All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Bromwich Albion ended up delivering a rather uninspiring attempt at winning promotion back to the Premier League this season.

With 46 Championship games played, the Baggies won 18, drew 15 and lost 13 in the process, leaving them with a tenth-place finish.

One disappointing factor throughout the campaign was West Brom’s attacking power, or lack thereof at times.

Having scored 52 goals all season, the Baggies racked up 18 games where they failed to find the back of the net.

To further highlight their ineffectiveness in front of goal, they ended the season with the lowest percentage for shots on target and the joint-lowest rate of goals per shot.

One figure in Steve Bruce’s squad that ended up being a rather useful attacking figure in terms of his goal contributions was midfielder Alex Mowatt.

In 34 league appearances, the Englishman scored four goals and delivered two assists, ending the campaign with more goal contributions than the likes of Matt Phillips and Grady Diangana among others.

Now that the season has come to an end and the summer transfer window is on the horizon, one figure that has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns that could form a deadly midfield duo with Mowatt is John Swift.

With 38 league appearances under his belt for Reading this season, the 26-year-old has scored 11 goals and delivered 13 assists, showing how capable he is in front of goal from midfield.

Having played four more games than Mowatt, the 26-year-old has racked up more shots and crosses than the Baggies figure.

Rather unsurprisingly, the Englishman also has a higher average for shots (2.1) and key passes per game (2.7) than any other player at his current club.

Back in 2019, one of Swift’s previous assists was described as “outrageous” by journalist Charles Watts.

His overall performances in this campaign have earned him an impressive season rating of 7.13/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at Reading.

This would also make him the highest-rated player in West Brom’s squad as well, which shows how important he is to his side and why the Baggies are after him.

Taking all of this into account, having a midfield pairing of Mowatt and Swift in their side could definitely make West Brom a much deadlier team going forward, which is what they’ll need to be if they want to have any chance of winning promotion next season.

In other news: Bruce can finally axe “shocking” WBA dud with move for “dominating” £14k-p/w machine

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has heaped plenty of praise on Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski for his ‘great mentality’ during the club’s final day Premier League victory over Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Kulusevski’s brace

The Lilywhites recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over the Canaries at Carrow Road in their last game of the season on Sunday, and the 22-year-old contributed to that scoreline by bagging a brace for Antonio Conte’s side.

The Sweden international arrived in north London on an initial 18-month loan from Juventus in January, with an option to buy within his contract, something that Spurs are expected to trigger after his outstanding performances of late.

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The Latest: Robinson’s high praise for Kulusevski

Speaking to BBC Sport during a post-match interview on Sunday, Kulusevski admitted that he was ‘embarrassed’ after missing a glorious chance in the second half, just moments before netting his second goal of the match.

However, former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson seemed to be very impressed by what he saw from the Swedish star, telling Football Insider: “To score that goal after the miss just goes to show that he has a great mentality.

“We know that Son [Heung-min] and [Harry] Kane are telepathic in the way that they work and the way that they play.

“He was a bit-part player at Juventus but he has come into another big European club and become a mainstay. His mentality and ability are brilliant.

“He has taken Spurs onto another level in an attacking sense. When you look at their numbers as a trio they are up there with the best in Europe.

“Kulusevski has complimented Kane and Son. He has helped Son get the Golden Boot.”

The Verdict: Great start…more to come?

The 22-cap Sweden international has more than excelled in his time so far in N17, having provided eight assists and scored five goals for Tottenham already, as per Transfermarkt.

As Robinson said, Kulusevski has been able to create a brilliant on-field relationship with the strike partnership of Kane and Son, and his addition to that double act to make it a deadly attacking trio has certainly played a huge role in the club successfully securing Champions League football next season.

If Conte does complete the permanent signing of the £31.5m-rated ace as expected, especially given how much potential he has to offer considering his young age, it’s players like him to whom the Tottenham manager may well be looking to build the team around in years to come.

In other news… Harry Kane appears to have made a huge decision regarding his future at Spurs

Former Scotland manager turned Sky Sports pundit has been left thrilled by some Tottenham Hotspur transfer news involving Man City star Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites ‘set’ for Jesus battle…

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici, as per reliable reports, are eyeing a move for the Brazil international after his impressive finish to the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

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Jesus ended last campaign with a brilliant six top flight goals in seven of his last appearances under manager Pep Guardiola as the South American becomes heavily linked with an Eastlands exit.

The 25-year-old is now on manager Antonio Conte’s radar as Mike McGrath of The Telegraph claims Spurs are ‘set to rival’ north London neighbours Arsenal for his signature.

The Latest: McLeish reacts…

McLeish, giving his take in reaction to the news, has been left thrilled – claiming Jesus is ‘tremendous’ and would be brilliant back-up to star man Harry Kane.

He explained to Football Insider:

“The five games at the end of the season, he was tremendous. He showed his real quality. He’s a guy who’s coming to the peak of his powers.

“He may not be the best prolific goalscorer we’ve ever seen but he could evolve to give a better contribution and to score goals. At Tottenham, okay, there’s a pressure on them because of where Conte’s taken them but it won’t be the same pressure he’s under at Man City.

“He could definitely could be cover for Harry Kane.”

The Verdict: Brilliant option…

Still yet to hit his prime and already proven in England, we believe Jesus is certainly a brilliant option.

Steve McManaman recently branded the striker a ‘superstar’ for his incredible recent form, and with a price tag of around £55 million, there is an argument to be had that it’s a fairly do-able move on paper.

Amassing over half a century of caps for Brazil at international level, his 58 goals and 32 assists in the top flight alone back just how threatening he can be in the final third.

As Tottenham gear up for a transfer battle with Arsenal, Conte could be overjoyed if Paratici manages to win the tussle for Jesus.

In other news: Conte could see ‘one of the best in the world’ join Tottenham after behind-the-scenes development…find out more here.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their quest to Aberdeen youngster Calvin Ramsay, with Liverpool now in advanced talks over a move.

The Lowdown: Endless Ramsay links

The 18-year-old is considered a hugely exciting young prospect in Scotland, with Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack describing him as an ‘elite’ talent.

Ramsay has been constantly linked with a move away from his current club this summer, with Leeds and Liverpool the two sides seemingly battling to acquire his signature.

The Whites are also thought to be chasing RB Salzburg full-back Rasmus Kristensen, as Jesse Marsch eyes up reinforcements in defence.

The Latest: Reds move ahead

According to Football Insider, Liverpool ‘have been granted permission’ to discuss terms with the player, with the Reds ‘well placed’ to make progress regarding the move.

It means Leeds are now firmly second-favourites to get their man, with the negotiations from Merseyside described as ‘advanced’.

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The Verdict: Sign Kristensen instead

Missing out on Ramsay would undoubtedly be a blow for Leeds, given his long-term potential, but the lure of Liverpool could be too great for him to turn down.

Should he move to Anfield, the Whites must snap up Kristensen instead, providing competition for Luke Ayling, who turns 31 this summer.

The Salzburg man could be an excellent signing, having averaged a hugely impressive 4.6 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, as well as 2.3 clearances.

In other news, Leeds are keen on signing an exciting young player. Find out who it is here.

Reliable journalist Matty Jones has revealed that Glasgow Rangers have now been ‘contacted’ over the possible signing of Josh McPake.

The Lowdown: Rangers return

The 20-year-old is back at Ibrox after his loan spell at English League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers, his fifth temporary move away from his parent club.

He has only made one senior appearance for Rangers, a first round Europa League qualifier against St Joseph’s in July 2019, casting his long-term future into doubt going into the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Contact made over McPake

Taking to Twitter, Jones has revealed that Hartlepool United have now ‘contacted’ the Light Blues over potentially signing McPake on loan, with a number of other clubs also thought to be ‘interested’ in doing the same.

Sharing a corresponding article from The Northern Echo, he outlined: “Reliably informed that Pools have contacted Rangers about signing winger Josh McPake on loan. He’s made 64 senior appearances at the age of 20 with 37 of those games being played in League Two. Other clubs also interested.”

The Verdict: Just get rid

McPake has already been out on loan five times already in his fledgling career so far, so another such move is unlikely to benefit him or Rangers much further.

Thus, the Teddy Bears should just be looking to get rid at this point, assuming that he is not in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s plans going into the new season.

Dubbed a ‘really exciting’ signing by Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson when they acquired him on loan last July, perhaps a permanent move to the lower leagues of English football would best suit the 20-year-old, and then the Gers could finally get the winger off their books for good.

In other news, find out who is now ‘close’ to leaving Ibrox here!

Bournemouth are interested in signing Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips on loan for the 2022/23 season, according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

The Lowdown: Phillips out of favour

The Englishman spent a chunk of last season with the Cherries, helping them secure a return to the Premier League after a successful loan spell.

Phillips is now back at Liverpool for the summer but it is clear that he has no immediate future at the club, given there at least four centre-backs ahead of him in the pecking order – Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

A move away makes sense for all parties and it looks as though a return to Bournemouth could be on the cards.

The Latest: Bournemouth eye up return

With Sadio Mane on the brink of sealing a move to Bayern Munich, the Sky presenter shared more exit news from Anfield.

Taking to Twitter, McAdam revealed that the Cherries are eyeing up a second temporary move for the 25-year-old, with the player himself keen:

“Breaking: Bournemouth have made an approach to Liverpool about taking Nat Phillips on loan for the season, Liverpool are currently weighing up the offer. Phillips keen to join once again after enjoying his loan spell at the club last season.”

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The Verdict: Should be permanent

It makes complete sense for Phillips to head off again this summer and Bournemouth looks an ideal destination, considering they are back in the top flight and he already knows the club well.

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While a loan move wouldn’t be the end of the world though, it would surely be preferable for Liverpool to sell him permanently now, in order to get a good fee for his services.

It is clear that Phillips isn’t going to be an important figure again for the Reds, barring another freak injury situation, and it would be beneficial for all parties for him to find a new club for good and settle down there, banking Liverpool a decent fee in the process.

In other news, a new Liverpool transfer update has emerged. Read more here.

Sergio Gomez is an entirely viable option for Aston Villa.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail who claim that the 21-year-old is still on Aston Villa’s “list” as a young but experienced understudy option for Lucas Digne.

After the sale of Matt Targett to Newcastle United, Digne is undoubtedly the first choice left-back, with Gerrard looking to embed competition for places in order to maintain a level of desire within the squad.

The Anderlecht left-back is rated at around £9m, as per Transfermarkt.

Gomez x Watkins

Barcelona youth product, Gomez, has found his feet in the Belgian top-flight, chipping in with five goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances throughout his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.

Operating throughout Vincent Kompany’s 4-4-2 system as an offensive left-back, he has gathered more goal returns in the league this season than Digne has managed throughout the last two Premier League campaigns and has quite simply been “on fire” as put by Stefan Buczko.

With 65 chances created, Gomez surpasses Digne’s squad-topping 52 chances at Villa, with the Spaniard’s 15 big chances created almost double that of Villa’s top ‘big chance’ creator Emi Buendia, with eight in the season just gone.

His offensive acumen is astonishing and represents what would be an unorthodox, but entirely prosperous, partnership with Ollie Watkins, who has enjoyed two solid Premier League campaigns back-to-back.

Watkins finished as Aston Villa’s top-scorer for the second season in a row and despite possessing athleticism and agility, has slotted into the role of a poacher with relative ease.

With an average of just 33.51 touches per game, he is reliant on teammates to create chances, so you can imagine the field day he would have if Gomez was operating on the left flank.

As a versatile asset, Gomez can occupy more advanced positions, so it would not be a shock to see him deployed as a left-midfielder at times.

But ultimately, he shines in defence and has proven himself as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects.

Gerrard needs to wrap this deal up.

AND in other news: Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez 

BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Glasgow Rangers have now made an offer to take Erik Botheim to Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Goal poacher

Botheim built up a reputation of being a little bit of a goal poacher from his time at Bodo/Glimt last season, where managed a goal every two games in Norway’s top flight.

In the UEFA Europa Conference League, he scored four goals and made four assists in six matches, including five goal contributions in a 6-1 thrashing of Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma (Transfermarkt) – he certainly knows where the back of the net is.

Signing for Russian club Krasnodar in the January transfer window, Botheim is now set to leave after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Latest: Offer made

Taking to Twitter, Fletcher has revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team, among a number of other sides, have now made an offer to try and sign Botheim:

“Latest – Offers are now on the table for Erik Botheim. I’m told Marseille keen and pushing hard. Offers from all over Europe alongside Rangers. A much wanted man. Choice now rests with him. Clubs await news of the striker’s decision.”

The Verdict: Sign

Both Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe suffered from various injury problems last term, which left the Teddy Bears a little short up top at times.

Thus, bringing in Botheim as another striking option would seem a smart piece of business, as he could then provide cover and competition ahead of what looks to be another busy campaign.

The Light Blues will no doubt want another crack at Europe, and the 22-year-old has already shown what he can do on the big stage.

In other news, find out what ’embarrassing’ Gers update has now emerged here!

Manchester United have been linked with former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham recently, and the AS Roma forward could be the ideal man to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in Erik ten Hag’s side in the long run.

While the Portuguese legend is still a phenomenal player at 37, as emphasised by his 18 Premier League goals last season, he will eventually retire, and United will need a new man to lead the line.

Edinson Cavani has already departed the club, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have done little to show that they will be capable of taking on the responsibility (just five English top-flight goals between them last term), so a new signing is arguably needed.

As with every transfer window, the Red Devils have been linked with a whole host of names, but one man who stands out from the crowd is Abraham.

The England international could offer Ten Hag a superb long-term option as the 52-year-old looks to restore the club to its former glory after a largely dreadful nine years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

According to Calciomercato, Ten Hag is keen on bringing the 24-year-old back to the Premier League after his sensational debut campaign in Italy.

Abraham contributed 21 goals and four assists in all competitions for Jose Mourinho’s side, averaging a superb 7.17 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Both Ronaldo and Abraham excel at finishing, while they both prefer to do layoffs, using their strength to hold off defenders and bring others into play.

The Chelsea academy graduate has scored goals wherever he has been, and at just 24, he still has plenty of time to improve as a player. Who better to have as a role model than Ronaldo, who would undoubtedly help to mentor the young striker if he were to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.

Following a loan spell with Aston Villa, where Abraham hit a remarkable 26 league goals, Jack Grealish was full of praise for the 6 foot 4 striker, saying: “Unbelievable. Couldn’t believe how good he was with the ball for how tall he is. Loved playing with him.”

As much as United fans might be hoping that Ronaldo lasts forever, he will eventually decline, and the Glazers could sign his ideal replacement in the meantime Abraham.

In other news… Man Utd can sign Pogba upgrade in “world-class” maestro, he’s a “magician on the ball”

West Bromwich Albion fans have received news that appears to indicate the club have taken a step back in their pursuit for two further transfer targets.

What’s the word?

That is according to an update from Joe Chapman who issued an eight-word tweet that shut down rumours of the Albion’s pursuit of soon-to-be free agents Tom Lawrence and Lewis Grabban.

Taking to Twitter in what was a reply to his original tweet, Chapman was asked:

“Any update on this Lawrence link Joe? Some seem to think it’s done some don’t believe we have even in for him”

To which the Journalist replied: “Nothing in the Lawrence or Grabban links mate.”

Supporters will be gutted

The latest update from Chapman serves as a big blow to a fanbase who would have thought that Lawrence and Grabban would join the likes of summer signings Jed Wallace and John Swift as established Championship assets who could come in and transform the Baggies’ front-line.

West Brom struggled to find the net last season, finishing as the sixth-lowest scorers in the Championship with just 52 goals scored.

Therefore, the signing of a player who has just come off the back of a season that saw him achieve 16 attacking returns in the most recent campaign in the form of 11 goals and five assists in Lawrence would have benefitted Albion no end.

Meanwhile, an asset who also notched 16 returns in the form of 12 goals and four assists in Grabban will of course come as an unwarranted big blow.

The business conducted by the Baggies has been impressive this summer and having struggled to find the back of the net last season, you would think the club would be looking to add to their coup of free signings with two excellent options in Lawrence and Grabban staring them in the face.

As it is, supporters will no doubt be gutted until alternative targets are identified.

AND in other news: “Albion are…”: Joseph Masi drops big WBA transfer update, supporters will be gutted