All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United are interested in signing Luiz Felipe.

What’s the latest on Luiz Felipe to West Ham?

According to El Desmarque (via Sport Witness), the Irons are to be rivalled by Monaco in the race to secure the Real Betis titan’s signature.

The report details the east London outfit have not made their bid for the £53k-per-week star, despite having ‘promised’ to do so. Their failure to act quickly has allowed Monaco to move ahead in the battle.

It is understood that the French outfit have ‘burst in with force’ and are showing serious intentions, with the first conversations having already taken place and movement expected in the coming days.

Nevertheless, the Brazlian-born man’s future remains ‘very uncertain.’ The player’s agent had been ‘pressing for weeks’ for the Irons to make a formal offer in writing, having almost agreed on a verbal commitment.

But, Monaco are waiting in the wings and Betis are expecting the Ligue 1 side to make an offer soon.

Would Luiz Felipe be a good signing for West Ham?

Felipe only joined Betis last summer and has made 30 appearances in all competitions.

Hailed as “excellent” by Spanish commentator Juanlu Rodriguez, the Italy International showed he was a solid defensive asset, averaging the most blocks per game (1.0), the second-most clearances per game (4.3), and the fourth-most interceptions per game (1.1).

A West Ham asset who mirrors this skill set is Nayef Aguerd as he ranks within the best 25% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for clearances per 90, and blocks per 90. Furthermore, the Hammers star won 64% of his ground duels in the Premier League last term, whilst Felipe succeeded with 63% in La Liga.

Upon Aguerd’s arrival last summer, David Moyes praised the 34-cap international, saying:

“He's a great addition that will add to our defensive options.

“I have been really impressed with Nayef's character and attitude during our discussions. He has a great desire to improve and be successful.”

Although, the Moroccan endured a tricky first year in English football, making just one appearance in the opening 18 games of the Premier League season due to injury.

But, Aguerd reminded his manager and the West Ham faithful of his quality with an impressive World Cup campaign. In a record-breaking tournament in which the Atlas Lions became the first African side to reach a semi-final, he made four starts, managed 87% pass accuracy, won 69% of his duels, kept two clean sheets, and made no errors leading to a shot or a goal.

The £50k-per-week man also started West Ham’s infamous Europa Conference League final victory, registering three clearances, winning four aerial duels, and making four accurate long balls.

Moyes has made it clear that he desires a right-sided centre-back, and Felipe’s profile, matched with the left-footed tendency of Aguerd means that Moyes could flaunt a formidable new defensive partnership come August.

Angelo Ogbonna is now firmly in the twilight years of his career, whilst Kurt Zouma’s worrying injury record shouldn’t be something to be relied upon ahead of juggling domestic and European competition for a third-consecutive season.

Manchester United are ready to table an offer of €30m (£26m) for Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports from France.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

ESPN have recently given an overview of the midfielders Man United could consider if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Chelsea's Mason Mount, with Moises Caicedo, Mohammed Kudus and Taylor Booth all being named as potential options.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains a target, despite heavy interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, and the Red Devils are currently considering whether to test the waters with an official bid.

With both Fred and Scott McTominay potentially on the move this summer, Erik ten Hag may be tasked with bringing in multiple new options in the engine room, and Baleba is now emerging as a target.

According to a report from La Voix des Sports (via Sport Witness), Man United are now ready to put €30m (£26m) on the table to sign the Lille midfielder, who has been attracting the interest of several Premier League clubs.

Ten Hag's side and Newcastle United are named as the "most insistent" clubs, meaning a transfer battle could soon be on the cards, although the report stipulates we might need to wait a few weeks before there is any movement.

Who is Carlos Baleba?

The 19-year-old has only just started to establish himself as a first-team regular for Lille, having now made a total of 21 appearances, however, it is clear to see why Paolo Fonseca has kept the faith with the youngster.

In Lille's final home game of the season, the Cameroonian performed very well in a deep-lying midfield role, receiving a 7.4 SofaScore rating after winning seven ground duels, the joint-highest figure of any player on the pitch.

Not only that, the starlet also has some very impressive attacking qualities, ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, highlighting his remarkable dribbling ability.

Teammate Remy Cabella has hailed the up-and-coming Lille star as a "monster", while also adding that it is "very, very hard to stop him" due to his "incredible strength" on the ball.

If Baleba continues his current trajectory, he could go on to be a top player, so Man United could be pursuing a star in the making, however, he is still very young, and he may not immediately become a regular starter.

Michael Beale has gone about his transfer business at Glasgow Rangers in a swift and orderly fashion, already signing six new players across the January and summer windows.

The likes of Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Sam Lammers are all set to be part of a new era at the Ibrox side heading into 2023/2024, with Premiership title glory the main aim.

Raskin and Cantwell have already strutted their stuff during the second half of last season, with the Englishman, in particular, shining for Beale.

The playmaker had endured a tough run at Norwich City between August and December, where he made 19 appearances without registering a single goal or assist. The 25-year-old looked like a man reborn upon arriving in Glasgow however, eventually finishing the season with six goals and five assists from just 20 games and it’s evident that Cantwell has been a steal, costing only £1.5m.

Could the 42-year-old repeat his masterclass with the former Norwich starlet again this summer? With the Light Blues showing an interest in Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, there is a possibility lightning could strike twice.

Could Rangers sign Jack Clarke this summer?

Football League World reported at the start of the month that the Gers were interested in the player, yet they could face stiff competition, with Premier League outfits Everton, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers all keeping tabs on him too.

Beale could use the allure of Champions League football to bring him to Ibrox and the £15k-per-week gem has the potential to shine in Scotland, no doubt about it.

Across 45 league matches for Sunderland, he scored 11 goals and grabbed nine assists, while he also created seven big chances, made 1.7 key passes per game, and completed two successful dribbles per game.

He ranked in the top three across the whole squad for these metrics, showing how important he was to the team and his attacking qualities on the left wing could give Beale a major boost as he has shown that scoring and creating plenty of chances for others are key facets of his game.

Noel Whelan, a former professional, lauded Clarke when he was starring for Leeds United, saying: “He has got a great ability to glide past players. I don’t think I’ve seen a winger really as talented as that, where it looks effortless, just to take somebody on and he really does get you on the edge of your seat, he’s one of those exciting players.”

With Cantwell arriving from the Championship and shining in the Premiership, the 22-year-old could follow in the same footsteps should he make a move to Scotland.

Newcastle United are reportedly keen to prise Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City this summer, as Eddie Howe seeks to continue his midfield overhaul at St James' Park.

What's the latest on Phillips to Newcastle?

With the Magpies having already wrapped up a deal for AC Milan playmaker, Sandro Tonali, the Telegraph are now reporting that the club could turn their attention towards the England international over the coming weeks, with the 27-year-old having endured a difficult debut season at the Etihad.

While the report suggests that the former Leeds United man – who made the move to Manchester on a £45m deal last summer – is hoping to stay and fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, a possible swift exit from the treble-winning outfit is potentially still on the cards.

Although the piece does not state how much a deal for the Yorkshireman would cost, the Mirror reported earlier in the window that Premier League rivals Liverpool were eyeing a £35m move for the 5 foot 10 ace.

Would Phillips be a good signing for Newcastle?

There is no denying that it proved to be a frustrating first season for Phillips with the Cityzens, with the 27-cap maestro having been restricted to a bit-part role in the club's glittering success, after racking up just 21 appearances in 2022/23, making only two league starts in that time.

While previously described as a "machine" by The Athletic's Jordan Campbell during his prior stint at Elland Road – where he made 234 appearances across all fronts and helped guide the club to promotion – the £150k-per-week man's recent woes should well be of concern to Howe and co.

Newcastle may wish to avoid making the same mistake as that of their bitter rivals, Sunderland, with talkSPORT pundit Ray Parlour suggesting that the situation of Phillips at City is "very similar" to that of Jack Rodwell – who also endured infamously dour stint at the Stadium of Light.

Much like his compatriot, Rodwell had shown early promise after rising up through the ranks at Everton, with then-Toffees boss David Moyes stating that the midfielder had a "good future ahead of him", prior to making the move to Man City on a £15m deal in 2012.

As it proved, the Southport-born dud arguably "wasted two years of his career" at the Etihad – according to journalist Leigh Curtis – as he made just 25 first-team appearances, before joining the Black Cats in 2014.

That move proved even more disastrous as Rodwell endured a run of 39 top-flight games without a win – a league record – having also been lambasted by former boss Chris Coleman due to his apparent willingness to see out of his contract, rather than move on elsewhere.

Described as the 'worst signing in Sunderland's history' by the Chronicle's James Hunter back in 2018, the current Sydney FC man endured a torrid time of it in the northeast, with those at St James' Park perhaps wary of seeing history repeat itself.

The Tynesiders could well follow in the footsteps of their long-time foes with the addition of Phillips, with the Leeds native – who Guardiola described as "overweight" last season – seemingly not the solution for Howe this summer.

Arsenal seem to have shifted their transfer focus onto the future now, seeking to usher in the next generation of stars to help prolong their expected presence atop English football.

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

With Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber bolstering the present and their future, already Mikel Arteta's is a squad much improved on last season's title disappointment.

The Gunners now have far more depth across the board and versatility that will allow them to maintain a charge for longer, pushing Manchester City even closer to the edge.

However, fresh reports are now suggesting that, despite their spending surpassing around £200m for the window, they still maintain the funds to continue battling for young gems. One such name is Josip Sutalo, who has starred in his homeland of late for Dinamo Zagreb.

It is noted by Italian outlet Firenze Viola that, whilst the north London outfit are waiting in the background, they do remain interested in his services. The Croatian side will seek to command a €25m (£21m) fee to sanction his exit.

Who is Josip Sutalo?

Despite being just 23 years old, the youngster already has 83 appearances for his current club and a further eight for his national team.

As a powerful, young, athletic defender, it is hard not to draw comparisons with his compatriot and possibly soon-to-be Cityzens star Josko Gvardiol.

The 21-year-old sensation has shot to stardom with his efforts for RB Leipzig, spurring Pep Guardiola to unload a world-record £86m fee for a defender. Last term in the Bundesliga he showcased his starring assets succinctly, as an outstanding left-footed ball-playing titan.

Maintaining a 6.96 average rating, his 89% pass accuracy fed into 1.1 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic even suggested he is the "best central defender in the world," explaining why: “He is so strong, confident and elegant at the same time, and does everything with incredible ease."

Funnily enough, these are traits that scout Jacek Kulig picked out when detailing Sutalo, as he described him as a: "complete & elegant CB".

Whilst in a far weaker league, the youngster still shone with key attributes that liken him to the man set to star for their Etihad rivals next campaign.

During a SuperSport HNL season where his side would claim the title, he recorded a 7.10 average rating, buoyed by his 93% pass accuracy, two interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

That rating would have made him Arsenal's fifth-best player last term in the Premier League, with his ease in possession likely to excite the possession-focused Arteta.

Also, whilst he would only feature once in the recent World Cup, his exemplary defensive display against Japan suggested a pedigree that could help him translate his fine form in his homeland to the English game.

With five clearances and a 94% pass accuracy in that clash, it could be argued his levels even increased despite the tougher opposition faced.

Given he also stands at 6 foot 3, his physical assets support such a notion further.

With RB Leipzig reportedly also keen on signing Sutalo this summer, it seems that his similarities with Gvardiol are emphasised, as the German outfit view him as the direct replacement for their likely outgoing star.

Perhaps he could instead opt for an Emirates switch, to represent Arteta's alternative to Guardiola's new phenom, for a fraction of the price.

Arsenal have already completed a host of lucrative deals this summer, but could be set to sneak in one more in order to bolster their first team and comply with their youth-focused transfer style…

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

With Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber having joined as part of Mikel Arteta's mini-revolution this window, all of whom are 24 or younger, it is clear the direction that he seeks to take the north London outfit just months after narrowly missing out on the title.

Therefore, the recent report from Italian outlet Calciomercato likely has some credence, as it details their efforts to sign young defender Josip Sutalo from Dinamo Zagreb.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Although the outlet actually seeks to outline Ajax's progression towards a completed deal, with a fee of around €21m (£19m) touted, it is noted that there could be a late movement to snag the 23-year-old before his switch is finalised.

Football Transfers value the Croatia international at just €8m (£7m).

How good is Josip Sutalo?

Despite having only really featured in his homeland, aside from a brief stint in Italy, Sutalo still boasts a fine reputation across Europe as a stellar ball-playing asset capable of dominating and creating from the back.

It is, therefore, no surprise to see him linked with an Emirates switch, given the way Arteta's philosophy is built off the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes' exploits.

Should they decide to swoop in, it could provide ample cover for these two dominant defenders, who could be fearing for their starting spots in no time at all.

Especially given, when ranked against other centre-backs across Europe, Sutalo sits in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, the top 19% for tackles per 90 and the top 3% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig praised his composure too, branding him a: "complete & elegant CB".

Such defensive excellence combined with an ability to stride out with confidence unsurprisingly draws comparisons with Laurent Koscielny, which Premier League News Now outlined by writing:

'Šutalo is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, be that when he is picking people out with passes or going on adventures driving up with the ball. He’s a good passer, both short and long but not spectacular as his passes come off slightly under-hit at moments. He’s composed and draws parallels to Laurent Koscielny'.

The Frenchman spent nine impressive years in north London, enjoying arguably his finest season at the club during the 2015/16 term. Maintaining a 7.31 average match rating, this was a figure buoyed by his insane ball progression alongside his solidity.

He would record an 87% pass accuracy, a 91% dribble success rate, 15 clean sheets as well as 3.8 interceptions and 5.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore, during that standout season.

These are statistics eerily similar to that of his potential successors during the 2022/23 campaign in the Croatian top-flight, as he maintained a 93% pass accuracy as well as two interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Widely recognised as one of Arsenal's finest defensive stars in recent memory – as Arsene Wenger sought to laud his compatriot back in 2011 after dubbing him a "special player" – should Sutalo bring half as much quality as Koscielny did, he would already be recognised as a success.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler has been a renowned player across Europe for some time now and Crystal Palace could be set to make a move for him, with a new update dropping news on talks between the clubs.

How old is Julian Draxler?

The German has enjoyed an excellent career for club and country, even though injuries have ultimately played a part in him not quite reaching his vast potential. That being said, he has still won 58 caps for Germany, scoring seven goals at international level, not to mention winning the 2014 World Cup.

Now 29 years of age, Draxler has been plying his trade at PSG since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, making a total of 198 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants. Last season, he was sent out on loan to Benfica, however, and he was restricted to just ten games in the Primeira Liga.

The midfielder is out of contract at his current club next summer, meaning they could be keen to cash in on him before deadline day arrives next Friday night. If not, it means they will likely lose him on a free transfer in 2024, with an extension not expected to come his way, hence his loan move in 2023/24.

With Palace eyeing up some late business in the current transfer window, a potential move for Draxler looks to be on the cards, following an intriguing update.

Will Crystal Palace sign Julian Draxler?

Taking to Twitter, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins claimed that Draxler is a summer target for Palace, as they eye up an audacious piece of business:

"Crystal Palace is interested in Julian Draxler. First contacts have taken place between Paris and the English club. The German, who has one year left on his contract, is enthusiastic about the idea of ​​​​going to London."

Granted, Draxler's career has gone the way he would have hoped, in terms of the injury layoffs and not becoming a genuine world-beater, but he could still be a really exciting signing by Palace this summer.

His talent is undeniable, having registered 41 assists and scored 26 goals for PSG, not to mention being called "world-class" by Jens Keller, and he could raise the level of everyone around him at Selhurst Park.

Draxler's contract situation means that Palace could also be able to snap him up for a cut-price amount, with PSG not in a particularly strong bargaining position, so it wouldn't necessarily be a financial risk, even given his injury record.

The fact that the player himself is keen on a move to the Eagles certainly bodes well, as he looks for a fresh challenge away from being a fringe player at PSG, and he could add that sprinkling of magic in attacking midfield, possessing the ability to open up defences and also chip in with goals of his own.

Draxler has scored 66 goals and got 80 assists in his professional career to date – that figure would be higher if he had been available more often – and that level of end product could make Palace a greater attacker force, at a time when goals can come at a premium.

Leeds United have reportedly "opened talks" with Carlos Carvalhal over becoming their new manager this summer, according to a fresh rumour regarding the search for a new boss.

Which managers are Leeds linked with?

It has been a period to forget at Elland Road over the past 12 months or so, with the club getting through three different managers en route to being relegated from the Premier League.

Amid the new takeover from 49ers Enterprises, Leeds are now working hard on finding a new boss, with so many different names linked with the job in the weeks since their relegation was confirmed.

The likes of Brendan Rodgers, Graham Potter, Steven Gerrard, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker have all been mooted as potential successors to Sam Allardyce, but no clear favourite has emerged in the race yet.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the hat – someone with plenty of experience in English football in the past.

Are Whites in talks with Carvalhal?

According to iG Esporte [via Sport Witness], Leeds have "already opened talks" in "recent days" with Carvalhal, suggesting that he is considered a strong option to come in and lead the promotion charge at Elland Road.

The 57-year-old is "free in the market" currently, having left his post as Celta Vigo manager earlier this year, although Brazilian side Atletico-MG are also believed to be eyeing him up.

Carvalhal could be an interesting appointment by Leeds if they get a move over the line, having previously managed Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City in the past. He got the former into the Championship playoff final in 2016, and the semi-finals the following year, although he only lasted approximately six months with the latter.

The Portuguese is now a hugely experienced manager, having taken charge of teams all over the world, from Sporting CP to Besiktas, and he also won the Portuguese Cup with Braga in 2021.

There are question marks over whether Carvalhal is the strongest contender to come in, though, considering the likes of Rodgers and Potter are arguably more highly thought of currently, having been established Premier League managers for a while now, despite admittedly both losing their jobs earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile, someone like Daniel Farke has won promotion from the Championship twice in the past, during his time at Norwich City, which is something Carvalhal has never managed, so he could be a safer pair of hands.

Former England goalkeeper David James has questioned why Declan Rice would choose Arsenal over his old side Manchester City this summer.

What did James say about Rice?

The Declan Rice transfer saga has been in full flow for weeks now, with news that Manchester City are ready to enter the race for the midfielder's signature only furthering the discourse.

Arsenal have seen two bids rejected for the 24-year-old already and their attempts to sign Rice have just been made significantly harder as Man City have joined the hunt for the West Ham captain.

The choice will prove to be a difficult one for Rice too, who has a big decision to make ahead of one of the most definitive periods of his career. However, David James sees no difficulty in the decision whatsoever, questioning why the 42-cap England international would choose the Emirates over the Etihad.

"I would rather that he went abroad, not that he's listening, because then he won't be in a team that might want to beat West Ham, and that would be something a lot of West Ham fans wouldn't like," said James.

He continued: "Declan Rice is top drawer and Man City are the best team in Europe, probably going to be the best team in the world in a few months after they win the World Club Championship. If Declan Rice is part of that it's because he deserves to be."

When quizzed on whether he thought Arsenal or Man City would be a better fit, James replied: "Why would he want to play for Arsenal? One team is the European, FA Cup and Premier League champions, the other is neither, or none".

James is likely to haves stoked the social media fire with his words, although they were said behind a broad smirk. Given that James featured a combined 202 times for Manchester City and West Ham, it is unsurprising he feels a move to the Etihad would be more sensible.

Are Man City signing Rice?

Much like the Premier League title race last season, it appears to be Arsenal vs Manchester City in the battle for Rice. Similarly to that title race, it could end with Man City getting their prize in spite of Arsenal leading the race for so long.

While Man City have always kept themselves in the loop in regard to Rice, their interest has accelerated over the past few days, although no official bid has been registered yet.

The midfielder is believed to be open to a move to either club, making his decision based on what Arsenal and City will do in the coming days and weeks to convince him.

Rangers will go into the summer transfer window with new midfielders on their radar including the Steaua Bucharest midfielder, Darius Olaru, on their list.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer rumours?

There have been reports suggesting Michael Beale’s men are now putting in the foundations to see four midfielders potentially leave in the summer.

Indeed, Football Insider has reported Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack could all see their contracts expire at the end of the term with no signs of extensions on the horizon.

And this comes alongside the expectation for Malik Tillman to make a return to Germany having spent the campaign out on loan from Bayern Munich.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke expects Beale’s side to target a number of new arrivals to bolster their midfield:

“Maybe bringing in midfielders will be a top priority for Rangers. And this is why the Steaua Bucharest midfielder Darius Olaru is on their list.”

What would signing Darius Olaru mean for Rangers?

Olaru is a 24-year-old Romanian midfielder who has now been playing his football in the capital of his homeland for three years after making a move worth in the region of £530k.

And the central midfielder has played a big role in Steaua Bucharest’s season so far, having racked up 23 appearances in their top-flight, which has seen him captain the side a number of times.

In those games, the Romanian has been able to provide a respectable four assists as well as competing in the Europa Conference League where he assisted against West Ham United (via Transfermarkt).

Olaru has received some big praise from those within the club with Mihail Stoica likening him to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

This is a player who has shown a lot of versatility this season for the Romanian side having played a number of roles across the midfield including one appearance at left wing.

But with all of these potential departures, it does feel as if Olaru cannot be the only player who Rangers should be looking to bring in this summer.

Glen Kamara could also leave Rangers with a headache over the summer with reported interest in the midfielder coming from south of the border.

And if that is the case, then Beale may certainly have a challenge on his hands to overhaul his midfield in the summer.