All posts by z3u9t.icu

Journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed some fresh Everton transfer news on James Garner.

The Lowdown: Garner eyed

It has been reported that the Goodison Park outfit are eyeing up a potential loan move for Garner this summer.

The Manchester United midfielder impressed while on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, helping them win promotion up to the Premier League.

The Latest: No chance?

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that United will loan Garner back to Forest next term, despite interest from both the Merseyside club and Leeds United:

“Told Manchester United will fend off interest for James Garner as they wish to keep him permanently – but he will be loaned back to Nottingham Forest. Don’t think Everton or Leeds have a chance at this point.”

The Verdict: Blow

It will certainly be a blow for the Toffees if they miss out on the chance to sign Garner for the next campaign.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Hailed as ‘class’ by The Times journalist Henry Winter after putting a deadly ball in that led to Forest taking the lead against Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final, the 21-year-old has shown that he can produce big moments in big games, and the Blues will need plenty of those if they are to avoid another relegation scrap next campaign.

The Liverpool Echo reporter Christopher Beesley believes that he could offer Frank Lampard ‘another dimension’ in midfield, given that he can play a deep or advanced role in the middle of the park, but it now looks as if they are going to miss out.

In other news, find out what ‘massive’ EFC boost has now emerged here!

Yorkshire Live journalist Dom Howson has delivered a transfer update on Sheffield Wednesday’s interest in Hull City forward Mallik Wilks as part of a fan Q&A session.

The Lowdown: Wilks set to leave Hull

The 23-year-old first joined the Tigers on loan from Barnsley in January 2020, before making his switch to the MKM Stadium permanent in the summer of the same year.

Even though the winger still has 12 months remaining on his current contract, he’s reportedly been told that he is free to leave the club this window, something which appears to have caught the attention of multiple suitors, including the Owls, with a move to League One very much a possibility.

The Latest: Howson’s transfer update

During a fan Q&A session, Howson was asked by a supporter whether there is any truth in the rumours linking Wilks with a move to Wednesday, to which the reporter replied:

“Wednesday are still very much interested in Wilks. Hull have made their stance clear. He is not part of the manager’s plans there and is available for transfer.

“Wednesday are focusing hard on the free agency market at the moment and Wilks would require a transfer fee. He has got another year to run on his Hull contract and it is unlikely Hull will let him go for nothing.

“The thing to stress is Wednesday are looking at and have held talks with a number of potential attacking additions. They want to make sure they get the right players in to fit into Moore’s style of play.”

The Verdict: Proven goalscorer

Having recently secured the signings of David Stockdale and Ben Heneghan, Darren Moore will now be keen to add to his ranks even further as he prepares his squad for another big season in the third tier, and Wilks is a player the boss will be determined to get over the line.

The Leeds-born talent will be keen on completing a move away from Hull after only making one appearance for the club since the turn of the New Year, and he has proven himself at the Owls’ level, having racked up 27 goal contributions for the Tigers in League One throughout a red-hot 2020/21 campaign.

This prolific form in the final third is something that will definitely attract the Wednesday manager, and if Wilks is to put pen to paper on a deal at Hillsborough, he could be the man to fire them back up into the play-offs for the second year running.

In other news… a Championship starlet is reportedly ‘open’ to joining Sheffield Wednesday this summer.

Celtic haven’t exactly come flying out of the traps with their incoming transfer business since Ange Postecoglou’s side were crowned champions.

What’s the word?

That said, it does feel as though some movement is now beginning to take place at Parkhead with the Hoops confirming an exit from the squad.

Error-stricken goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas has departed the club for FC Utrecht on loan, a move that now leaves a gap in their squad.

As a result, the Bhoys are lining up potential candidates to replace him between the sticks. Celtic still have Joe Hart and Scott Bain but according to the Daily Mail, Postecoglou wants more options.

With that in mind, the club have now added 6 foot 4 Benjamin Siegrist to their list of options.

He has been at Dundee United but is out of contract this summer and will be available on a free.

Edouard tormenter

With Siegrist about to become a free agent, it feels like a no-brainer for Celtic to bring him to Glasgow.

After all, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Scottish Premiership and has shown firsthand just how good he is to Celtic’s players and their supporters.

If we cast our minds back to March 2021, Siegrist was busy tormenting the Hoops’ attack and in particular, Odsonne Edouard.

The Frenchman, now of Crystal Palace, found it impossible to beat the 30-year-old as Celtic drew 0-0 at Tannadice.

Siegrist achieved a quite extraordinary match rating of 9.7 for his efforts from SofaScore as he made a mind-boggling 12 saves in one of the most memorable performances between the sticks in the SPFL over recent years.

Consequently, it’s hardly a surprise that he was once described as a “monster” by Micky Melon.

The mightily tall ‘keeper knows the league inside out and if Celtic want to guarantee some assurance should their no.1 be missing, the Swiss is the perfect choice.

He boasts a phenomenal record against Celtic, is competent when one-on-one while his agility and reactions, as shown back in 2021 vs the Hoops, are simply first-class.

Unlike Barkas, he is clearly reliable in goal and would come £4.5m cheaper as well. As a result, Celtic must ensure he’s playing for them next season.

AND in other news, Ange can land his own Denayer as Celtic eye £7k-p/w gem who has “fire in his belly”…

Manchester United’s rebuild is beginning to take shape under Erik ten Hag with the Dutchman officially starting his position last week.

What’s the word?

The Dutchman is already getting to work in the transfer market with the club thought to be in direct contract with Barcelona to sign Frenkie de Jong.

However, another player is on their radar according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on the United Stand YouTube channel, the Italian reporter revealed interest in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

He said: “The situation seems pretty clear with Darwin, they are exploring this possibility. I’m 100% sure that his name has been mentioned internally at Manchester United, so I would keep his name on the list for Man United, he’s a player that they really like, he’s a serious possibility.”

Previous reports have stated that the 22-year-old could cost in the region of £68m this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

Imagine him and de Jong

United’s transfer business last summer was incredibly eye-catching with Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo arriving.

They looked like tremendous acquisitions on the surface but a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League showcased that perhaps they weren’t integrated sufficiently.

Ronaldo still ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer but additions like Sancho for the future is what ten Hag’s rebuild should revolve around.

Signing a player the former Ajax boss knows well in de Jong would be a fabulous start to the summer but combining him with Nunez would be a mouthwatering thought for all of the fans inside Old Trafford next term.

The Uruguayan scored a mighty 34 goals for Benfica this season and that’s a tally that could become even greater in 2022/23 if he signs for United and lines up alongside the Barcelona man.

De Jong isn’t the most attacking player but his tally of 1.3 key passes per match and 1.6 dribbles a game place him fourth in those respective metrics at United.

That type of progressive possession and passing play would benefit Nunez, someone who needs the best service possible in order to be a success in the Premier League.

Described as what could be a “spectacular” signing for Man United by their former Uruguayan talent, Diego Forlan, this is a signing that has the potential to get the crowd rocking.

Forget Ronaldo and co, Nunez and de Jong are very much the future of the Red Devils.

AND in other news, MUFC plot bid to sign “unstoppable” 30-goal “nightmare”, he’d become ten Hag’s Salah…

Everton are reportedly now favourites to sign James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Tarkowski is out of contract this summer, meaning that he has the option to leave Burnley as a free agent.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League down to the Championship, it is now highly unlikely that he will stay, giving other clubs a chance to pounce on an experienced top-flight defender for no initial transfer cost.

The Latest: Favourites

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, reliable journalist Jason Burt has revealed that the Goodison Park faithful have now moved ahead in the race to sign Tarkowski.

Aston Villa had shown an interest in him, but a deal is now unlikely to happen, given that they have signed Sevilla central defender Diego Carlos.

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for the Merseyside club to pick up Tarkowski on a free.

Once described as an ‘outstanding’ player by his former manager Sean Dyche, and a ‘real leader’ at the back by former top-flight striker Noel Whelan, the 29-year-old would certainly help with their defensive issues, having conceded no fewer than 66 times in the division this season, the fifth-most of any side.

Nonetheless, he has that added Premier League experience and know-how that should ensure that he settles in very quickly at the Toffees.

In other news, find out what ‘big’ Blues player ‘boost’ has now emerged here!

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has mentioned in recent weeks that he’s looking to do some significant transfer business during the upcoming summer window.

With that in mind, this may well open the floodgates for numerous players to be linked with moves to The Hawthorns over the coming weeks and months.

At this moment in time, it seems as though a clue has emerged over the possibility of one potential name who has been mentioned with a possible move to the Midlands club.

What’s the news?

After a report from Football Insider claimed that West Brom are eyeing up a summer move for Conor Hourihane, Baggies journalist Joseph Masi gave an update on the matter.

Taking to Twitter, he said: “I’m not going to rule anything out in May but it’s not a name I’ve heard.”

The Aston Villa midfielder is set to see his contract with the Baggies’ Midlands rivals expire at the end of the month. Having spent the season out on loan with Sheffield United, it seems unlikely that he’ll be putting pen to paper on a new deal at Villa and be part of Steven Gerrard’s squad moving forward.

His performances for the Blades this term haven’t exactly put himself in the frame to make a comeback at Villa Park and wouldn’t suggest that he’d be a good option for West Brom either, even on a free transfer.

Great news for West Brom fans

With 30 league appearances in the 2021/22 campaign, the Irishman earned himself a rather disappointing overall performance rating of 6.57/10 from WhoScored. This puts him as one of the lowest-rated players in the Blades’ squad to have started more than one league game during the season.

To further highlight how disappointing the 31-year-old has been for the Yorkshire club, he has only made 10 interceptions and won 12 tackles despite playing regularly, making him rather ineffective in a defensive regard.

With that in mind, it’s hard to see how the Republic of Ireland midfielder would improve Bruce’s side and give them a better chance of securing promotion.

Masi’s claim that Hourihane is not on the Baggies’ radar at this moment in time should have lots of West Brom fans delighted, given how lacklustre the player has been in the Championship this season.

In other news: Steve Madeley claims WBA are eyeing move for “unbelievable” 18 G/A gem, he’s a big Diangana upgrade

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Frenchman is poised to seal a transfer in the coming months as the Magpies and Borussia Dortmund battle it out for his signature.

The teen striker recently explained why he rejected the chance to sign for the Premier League outfit in January, saying: “I have a lot of respect for that big club. But it was all happening very quickly, the timing wasn’t right. It was better to stay here, to play a full season, to establish myself.”

Romano Tweeted: “Key days ahead for Hugo Ekitike’s future, he’s expected to leave Reims after great season. Newcastle are still working to sign him after January late negotiations, now hoping to beat Borussia Dortmund in the race. Ekitike will make his choice on the future soon.”

Supporters will be excited

Toon fans will be excited by this claim from the Italian reporter for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the claim that Ekitike is ‘expected’ to leave his current club is a boost to Newcastle as it suggests that Reims are open to doing a deal. This means that there is a realistic possibility that the club can strike an agreement for his services, although they will still need to beat off competition from Dortmund.

The supporters will also find this claim exciting because the Frenchman would be an excellent addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

He ended the Ligue 1 campaign with ten goals and three assists in 15 starts as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.89 in the division. The forward ranks in the 92nd percentile in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90 at 0.64 and this suggests that he has been one of the biggest goal threats from open play this season.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson ranks in the 66th percentile and Chris Wood in the 5th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90. Ekitike can, therefore, be a huge upgrade on what Howe currently has to work with at the top end of the pitch, in terms of finding the back of the net without needing spot-kicks.

At the age of 19, he has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve over the years. This means that he would be a signing for the future as well as the here and now and the fans would be able to look forward to watching him grow over the course of a number of seasons on Tyneside.

AND in other news,  Newcastle now “interested” in signing £42m star, he could be Howe’s next “hero”…

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr has been left stunned by some news that he has now hears from St. James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Ohio Cup cancelled

As per The Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan, the proposed Ohio Cup pre-season tournament in the US, which the Magpies were supposed to be taking part in, has now been cancelled ‘at short notice’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

They are thought to be ‘furious’ over the decision to cancel it so suddenly, as they now have to scramble to make last-minute plans for their trip.

The Latest: Scurr stunned

Taking to Twitter, Scurr of The Shields Gazette was left stunned by the cancellation, claiming that it is a ‘disappointing blow’ for the North East club:

“Given Howe’s meticulous approach, this is a disappointing blow for NUFC with pre-season plans now uncertain. Matches against Wolves, Villarreal and Valencia would have been ideal. Now it’s a case of arranging a new schedule while most other clubs already have theirs in place.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that the Tyneside outfit will not be able to test themselves against the likes of Wolves, who will finish above them in the Premier League table, and UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal.

Eddie Howe would have had all of his plans nicely in place for pre-season in America, including what kind of squad he would want to take there, but now he will be rushed into making a compromise.

Nonetheless, one would have to question whether it is still worth going to the US without the friendly games in place, unless they can arrange for other matches at short notice.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

Manchester United are working on contract details over a move for Ajax assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Van der Gaag links

Erik ten Hag was announced as United’s new manager last month, with the Dutchman penning a contract at Old Trafford through to 2025.

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

He quickly gave the green light to Red Devils chiefs to secure a move for Van der Gaag, who has served as Ten Hag’s assistant at Ajax for 46 games.

However, despite Van der Gaag accepting a position in Manchester, a deal is yet to be sealed, but it looks as if United are getting closer.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning to provide an update on United and Van der Gaag.

He revealed the club are working on contact details for the assistant manager to join Ten Hag, labelling it as an ‘important addition’ with an ‘agreement getting closer’.

“Manchester United are working on the details of the contract to bring Mitchell van der Gaag at the club from Ajax, as part of Erik ten Hag coaching staff.

“Van der Gaag has been considered an important addition for months – agreement getting closer. Talks ongoing.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Ten Hag is seemingly keen to bring Van der Gaag with him to Old Trafford, so this update appears to be good news ahead of the transfer window opening, where the United boss will more than likely be extremely busy with incomings and outgoings.

A move for the Ajax assistant would be Ten Hag’s first and perhaps most important piece of business as United manager, and it looks as if it could be just a matter of time until a deal is over the line.

Of course, there could still be hiccups, with reports last month suggesting Van der Gaag could succeed Ten Hag as Ajax manager, but Romano’s latest update points to an Old Trafford move.

In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign star striker for Ten Hag in big deal

Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders ahead of the transfer window, and now another name has been added to the long list of potential new Anfield additions this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to German news outlet SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Jurgen Klopp is ‘keeping a close eye’ on Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.

[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!”]

However, the report suggests that fierce rivals Manchester United are also in pursuit of the Bundesliga star, and Liverpool will need to compete with their fellow Premier League club to secure his signature this summer with what would be a ‘mega offer’ in the words of the report.

There is currently a release clause of €30m (£25.3m) on Baumgartner, which is reportedly a figure that won’t put off the potential suitors.

Klopp’s next Bobby Firmino

When Liverpool first acquired the impressive services of Roberto Firmino he was being deployed as a goal-scoring attacking midfielder at Hoffenheim, and with Baumgartner offering similar attributes from his midfield position Klopp may be eyeing up the Brazilian’s successor.

With Firmino set to be out of contract at the end of next season when he will be almost 32-years-old, it could be an amazing coup for Klopp if he could secure a young replacement to work alongside the impressive false nine to learn the role before he departs in the summer of 2023.

The £19.8m-rated ace who was hailed as “dangerous” by Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen, has clearly impressed the Liverpool manager and when you look at his output this season it will come as no surprise why.

Baumgartner has scored six goals and contributed one assist so far in 27 appearances for the Bundesliga club in the league, with six big chances created and 0.7 key passes on average per game, proving that at just 22-years-old the Austrian attacking midfielder has bundles of potential that Klopp can unleash in his team.

Ultimately, now that the German coach has committed his future with a two-year extension on his contract he will need to make some ruthless decisions on the ageing players in the squad, and if the reports are true on the interest in Baumgartner he could be well on his way to rebuilding key areas of his team with youth.

AND in other news: Romano: Liverpool in talks to sign “extraordinary” £83m machine, Klopp would love him…