All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United have been reported to hold an interest in Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson, but the USMNT international has endured a torrid time in the Premier League this year.

That's following an exclusive from Football League World, who claim that Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth has his eye on Aaronson and his international and Leeds teammate Tyler Adams this summer after the Whites were relegated from the top-flight after three seasons.

The 22-year-old only signed last summer for around £25m and started brightly, but as Leeds' campaign deteriorated so did Aaronson's, and he might be searching for new pastures as the outfit look to recuperate some of the sum paid to RB Salzburg.

Newcastle are in the market for new firepower in the central department after qualifying for the Champions League with a top-four finish, but the main question on supporters' lips would be whether signing the ace would be the most auspicious move to make…

Should Newcastle sign Brendan Aaronson?

Aaronson still has four years left at Elland Road after penning a five-year deal upon signing for the club, but there is every possibility that he will be shipped on as Leeds look to rebuild ahead of mounting a bid for promotion straight back to the top flight.

And while he is clearly a talented playmaker, given Newcastle's newfound stature and breakthrough to European competition, it is unlikely that Howe would be inclined to make the move with the squad's midfield already so robust and reliable.

The 29-cap ace only scored once across the entirety of the 22/23 Premier League season, assisting a further three goals, and was even branded a "lightweight" by pundit Jon Newsome for his anonymous, almost lackadaisical presence on the pitch.

As per Sofascore, the £45k-per-week American recorded a, candidly, woeful average league rating of 6.51, and while he completed 79% of his passes and averaged 1.3 key passes per game, his flimsiness was on full show as he won only 40% of his contested duels and succeeded with 41% of his attempted dribbles.

And given that Magpies outcast Ryan Fraser statistically completed a better season, recording an average rating of 6.71 after playing just eight times all year, it hardly seems to be the most propitious option for the Toon to delve down.

Especially considering the likes of James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai have peppered the rumour mill with reports of United's heated interest in their services.

Fraser, while embodying the etymology of the word peripheral under Howe's wing at St. James's Park, won 59% of his duels in the Premier League and at least held his own, something that Aaronson – who reportedly has a relegation clause worth in the region of £25m – has, as illustrated by the aforementioned metrics, failed to do.

Such talents would undoubtedly come at greater cost, but Newcastle have established the foundation for a future laden in success and must now make the right moves to ensure that the good fortunes this year do not falter with the turning of the page, and Aaronson, talented as he may be, is surely not the answer at such a crucial stage in this burgeoning outfit's development as a European superpower.

Everton could finally be set to solve a long-term problem area of theirs, as they hone in on a top striking target…

Who are Everton signing this summer?

That's according to Italian outlet La Nazione (as relayed by Firenze Viola), who detail the Toffees' continued interest in Salernitana forward Boulaye Dia.

Whilst his €25m (£22m) release clause is noted to have expired this week, his club have slapped a new mouth-watering €40m (£35m) figure on his head and the cash-strapped Merseyside outfit still remain in the race to bring him to Goodison Park.

In fact, the report even states that they have 'come forward' to negotiate a deal this summer, with Neal Maupay a potential makeweight that they could use.

The Italian club were noted as interested in the Frenchman in January, who has struggled to make his mark since joining from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer.

Having already welcomed Ashley Young as their first deal of the window, the Senegalese international could mark the newest addition to follow the freshly-announced Arnaut Danjuma.

How good is Boulaye Dia?

With the persisting injury woes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin having plagued him for a second straight year, the English forward can no longer be relied upon as the sole number nine.

Sean Dyche, as a pragmatic man unwilling to take such a risk, seems to understand that better than any of the recent coaches to have graced the Goodison Park dugout.

As such, Dia would mark a welcome addition to spearhead a new-look front line that now consists of a certain maverick Dutchman at last.

Should these two former Villarreal stars both be welcomed, they could strike up another fine partnership to help fire the famous club to comfortable safety in the same way they aided the Yellow Submarine to the Champions League semi-finals.

After all, Danjuma boasts the necessary danger and creativity to forge plenty of chances for the 26-year-old finisher, who has impressed since moving to Italy. With 16 goals and six assists last season in Serie A, already the forward has showcased his adaptability to switch between leagues.

Just the year prior he had boasted ten goal contributions in LaLiga too, suggesting that the Premier League could be just as easy a conquest.

It was during the 2021/22 campaign that the former AFC Bournemouth dynamo enjoyed his standout year in Spain, recording 16 goals of his own alongside four assists across all competitions. In the league, the 26-year-old would maintain a 6.97 average rating too, buoyed by his 54% dribble success rate and 0.7 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

His dynamism and direct play style would make him a constant threat down either flank, in turn providing space for Dia to work his lethal magic. He managed a prolific 33% goal conversion rate last term in Serie A, which was actually higher than Erling Haaland's in the English top flight.

It is therefore no surprise to see him lauded by many, with journalist Josh Bunting having highlighted a key asset that will undoubtedly have Dyche thrilled:

"Boulaye Dia the key man for Salernitana a goal and two assists so far since joining, a handful to deal with due to his hold up."

With his ability to bring others into play alongside his clinical nature, he could be the man who provides for Danjuma in key areas, later popping up to finish the chances forged by such a dynamic new addition.

Should the Toffees welcome both of these forwards this summer, it poses an exciting prospect for a fanbase starved of any excitement in recent years.

Crystal Palace have received an approach from the agents of Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui to let them know that he will be available this summer, according to reports.

What's the latest on Mazraoui's future?

The Premier League outfit have Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward as their current options at right-back, but with the pair both out of contract at the end of the season, Roy Hodgson will need to enter the market to find suitable replacements should they not extend their stay.

The Moroccan international only arrived at the Allianz Arena in July 2022 on a free transfer from Ajax so still has another three years remaining on his deal.

However, having made just six Bayern league starts before their game against Mainz today, he is significantly low down in the pecking order.

Should the 25-year-old want to receive more regular game time and nail down a starting place next season, he could therefore be tempted to look elsewhere during the upcoming window, and should that be the case, he wouldn’t be short of a potential suitor at Selhurst Park.

According to 90min, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Wolves, Arsenal and West Ham United have all been “alerted” to Mazraoui’s potential availability and are expected to be “kept informed” of how his transfer situation unfolds at Bayern. Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have additionally been “told” that he might be on the lookout for his next destination this summer.

Would Mazraoui be a good signing for Palace?

Crystal Palace have previously been linked with another move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka whose future at United is uncertain, and whilst Mazraoui isn’t as high-profile of a name as the Red Devils right-back, he would be a fantastic acquisition for Hodgson should he sign on the dotted line.

The Adidas-sponsored gem has won over 12 tackles from 17 players challenged this season so is strong in the defensive aspect of his game but is also capable of contributing to efforts at the opposite end of the pitch with 48 goal contributions (26 assists and 22 goals) to his name in over 258 career appearances.

Hailed a “superb” player by football expert Alex Barker, the £135k-per-week full-back will know what it takes to be successful having got his hands on seven senior trophies since bursting onto the professional scene so he would be able to pass on his winning mentality to the rest of the squad at Selhurst Park.

Sunderland's 2022/23 campaign unfortunately came crashing to an end earlier this week as they lost to Luton Town in the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs.

The Black Cats, who were missing the likes of Dennis Cirkin, Danny Batth, and Ross Stewart, lost 3-2 on aggregate and will be playing in the second tier next season.

Tony Mowbray is reportedly set to continue as the head coach and planning is underway for the club to bolster the squad heading into the following year.

It was recently reported that they are interested in a potential swoop to sign Northern Irish attacking midfielder Charlie Lindsay on a free transfer.

Who is Charlie Lindsay?

The 19-year-old talent is a versatile forward who has the potential to score and assist goals on a regular basis and could be an excellent addition to Sunderland.

He is going to be a free agent this summer upon the expiry of his contract with Scottish giants Rangers and Black Cats sporting director Kristjaan Speakman could land Mowbray his dream Alex Pritchard heir by securing a bargain swoop for the gem.

The Northern Ireland U21 international did not make a senior appearance during his time at Ibrox but his form for their academy side suggests that there is a big talent to be unearthed.

Lindsay scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 48 appearances for their B and U19 teams and David Lowry, who was his coach at Glentoran, previously hailed the maestro's attributes in the middle of the park by saying:

"He is a box-to-box midfielder who covers every blade of grass. He is powerful and quick, and his range of passing is first-class. He also knows when to pick a pass, and then he delivers it with precision. He ticks so many boxes as a footballer."

The teenager could be the ideal heir to Pritchard's throne at the Stadium of Light as, like the Englishman, he is a creative player with an eye for goal.

Lindsay, who racked up 12 goals and six assists in 33 games in the Lowland League this season, has not proven himself at first-team level yet but could learn from the ex-Tottenham and Norwich dynamo as he adjusts to playing senior football.

Pritchard, 30, scored four goals and provided six assists in 28 Championship starts in 2022/23 and has been a reliable option for Mowbray to call upon in the no.10 role.

The wizard has the quality to be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch, by breaking down an opposition defence with a pass or finishing off a move himself, and Lindsay's form at youth level for Rangers indicates that he could grow into being a similar player.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering a shock summer swoop to sign Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as a new report reveals the club's concerns over the long-term future of Jose Sa.

How old is Kasper Schmeichel?

Schmeichel is 36 years of age having been on the scene now for almost two decades. He spent 11 years of his career in the Premier League with Leicester City, but eventually he left the King Power Stadium in August 2022 to join Francesco Farioli's side at the Allianz Riviera.

The Denmark international firmly established himself as their official number one following his arrival having started 36 out of the 38 games in Ligue 1 during his debut season, and despite still having another two years remaining on his contract, the shot-stopper has been attracting interest once again in England.

Nottingham Forest are believed to have identified the 6 foot 2 colossus as a suitable alternative to Manchester United’s Dean Henderson should they not be able to secure his services, though if the following update is to be believed, a new competitor has entered the running in the form of Gary O’Neil at Molineux.

Are Wolves signing Kasper Schmeichel?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are "considering a move" for Schmeichel before the end of summer transfer window.

The Old Gold feel that they could be "forced to lose" Sa as a result of needing to balance the books to help with their financial worries, and Nice's goalkeeper is one that Fosun are "keeping tabs" on because they view him as a "ready-made replacment" for their current first choice.

The Premier League's former star is thinking about a return to England, so this could be one to keep a close eye on in the final weeks of the market.

How many clean sheets has Kasper Schmeichel kept?

In Ligue 1 last season, Schmeichel kept 11 clean sheets from 36 games, so even though he’s not getting any younger, he’s still performing at an extremely high level, therefore it’s no surprise that Wolves are contemplating a swoop for the experienced man between the sticks.

Sponsored by New Balance, the shot-stopper also recorded 105 saves from 141 shots on target against, giving him a success rate of 77.3%, via FBRef, which was significantly higher than Sa’s 67.1%, showing that he’d be an upgrade on O’Neil’s current number one.

Nice’s £65k-per-week earner additionally has a strong range of passing having completed 100% of his short passes and 97.4% of his medium attempts last term, showing that he clearly has an eye for picking out balls to his outfield teammates, so for someone who is this well-rounded in terms of being equally strong with his hands and his feet, he's the perfect target for club chiefs to be pursuing.

Finally, Schmeichel, who has been dubbed a goalkeeping “legend” by journalist Josh Bunting, possesses a winning mentality having won five pieces of silverware since the start of his career, so could help to create a positive mindset should he put pen to paper in the Midlands.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana could be the 'most likely' player at Goodison Park to be sold this summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Amadou Onana?

As per The Guardian, Chelsea have emerged as suitors for Onana this summer as they look to add some steel in the middle of the park at Stamford Bridge.

The report states that the £100k-a-week ace could be a natural replacement for veteran Chelsea anchorman N'Golo Kante, who is set to move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad at the end of the month.

Manchester United have also been monitoring Onana's situation as Erik Ten Hag seeks to add some more power to his options in the engine room and the Dutchman has signalled his intention to bring the Belgium international to Old Trafford, as per Football Insider.

Everton will play hardball with any sides that are keen on Onana and may demand up to £60 million in order to give themselves a platform for Sean Dyche to rebuild his squad this window, according to claims from the same outlet.

Financial difficulties have engulfed the Toffees of late and it is believed that they are 'under pressure' to sell Onana due to being in 'special measures' with the Premier League as a consequence of accumulating losses of over £370 million in a three-year period, as cited by The Daily Mail.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that Onana is one of the 'most likely' players to depart Everton this summer.

Brown said: "We still really haven't heard exactly what the player himself wants to do. I'd like to hear from Onana whether he really is committed to Everton for the long term or whether he does fancy a move to another club. That's the big question mark here. He didn't really pull up any trees the last few weeks of the season.

"You don't really want to be see your club sell any of its regular first team players… but if it comes to it, I think he's probably the most likely one to go."

Would losing Amadou Onana come as a blow to Everton?

In all likelihood, yes it would, seeing as Onana enjoyed a promising debut campaign as an Everton player and helped them to maintain their league status in the English top-flight.

In 2022/23, the 21-year-old made 35 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, registering one goal and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Onana also stood strong in the tackle across the season and successfully averaged 2.2 successful challenges per match in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

FBRef show that he also had the capacity to get forward from deeper positions and support his teammates, laying on 45 shot-creating actions in total.

Everton will want to keep hold of Onana this summer; however, it may be difficult given the calibre of side keen on taking him off their hands.

Newcastle United have already started to add quality new additions to their impressive squad this summer with Sandro Tonali confirmed, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of another transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Harvey Barnes?

According to The Telegraph's football news correspondent Matt Law, Newcastle are "closing in" on a deal for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.

In an article for the publication, the journalist reveals that Newcastle are beating West Ham United and Aston Villa to the signing of the forward this summer with the Magpies hoping to pay a transfer fee of £35m to secure his signature this summer.

It is further claimed that Barnes has been a long-standing prospect identified as a top target by Eddie Howe with the player keen to join Newcastle and a bid is expected to be tabled over the next few days.

What position does Harvey Barnes play?

Howe will be thrilled with the rapid progress his squad has made during his first 18 months in charge at the Tyneside club, however, now with Champions League football secured, there is definitely an opportunity and demand to add important depth to key roles.

Whilst competing on the elite European stage will play a huge part in Newcastle's campaign, the club and supporters will be desperate to seal some silverware after coming incredibly close in the League Cup final at Wembley against Manchester United last season and suffering a drought in major trophies since 1955.

As a result, the signing of Barnes could be a great opportunity for Newcastle to strengthen their wide options in the attacking threat and the recently relegated winger could be the perfect player to work alongside Alexander Isak to boost goal contributions and consistency in front of goal in all competitions next season.

Despite being unable to fight off a drop into the Championship last season, the 25-year-old – once hailed a "livewire" by pundit Alan Hutton – has been a consistent and reliable performer on the left side of the forward line for the Foxes, tallying up 45 goals and 32 assists over 187 appearances, with a goal contribution every 164 minutes.

Now the Newcastle squad and especially Isak could benefit from Barnes' keen eye for goal-scoring opportunities with more goals scored last season (13), more shots on target per 90 (1.13) and more goals per shot (1.13) than any of Howe's current crop of wingers, as per FBref.

Isak has been a revelation at St James' Park and has quickly cemented himself as a fan favourite at the North East club with his undeniable pace and finishing abilities playing a vital role in the club's Champions League qualification – as he netted ten goals in just 22 league games last term – so having a player who can provide the killer ball into the box would offer him even more opportunities to score next season.

With that being said, the signing of Barnes would be a great piece of business for Newcastle in their pursuit to compete at the highest level across all competitions next season and if the winger can have the desired impact by forming a partnership with Isak, there is no doubt that they would be an unstoppable threat.

After losing Declan Rice, David Moyes' main two goals would have been to strengthen his West Ham United side using the reported £105m gained from the sale to Arsenal, and avoid any other major exit. With the summer transfer window closed, the former Manchester United boss can comfortably place two bold ticks in both boxes.

The Hammers have welcomed some big names, like Mohammed Kudus, whilst keeping hold of players linked with a move away, such as Lucas Paqueta. When it comes to departures though, the desire of the player can be crucial, and Moyes got a first-hand glimpse at that in the summer, with reports emerging that a West Ham star had ample opportunity to leave the club in the summer transfer window.

The player in question opted to repay the manager's faith in him, however, and now a report may have revealed the two unnamed Premier League clubs reportedly chasing his signature.

What's the latest West Ham United transfer news?

Reports suggest that West Ham did well to lose only Rice in the summer transfer window, and have had their stubborn nature in the market repaid ever since, remaining unbeaten in four Premier League games.

One player they did particularly well to keep a hold of is Nayef Aguerd. According to Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, the defender received offers from Saudi Arabia and two unnamed mystery suitors, but rejected every offer, opting to repay the faith that Moyes showed in him during his debut season at the club.

It now seems as though the two unnamed European clubs could have been revealed. According to The Sun, via West Ham Zone, both Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring the centre-back, as they look to improve their defensive options. With that said, it wouldn't be a shock if the two unnamed suitors who provided Aguerd with an offer over the summer turned out to be the two Premier League giants.

How has Nayef Aguerd performed so far this season?

After struggling to stay fit during his debut season at the club, missing a total of 22 games for West Ham, some may have been worried about the lack of impact that Aguerd was having at the London Stadium.

With four games gone this season, however, those doubters have been silenced. The Morrocon has featured in three of the Hammers' four Premier League games, and was on course for a perfect start until he received his marching orders in a victory over Chelsea after he initially scored the opening goal.

Back from suspension, Aguerd will face his toughest test yet this season, up against Manchester City, but, given the form he and his side have shown, a shock may well be on the cards.

It's a major credit to the work that Moyes has done that their game against City is a top of the table clash which could see the London club climb top of the Premier League table, if only temporarily. There's no doubt that Aguerd will be at the centre of that result should it take place after repaying Moyes' faith this season.

The Antonio Conte regime at Tottenham Hotspur was brought to an end last month, with chairman Daniel Levy taking the decision to part ways with the experienced Italian with just a matter of weeks left to run until the end of the season, following a turbulent few months at N17.

Aside from the obvious frustration over results – including tame exits in the FA Cup and Champions League – a further factor in the 53-year-old's dismissal may well have been his inability to hand chances to the club's young talent, with the Daily Mail having reported that the Lilywhites' youth staff had become 'disillusioned' due to the lack of a clear pathway into the first-team.

That bewilderment with regard to Conte's unwillingness to promote from within the club undoubtedly stems from the fact there are a number of exciting gems just waiting for a chance to shine, including clinical marksman, Jamie Donley and fellow teenager, Jaden Williams.

Aside from that notable duo, another youngster who could also be a potential star of the future is 21-year-old, Jamie Bowden, with the midfielder said to be "rated highly" by the north London outfit, according to journalist Adam Millington.

Who is Tottenham's Jamie Bowden?

One of the more 'senior' figures in the academy ranks, there will come a point at which young Bowden may well have missed the boat with regard to earning a regular place in the first-team set-up, having notably endured a campaign hampered by an ankle injury so far this season.

That being said, however, the former Republic of Ireland youth international is clearly well-regarded by those at the club having even been named on the bench for the Premier League clash with Newcastle United just over a year ago, having also scored once and provided five assists in the first half of last season on loan at then-League Two outfit Oldham Athletic.

Club insider John Wenham is among those who have a particular fondness for the midfielder's talents, with the respected source having even likened the Middlesex-born gem to ex-Spurs star Michael Carrick, while also revealing how much the playmaker was admired by former boss, Mauricio Pochettino:

"He’s a deep-lying playmaker. The most similar player I have seen to him in recent years is Michael Carrick. He sits right in that holding midfield role and has a brilliant eye for a pass. Poch loved him and called him up to train with the first team a few times."

That likeness to Carrick bodes well for the impact that Bowden could potentially make for Tottenham in the years to come, with the current Middlesbrough boss having previously racked up 75 appearances for the club after signing from rivals West Ham United in the summer of 2004.

Like the emerging gem, Carrick was a truly gifted operator in a deep-lying role in front of the back four, having been lauded as a "complete" player by Spain legend, Xavi Hernandez, while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also previously said of his talents: "He’s one of the best holding midfielders I’ve ever seen in my life, by far."

That comparison between the pair can also be made by the fact that while neither man is prolific, they both also possess the knack for the spectacular, with the former Manchester United man memorably scoring a stunner for the Red Devils against Roma back in 2007, while the current Tottenham ace produced a "world-class" finish for Oldham against Exeter City last season, as per podcaster Chris Cowlin.

To think that Spurs could possibly have a natural successor to the now-retired maestro in the form of Bowden is a truly exciting prospect, with the hope being that the £2.1k-per-week sensation can overcome his previous "bad injuries" – as per Wenham – and earn a chance to shine at senior level.

Steven Gerrard could prove to be an unpopular choice as Leeds United's new manager among supporters, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

Is Gerrard a front-runner for Leeds job?

The 43-year-old had an unsuccessful spell at Aston Villa earlier in the season, eventually being replaced by Unai Emery, who has ultimately showed him up with a much improved run of results.

Since then, Gerrard has been out of management, instead doing some punditry, but he has emerged as one of the favourites to become Leeds' next boss.

The Whites continue to look for the perfect man to come in and turn their fortunes around, with Championship football coming their way in 2023/24, following a bitterly disappointing Premier League campaign that culminated in relegation.

Gerrard is far from guaranteed the Leeds job, but he is certainly in the conversation, and it is an appointment that could split opinion, should it end up coming to fruition.

Is the jury out on Gerrard to Leeds?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Taylor admitted that Gerrard's failed spell at Villa could make him an unpopular choice, even though he sees benefits behind the appointment:

"I do think Gerrard would be a decent fit. I know that might not be popular among some supporters because of what happened at Villa, but I think it's a different kind of job now. It's a project and something to build.

"I know that was the case at Villa, but their squad was so strong that it's not entirely surprising where they ended up finishing, although I know Unai Emery has done a great job.

"When Gerrard went to Rangers, he built, reasonably, from scratch. I think that's the sort of environment he would be walking into at Leeds as well, so I quite like those appointments. I think Ruben Selles would be a good option as well, but I've not seen any kind of links to Leeds."

There is understandable trepidation when it comes to Leeds potentially appointing Gerrard, given the manner in which things petered out at Villa, following a fairly promising start.

He is yet to properly prove himself in the Premier League or the Championship – he did win the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers, in fairness, which was a great achievement – so it would be more risky than someone like Daniel Farke or Scott Parker, both of whom have achieved that goal, both earning promotion from the latter.

That being said, Gerrard is still a young manager who could end up having a bright future in that aspect of football – his legendary status as a player is undisputed, but that doesn't automatically make you a great boss – so bringing him in certainly wouldn't be a disaster.