All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United reportedly face Premier League competition in the battle to sign Maxwel Cornet this summer, with Watford showing an interest in snapping him up.

The Lowdown: Cornet linked with Leeds move

The Lyon left-back has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent times, being seen as someone who could strengthen the Whites’ squad.

A move is yet to come to fruition, though, and Junior Firpo has since arrived from Barcelona.

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The Latest: Watford emerge as rivals

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Watford are now also interested in signing Cornet, with Leeds also still mentioned as a suitor.

It is stated that the 24-year-old is ‘being followed by a few British teams’, but he will stay put with Lyon if the right offer doesn’t come along.

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The Verdict: Is there any need for him?

While the £10.8m-rated Cornet is a left-back of much attacking quality – he scored twice and registered five assists in Ligue 1 last season – Firpo has signed now and there doesn’t seem a need to bring in another left-back.

The hope is that Leif Davis continues to mature and will be able deputy for the Brazilian, meaning that funds can be spent on other parts of the squad.

Having both Firpo and Cornet battling for playing time may sound healthy, but both will be expecting to be first-choice and it may become a needlessly tricky situation for Marcelo Bielsa if he ends up needing to choose one over the other.

In other news, four players are expected to leave Leeds this summer – find out who they are here.

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips reckons that Manchester City will look to retain the services of Raheem Sterling following extensive links with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Tottenham Hotspur prepare for 2021/22

Moving towards 2021/22, many Tottenham fans will be desperate for Nuno Espirito Santo to acquire the players necessary in order to challenge for Champions League qualification.

On the flip side, keeping hold of key assets will also be pivotal to the manager’s aspirations. Talisman Harry Kane has been heavily mooted with a switch to the Citizens, with Sterling suggested by reports as a makeweight in any prospective deal [talkSPORT].

The Latest: Phillips reckons Man City will look to retain Sterling

Those rumours prompted former England striker Phillips to give his verdict in a recent interview with Football Insider. The 47-year-old was quick to big up the capabilities of the former Liverpool winger, stating:

“Getting Sterling in who will probably be the player of the Euros?

“Will that change City’s mind? I certainly wouldn’t be letting him go. Everything changed.

“I know he didn’t perform to the best of his ability last season but players have those seasons.

“He’s not let it affect him. He will be the player of the tournament and I would keep him at Man City.

“He will go back to his club full of confidence as the man of the moment.

“He will be talked about all over Europe, the world. He could be Premier League player of the season next year.

“If that’s the case, if you can get Sterling coming in for Kane, I wouldn’t say it’s a no brainer but what a deal that could be.

“If I’m a Spurs supporter, that’s a huge boost.”

The Verdict: Sterling would be an outstanding signing for Spurs

Phillips correctly points out the 26-year-old’s sparking form with England at Euro 2020. In six fixtures for the Three Lions prior to tonight’s final, Sterling has chipped in with four goal contributions, registering three goals and one assist [UEFA.com].

In 2020/21, despite not living up to the absolute pinnacle of his capabilities, the Kingston-born winger still registered 26 goal contributions in 49 appearances, with 14 goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, Sterling illustrated his ability to trouble opposition defences regularly, achieving an average of 2.1 successful dribbles per match across the season [WhoScored]

Conceivably, he would certainly help to soften the blow for Tottenham of potentially losing Kane to the Premier League champions. However, Phillips has signified the likely reality that Manchester City will probably look to retain Sterling ahead of 2021/22 based on his form for England over the past month.

In other news, many Tottenham fans have erupted following this transfer update.

West Ham United are still pursuing a move for Jesse Lingard, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian transfer guru delivered a fresh update on the 28-year-old’s situation after he returned to Manchester United for pre-season training this week.

Speaking on ‘The United Stand’, he said:

“Some clubs from other countries were asking about his situation a few days ago. The answer was West Ham or Manchester United.

“West Ham are still in the race. They’re still trying and pushing for Lingard and the player is waiting to see what happens; what will be the proposal.

“I don’t see Manchester United making any discounts for Jesse Lingard just because he’s out of contract in one year, so he’s either extending his contract or they’re selling him for the right price.”

An encouraging sign?

A lot has been made about Lingard’s future at Old Trafford in recent weeks.

Claret and Hugh claim that the attacking maestro has been given two weeks to decide whether he wants to remain a Red Devil or leave permanently after two decades at the club.

It’s also thought that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to keep him around, with other reports suggesting that United have even offered him a new three-year extension to his current deal.

However, you’d have to ponder just how plausible this is. He went out on loan in search of regular game time in January and that isn’t going to change this summer – if anything, he’ll find it harder to break into the side following the arrival of Jadon Sancho.

The Europa League runners-up are also wanting in the region of £30m but according to The Athletic, there are some at Old Trafford who think he should be moved on as it’s the right time.

Either way, there’s still a month to go until the start of the new season and a lot could happen. The fact that the Irons remain keen is a positive and it means they aren’t out of the race to bring Lingard back just yet.

Hammers boss David Moyes is very keen to secure him permanently, as he revealed to reporters after their final day victory over Southampton.

“I hope Jesse’s here, we’d like to keep him, he’s done an exceptional job for us but there’s no guarantees, he’s not our player,” he said via the Evening Standard. “But I hope Jesse realises we’ve been good for him as well, and that he joined a club on the up.”
Following nine goals and five assists, it’s no surprise to see the Scotsman desperate to sign him. He even ended the campaign as their second-best player, as per WhoScored ratings, even though he only arrived halfway through the season.
That’s how big an impact he had in the Irons qualifying for the Europa League.
Several concerns have started to mount from sections of the London Stadium faithful, with many doubting that a deal for the £13.5m-rated dynamo can be completed, so this new claim from Romano is rather encouraging news indeed and it’s sure to have the Hammers supporters buzzing about the prospect of seeing Lingard in a West Ham shirt again.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops exciting West Ham transfer claim…

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt yet another blow in their bid to bring Trevoh Chalobah to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French publication L’Equipe, who claimed that Crystal Palace and Watford have now joined the race to sign the Chelsea midfielder in the summer transfer window, while a host of clubs in France are also believed to be keen on a move for the 22-year-old.

It was previously reported that, following positive talks between the two parties, West Brom looked set to land the former England under-21 international this summer. However, following the latest update from France, it seems that Albion are no longer close to securing the signing of Chalobah.

Ismael surely livid

Considering just how impressive Chalobah was while on loan at Lorient last season, reports that the Baggies no longer seem the favourites to land the 22-year-old this summer is sure to have left Valerien Ismael seething.

Indeed, over his 29 Ligue 1 appearances for the French club last term, the £3.15m-rated defensively-minded midfielder averaged 2.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.9 clearances and won 5.2 duels per game.

The man who Mark Hudson dubbed a “fantastic” player also chipped in for his team in an attacking capacity, bagging two goals, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking 0.5 shots and making 0.3 key passes per match.

These returns saw the £12,000-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as Christophe Pelissier’s joint fourth-best performer in the French top flight.

Furthermore, with Ismael currently only having Jake Livermore, Alex Mowatt and Romaine Sawyers as central midfield options, it would very much appear as if the position will be one of the Frenchman’s priorities in the summer transfer window.

As such, considering his impressive performances last season, as well as the fact that Chelsea are considering letting the 22-year-old leave for nothing, the signing of Chalobah would have been something of a perfect deal for the new manager to get over the line ahead of next season.

However, with interest in the midfielder appearing to grow on a daily basis, it would now seem likely that Albion’s offer would have to be hugely attractive in order for them to land the starlet this summer.

In other news: Ismael facing West Brom nightmare as Madeley makes worrying transfer claim

Manchester City have been dealt a cruel blow ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, with Phil Foden still wearing a protective boot after suffering an injury at Euro 2020 earlier in the summer.

What’s the word?

Foden picked up an injury in training for England during the summer which meant that he missed the final against Italy and it seems clear that he is still recovering, as he was pictured wearing a protective boot on his right foot recently.

Given that City’s season kicks off on in less than two weeks when they face Leicester City in the Community Shield, it seems unlikely that he will be back to full fitness before then.

Due to a number of City’s players progressing into the latter stages of the European Championships and Copa America, Guardiola looks to have a very disjointed squad at the moment, and after a friendly against Troyes was cancelled, Tuesday night’s game against Preston North End is currently the only game the Citizens have planned before that trip to Wembley.

Is this a blow for Guardiola?

Given that Foden was one of City’s most impressive performers last season as they tasted success in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, it is undoubtedly a blow that he could miss the start of the new season.

City face a tough test against Tottenham Hotspur in their opening Premier League fixture, and Guardiola have wanted to have a fully fit squad available to him for the trip to North London.

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Last season saw the 21-year-old academy graduate contribute nine goals and five assists in 28 Premier League appearances, averaging an impressive 7.14 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He was also key in City’s run to the Champions League final, starring in knockout stage wins against Borussia Dortmund and PSG, which solidified his status as a key player in Guardiola’s side.

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Therefore, if the “very special” Foden isn’t available for the start of the season thanks to the injury he suffered at the Euros, then City fans will be disappointed, as they will undoubtedly have been keen to see him in action when they return to stadiums en masse.

And, in other news… Man City handed huge boost with “exceptional” PL star, Pep surely buzzing

Glasgow Rangers fans were delighted with the performance of Ianis Hagi during the first half of their Premiership opener against Livingston on Saturday.

The Gers kicked off their league title defence at Ibrox this weekend in front of 23,000 supporters (The Herald) – the first time they have been able to welcome fans to a competitive match since before the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 55-time Scottish champions started fantastically as they took an early lead through Ianis Hagi.

Hagi was selected to start on the right side of the front three, and he impressed during the first 45 minutes. He was a constant threat in attack, and his goal was fantastically well taken as he received the ball, took a touch and then fired past Max Stryjek to give his side a well-deserved lead.

Unfortunately, he was forced off after 30 minutes following a hefty tackle, but fans will be hoping it is nothing too serious and is just a precaution ahead of the Champions League clash with Malmo in midweek.

The Gers fans was quite to share their delight with the £5.85m-valued Romania international (Transfermarkt), and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

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

“Ianis Hagi is just different gravy”

Credit: @KEGW1995

“Hagi and aribo with sauce already”

Credit: @euanmac0511

“Hagi’s about to have an unreal season for us. He’s going to be our player of the year this season.”

Credit: @LewisWeenie

“Hagi wins the free kick, sends 2 defenders to the shops with his touch and scores. 100% will win player of the season”

Credit: @ginger_stevo

“I’ve seldom if ever seen a Rangers player so composed under pressure in the box than Ianis Hagi. Looks as if he has all the time in the world and he knows that he’ll get to do what he wants.”

Credit: @kid_duncan

“Super lanis hagi get in there”

Credit: @gazza07770

In other news, Rangers fans were unhappy with this club update.

Luke Edwards has dropped some worrying insight on Newcastle United ace Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Speculation

There has recently been some speculation that Everton could make an ambitious move to try and sign Saint-Maximin before the summer transfer window shuts.

However, the French winger would likely cost in the region of £70m, which the Goodison Park faithful are very unlikely to be able to afford, although that price could be negotiated down.

The Latest: Edwards on Saint-Maximin

Writing on his official Twitter page, The Daily Telegraph journalist Edwards has shared some insight on Saint-Maximin’s current situation at St. James’ Park, claiming that he is ‘unsettled’ and that there are people around him who ‘would like’ to see him move on from the North East club:

“And on Saint-Maximin, I have no doubt he is unsettled and there are plenty of people around him who would like to get him a move, but they are same people who got him to sign a six-year contract last year and valuation is £70m+, #nufc have strong hand – no pressure to sell.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Although the Tyneside club are under ‘no pressure’ to sell Saint-Maximin as Edwards claims, the fact that he is ‘unsettled’ is certainly worrying in terms of his near future.

As good as he is, Steve Bruce will surely not want to keep a player who does not want to play for him, and with the speculation that the Toffees may come in for him, the Magpies may still opt to sell if the price is right.

Nonetheless, the Toon Army will no doubt be trying to persuade Saint-Maximin to stay, especially with the start of the new 2021/22 season just around the corner and very few players in the squad anywhere close to the level of excitement the Frenchman brings to St James’ Park.

In other news, find out what definitive takeover claim has been made here!

Kevin Phillips is very impressed with Glasgow Rangers’ signing of Charlie McCann and has even said he could be the next Billy Gilmour.

The Lowdown: Gers complete McCann signing

Last week, the Gers completed the signing of McCann from Manchester United (rangers.co.uk).

The 55-time Scottish champions reportedly spent a fee of £750,000 on his services (Manchester Evening News), and the 19-year-old will initially join up with the Gers’ B squad.

The Latest: Phillips impressed by McCann

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker Phillips shared his delight with the deal. He said:

“It’s great to see.

“I think that actually comes from the manager. I’m sure that’s his move.

“Signing players like that, you can’t do it in your first season at a club, as a manager.

“You have to earn that trust from the board or the owner. He’s done that. It’s a bargain as well.

“He’s won the trophy and they will listen to him. Rangers are planning for the future.

“What can they do to aid the club’s progress? Signing top young talents is a good place to start.

“Rangers could have the next Billy Gilmour. It’s another very exciting move from the club.”

The Verdict: Easy comparison

The comparison to Gilmour, given how the Scotland international came through the Gers’ youth system before moving to Chelsea, is an easy – perhaps even lazy – one to make from Phillips. However, given that the Gers were willing to spend close to £1m to capture the midfielder’s services despite him never making a first team appearance, McCann clearly has talent.

The Gers have been looking to bring in several exciting young talents in recent years such as the likes of Tony Weston and James Graham. At 19, McCann is not too far from playing senior football, you would have thought, and hopefully he can make that step at Ibrox in the near future.

In other news, this Rangers man is on the verge of a move away from Ibrox.

Former professional footballer Nigel Jemson is expecting Liverpool to further business in this transfer window.

The Reds completed the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from Red Bull Leipzig for £36m earlier on in the window but haven’t made any further additions since.

The Anfield outfit have been linked with many names this summer, with reporter Matthew Scianitti posting that sources told TSN Sports that if Lille chose to sell Jonathan David this summer, then Liverpool have the Canadian high up on their list of potential additions.

Whilst CaughtOffside reported that the representatives of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez are attempting to get their client a move to Anfield this summer.

And Jemson fully expects Liverpool to conclude more deals before the summer transfer window closes, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “I’m a bit of Liverpool supporter, they’ve made an addition to that squad, I’m sure they’re going to make another couple of signings.”

Despite injuries to the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Fabinho last season, Liverpool still managed to finish third in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for another season.

Give those issues, Liverpool fans will be pleased if Jemson’s prediction is correct, with a lack of squad depth ultimately preventing Jurgen Klopp’s side from successfully defending their Premier League crown last term.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Kevin De Bruyne’s injury situation as his side prepare for their Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

What’s the word?

The midfielder picked up an ankle injury playing for Belgium during the European Championship this summer and has missed all of City’s pre-season as a result, so he is unlikely to feature in the first few weeks of the season as he continues his recovery.

Guardiola provided an update on De Bruyne’s situation recently, saying: “He’s getting better, every day. We’re still waiting. He cannot do the full training session, some with us and some alone. We’ll see what happens in the next days.”

Whilst it is good news that the 30-year-old has returned to the training pitch, if he cannot complete a full session yet, then it is hard to imagine him being named in the squad to face Spurs this weekend, which is a huge blow to City’s chances of picking up three points against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

A huge blow for Guardiola?

Given that De Bruyne was one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season as City won the title, it is far from ideal that he is unavailable as they begin their title defence this weekend, especially at a ground where the Citizens have struggled in recent seasons.

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The former Wolfsburg man made 25 appearances in the top-flight, contributing six goals and 12 assists, averaging a superb 7.65 rating from WhoScored, which ranked him as the top performer in Guardiola’s squad.

Although the manager might well have a ready-made replacement for the Belgian in Jack Grealish, it is difficult to know how the 25-year-old will adapt following his £100m move from Aston Villa, and it would be unfair to expect him to replicate De Bruyne’s goal and assist numbers straight away.

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Given that De Bruyne’s condition was no doubt worsened by the fact that he played with the injury against Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, City fans will no doubt be frustrated that he is missing the start of the campaign, especially when you consider the tough start to the season they have been handed.

In other news… Man City dealt decisive transfer setback with “world-class” beast, Pep will be fuming