first half as Nelson Semedo looked to have been ‘barged’ onto the floor by Oliver Skipp after some ‘superb’ play by Adama Traore in the build-up.

Given that Spurs had taken the lead earlier on in the half through a penalty of their own, converted by Dele Alli, Attwell’s decision at the other end stung many of the Molineux faithful, with the home side going into half-time a goal down.

Of course, the decision was debatable, but if Lage’s side had got it in their favour, they would have had a great chance to bring the score level and so the half-time team talk may have been a little different.

Wolves fans on Attwell decision

These Wolves supporters slammed Attwell on Twitter after he made the decision not to give a penalty, with one fan going as far as to claim that the referee’s call was a ‘joke’:

“Stonewall, Tim.”

Credit: @dmarsden1988

“That is a penalty. Man this is ridiculous.”

Credit: @BenjaminTeach97

“Attwell all over that. Guy’s a joke.”

Credit: @JonnyQ88

“Gotta take care of Spurs. What a disgrace”

Credit: @bendoll1

“Colour me shocked. Attwell does us twice already”

Credit: @andyscrane

“Gave Spurs one for softer, hmmm yeah, top 6 bias going on here.”

Credit: @legendkiller2k8

In other news, find out what Lage admission has left these Wolves fans fuming

Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny feels Leo Hjelde may re-join Celtic on loan after his move to Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Leeds move

Phil Hay had been expecting Leeds to sign Hjelde before the deadline, in what would be the ninth Hoops departure of the summer. A move to Elland Road was confirmed on Friday afternoon, with the Leeds statement revealing the player will ‘initially’ play with the Under-23 side.

Hjelde, described as ‘composed’ by Callum Morris, is yet to make a senior appearance for Celtic, but Kenny thinks the 18-year-old could return to Parkhead after his move to Yorkshire has gone through.

The Latest: Kenny’s claim

Talking to Football Insider about the defender, Kenny predicted a possible Scotland return late in the window.

“We’ve seen Premier League teams are willing to pay good money for younger players and then loan them out.

“Leeds are showing that, like a lot of clubs, they can pay a lot for young players who aren’t necessarily gonna feature in the first team.

“They can send him out on loan because that is key to any player’s development. So that could be an option, he could even go back to Celtic.

“You can get them used to playing week in, week out against men in competitive matches.

“He’s obviously a superb player. It’s alright playing under-23s football but it’s not the same as the first-team game.”

The Verdict: Unlikely

Celtic have just announced a deal for a versatile defender in Liam Scales, and with Ange Postecoglou now having plenty of options at the back, a return for Hjelde looks unlikely.

If Leeds wanted to loan the teenager out straight away, you’d think they’d want him to be playing regular first-team football from the get-go.

As mentioned, he hasn’t made a senior appearance in green and white to date, so on that basis, you’d expect Kenny’s prediction won’t come to fruition.

In other news: One man now not in Postecoglou’s plans after Scales move.  

Darren Moore’s Sheffield Wednesday bounced back from their 1-0 defeat to Morecambe at the weekend with a strong 3-0 win over Newcastle’s under-23 side in the EFL Trophy.

The Owls have now won four of their first five matches in all competitions, following a difficult start to the campaign with a defeat to Huddersfield in the League Cup and a 0-0 draw with Charlton on the opening day of the League One season.

Marvin Johnson, Liam Palmer and Sylla Sow scored the goals for Moore’s side as they brushed the young Magpies aside in their group stage game. Palmer, in particular, impressed with an 8.3 SofaScore rating and a goal from the right-back position.

Forget Palmer, though, as it was another Sheffield Wednesday player who stole the show against the Magpies with a  stunning performance – midfield dynamo Lewis Wing.

The 26-year-old, on loan from Middlesbrough, was exceptional in midfield for the Owls and ran the show from start to finish. He made an impact at both ends of the pitch and was pivotal to the side’s superb team performance, with Wing pulling the strings in the middle of the park through his effective play.

Defensively, Wing put himself about and helped to regain possession for his side. Per SofaScore, the Boro man won a whopping nine of his 13 ground duels in the game, whilst also making five tackles, one interception and two clearances for his side. This shows that he was active in trying to cut out opposition attacks, winning the ball back for the team and helping to put the Owls on the front foot.

Going the other way, however, is where he did his most impressive work. Per SofaScore, Wing provided an eye-catching eight key passes for his teammates, which led to him registering one assist. He also completed nine of his 10 long passes and four of his nine crossing attempts, showing that he was effective with the passes he was trying to pull off.

Wing being able to create eight chances for his teammates in 90 minutes illustrates the level of creativity he can bring to the Wednesday midfield this season and why he was the best player on the park against Newcastle.

He was able to show his quality both defensively and offensively and Moore will surely be hoping that he can produce a similar level of performance for the rest of the campaign.

AND in other news, Darren Moore confirms key injury update that’ll leave Sheffield Wednesday fans buzzing…