All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a bid for RB Leipzig’s versatile defender Nordi Mukiele.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Foot Mercato, via The Mirror, who claimed that the Red Devils have been tracking the 24-year-old for years and could finally lodge a bid for him in this summer’s transfer window.

The France international is out of contract next year and could duly be available for as little as £8.5m.

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The signing would prove sensible, as United are reportedly open to letting Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave in what appears to be a big clearout this summer at Old Trafford.

Given his Red Bull links, Ralf Rangnick is reported to be a fan of Mukiele, so a move for the 24-year-old is entirely possible.

Imagine him and Varane

The signing of Mukiele – who has been hailed as an “unsung hero” – would be a major coup for United; and at a price of around £8.5m, it could see the club turn a corner with their strategy in the transfer market. It could also form the potential for what could be a fearsome partnership between the 24-year-old and Raphael Varane.

Mukiele’s versatility is a handy attribute and represents an asset that United have not had since Daley Blind was at the club, with the Frenchman also able to operate as a centre-back and a right midfielder.

Mukiele has played the majority of his games as a right midfielder or wing-back for Leipzig in Domenico Tedesco’s 3-4-2-1 system this season. Although he has a decent return of one goal and three assists in 28 appearances, the 24-year-old has been spared in Leipzig’s big games as of recent, which bodes well for United as they look to swoop in for a cut-price deal.

That defensive acumen bodes well for a team manager by Erik ten Hag side. Madueke has a match average of 5.28 pressures per 90, with 6.32 of these coming in the middle third of the pitch, a positive sign of his willingness to win back possession for his team.

His averages of 2.43 interceptions and 2.73 clearances per 90 also illustrate his competency at the back and suggest that he would function well in an asymmetrical system which would see him perform as a makeshift centre-back in possession, giving the left-back licence to attack.

He has also shown his competency in attack in Leipzig’s recent game against Augsburg, in which he registered two assists.

Given such impressive performances across a variety of aspects, it’s not just because of the Red Bull connection that Rangnick would love to have Madueke at Old Trafford.

In other news: Man United now plot bid for £63m-rated “monster”, imagine him and Ten Hag 

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Calvin Bassey to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to ExWHUemployee, with the Irons insider revealing on The Fourth Official (via West Ham Zone) that David Moyes’ side have now opened talks with Glasgow Rangers regarding a move for the versatile left-back at the end of the current campaign.

In the post, Ex said: “I have been told by several reliable sources that several Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, are interested in the services of Calvin Bassey. The defender is under contract until 2024 so it is going to take an obscene amount of money to tempt Rangers.

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“The player caught the eye of the world with his performances but the interest from West Ham United in the left-back turned centre-half was there from before the Europa League final. Apparently, the interest has been amped up since the final, with West Ham starting talks with Rangers for the defender.”

A signing “like Van Dijk”

Considering just how impressive Bassey has been for Rangers this season, and with it being reported that West Ham are targeting the signing of a new centre-back who can also play on the left, it is easy to see why the Irons would be interested in a deal to bring the 22-year-old to east London this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £10k-per-week defender has been imperious in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s backline at both left-back and in the centre. He has helped his side to keep 13 clean sheets, registered three assists and created one big chance for his team-mates, along with making 52.3 passes, 0.7 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 1.2 clearances and winning 5.2 duels (at a success rate of 63%) per game.

The former Leicester City starlet, who Jamie O’Hara claimed is “like Van Dijk”, also impressed over his 14 Europa League outings this term, helping the Gers to keep two clean sheets en route to the final. He provided one assist and created two big chances, in addition to making 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances and winning 4.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per match.

Furthermore, according to FBRef data, the Nigeria international ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues and continental tournaments for blocks per 90, in addition to the top 6% for pressures, the top 9% for tackles, the top 1% for dribbles completed, the top 5% for assists and the top 17% for xA over the last 365 days.

Considering his age, positional versatility and undoubted ability – not to mention his very reasonable £9m asking price – it would very much appear as if the signing of Bassey could be akin to West Ham landing their own Virgil van Dijk this summer. That leads us to believe that Moyes must do everything he can to convince the 22-year-old of a move to the London Stadium at the end of the current campaign.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano claims West Ham are set to seal 1st summer signing, Moyes will be buzzing

Manchester United have reportedly made the ‘strongest bid’ for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag to watch Palace match

As we all know, Erik ten Hag will be the man in charge at Old Trafford next season, taking over from Ralf Rangnick. The Dutchman has terminated his Ajax deal six weeks early in order to get going with the Red Devils.

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Ten Hag will reportedly be in attendance for the final game of the season away to Crystal Palace this afternoon, and an update has emerged prior to the game on key target De Jong.

The Latest: ‘Strongest bid’ by United

Sport Witness relayed an update from Sport regarding United and De Jong on Friday. They claimed that Ten Hag is pushing the move for De Jong and that the Red Devils have made the ‘strongest bid’ so far.

The report adds that Barcelona would be ‘willing to sell’ the midfielder, who Xavi called a ‘genius’, and won’t go below a fee in the region of €80m (£67.6m).

The Verdict: Get it done

Ten Hag knows just how to get the best out of his fellow countryman following their successful time together at Ajax.

United are also in desperate need of midfield reinforcements with Nemanja Matic set to leave and Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all out of contract over the coming weeks.

Therefore, it would be ideal if the club could get a deal in place as soon as possible, which will then allow them to explore further additions, including possibly another marquee midfielder to play alongside De Jong.

In other news – After AWB: Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd and Ten Hag now ‘prepared’ to sell ‘really poor’ flop

Rangers have reportedly secured a deal to bolster their youth ranks at Ibrox during the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Light Blues have won the race to land sought-after teenager Lancelot Pollard ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the Gers have snapped the gem up as Ross Wilson has agreed on a deal with Aberdeen for his services.

Premier League clubs Liverpool and Manchester United, among others, were keen on the talent and have missed out on a deal with Rangers now set to pay a six-figure fee to their fellow Premiership club.

Gio van Bronckhorst will be buzzing

The Gers head coach will surely be buzzing with this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, this deal shows that Wilson is looking ahead to the future with recruitment. The Light Blues chief is not focussing solely on signings for the here and now as he is attempting to improve the standard in the youth ranks at Ibrox.

Van Bronckhorst will love this as he has shown a willingness to bring young players through into the first team. In the 3-1 win over Hearts earlier this month, the boss handed out minutes to Adam Devine, Alex Lowry, Leon King, Ross McCausland, Cole McKinnon, Charlie McCann and Tony Weston.

This shows that he wants to have a clear pathway through to the senior squad for the talented youngsters in the B Team and this is why he will be buzzing with Wilson’s desire to add more talent to the reserve team.

Another reason why he will be delighted with this deal is that Pollard could be an excellent signing for the Glasgow giants.

The Sun’s report also states that he was one of the ‘top talents’ in Aberdeen’s youth academy and that Rangers were impressed by his performances at U18 level. This suggests that they believe he has the potential to make the step up to the first team in the future.

Interest from Liverpool and Manchester United also illustrates his scope for development as two huge Premier League clubs – including one that played in the Champions League final this year – wanted him to join them.

Therefore, snapping him up looks set to be a big coup for Rangers and van Bronckhorst will be hoping that he can develop into a player capable of making the first-team set-up in the years to come.

AND in other news, Wilson could land Rangers’ next £20m talent with bid for “top notch” £3.4k-p/w target…

Rangers have been linked with a move for Wales international Rabbi Matondo recently and the winger could form a superb partnership with Alfredo Morelos in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s attack.

According to journalist Will Unwin, the Teddy Bears are one side taking an interest in the FC Schalke starlet this summer, as he tweeted:

“Rabbi Matondo has turned down a number of offers in Belgium and is most likely to return to England, I am told. Vincent Kompany was interested in him at Anderlecht prior to his departure. “He came very close to agreeing terms with Anderlecht before Kompany’s exit. Rangers and Celtic are both very interested in Matondo.”The 21-year-old is yet to find his feet at Schalke, with just two goals in 32 appearances for Die Königsblauen, but showed his class in a loan spell with Cercle Brugge last season, contributing an impressive 10 goals and two assists in 27 appearances for the Belgian Pro League side.Matondo’s main attribute is his incredible pace, which allows him to burst past opponents, and the youngster could provide a serious attacking threat in van Bronckhorst’s side next season.Former Wales boss Ryan Giggs was full of praise for the former Manchester City youngster in 2020, saying:“Just like Dan James, he has electrifying pace. And that always keeps you interested.”Van Bronckhorst has shown a preference for pacy wingers during his time at Ibrox thus far, with Ryan Kent, Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright all playing regularly last season.Kent spoke about how he combines with Morelos in a Rangers TV interview last season, saying:”He’s a player you always want to get the ball to in the box. He knows where the goal is.”If you provide enough chances in a game he’ll come away with one or two goals.”As attacking players you want to try and get him isolated in the box and if I can draw one or two players out, it leaves him with more space in the box for someone else to provide him with the ball.”[freshpress-quiz id=“712674”]In the 2019/20 Bundesliga season, Matondo was rated highly by FBref for his shot-creating actions, excelling at through balls and dribbles that led to shot attempts.Therefore, it seems fair to suggest that the winger, who is reportedly available for just £3m this summer, could perform a similar role to Kent in this Rangers side and isolate players out wide, before supplying Morelos for the goals.And, in other news… Rangers handed transfer boost

Manchester City have shown over recent years that they are capable of signing players from other top clubs across Europe.

Previous summer transfer windows have seen the Citizens secure deals for players such as Ruben Dias, Rodri and Joao Cancelo among others.

One other player that the Manchester club have signed from another European team that has turned out to be a phenomenal bit of business for them is Aymeric Laporte.

Signed from Athletic Bilbao back in the 2018 January transfer window for a then club record fee of £57m, the defender has gone on to make 155 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Spaniard has scored 12 goals, provided three assists and won numerous domestic trophies including four Premier League titles.

Now that his latest season with City has come to an end, the upcoming summer transfer window could give the club the chance to replicate the same sort of masterclass they pulled off by bringing Laporte to the Etihad.

Last month it was reported that City had reportedly spoken with the representatives of Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni over a potential summer move.

The 23-year-old joined the Italian giants in the 2017 summer transfer window from fellow Serie A side Atalanta.

Since then the centre-back has made 118 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and providing eight assists in the process.

Labelled as a “special talent” by journalist Muhammad Butt, Bastoni has a reported price tag of €60m (£51m), meaning that it would cost City a similar sort of fee to the one that shelled out to sign Laporte.

To highlight his defensive talent, the Italy international ended the recent Serie A campaign in the top five for the average number of tackles (1.4), interceptions (1.1), clearances (1.8) and blocks (0.4) he made per game in Inter’s ranks.

With the current City defender racking up the third-highest average for clearances (1.8) and second-highest average for blocks per game in the Premier League this season in Guardiola’s squad, he has also once again proven himself as a solid defensive unit for the team.

Despite having the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League this season, should Guardiola feel the need to add some extra strength to that area of his squad, signing Bastoni could be the best way to do just that.

In other news: Deal close: Big Man City transfer update emerges that’ll surely have Guardiola buzzing

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed Newcastle United’s ‘interest’ in signing Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

The 22-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season for Benfica, scoring no fewer than 34 goals and supplying a further four assists in 41 matches across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an “absolute beast” by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive display in the Champions League against the eventual finalists and Premier League runners-up, the striker has shown that he looks more than capable of making the step up to the English top flight.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘interest’ in Nunez

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that while Nunez’s preferred destination would be Manchester United, there is also ‘interest’ in him from St James’ Park, and indeed a number of other clubs in the Premier League.

The journalist stated: “Been asked about him a lot recently. Was indicated to me his favoured place was Man United. But can see Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea depending on Lukaku, all with an interest (though to what extent varies).”

The Verdict: Statement

For Newcastle to beat all of those clubs, who can all offer him European football next season, to sign Nunez would certainly be a statement of intent from PIF.

His goal record speaks for itself, and the Uruguay international is capable of spearheading Eddie Howe’s attack and firing them up the table.

Indeed, he is still only 22 years of age, so it is scary to think how good he could be in just a few years’ time.

In other news, find out which ‘superb’ colossus Dan Ashworth is now eyeing here!

Manchester United have made an offer to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, according to David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s impressive Premier League return

Eriksen made a move back to England with Brentford at the beginning of the year, penning a contract until the end of the season.

It didn’t take long for Eriksen to catch the eye with the Bees, with Gary Neville labelling the midfielder’s passing as ‘out of this world’.

The 30-year-old won seven games in 11 starts with Brentford, contributing to five goals mainly from a slightly deeper midfield role than we’re used to seeing him. He is now weighing up his next move, and it looks as if Erik ten Hag is keen to bring the Denmark international to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Ornstein’s reveal

Ornstein took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide a significant update on Eriksen’s future.

The reliable reporter revealed that United have ‘made an offer’ for the midfielder, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong still a priority.

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The Verdict: Shrewd move

United could do with midfield additions following confirmed exits for Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, leaving Bruno Fernandes as the only recognised senior attacking midfielder.

Eriksen would give Ten Hag another high-quality attacking midfield option who has plenty of experience in the Premier League and in Europe.

He’d also be able to turn out in a deeper role or out wide, and after showing last season he still has the quality to star in England, a free transfer could turn out to be an excellent piece of business.

In other news: Same agent as Ronaldo: Man Utd now close to ‘special’ signing, move is ‘imminent’. 

Manchester City have reportedly agreed terms with Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Marc Cucurella over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Citizens have agreed personal terms with the player and are in “advanced talks to finalise a fee with Brighton.”

The report also adds that the left-back “has accepted City’s contract offer and made it clear to the Seagulls he wants to quit for the champions.”

Back in May, it was reported that the Manchester club were linked with a £30m move for the full-back.

Having spent the majority of his career in Spain and had time in Barcelona’s youth ranks, the full-back made his move to Brighton during the previous summer transfer window in a deal worth £15.4m.

His debut season in England turned out to be a rather successful one for the player and Brighton as he ended up playing more minutes than any other outfield player at the south coast club.

In his 35 league appearances, the Spaniard won more tackles (62) and made more successful pressures (201) than any other Brighton player as well as making more blocks (72) and interceptions (72).

He also delivered more crosses (94) than any other player in Graham Potter’s squad throughout the campaign.

Guardiola will be buzzing

Despite only scoring one goal in the league, many City fans will be pleased that this goal came against Manchester United in Brighton’s 4-0 win over the Red Devils.

Labelled as a “refreshing” player by former Seagulls defender Dan Burn, Cucurella would surely be a solid addition to City’s ranks given how capable he proved himself to be with and without the ball in the Premier League last season.

Also, with the Barcelona connection, seeing the Brighton star make his way to the Etihad Stadium will surely leave Pep Guardiola buzzing given his knowledge of the Spanish club and their youth ranks.

Moving forward, with his Premier League credentials confirmed and an apparent eagerness to join the club, perhaps the left-back could be the next player in line to follow the likes of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland to the Etihad and join City’s ranks.

AND in other news: Man City can land their own Alexander-Arnold as Pep eyes move for £18m-rated “engine”

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic’s head could be turned by a summer move to the Premier League, according to former Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Juranovic a strong performer

The Hoops clinched Scottish Premiership glory last season and Juranovic played his part in his side’s success, proving to be a consistent performer.

The Croatian made 26 appearances in the competition and dovetailed nicely with Anthony Ralston, as the pair battled for playing time at right-back.

Recent reports have suggested that Juranovic could leave Celtic this summer, as he potentially looks for a new challenge.

The Latest: Defender backed to leave

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, now a pundit with Sky Sports, claimed that the lure of the Premier League could be too great to turn down, while also admitting ‘surprise’ at the interest:

“If he is being courted at Premier League level in England, I would say that’s the best league in the world.

“That has to turn a player’s head. Juranovic has only had one season there and that’s quite a surprise to hear Premier League clubs are interested.

“If the richest clubs in the world come in, it is hard to turn them down, that’s just a fact. They just can’t match the revenue in Scotland.”

The Verdict: Hard to say no to PL

Losing Juranovic would be an undoubted blow for Celtic, considering what a solid performer he has been, with an average of 1.4 tackles and 1.3 key passes per game in the league last season.

The Premier League is arguably the best league in the world, in terms of both quality and exposure, so it wouldn’t be hard to see the Hoops man’s head being turned by a move, sadly.

The hope is that the thought of playing in the Champions League for Celtic next season also appeals, though, and that he continues to thrive for Postecoglou’s team before potentially moving on for a much larger fee somewhere down the line.