All posts by z3u9t.icu

Pundit Paul Robinson believes Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling will sign a new Elland Road contract.

The Lowdown: Ayling and Kristensen

Ayling underwent knee surgery towards the end of May and is expected to be out for two to four months. It looks as if the 30-year-old is in a race against time to return for the start of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, with Leeds acting in the transfer window as a result.

The Whites have signed Rasmus Kristensen from RB Salzburg, and Robinson has now made a claim on Ayling, who is entering the final 12 months of his Elland Road deal.

The Latest: Robinson’s claim

Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Ayling’s future.

He believes the full-back will ‘extend his contract’ and labelled him as a ‘quality’ member of the Leeds squad.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-45/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

“No, he’s signing. He’s signing for an extra year to extend his contract.

“In the last two or three seasons, he’s been one of Leeds’ regular top-performers.

“You’re going to have to do well to replace anyone like that and you give them another two or three-year deal.

“You give him a chance to recover from his injury because you’re going to need him with the type of budget Leeds have in the Premier League.

“They’re not going to get better than what they’ve got in Luke Ayling.

“He’s got quality, he can play anywhere across the back-four and for me, he and Stuart Dallas are the most reliable, dependable players Leeds have got.

“He’s a leader on the field and a voice. He was a man among boys at times this season when they struggled and he’s so versatile. He’s almost irreplaceable and you give him a new contract regardless of what length it is.”

The Verdict: Interesting

With Kristensen coming in and youngster Cody Drameh impressing on loan at Cardiff City last season, it will be interesting to see what Leeds have in store for Ayling over the next 12 months.

Given Ayling’s injury, you’d expect that Kristensen will take over as first-choice on the right after the club spent £11.7m on his services, while Drameh appears to be a star in the making, winning multiple awards in Wales.

There’s no denying that Ayling has been an incredible servant in Yorkshire, making 220 appearances, however, there will eventually come a time when he moves on from Elland Road, and that could well be next summer even if Robinson doesn’t think so.

In other news: ‘Big…’ – The Athletic drop significant update on Raphinha potentially leaving Leeds

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a deal for Hertha Berlin defender, Jordan Torunarigha, according to reports in Germany.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Hammers have been named as one of the clubs who have “enquired” about the 24-year-old centre-back ahead of a possible move this summer.

The transfer insider has revealed that the 6 foot 3 giant has rejected a move to Gent – where he spent the second half of last season on loan – opening up the possibility of a €5m (£4.2m) move elsewhere: “News #Torunarigha : Gent made an offer (about 2 million € + bonuses). Player & Hertha have declined. Wolfsburg & West Ham have inquired about him. Probably: change within the Bundesliga! Price: around 5 million € ! conversations are ongoing”.

This news would suggest that David Moyes and co are plotting further centre-back additions, despite reportedly being close to confirming the signing of Rennes’ Nayef Aguerd.

Moyes’ next Zouma

Torunarigha may be something of an unknown quantity to most, although impressed during his temporary stint in Belgium last term, averaging 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 2.3 clearances per game from his 11 league outings, while also winning a solid 55% of his total duels and keeping four clean sheets.

The towering colossus had previously spent all of his career in his native Germany with Hertha, with the academy product scoring six goals and providing five assists in his 81 games in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit.

Although unlikely to come straight into the starting XI at the London Stadium, the £4.5m-rated man would provide quality depth to what had been a problem area last term, with Moyes in need of additional reinforcements as the club once again get set to compete in European competition.

He would also seemingly be a player that the former Manchester United man could gradually help to nurture and improve without the weight of expectation of a big transfer fee, with the Scot having previously proven his astute nature in the transfer market.

The £21k-per-week gem – who was part of Germany’s Olympic squad in Tokyo – could also prove to be the club’s next Kurt Zouma, with the pair sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, according to FBref.

Signed from Chelsea in a £29.8m deal last summer, the Frenchman enjoyed a fine debut campaign in east London – despite off-field controversy – averaging 1.4 interceptions and 5.5 clearances per game in his 24 Premier League appearances, while also winning an impressive 62% of his aerial duels.

Like the younger man, Zouma is also 6 foot 3 and provides an imposing presence in the backline, with his recovery speed also proving vital on occasion.

The same can be said of Torunarigha who was been labelled “mobile and comfortable on the ball”, as per the Bundesliga website, albeit with one notable difference coming in the fact that he is left-footed – offering a unique option to Moyes’ side.

The “rough diamond” – as he has previously been dubbed by former boss Pal Dardai – may not be of the quality of the current Hammers man just yet, although he could blossom into a player of similar ilk if a deal can be done this summer.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

West Ham are seemingly set to raid Rennes again this summer, with Adrien Truffert reportedly on David Moyes’ list as he targets a new left-back at the London Stadium.

What’s the word?

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, West Ham, Everton and Leicester City have all enquired with Rennes about signing the 20-year-old, who looks set to follow in the footsteps of Eduardo Camavinga and Jeremy Doku as the next wonderkid at the Ligue 1 side.

The Hammers already look set to sign Fayef Aguerd from the French side this summer and could well return again to sign Truffert, after his impressive performances saw him nail down a first-team spot at Roazhon Park last season.

West Ham’s Cresswell heir?

West Ham will undoubtedly be in the market for a left-back this summer, as David Moyes was regularly forced to deploy Ben Johnson or Vladimir Coufal there last season whenever Aaron Cresswell was unavailable.

While the former Ipswich man has been a superb player for the Hammers since signing in 2014, making 293 appearances in all competitions, he will turn 33 next season and Moyes should now look for a long-term replacement.

The Englishman also showed his vulnerabilities defensively in important moments last season, receiving avoidable red cards in Europa League knockout games against Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Like Cresswell, Truffert likes to get forward, contributing three goals and two assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season, which suggests that he could be a natural heir for the West Ham man.

Former Rennes coach Julien Stephan was full of praise for Truffert in 2020, saying:

“He’s a young player who I know very well. He has huge potential and a very good left foot.

“He’s very intelligent, has the right mentality and the versatility to play in different positions. He has all the qualities needed to keep progressing and to break through in the near future.”

Therefore, if West Ham do complete a deal for the £10.8m-rated talent this summer, it seems clear that he would be a natural long-term heir to Cresswell in Moyes’ side.

And, in other news… Contact made: Moyes now in WHU talks to sign “special” £15m “talent”, he’s Bowen 2.0

Liverpool are set for an interesting summer transfer window with reports linking Sadio Mane to a move away, and now a new transfer target has emerged that could potentially replace the Senegalese winger’s outstanding output.

What’s the latest?

According to Mirror Football, Liverpool are tracking Rennes forward Martin Terrier as a potential replacement for Mane this summer.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

As per the report, the Reds were hoping to confirm an extension on their winger’s contract but with speculation mounting on his desire to leave the club are intending to identify players who can provide a similar attacking output.

Previous reports indicate Terrier could cost as much as €40m (£34m).

Mane replacement

With the Liverpool winger scoring 120 goals and contributing 48 assists over the last six years at the club, his boots will be hard to fill and FSG will need to work hard to identify a player that can seamlessly fit into the team, offering a similar goal threat if Mane does leave this summer.

In Ligue 1, Terrier who was hailed “quality” by Bruno Genesio, and hailed for an “astonishing” goal by the BT Sport commentary team, has had a phenomenal season in terms of his attacking output with the attacker the top-goalscorer for Rennes this season.

The £22.5m-rated star has scored 21 goals, more than Lionel Messi and Neymar combined, contributed three assists and created five big chances.

On top of that, he’s made 1.1 key passes, 1.5 tackles and taken 2.4 shots on average per game, as well as winning the majority of both his ground and aerial duels (53%), proving that he has been a solid and prolific attacking threat in his 37 appearances.

Terrier impressively ranks second for shots on target, is the third highest scoring player and created the sixth most big chances in Ligue 1 this season.

In terms of replacing Mane, Terrier not only offers high levels of goal contributions but offers diversity in his positioning which will be a huge benefit to Jurgen Klopp if they can secure a deal for the Frenchman, with the player confident playing in attacking midfield, left wing and as a striker.

Ultimately, FSG will need to carefully prepare for the likely departure of Mane going forward and identifying players like Terrier as potential replacements put them in good stead to be able to soften the blow if the worst case scenario happens this summer.

AND in other news: Liverpool can land dream Mane heir in £43m deal for “exceptional” 25 y/o “nightmare”

A fresh report from the last 48 hours has now shared a behind-the-scenes West Ham United update involving midfielder Tomas Soucek.

The Lowdown: Irons open to offers…

The 2020/2021 Hammers Player of the Year, according to recent claims, could be sold by manager David Moyes if the east Londoners receive a suitable offer from the Premier League or elsewhere (Claret & Hugh).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-5/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

West Ham’s manager apparently refused to sanction a sizeable increase on Soucek’s current salary package during the first round of talks over a new deal.

The Scotsman allegedly feels his mainstay midfielder has been a shadow of the player he was last campaign and is now ready to entertain the right bids, with Football Insider now sharing what they know on the situation.

The Latest: West Ham ‘tension’ behind-the-scenes…

According to their information, it is believed there has been ‘tension’ between Soucek and Moyes ‘behind the scenes’ amid West Ham’s contract stand-off.

The report adds that the Irons, and by extension club owners GSB, ‘could now have a big decision to make’ on the Czech Republic international this summer – namely whether to stick or twist.

The Verdict: Keep…

Soucek shined at the London Stadium last season and we believe he could still have a huge role to play over the next few years.

Players can often experience off-campaigns with the 27-year-old, as per WhoScored, actually shining over 2021/2022 in some crucial aspects statistically.

Out of Moyes’ squad at West Ham, only star duo Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice have averaged higher match ratings in England’s top flight Soucek – who puts in a solid 6.98/10 showing per 90.

The colossal midfield man has also won more aerial duels than any of his teammates, perhaps backing why he’s the third-most picked player in the West Ham squad (WhoScored).

As an interesting summer window looms, potentially selling Soucek could perhaps be one of the more risky decisions by Moyes and GSB.

In other news: BBC journalist: Moyes eyeing potential ‘massive signing’, West Ham move already made…find out more here.

Sunderland winger Lynden Gooch has been discussing his future at the club following the Black Cat’s play-off final success over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday. 

The lowdown: Mr Versatile

Having started out as predominantly a right-winger with capabilities of playing on the opposite flank, Gooch has been transformed over time into the ultimate utility man.

This season, the 26-year-old USA international has featured on both wings in each of a wing forward, wide midfield and full-back capacity.

After playing 90 minutes as a right-sided full-back in the 2-0 play-off final victory at Wembley, Gooch has addressed his next move as his contract at the Stadium of Light nears its conclusion…

The latest: Gooch unsure of Sunderland future

Speaking after the match, as quoted by The Northern Echo, the four-cap American admitted to being unsure as to where his future may lie.

Gooch said: “I don’t know where I’m going to be next season so we’re going to have to wait and see. If this is my last game for Sunderland then there is not a better way to go out.

“I’ve got a meeting with him (Alex Neil) on Tuesday and we’ll see what happens. It is what it is. I’ve give everything for the club in my ten years as a pro. We’ll see what happens. If it’s my last game then happy days, I can go out on a high. If not, then I’ll continue to represent the club as best I can.

“This is my fourth time here with Sunderland playing here and it is a difficult occasion. I was trying to help the young lads as best I can. It’s not easy, it’s Wembley. It’s amazing being on the winning side. I know what it’s like being on the losing side. It’s an amazing feeling for sure.”

The verdict: Sunderland should keep him

Signed in 2012 from Santa Cruz Breakers, Gooch broke into the first team at Sunderland in 2016/17 and has since represented the club in the Premier League, Championship and League One.

A superb servant at the Stadium of Light, the American was recently praised by ex-Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott for a ‘terrific’ display against Cambridge United, during which the 26-year-old provided one assist and made seven key passes in an 8.1-rated performance from Sofascore.

Overall this season, Gooch provided six assists in 45 appearances, and he is likely to remain an integral part of Alex Neil’s plans should the club and player come to an agreement regarding a new deal. Given how much he has contributed on Wearside, hopefully the Black Cats can persuade him to stay for another while yet.

In other news, James Copley was left stunned by this development ahead of the play-off final

Newcastle United ‘would love’ to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer, claims journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Calvert-Lewin links

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are plotting to make a bid for the 25-year-old in the upcoming transfer window.

Valued at £37.8m by Transfermarkt, the striker has endured a difficult season in Merseyside, having missed 16 games due to a fractured toe at the start of the campaign.

However, it appears that the England international is back to his goal-scoring ways, having netted twice in his last two games, including the winning-goal in Everton’s famous comeback against Crystal Palace, which secured the Toffees’ Premier League safety.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones has now backed the Telegraph’s report, claiming that Newcastle are keen on adding Calvert-Lewin to Eddie Howe’s ranks.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he claimed: “I mean, it’s an ideal one for them to look at. Calvert-Lewin’s somebody they like.

“They want to have a British core to them if they possibly can; they want to have players that have got Premier League pedigree. And Calvert-Lewin, as a young player on the fringes of the England side, is somebody they would love to get in.”

 The Verdict: Great signing

The arrival of Calvert-Lewin at St. James’ Park would provide Howe with a lethal aerial threat within the box, who could thus be exploited by the Magpies’ high-pressing wide players.

According to FB Ref, the striker ranks in the 95th percentile for aerials won, for which he averages 5.4 a game in the Premier League (via WhoScored), giving plenty of evidence as to why Alan Shearer once said he ‘absolutely batters’ defenders.

Hailed by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti as a “fantastic striker”, and with Graeme Souness’ assertion that the 25-year-old plays with “sauce” and “swagger”, it is clear to see Calvert-Lewin’s quality.

This would be a great signing for Newcastle.

In other news: Newcastle United: Italian source makes Thomas Strakosha claim

Celtic hero James Forrest has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2025, reliable journalist Anthony Joseph has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Forrest a Celtic ‘legend’

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an incredible Hoops career, making a total of 444 appearances for the club and registering 97 and 98 goals and assists in that time, respectively.

Forrest has also achieved amazing team success during his time at Celtic, winning a remarkable ten Scottish Premiership titles, also being described as a club ‘legend’ by Paddy McCourt.

While the winger’s future has been a little unclear of late, there has been a major development regarding the situation.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-6/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Forrest signs new deal

Taking to Twitter, Joseph of Sky Sports confirmed that Forrest would remain at Parkhead for another three years, having signed a new deal:

“James Forrest has signed a contract extension with Celtic until 2025.”

The Verdict: First of many?

This is a wonderful piece of news to add to a hugely positive week, following Celtic’s glorious title win, as Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge ends now with his first piece of summer business.

At 30, Forrest still has a number of years left in him at this level and he can continue to use his quality and experience to good use, barring any more injury troubles, having been hailed as ‘amazing’ by teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi.

The Scot has 20 appearances in the Champions League too, chipping in with two assists and one goal, so he will believe he can use his know-how to help Celtic leave an imprint in the tournament.

With such a huge step-up to the group stages of Europe’s elite competition, look for Ange to add even more high-level players following the completion of this early business.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly interested in signing an Eredivisie player. Find out who it is here.

Everton are reportedly now closing in on a deal for a new sponsor for their 2022/23 kits as their relegation fight continues at Watford on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Cazoo ties ended

It was reported back in March that the Goodison Park faithful will end their sponsorship deal with Cazoo at the end of the season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-5/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The car dealers have been sponsoring the Blues’ shirts since the summer of 2020, but the Merseyside club will now be looking for a new sponsor going into the new campaign.

The Latest: Terms agreed

As per The Liverpool Echo, the Toffees are now ‘closing in’ on a new shirt sponsor to replace Cazoo.

They have already ‘agreed terms’ with a new partner, although they have not yet been named.

However, this is only an agreement in principle, and could change if they end up relegated from the Premier League.

Nonetheless, the proposed deal is thought to be a ‘significant lift’ on what Cazoo were paying.

The Verdict: Needed

After cutting ties with Cazoo, the situation with the sponsor needed sorting out sooner rather than later.

It looks as if the Blues could be getting a better deal, which of course would be a big boost in the financial department, but a lot depends on their top-flight status.

Nonetheless, Frank Lampard and his team will be playing down any off-field developments as they look to secure all three points away at an already-relegated Watford side tonight.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ EFC injury update has now emerged here!

Italian source Noi Biancocelesti has now shared an interesting transfer update involving Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lowdown: Conte wants him…

Spurs boss Antonio Conte, according to recent reports, is a really big fan of the Serbian international with links to the north Londoners starting to emerge in April.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Regional news outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi claimed last month that the Lilywhites ‘could really make an attempt’ to sign Milinkovic-Savic in the summer window – but much will depend on their ability to qualify for the Champions League.

Both Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are allegedly ‘crazy’ for the midfielder who is attracting serious demand.

The Latest: Milinkovic-Savic update emerges…

As per Noi Biancocelesti, an update has emerged with Spurs still firmly in the mix.

They say a ‘real auction has been launched’ for Milinkovic-Savic as Manchester United attempt to move, with The Red Devils even readying a £68 million bid which ‘would satisfy’ Lazio president Claudio Lotito.

However, Lotito is stalling due to more potential offers and interest from Tottenham who ‘would like to bring’ the 27-year-old to Hotspur Way – backing Conte with his signing.

The Italian is said to ‘dote’ on Serie A’s midfield machine and ‘knows him very well’.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Chairman Daniel Levy will have to sanction a big money bid to make this potentially ambitious Spurs move happen and one which would almost certainly break their transfer record.

The marquee Lazio ace would be a stellar addition though and one which would almost certainly appease Conte amid his own links to Paris-Saint Germain.

Called ‘extraordinary’ by AC Milan legend and Parma sporting director Demetrio Albertini, Milinkovic-Savic stands out as Maurizio Sarri’s most crucial player going by average match rating per 90 this season (WhoScored).

He’s also played more minutes than any Lazio player domestically, making the most tackles per match out of all of them in that time (WhoScored).

Milinkovic-Savic has also racked up an incredible ten goals and 11 assists going forward in the league, coming as a real midfield all-rounder who can seemingly do it all.

There is little wonder he will command a huge summer fee and Spurs will need to pull out all the stops to beat United to his Premier League signing.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.