All posts by n8rngtd.top

Aston Villa announced four pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2021/22 season on Friday afternoon.

And a number of Villa supporters were quick to give their thoughts to the confirmation by replying to the club’s official Twitter post.

Villa will begin preparations for the new campaign with a short trip to Walsall on Wednesday, July 21. Dean Smith’s side will then travel to Championship side Stoke City on Saturday, July 24 before facing Nottingham Forest at Bodymoor Heath in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday, July 28.

The club’s final pre-season fixture before their first league game against Watford will come against La Liga side Sevilla at Villa Park on Saturday, August 7.

Villa admitted on their website that they hope to add more fixtures to their pre-season schedule.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the pre-season friendlies, with many excited about the Sevilla game and one describing the news as ‘tasty’.

“Against Sevilla, wow”

Credit: @_Fabian73153

“Here we gooooooooooo Walsall away”

Credit: @KingsyAVFC

“Sevilla vs the Villa. love it”

Credit: @mxttxavxo

“Villa Sevilla will be tasty”

Credit: @JamesTuzzio

“Sevilla at VP? Europa Confirmed”

Credit: @AVFC_Bailey

“Scenes”

Credit: @HenryDa63205546

In other news: ‘Absolute madness’, ‘Leave us alone’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘garbage’ transfer news, find out more here. 

Noel Whelan reckons that Harry Kane will almost certainly depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this window [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Kane crucial to Spurs success in 2021/22

Plenty of onlookers, Spurs fans or not, will be intrigued to see what shirt Kane is wearing come the start of the season.

Despite being a boyhood supporter of the club, long-standing reports have linked the England international with a ground-breaking move to Premier League rivals Manchester City [Manchester Evening News].

Given his alleged desire to leave, Lilywhites fans could be in for a tumultuous few weeks once Kane returns from England duty.

The Latest: Whelan reckons Tottenham have ‘no chance’ of keeping their star man

Former Leeds striker Whelan has backed Kane to jump ship this summer in a recent interview with Football Insider. Commenting on the goal machine’s prospective future aspirations, the 46-year-old stated:

“They have no chance of keeping Kane. I know Tottenham fans will hate to hear that but it is the truth.

“Kane has made it quite clear why he wants to leave and his reasons are good enough for me.

“Spurs are not going to win anything significant in the next few years. They will be playing in this Europa Conference League next season, that is not place for Harry Kane.

“This taste of the European Championships will only deepen his desire to leave Spurs. He wants to compete at the top level every week. He wants to be in the Champions League and competing for the Premier League.

“His career has been amazing but he has nothing to show for it yet. I cannot see him staying there, not for the new manager or the new director of football.

“Kane wants to win things and Tottenham are miles off it at the moment.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Hard to disagree…

On balance, Whelan correctly points out the temptation that could creep into the Tottenham skipper’s head should interest in his services continue to develop in prominent circles.

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for life in the UEFA Conference League, he may envisage testing his European credentials at a higher level.

One of the best players in the Premier League, he registered an unbelievable 50 goal contributions from 49 appearances for the Lilywhites [Transfermarkt] last season.

Further illustrative of his abilities, he recorded the highest rating out of the WhoScored Premier League 2020/21 team of the season, averaging 7.8 out of 10 across the 20/21 campaign.

Only time will tell with regards to Kane’s eventual decision, but you feel Tottenham will have to show some incredible ambition in the transfer market to convince him to stay.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with a 28-year-old defender.

An update has emerged on Leicester midfielder James Maddison, regarding Arsenal’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to Football London, Arsenal’s interest in Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is genuine and Mikel Arteta would like to bring the Englishman to The Emirates this summer after missing out on a deal to sign Emi Buendia from Norwich.

The report claims that Arsenal could need to offload a few of their fringe players in order to finance a deal for the England international. Leicester are said to be demanding a fee of at least £70m for the former Canaries playmaker.

Ozil replacement

Arsenal must do everything in their power to secure a deal for Maddison this summer as they could land their Mesut Ozil replacement by bringing him to the club.

Arteta has struggled to fill the creative void left by the German and Maddison could be the player they need to come in and be the chief creator in the Spaniard’s midfield next season.

In the Premier League last season, Emile Smith-Rowe and Martin Odegaard topped the charts for Arsenal in terms of chances created per game as they both managed 1.4. Ozil, meanwhile, averaged 2.9 or more chances created per game in five of his campaigns in the league with the Gunners, showing how much of a drop off there has been in the number 10 role in recent seasons.

Maddison has the quality to come in and fill that gap. Earlier this year, Southampton defender Jack Stephens lavished praise on the “phenomenal” attacker, having played alongside him at Coventry earlier in his career.

He told the Daily Echo:

“I remember his mindset. He was always out on the pitch until the late afternoon with a bag of balls.

“It sounds so cliche but he really was determined to improve himself and harness his skills.

“Fair play to him, really, he’s been absolutely brilliant ever since and he has matured as a player.

“The ability he has got is phenomenal and he has come on every year now for four or five years.”

The Foxes midfielder averaged 2.2 chances created per 90 in the Premier League last term. This is after he managed 2.8 and 2.5 per game in the two previous top-flight campaigns respectively, having also created 2.8 chances per game in the Championship for Norwich in the 2017/18 season. This shows that he has the ability and vision on the ball to be the playmaker Arsenal have been lacking and their long-term heir to Ozil’s throne.

He has also shown an eye for goal from midfield. The 24-year-old has scored 21 goals across the past three Premier League seasons, including eight in 24 starts last term. This means that he could add goals and assists to Arteta’s squad, which is why he should be brought in to bolster the starting XI in the coming months.

AND in other news, Get it done: Edu must seal £20m deal for “diamond”, Arsenal fans would love it…

Aston Villa fans want the club to make another offer for Caleb Chukwuemeka after they had an initial offer rejected for the striker.

The Villans have already completed a couple of deals this summer, with Emiliano Buendia joining from Norwich City in a club-record deal (Sky Sports) and Ashley Young returning to the club from Inter Milan on a free transfer (avfc.co.uk).

Dean Smith and co are also looking to bring in James Ward-Prowse as they aim to move up the Premier League table next term (Football Insider).

It seems they are also planning for the long-term as well. As per journalist Adrian Kajumba, the Midlands-based outfit have made a bid for Northampton Town forward Chukwuemeka, but is was unfortunately rejected. Caleb is the older brother of Carney, who is already a part of the Villa Park side’s academy.

The news was shared on Twitter by @villareport, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Chukwuemeka news below

“I think it’s a bit of keep Carney settled but Caleb is a decent forward in his own right from the bits I’ve seen. Raw talent.”

Credit: @S1ngh32

“Bring him in!”

Credit: @AshyOG_VillaFan

“I hope this goes through so we can sing the Chucklevision theme tune.”

Credit: @cratesofhippos

“Go back in lads x”

Credit: @VillaVisionBen

“This sauce will be unreal”

Credit: @Villal_

“Please please sign this guy, we absolutely need a song about the chuckle brothers”

Credit: @SteveJones88

In other news, several Serie A clubs want this Villa man.

Wolves have been rather quiet in the transfer market this week but that shouldn’t frustrate supporters after the window they’ve had.

Despite rumours of players leaving, they still boast a full quota of top footballers and they’ve also added the likes of Trincao and Jose Sa to their ranks.

What’s the word?

One player who Wolves have been targeting for months now is Milan forward Rafael Leao.

The Portuguese sensation only joined the Serie A side in the summer of 2019 but it looks like an escape route out of the San Siro is likely. Milan are thought to want €25m (£21.3m) in order to sell him, an asking price that’s continued to drop in the last few months.

Leao is working hard during pre-season in order to convince club officials to keep him in Italy but according to a report (via Sport Witness), Jorge Mendes has put forward contacts from Wolves in a bid to lure him to Molineux.

Jota 2.0

Leao is a truly enigmatic character. As he was coming through at Sporting and Lille, he looked like one of the finest young talents in Europe.

He was compared to Kylian Mbappe and the great Brazilian, Ronaldo. He was even hailed as “spectacular” by former striker Rolando Bianchi.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-news-ceballos-zinchenko-euros-felix-lage” title=”Read the latest Wolves transfer news!”]

However, despite providing glimpses of his immense potential in Italy, he has been rather inconsistent.

A review from reporter Zach Lowy epitomises the hardships he has been through: “The fact that Dany Mota — a player at Monza — and Gonçalo Ramos — a benchwarmer at Benfica — overshadowed Rafael Leao during the U-21 Euros should serve as a wake-up call for him. He needs to drastically change his mentality or he’ll be leaving Milan sooner rather than later.”

Heading for the departure lounge wouldn’t be the worst news for Wolves, though. After all, if you compare his qualities to a certain Diogo Jota, they do line up quite well.

Both players possess incredible pace and have the ability to beat opponents for fun, using trickery and close touch control to eliminate opponents in breathtaking fashion. They can both play out wide and through the middle, while they’re equally creative and destructive in front of goal.

During his final Premier League campaign with Wolves, Jota found the net on seven occasions, a tally that the 22-year-old Leao neared last season. He scored six goals in the red and black of Milan, providing half a dozen assists for his troubles as well.

In 2020/21, their dribble tallies were quite similar, with the Wolves target amassing 1.3 per match compared to Jota’s 1.1 per game. Leao managed 0.9 key passes while the former Old Gold star produced 0.6 key passes in the top flight.

Wolves have managed to replace Jota with the effervescent Pedro Neto but, with his own future in doubt, Leao would be a wise addition to the Molineux ranks.

AND in other news, Lage must brutally axe £50k-p/w Wolves dud this summer, Coady said he’s “outstanding”…

Manchester United have now officially added Jadon Sancho to their squad, and Carlton Palmer believes meaning that the extra competition for places along the front line will be healthy for the likes of Anthony Martial.

One player who hasn’t hit his best form in the red of United recently is the Frenchman, but Palmer believes he doesn’t need to fear the competition for his place in the team.

Martial missed the last ten games of the Premier League season and the Red Devils Europa League final with Villarreal, with a ruptured knee ligament injury.

When on the pitch, Martial only manged seven goals in all competitions, some way short of his best seasons tally of 23 goals in 2019/2020, as he continues to largely flatter to deceive at Old Trafford.

Despite a dip in form and new players arriving, Palmer had some words of encouragement for Martial, telling FFC: “It’s not for you to be fearful of it, you should be delighted and happy, because this might be something that gets him to kick on to the next level.”

Palmer also praised Martial, recognising he’s a talent, saying “He has got great ability and you want to be a part of a side that’s going to challenge, that’s only good for you as a player.”

After missing the end of last season and Euro 2020 through injury, Martial will be hoping to return to Old Trafford and hit the ground running early on for what could be a huge season personally for him.

Recent reports have claimed that Ruben Dias is set to sign a new deal at Manchester City, which would undoubtedly be a huge boost for Pep Guardiola.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star, Dias will be rewarded with a new contract worth £140k-per-week after his exceptional debut season at the Etihad Stadium, a significant increase on the £80k-p/w they claim he currently earns with the Citizens.

Despite the 24-year-old signing a six-year contract when he arrived from Benfica in a deal worth £65m last year, it seems clear that City are desperate to tighten their hold on the centre-back, who won the Premier League Player of the Season award for his performances in the 2020/21 campaign.

A huge boost for Guardiola?

Although it would’ve been nearly impossible for any club in world football to prise Dias away from Manchester City this summer or anytime soon, it will be good news for the Citizens if they can tie him down to a new improved contract, which will hopefully be another step towards keeping him at the Etihad for the majority of his career.

Last season saw the Portugal international make 32 appearances in the Premier League for City, contributing one goal and averaging a solid 6.91 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

His partnership with John Stones at centre-back was key to City’s success in the Premier League, whilst he produced some exceptional displays in the Champions League to help them reach the final against Chelsea.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

After a memorable display in the semi-final second leg against PSG, where he seemed determined to block every single shot from Mauricio Pochettino’s side, talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein sang his praises, saying: “Ruben Dias, my goodness what a defender he is. Is he the best defender in the Premier League?

“I think he is. I think he’s better than Virgil van Dijk. I think he’s fantastic. This Ruben Dias is a rock. He will die for the badge.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

Therefore, it can only be good news for Guardiola if Dias commits to a new improved deal with Manchester City. If his performances in his debut season are anything to go by, the Portugal centre-back could be a key player at the Etihad for the next decade.

In other news… Guardiola dealt cruel Man City blow over “very special” gem, fans will be gutted

Leicester City have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Schalke defender Ozan Kabak.

What’s the story?

The Foxes have been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old in recent weeks and could now pick up the centre-back on a free transfer following an intriguing development.

“Kabak is rated highly, but Schalke need him to go because they can’t pay him – that is the situation,” Bundesliga journalist Constantin Eckner told the Blood Red Podcast. “Kabak was set to return to training with Schalke after his holidays after the Euros, but they told him to have more days off to find a new club.

“Clubs are interested, but then they find someone else who is more compelling, and Kabak is still outside on the street in the rain. Schalke might even terminate his contract before the end of August, so he has time to find a new club,” added Eckner.

Brendan Rodgers would love him

After an injury crisis sidelined all three of Liverpool’s senior central defenders for the remainder of the campaign before Christmas last term, Jurgen Klopp turned to Kabak.

The Turkey international initially struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, although he quickly settled and played a pivotal part in the club’s solid end-of-season form, leading to Klopp labelling him a “big prospect”.

He made 13 appearances in all competitions for the Reds during his six-month loan spell, achieving a highly respectable WhoScored rating of 6.72, but his performances weren’t enough to persuade the Anfield outfit to sign him on a permanent basis.

While Kabak was enjoying a successful stint on English shores, though, Schalke suffered relegation from the Bundesliga, meaning the German outfit are now desperate to offload one of their highest earners as they prepare for life in the second tier.

The youngster has reportedly attracted interest from several clubs as a result, but it’s arguably Leicester who need him the most.

Wes Morgan’s retirement at the end of 2020/21 has left a sizeable gap in the FA Cup holders’ backline, and manager Brendan Rodgers would surely love to replace the former club captain with an exciting, youthful acquisition who’s full of potential.

The Northern Irish tactician has cultivated an enviable reputation for developing young talents, and the £22.5m-rated Kabak could become the latest gem to benefit from his tutelage.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops intriguing Leicester transfer update that’ll excite fans 

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted in response to an official announcement by the club involving Tomas Soucek.

The Czech Republic star, signed by the Irons last summer, has gone on to become a revelation at the London Stadium and real snip at just £19.1 million.

Soucek, starting every single Premier League game over his debut season with West Ham, averaged a mighty 6.2 aerial duels won per 90 in the middle of the park – eclipsing all of his teammates (WhoScored).

He also finished the campaign as manager David Moyes’ joint-top goal scorer in the league with ten goals, all while contributing at other end of the pitch.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-gossip/” title=”West Ham latest gossip…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 26-year-old made the joint-most tackles per 90 (2.1) out of any West Ham player over 2020/2021, sharing the most impressive numbers with compatriot Vladimir Coufal.

As a result, West Ham have now announced Soucek as the coveted Hammer of the Year award winner for an outstanding first campaign in England.

Flocking to this official update, it’s safe to say supporters believe he is deserving of the honour.

Find all of their best replies to West Ham’s account down below.

West Ham fans flock to Soucek announcement…

“You beauty”

Credit: @whugabes

“Yessssss”

Credit: @WHUBoleynBoys

“WHAT A MAN”

Credit: @ScoutSoucek

“Well deserved Hammer of the Year

Outstanding player, heart on his sleeve every game and never not at 110%”

Credit: @maxogod

“What an incredible player, we are blessed”

Credit: @ryansmith15_

“West Ham had the most consistent CM pairing across the whole league in Soucek and Rice. Can’t recall a time in PL history that this was the case for West Ham. Soucek been almost faultless all season.”

Credit: @WestHamJoshV

“Well deserved”

Credit: @HammerStu76

“Fully deserved, another big season ahead big man”

Credit: @ollieemerry

In other news: Bid made – West Ham table offer to sign yet another defender, find out more here.

Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards believe that their replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum may already be present within the current squad, according to The Times’ Paul Joyce. 

Wijnaldum left Liverpool in the summer, as he pursued a move to French giants PSG on a free transfer ahead of the 2021/22 league campaign.

He’ll leave a sizeable void in the heart of the Liverpool team, with the Dutch international making 237 appearances in total for the Reds, which includes 51 from last year’s league campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side finished third in the Premier League table last term, and their supporters will be eager to see them find a suitable replacement for Wijnaldum to help improve on that finish.

But Joyce has stated that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed his first uninterrupted pre-season since signing for the club back in 2017, and the club may opt to turn to players like the England international instead of a new signing.

Plenty of Liverpool supporters took to social media to react to this transfer update, with many of the Anfield faithful being left frustrated at the club’s reluctance to find a new signing in the transfer market this summer.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from The Anfield Talk Twitter account, who shared Joyce’s update….

Reds fans fume at transfer update

“Breaking: FSG won’t spend any money because they need money to buy new personalised yacht.”

Credit: @robert87478508

“Gini a player who never missed a game yeah, let’s replace him with Ox who’s renowned to having injuries every season. Yep smart.”

Credit: @_2306_YNWA

“Not impressed. Showed speed and enthusiasm, but very poor football-wise. lost every ball he touched, made very bad long balls, every pass put teammates in trouble. This is just not Liverpool quality.”

Credit: @SabihOmar

“No. Not good enough. Would not make any of our rivals teams.”

Credit: @robertsp

“This club will be the death of me.”

Credit: @Jambabox99

“Would be such an unnecessary risk. It is more likely that Keita and Ox will get injured than that they stay fit.”

Credit: @John92121476

“Embarrassing.”

Credit: @Dj67776349

“He can’t replace Gini’s availability.”

Credit: @Gambino_LFC

“I give up man.”

Credit: @ayxshxlfc