All posts by z3u9t.icu

A claim has been made on Tottenham Hotspur and their attempts to add a new striker to their squad in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has said that Sasa Kalajdzic could be a target for the club if he is willing to be a back-up to Harry Kane in North London.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “That’s the best problem for Tottenham, isn’t it, trying to find someone to play second-fiddle. So, I think if he’s willing to do that, I could see it.”

This comes after The Athletic claimed that Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are both interested in the striker, who is valued at €25m (£22m).

Dream Kane heir

Tottenham can land their dream heir to Kane’s throne at the club by securing a deal ahead of those German clubs to land the Stuttgart phenomenon.

Kalajdzic is a young centre-forward who can develop whilst playing as a back-up to the England captain before potentially taking over from him in the future, should the goal machine move on at any point.

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The Austrian attacker has shades of Kane to his game as he ranks in the 96th percentile among strikers in Europe for expected assists per 90 at 0.26. Tottenham’s star man, meanwhile, ranks in the 95th percentile with 0.25 xA per 90 over the last 365 days, which shows that both players create for other players.

His manager Pellegrino Matarazzo once hailed his build-up play as he said: “He’s a very good footballer. He links up well with his teammates, and communicates very effectively. He’s invaluable.”

He has also shown that he has the ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis with 22 goals in 36 starts across the last two Bundesliga campaigns. Kane, meanwhile, has scored 40 Premier League goals in 71 starts in that time.

The player has previously spoken of comparisons to other strikers, saying: “I have heard a lot of phrases and expressions! I’ve heard a comparison with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Peter Crouch, anything from ‘tall and lanky’ to ‘tall’ and an ‘Ibrahimovic-Machine’! I’ve heard a lot of things.”

You can now add Kane’s name to that list of goalscorers he has been compared to and Tottenham must now pair the duo at the club next season.

Kalajdzic has proven in the Bundesliga that he can create and score at a similar rate to the Englishman, suggesting that he can be the dream heir to the 28-year-old’s place in the starting XI at Spurs in the future.

AND in other news, Paratici now given green light to seal “outstanding” Spurs signing, he’d be “clinical”…

Antonio Conte is plotting a fresh offer to bring Alessandro Bastoni to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, who claimed that, despite the 23-year-old’s agent Tullio Tinti recently revealing that the centre-back is likely to stay at Inter Milan this summer, the Spurs manager is now plotting a fresh offensive for the Italy international.

The report added that the 52-year-old’s latest move will see Tottenham offer the Nerazzuri €30m (£25m) in cash, along with the services of Davinson Sanchez, who has been made surplus to requirements at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering how exciting a prospect Bastoni evidently is, and with a move for the Inter starlet having very much looked dead in the water following Tinti’s recent claim, the news that Spurs could yet pursue a move for the 23-year-old this summer is sure to have left the Tottenham faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 31 Serie A appearances in 2021/22, the £60m-rated talent was in remarkable form for Simone Inzaghi’s side, helping Inter to keep eight clean sheets, along with making 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.8 clearances and winning 4.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per game.

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The £122k-per-week left-footer also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his team-mates, in addition to completing 50.5 passes, four long balls, 0.4 dribbles and 0.5 key passes per fixture.

These metrics saw the 14-cap Italy international average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Inter’s second-best defender and their eighth-best player overall in the league this season.

Furthermore, according to FBRef data, the defender also ranks in the top 14% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 25% for passes completed, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 22% for dribbles completed, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for pressures over the last 365 days.

As such, it is clear to see just how well suited Bastoni would be in the role of Conte’s left-sided centre-back at Tottenham, a position which is reported to be the manager’s priority in the summer transfer window.

Also, Sanchez very much appears to be second choice to Cristian Romero on the right of Conte’s back three, so should the Colombia international prove sufficient to convince Inter to part with Bastoni this summer, it is undeniable that it would be a swap deal well worth doing for Spurs.

AND in other news: Journalist drops “audacious” Spurs transfer claim that will leave supporters buzzing

SL Benfica are open to selling Newcastle United target Alejandro Grimaldo, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Journalist Rudy Galetti tweeted on May 31 that Newcastle were one of the clubs ‘most interested’ in signing left-back Grimaldo. Juventus and Barcelona represent some heavyweight competition for the 26-year-old.

Grimaldo, under contract at the Estadio Da Luz for another 12 months, is valued at £18million by Transfermarkt.

In a potential aid to the Magpies, he shares the same agent as winger Ryan Fraser, who moved to St James’ Park in 2020.

Newcastle signed Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa in January and have the option to make that deal permanent for around £15million, but it seems Eddie Howe is considering alternative options too.

The latest

The report states that Benfica will listen to offers for Grimaldo this summer for two reasons.

First, his contract is winding down and so this may be their last opportunity to cash in. But second, he rebelled against the club when he was named in the squad for the final Primeira Liga game of the season.

Grimaldo apparently expected to be left out because he was planning to travel to his homeland, and reacted furiously, writing the word ‘joke’ on the squad list.

The verdict

Grimaldo looks like a strong alternative if Newcastle decide to let Targett return to Villa.

He’s an accomplished attacker, having split his minutes almost evenly between left back and the left wing last season. Indeed, his return of six goals and nine assists catches the eye.

Grimaldo showed his class in a Champions League Round of 16 tie against Ajax in March, winning the SofaScore man of the match award after recording three tackles, six clearances and three key passes.

Newcastle do have to be wary, though. They need to preserve harmony in the camp, and Grimaldo’s behaviour last month does raise concern. The club will have to be thorough in securing character references.

In other news, Newcastle are interested in this PL winner.

Ross Wilson could be onto another Rangers masterclass with shades of the Gers’ 2019 swoop for Joe Aribo.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is looking at bringing in his own signings to Ibrox during the summer transfer window, as there will almost certainly be some outgoings.

Journalist Alan Nixon reported Rangers’ interest in Bolton winger Oladapo Afolayan earlier this month, and it’s certainly a transfer which could work out quite well if the Light Blues secure his signature.

The £3.4k-p/w forward has been impressive in League One this season with the Trotters, scoring 12 goals and registering three assists as the club finished ninth.

Valued at just £1.5m, it seems likely that Bolton would want a bigger fee than that, but it is a move that Wilson should be strongly considering, and he could well land his next £20m talent in the winger.

Aribo, who was signed from Charlton Athletic in the same division three seasons ago for a paltry £300,000, has been touted as a £20m player; and if Wilson manages to pull off a move for the Bolton gem, then it could be another shrewd signing from the Ibrox chief.

Rangers rely heavily on Ryan Kent on the left wing, with the ex-Liverpool man posting 20 assists this season, so another player in this position would be a big boost for the squad.

Afolayan possesses the goalscoring ability to make him a threat to the opposition, and his versatility is also a key strength. He can play anywhere across the front three, a trait which will likely impress Van Bronckhorst.

Journalist Derek Clark recently hailed the 24-year-old’s “top notch” mentality, and the winger certainly seems to have a bright future.

Rangers will ideally be looking to get the majority of their transfer business done as early as possible in order to allow new players to bed into the squad well before the 2022/23 season starts.

Wilson should be acting fast on a move for Afolayan, who could be another transfer masterclass just like Aribo.

AND in other news, Huge transfer twist emerges on Rangers summer target, supporters will be gutted

Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho still faces an uncertain future with the 35-year-old’s contract set to expire next month with manager Bruno Lage keen to keep the Portuguese veteran on.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness) who claim that Lage has asked the Wolves hierarchy to offer Moutinho a new contract whilst Europa Conference League winners AS Roma are reportedly keen.

Roma, managed by ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, have offered the 35-year-old the opportunity to take on a new challenge in Italy with his fellow countryman Mourinho reportedly appreciative of ‘the characteristics and personality of the player.’

Moreover, there is a suggestion that Moutinho could become the Portuguese manager’s assistant in the future with the midfielder turning 36 in September.

Lage will be furious

Although some supporters will accept the idea of Moutinho leaving as a free agent, Lage will be furious that his wishes to keep the experienced midfielder at Molineux have been ignored if a contract extension isn’t offered.

Despite not being a long-term option for Wolves, the £100k-per-week Moutinho has been excellent since arriving from Monaco in 2018, making 176 appearances for the Golden Boys in his four seasons in the Black Country.

Furthermore, Match of the Day commentator Gary Mowbray once referred to the midfielder as being a “Rolls-Royce.” 

With 144 caps for Portugal alongside a total of 774 club appearances, Moutinho’s experience is second-to-none and therefore his potential departure will certainly be a major blow.

Moreover, it appears likely that fellow midfielder Ruben Neves will be seeking a new challenge after five years at Wolves, with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal keen on the 25-year-old.

Therefore, if both Moutinho and Neves are to depart, Wolves will need to put together a brand new midfield which will certainly be a risk.

However, it could also provide Lage with the opportunity to build a team of players he wants with the vast majority of the current squad players he inherited.

The 35-year-old’s Molineux farewell was always going to come within the next year or two but to have his request of offering the midfielder a contract extension ignored, Lage will be furious if his fellow countryman leaves as a free agent.

AND in other news: Negotiations underway: Lage handed big Wolves transfer boost that supporters will love

Bruno Lage has endured a decent first season as manager of Wolves, leading them to their third top-half finish in the Premier League since being promoted in 2018.

The next aim for the Portuguese manager is to lead his side into the European places next term and with a major rebuilding job potentially on the cards this summer, it might well turn into reality.

With Wolves playing the last game of their season away to title challengers Liverpool on Sunday, the supporters will want to end the campaign on a high, although Lage may have pleased the Molineux faithful already with one recent development.

Addressing the possibility of transfer activity in the summer, Lage explained: “Maybe we need two or three players to increase the quality and number of players in our squad.

“We cannot let what happened two years ago when it’s hard to replace a player like Raul (Jimenez).”

Wolves fans will love to hear it

These comments suggest that Lage is aiming to bring in a number of players first before there will be any outgoings at Wolves, something which will surely delight the Old Gold support.

With Ruben Neves’ future remaining uncertain following what looked like an emotional farewell at Molineux last week, and Joao Mourinho’s contract expiring at the end of the season, then it’s clear that Lage will need to act fast to bring in potential replacements.

The club have recently been linked with high-calibre players such as Joao Palhinha and Sebastian Rode, and these targets could enhance the Wolves squad ahead of what could be a massive 2022/23 campaign at Molineux.

Whatever happens, Lage has endeared himself to much of the Wolves support with his solid first season in charge, and if it weren’t for a late collapse due to some poor results, then he might even have a European campaign to anticipate later in the year.

For now, the Molineux faithful can content themselves with the manager’s burning desire not to be left short on quality or quantity within his squad once the 2022/23 season gets underway.

AND in other news, Wolves plotting bid for “special” £25m gem who “rules midfield”, Lage will love him

Manchester United have once again been name-checked with an interest in Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia.

The Lowdown: £20m deal?

The 22-year-old left-back appears to be on Erik ten Hag’s radar ahead of his first transfer window as United boss. Malacia, known as a ‘pitbull’ for his tackling technique, has made 134 appearances for the Dutch side – 48 of which have come during the 2021/22 season.

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Reports at the beginning of the month suggested that the Netherlands international was set to make the move to Old Trafford in a deal worth £20m, and his name and the Red Devils have again come up in conversation.

The Latest: Name-checked again

Sports Witness relayed an update from French outlet But! regarding Malacia on Friday.

They claimed that Lyon and United are both keen on the £20m man’s services, adding that he has drawn interest from ‘Ten Hag’s version’ at Old Trafford.

The Verdict: Who goes?

Should Malacia make the move to Manchester, Ten Hag would have three left-backs on the books ahead of his first season.

As we know, both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles are already on the books at Old Trafford. Shaw is out of contract in 2023 and Telles 2024, so you’d expect that one of the two could well depart if Malacia comes in.

The Englishman has had a number of injury issues this season, while Telles has been criticised for his displays in recent weeks, so it will be interesting to see what Ten Hag decides over the coming months.

In other news: Sky Sports: Ten Hag working on big free transfer after Man Utd meeting; agent now in England. 

Tottenham Hotspur could be looking to replace Lucas Moura with a big upgrade this summer, if recent reports are to be believed.

According to 90min, the north London outfit had scouts in attendance for Villarreal’s two-legged Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool. It’s thought that they were taking a closer look at centre-back Pau Torres and winger Arnaut Danjuma.

The Yellow Submarines were defeated 5-2 on aggregate with the former featuring in both fixtures, and the latter only playing the first leg, missing the second through injury.

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After leaving Championship side AFC Bournemouth for Unai Emery’s side in a €25m (£21.4m) deal the summer, the six-time Netherlands international has enjoyed a standout campaign across both domestic and European competitions.

As per Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old has delivered a whopping 16 goals and four assists, which included goals as a centre-forward against Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Granada, where he bagged a hat-trick.

Danjuma has been one of Villarreal’s best-performing and most consistent stars, ranking fifth (LaLiga) and second (UCL) overall for average rating, whilst no player has found the net more times.

Currently valued at £45m, the enigmatic dynamo wouldn’t come cheap but he’d be a massive upgrade on the out-of-sorts Moura, that’s for sure.

The Brazilian winger has been usurped by Dejan Kulusevski in the pecking order under Antonio Conte, hardly a surprise given his poor returns of two goals and five assists in 31 league appearances.

Danjuma outranks the long-serving Spurs star in pretty much every attacking metric, as per FBRef.

In terms of shooting output, the Yellow Submarines sensation is managing 1.26 shots on target per 90, in comparison to Moura’s 0.83, whilst for expected goals and assists (excluding penalty kicks) sees the former Cherries man sit on 0.57 per 90, compared to the 0.35 put up by the Spurs ace.

Danjuma also manages 1.88 carries into the 18-yard box, way clear of Moura’s 0.84, on top of attempting more dribbles and receiving more progressive passes in the final third, also via FBRef.

Lauded as an “exceptional talent” by EFL pundit Clinton Morrison and “unbelievable” by former manager Jonathan Woodgate, it’s evident that Conte could secure a major upgrade on Moura with a swoop to bring Danjuma back to England.

Fabio Paratici and co must look to get this done during the off-season.

AND in other news, Paratici bargain: Spurs plot bid for “extraordinary” £45m titan, imagine him & Romero…

Donny van de Beek now ‘isn’t’ available for Everton when they play Leicester City away from home in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Team news

As shared by The Athletic journalist Patrick Boyland, Ben Godfrey has still not recovered from his injury, but will be back in training next week.

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However, Andre Gomes is back and available, and Richarlison should be fine after a sore ankle.

The Latest: No van de Beek

Unfortunately for the Goodison Park faithful, van de Beek ‘isn’t’ available for the game, as per Boyland.

The Manchester United loanee has not played since March, and continues to watch on from the sidelines.

The Verdict: Blow

It certainly is a blow for Frank Lampard and his team to be without van de Beek once more.

The Netherlands international ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles and passes per game in the Premier League, while his 84.9% pass accuracy is the highest out of any Blues player to have played in five or more matches in the division (WhoScored).

The Toffees have had an absolutely abysmal record away from home this campaign, and they will certainly miss van de Beek’s calming influence on the ball when they travel down to the King Power Stadium, in the hope of getting another big result.

In other news, find out what ‘serious upgrade’ EFC are now eyeing here!

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham’s existing relationship with Hull City could help them to win the race for the signing of Keane Lewis-Potter during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest in Lewis-Potter

The forward first made his breakthrough into the Tigers’ starting XI in League One last season, but following their promotion, he has made the step up to the Championship look incredibly easy, having scored 13 goals and provided four assists across all competitions this term, as per Transfermarkt.

Following some impressive performances of late, a move to the Premier League looks like it could be on the cards, with Tottenham, Brentford and the Irons all said to be interested in battling it out for the 21-year-old’s signature.

David Moyes signed Jarrod Bowen from the Yorkshire outfit two years ago, with the winger going on to become a fan favourite at the London Stadium, and that existing connection may just put the east Londoners in pole position this time around.

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The Latest: West Ham hold Lewis-Potter advantage

When asked if the Bowen deal from 2020 could potentially impact whether West Ham are successful in bagging Lewis-Potter this summer, O’Rourke told GiveMeSport:

“It will benefit West Ham if they do decide to pursue their interest in Keane Lewis-Potter. They considered a possible move in January, as did Brentford, so there’s quite a few clubs looking at the young winger, and he’s really impressed in the Championship.”

The Verdict: Another Bowen?

Bowen has been prolific since making the switch to the top flight, having already made a staggering 46 goal contributions in just 101 games for West Ham, which offers hope that Lewis-Potter has the potential to make a similar impact should he decide to replicate the 25-year-old’s move from Hull to east London.

Once described as a “special talent” by his former Tigers manager Grant McCann, the £900k-rated gem was the star of the show at Hull’s end-of-season awards earlier this week, where he took home a hat-trick of trophies after being voted the Supporters’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and overall Player of the Year.

In addition, Lewis-Potter made his debut on the international stage for the England under-21s back in March, and he definitely has a bright future ahead of him, wherever that may be.

O’Rourke’s suggestion that the Irons could hold the upper hand due to their previous transfer dealings with Hull is very much an intriguing and promising one.

In other news… a new report has shared a huge transfer update on West Ham’s pursuit of one of their summer targets