All posts by n8rngtd.top

Speaking live on air to CMIT TV, via Calciomercato.it, journalist Enrico Camelio has dropped a major transfer claim involving Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Vlahovic move…

Over this past week, it’s safe to say links have re-emerged to the Serbian striker after he has refused all of La Viola’s offers to sign fresh terms.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-updates/” title=”Spurs updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

This has put his future into disrepute and could gift Spurs a boost in their pursuit of a new forward to complement Harry Kane.

Tottenham are tipped as one of the favourites for his signature in January and Camelio has now made a major live TV claim.

The Latest: Journalist hints at Spurs ‘agreement’…

Speaking live on air to CMIT TV, the Italian reporter has revealed that Spurs are currently in talks with Vlahovic’s representatives, not Fiorentina, over a possible move to N17.

In another twist, Camelio has hinted that an agreement on personal terms was ‘probably found’.

“The team that is on Vlahovic now, not surprisingly, is Tottenham,” he explained.

“They are talking to the player’s entourage and not to Fiorentina. The economic agreement was also probably found.”

The Verdict: Promising claim…

If Spurs have found an agreement on personal terms already, three months before the January transfer window, it would gift Fabio Paratici and co a big advantage in the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old is one of the world’s most promising forwards and Tottenham will face big competition for his services – with the likes of Manchester City also linked.

In other news: ‘Unreal’, ‘Bargain’, ‘Perfect’…Spurs pundit raves as Paratici eyes ‘top signing’ for Nuno, find out more here.

Reliable Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece is expecting Dean Smith to unleash Emiliano Buendia against Wolves this weekend.

The Lowdown: Buendia’s struggles

Buendia, who joined from Norwich City in a club-record deal over the summer, hasn’t started a Premier League game since the end of August.

He’s made six appearances in all competitions under Smith, scoring his first goal against Brentford but has had to make do with substitute cameos against Manchester United and Tottenham prior to the international break.

However, with Jacob Ramsey recently playing 90 minutes for England Under-21’s in the week, Preece feels it could be time for Buendia to return from the off.

The Latest: Preece’s predicted XI

Preece shared his predicted XI on Birmingham Live for the Villa Park meeting against Wolves.

When it came to naming three central midfielders in a 3-5-2 system, Preece went with Marvelous Nakamba, John McGinn and Buendia, with the latter picked ahead of Ramsey due to his international run out.

He went on to admit it would be a bold move knowing Buendia has struggled centrally in a Villa shirt.

The Verdict: Correct

Gregg Evans also picked out Buendia as a player who should be getting more minutes, and this weekend feels like the perfect chance to give him another go.

The former Canaries playmaker, who Daniel Farke called ‘fantastic’, wasn’t selected for Argentina duty this time around, so he should be chomping at the bit and ready to go.

Smith has had success in September with a 3-5-2 system, so Buendia needs to fit that mould, as it doesn’t look like that will be changing anytime soon.

In other news: Ashley Preece shares big under-the-radar Villa update on Leon Bailey.

Journalist Beren Cross has admitted that he can’t guarantee that Marcelo Bielsa would stay at Leeds United in January if they are in the relegation zone.

The Lowdown: Bielsa going through tough spell

The Argentine has been a revelation as Whites manager, guiding them back into the Premier League, becoming an iconic modern-day figure at Elland Road and being hailed as ‘special’ and a ‘genius’ by Mauricio Pochettino.

This season has been a struggle for Bielsa so far, however, with Leeds sitting 17th in the table and winning just one of their opening eight league matches.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Cross provides update

Speaking in a Q&A for Leeds Live, Cross responded to a question regarding a potential January exit for Bielsa, admitting it isn’t out of the question, even though he expects him to stay:

“Great question. Honestly, I don’t know. I doubt even Bielsa knows how he would react to that situation and, of course, he never wants to predict the future anyway.

“My gut says he would want to get Leeds out of the mess he would, predictably, blame himself for. If Leeds wanted him to go and they were in the bottom three, I wonder what clauses there are in place to protect him or whether he would just step aside if he was not wanted.

“It would have to be pretty desperate and irreconcilable for Leeds to want to do that, mid-season though. In short, yes I think he would still be in charge.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-21/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Would be a surprise

In truth, it would be a huge surprise if Bielsa suddenly left in January because Leeds were still struggling, with the 66-year-old far more loyal than that.

He will surely see out the rest of the season, considering he is a man of his word and signed a one-year deal in the summer, then potentially reassess his Whites future once the campaign reaches its conclusion.

Hopefully, Leeds are well clear of the relegation zone come January, regardless.

In other news, one Leeds player has been ruled out for a month. Find out who it is here.

Pundit Kevin Campbell has been reacting to Celtic’s interest in Yokohama F. Marinos forward Daizen Maeda, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Maeda profiled

Maeda, clocked as the quickest player in Japan, can play centrally or out wide, similar to his international teammate and Hoops star Kyogo Furuhashi.

The 24-year-old netted 18 times in 31 appearances last season, taking his tally for his current employers to 21 goals in 65 games.

He’s valued at just £990,000 by Transfermarkt and is under contract until 2024, and it seems as if the Hoops are plotting their move.

The Latest: Celtic links, Campbell reacts

According to The Times, Celtic are confident of landing Maeda in the New Year, with Ange Postecoglou knowing the forward well following his time in charge of the J1 League side.

Campbell, who regularly features on Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding the links to Maeda.

“Someone who can put the ball in the back of the net is worth their weight in gold.

“I am not surprised Celtic are interested in him. His record speaks for itself, even if it is in the J-League.

“Get him in and get him scoring goals. Postecoglou has already made it clear that there will be some extra bodies coming in in January. It looks like he could be one of them.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Furuhashi has scored 19% of Celtic’s 26 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season, so bringing in a player like Maeda in the winter window could give the Hoops that extra firepower required for the second half of the season.

Postecoglou has only really used Albian Ajeti from the off when he has been down to the bare bones, whereas Giorgos Giakoumakis is only now starting to reach full fitness with his first start and goal last weekend.

On that basis, adding to their attacking ranks with a player who can also fill in out wide could be handy, especially with right-back Anthony Ralston scoring as many league goals as Ajeti and Giakoumakis combined so far.

In other news: ‘That has been alleged’ – Devlin’s worrying answer on ‘quick’ Celtic signing and Dermot Desmond. 

Fabio Paratici could transform Tottenham Hotspur under new manager Antonio Conte by signing one of his mooted transfer targets…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it, the recently-appointed 52-year-old has already a long list of targets ahead of the January transfer window as he looks to improve Spurs’ fortunes on the pitch.

Among the names listed by the report is Juventus attacker Federico Chiesa, who is valued in the region of €80m (£68m) to €90m (£76.5m) and could be eyed as a secondary striker or a winger in his three-at-the-back formation.

The Serie A giants only signed the 34-cap Italian winger in October 2020 on a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy worth €40m (£36m) plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons. The initial loan is thought to cost around €10m (£8.5m), as per Juventus.com.

A major coup

If Paratici could deliver a player of this calibre, then Conte stands a very good chance at achieving success in north London. In fact, this sort of signing could genuinely transform the club on the pitch, tenfold.

The former Chelsea boss is walking into a complete mess at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one of their biggest problems has been in attack, where they have looked uninspiring, unimaginative and quite frankly, appalling.

As per WhoScored, Spurs rank joint-last for average number of shots per game (10.3) alongside rock-bottom and winless Norwich City and second-last for key chances created per game (7.1).

Similarly, the Lilywhites have the fourth-worst expected goals ratio in the English top-flight (10.63 xG), with three relegation contenders ranking below them, via Understat.

Harry Kane has scored just once in eight league starts, so he is clearly struggling and a player like Chiesa could hold the keys to not only help him out in the final third but also carry the burden and pressure of finding the net.

Last season, the 24-year-old dynamo contributed a whopping 15 goals and 11 assists across 46 appearances, meaning he averaged a direct contribution once every 121.8 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

Furthermore, he has averaged at least 1.8 key passes every 90 minutes since his arrival at the Allianz Stadium, as per WhoScored, only bolstering his creative claims.

He continued that electric form into Euro 2020, where he played a starring role in Italy’s triumph, defeating England in the final.

Speaking about his performances on the biggest stage, BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical, he said: “He’s a huge player and he’s been linked with a few clubs in England. I’m sure they’re thinking ‘why didn’t we get him?’. He’s just a fantastic footballer.

“The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros he was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament. It’s his pace, his drive. He’s the one who is the threat, he’s potent, he wants to run in behind.”

The £63m-rated Juventus beast has also been dubbed a “special talent” by BBC Sport contributor Premier League Panel, as well as a “big game player” and an “absolute gem” by BT Sport commentator Adam Summerton.

Paratici must look to seal a move for him at all costs heading into 2022. If Conte is to elevate Spurs back to where they used to be, then he needs players like Chiesa at his disposal.

AND in other news, No Skipp, Dier and Lo Celso start: Spurs’ predicted XI under Antonio Conte…

Antonio Conte is facing plenty of important decisions as he embarks on his first game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur this evening.

The north London outfit appointed the 52-year-old on Tuesday after handing Nuno Santo his marching orders less than 24 hours earlier following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend.

It’ll be no easy task for the Italian, who won a Premier League and FA Cup during his last stint in England, but he could do himself a massive favour by axing Ben Davies.

The Red Devils had been leaking goals for fun before they turned up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon, so it was perhaps a huge surprise to see Nuno opt for the 67-cap Welshman over the more attack-minded Sergio Reguilon.

Ultimately, it was a decision that cost him dearly as Spurs looked lacklustre in attack once again and they leaked three goals in yet another league outing.

The 28-year-old left-back was given the run around by United’s veteran frontline of Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo and he was caught ball watching for the latter’s superb opener.

Davies was also Spurs’ lowest-rated outfield player (6.1), as per SofaScore figures, which only further highlights his struggles.

Across the full 90 minutes, the £14.4m-rated star won just one of four ground duels (25%), lost possession 16 times, failed to deliver a single accurate cross and even earned a booking for his troubles.

He has often failed to impress in the big matches, as seen by Sunday and last season. One game against Liverpool saw ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan deem him “appalling” to Football Insider.

Whilst Vitesse are no great shakes, the £93k-per-week Wales international captained the side when these two faced each other in the Netherlands 14 days ago and he was once again one of the poorer players on the pitch, earning a 6.3 rating – the joint-third lowest, as per SofaScore.

Conte is likely to utilise an attacking formation with wing-backs, so Davies’ time at the club could be thrown into doubt. Therefore, it seems a wise decision for the Italian to ruthlessly axe him, starting with tonight’s encounter.

If he were to start, it could prove costly and the new manager will want to kickstart his reign with a bang.

AND in other news, Spurs have “close agreement” with “devastating” £34m-rated beast, Conte surely buzzing…

Lots of Wolves fans have been blown away as news emerged involving Carl Ikeme.

As per the club’s official website, the 35-year-old was part of a selection of goalkeepers including Jose Sa and John Ruddy who helped to run a workshop to teach all of the ‘keepers in Wolves’ different age groups about their trade.

Of course, Ikeme is a legendary figure at Molineux, having had his number one shirt number retired from 2018 following his leukaemia diagnosis, until Sa took it this season, .

On the pitch, he made came through the club’s academy.

Given how his football career ended, and considering his status as a fan favourite at Wolves, many supporters were unsurprisingly left blown away by his renewed involvement with the club.

Wolves fans on Ikeme news

These Wolves fans were left blown away by the news as it was shared on Twitter:

“This is a brilliant picture”

Credit: @LouisGutto2000

“Wow, what a amazing photo”

Credit: @NormWolves1877

“Great to see the big man back at Wolves passing on his wealth of experience!!”

Credit: @WWFC09

“Fantastic”

Credit: @cork1973

“Love this..”

Credit: @heighwaykaren

“What a picture, absolute class”

Credit: @BallyJNR

In other news, find out which news involving these loan players has left many Wolves fans buzzing

Following Steven Gerrard’s appointment as Aston Villa’s new manager last week, the 41-year-old has been linked with a host of players that he could look to bring into Villa Park in the upcoming January transfer window.

And, considering the incredible success the former Liverpool captain achieved with a number of players in his former Rangers side, such as Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara and Nathan Patterson – all of whom have been tipped for a reunion with Gerrard at the second city side – perhaps these rumours should not come as a surprise.

However, before the manager goes splashing the clash on incoming signings this winter, it may well be wise to take a closer look at some of Villa’s up and coming talents before doing so – with Carney Chukwuemeka being arguably the most promising of the club’s academy products at present.

Chukwuemeka could save Villa millions

Being dubbed as “the best 16-year-old in England” by Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow last year, exactly how high expectations are for the future of Chukwuemeka amongst those at Villa are clear for all to see.

Indeed, it is equally easy to understand why Purslow holds this belief about the central midfielder, as, over his 26 appearances for Villa’s U18 side, the £2.25m-rated man knocked up a highly impressive ten goals and eight assists, in addition to bagging a further three goals and five assists for the club’s U23 side.

These returns led to reports that both Manchester City and Manchester United started to keep a very close eye on the progression of the recently turned 18-year-old, while the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Juventus, RB Leipzig, Monaco and PSV have also been credited with an interest in the England U19 international.

However, despite his abundance of potential, Chukwuemeka has so far played just 81 minutes of Premier League football for Aston Villa, something that Birmingham Live suggest could see the youngster tempted into a move away from Villa Park upon the end of his current contract in the summer of 2023.

And, with Jack Grealish very much being the archetypical example of how important an academy graduate can become when given the opportunity, in addition to the not-dissimilar level of talent Chukwuemeka possesses in comparison to that of the £90m-rated Manchester City man when he was first coming through, it would seem highly advisable for Gerrard to start unleashing the 18-year-old on a much more regular basis in the coming weeks.

The youngster could just end up saving the club millions of pounds in the January transfer window.

In other news: Ashley Preece drops “serious” Aston Villa transfer claim which is sure to excite fans

Newcastle United will focus on Premier League-proven players in the January transfer window, Italian agent Andrea Boscolo has told Tutto Mercato Web (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reported on Monday that Eddie Howe’s preference was to target players who have delivered in the English top flight. The report named James Tarkowski, Jesse Lingard, Divock Origi and Oleksandr Zinchenko as candidates who fit that particular bill.

It is shaping up to be a crucial transfer window for the Magpies as they seek to avoid relegation. They are currently rock bottom of the Premier League, having failed to win any of their first 12 matches in the division.

The latest

Bosconi, who is based in England, was asked what market Newcastle would look to ‘play’ at the turn of the year. He predicted that January would be a ‘national transfer window’ before hinting that there could well be interest in Serie A stars come the summer.

“They absolutely have to save the season, they have taken Howe who knows the local market and I think they will go with players who already know the Premier League,” he told Tutto Mercato Web (via Sport Witness).

“It will be a national transfer window, then this summer, without problems with Fair Play, they will give you a lot to write.”

The verdict

You can understand Newcastle’s domestic-focused strategy for the mid-season transfer window. They can’t really afford to give players time to adapt to the Premier League, and they certainly can’t afford to take risks which don’t pay off.

They are set to look at players like Tarkowski, who has made 171 English top-flight appearances, as trusted quantities who can all but guarantee improvement.

The Magpies made an astute domestic addition last January, of course, in the form of Joe Willock, who proceeded to bang in eight goals in 11 starts, inspiring a late surge up the table. Whoever they bring in from a Premier League rival in a few weeks’ time, hopefully they can have a similar impact at St James’ Park.

In other news, could this be one of Newcastle’s Serie A targets for the future? 

Despite falling to his first defeat as Aston Villa manager, Steven Gerrard would no doubt have been left impressed by a number of his players following Wednesday night.

The Villans were beaten 2-1 by Premier League champions Manchester City at Villa Park, and brought an end to the quick turnaround in results Gerrard had produced in his first couple of weeks in the dugout.

One man who epitomised that newfound belief at the club, was Marvelous Nakamba.

The Zimbabwe international was at his energetic and dynamic best on Wednesday, covering every blade of glass looking to stop City from playing through the lines and dominating proceedings.

As per Sofascore, the midfielder won seven duels on the night – only Ollie Watkins and John McGinn won more – while nobody made more than his quite impressive six tackles (Matty Cash could only match it).

Nakamba was quick to snap at the feet of City’s attacking players, and was only taken off by Gerrard late on in the second half for the Villa boss to inject some fresh energy.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a seven, saying: “Tackled well as Villa’s middle man in midfield once again. Nakamba was workmanlike in his approach once more here before he ran himself into the ground as Sanson injected some energy for the final 13 or so minutes. Another good effort from Nakamba.”

On Twitter, journalist James Hendicott dubbed the Zimbabwean as an “absolute revelation” under Gerrard, and that he “looks a superb player all of a sudden.”

As is often the case with new managers coming in, there will be players who fall by the wayside and others who come more into the reckoning, and under Gerrard, Nakamba looks like a player reborn.

He’s started the past three games for the new Villa boss, while yesterday was the first time Gerrard had actually taken him off.

While much of the focus will be on how the former Liverpool captain can get the best out of Villa’s numerous attacking players, his ability to coach Nakamba into a midfield machine could be key too.

Meanwhile, this Villa man had a “rough night” vs City…