All posts by n8rngtd.top

Manchester United target Jan Oblak may not be planning to move to the Premier League ‘just yet’, according to transfer insider Dean Jones for GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Evening Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella reported that Erik ten Hag’s side hold an ‘interest’ in the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper ahead of next summer’s transfer window.

United’s current first-choice stopper David de Gea is out of contract at the end of the season, so the Red Devils must either try to agree an extension for him or find a replacement.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that sources in Spain had expressed scepticism over the prospect of Oblak joining United in the near future. He points out that the Slovenian is under contract at the Wanda Metropolitano for another six years, having only signed an extension in July.

Jones stated: “In England, it keeps being reported that clubs are interested in Oblak, but when you speak to people in Spain, they don’t quite see it that way.

“He’s got a long time left on his contract, and people keep talking about the fact he’d love to test himself in the Premier League. As I say, people in Spain feel like this might be a bit premature, and he might not come just yet.”

He scores goals galore! Pay homage to one of his best with this amazing t-shirt! Click here to buy…

The verdict

United should think twice about moving for Oblak in any case.

Over the past year, he has actually underperformed from a shot-stopping point view, ranking in just the 36th percentile among goalkeepers in Europe’s big five leagues for this metric.

De Gea’s distribution has been derided as ‘poor’ by The Athletic’s Maram AlBaharna, but Oblak may not solve that problem.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates-7/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He isn’t a goalkeeper who plays a lot of short passes, ranking in the 89th percentile for passes which travel 40 yards-plus.

While he is a more proactive sweeper than De Gea, he’s still below average in this department, so United perhaps ought to be looking elsewhere for the Spaniard’s long-term successor at Old Trafford.

Chelsea’s injury woes have taken a turn for the worse as reporter Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian shares some team news.

The Lowdown: Potter off to flying start…

Graham Potter’s side take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday with the former Brighton boss remaining unbeaten over his first five in all competitions.

Chelsea go into the clash at Villa Park with real momentum and currently sit in the league’s top four, not to mention top of their Champions League group.

However, mounting injury problems have dealt Potter some issues to resolve behind-the-scenes, not least their latest problem around in-form right-back Reece James.

The Latest: Kante out ‘for a while’ amid James worries…

The England defender is now a doubt for Gareth Southgate’s 2022 World Cup squad and Steinberg says Chelsea are ‘also set to be without’ a big name player in N’Golo Kante for quite some time.

Steinberg explained, sharing his latest news for The Guardian (via Twitter):

“Updated story on Reece James being in doubt for the World Cup. Chelsea also set to be without Kante and Fofana for a while.”

The Verdict: Blow for Potter…

The France international hasn’t played since their 2-2 draw at home to Spurs in mid-August and it looks like supporters may not see him back on the grass before Qatar.

Kante’s deal expires in 2023 and doubts now surround over whether he could extend his stay in west London, with Potter now given a headache over the former Leicester star.

As Chelsea look to either mount a title challenge, or at least remain in the top four, Potter will be hoping he can make a return from his hamstring problem to play a role over the second half of 2022/2023.

Mauricio Pochettino looks to continue his overhaul of the Chelsea squad this summer by adding to the two signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, however this time he will be bolstering his midfield options having already lost N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer as talks have been held with Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Is Romeo Lavia heading to Chelsea?

Graeme Bailey of 90min provided an update regarding the chase of Lavia, saying: “Romeo Lavia is emerging as one of this summer's most in-demand players.

“Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all held talks, whilst former club Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle are being kept informed.

“Southampton want £50m…”

The fee shouldn’t represent too much of a problem, especially considering the money they have raised via player sales so far and with Pochettino lacking depth in the heart of the midfield, Lavia wouldn’t just be a signing for the future, but a player who could stake a claim for a first team place straight away.

Could Romeo Lavia become the heir to N’Golo Kante?

Following a lacklustre 12th place finish in the Premier League last term, their worst since 1993/94, there is plenty of change at Stamford Bridge this summer as Pochettino looks to assert his own authority on the team which certainly has the talent to be challenging for honours.

The onus will be on him to find a perfect heir for Kante, with the Frenchman departing the Premier League by joining Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Ittihad after seven fruitful years at the Blues, which include a Champions League crown and Premier League title among other trophies.

The Frenchman flourished in a defensive midfield slot for the Stamford Bridge side, making nearly 300 appearances during his spell at the club and his debut campaign saw the midfielder complete 53.8 accurate passes per game along with making 3.6 tackles per match, ranking him as second and first in the squad, showing just how effective he was across these metrics as Chelsea won another league title.

These have been the hallmarks of a great career, as the 32-year-old is able to circulate the ball extremely well while also using his tackling abilities to good use as he remained an immovable force at the heart of the midfield.

Lavia could certainly follow in his footsteps, no doubt about it as he embodies a few of the traits which made the former Leicester City star such a wonderful player.

He made 2.1 tackles per game for the Saints last term, the second most in the squad, and it would also rank him fifth in the Chelsea squad, indicating how useful his dogged nature would be to Pochettino next term.

Although Lavia made just 29.5 accurate passes per game, this would surely increase in a Chelsea side which would look to dominate the ball for long periods of time, further enriching himself as the player who could take over the mantle from Kante.

Lauded as an “absolute monster” following yet another solid performance last season by journalist Benjy Nurick, it’s clear that Pochettino should be going all out to secure his signature this summer.

West Ham United summer signing Gianluca Scamacca is ‘working hard’ after his arrival from Sassuolo, according to reporter Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Scamacca shining for West Ham…

The Italy international has been impressing when given the chance by manager David Moyes, particularly in the Europa Conference League, in which Scamacca has scored in four out of his team’s six games (including play-off round).

In seeking to make his debut Premier League season a successful one, the former Sassuolo striker has also netted in two of his last three top-flight matches.

The 23-year-old has shown signs of real promise in claret and blue, with Moyes now given the pleasant selection headache of consistently rotating between him and previous mainstay Michail Antonio.

The Latest: Jones praises Scamacca…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones noted that Scamacca seems highly motivated to prove himself in England and is “working hard” to that effect.

He explained: “Scamacca seems so motivated to be a success. I mean, he’s working hard. Even when things don’t come off for him, he’s trying hard to go again and make things happen.

“He’s a really useful player. He’s bouncing off the atmosphere, too. I think he’s just loving life in the Premier League and being at this level.”

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

The Verdict: Good to hear…

This claim can only come as good news for West Ham and Moyes as they attempt to maintain their place among England’s best clubs challenging for Europe.

Scamacca is perhaps setting an example for other players in the squad with his apparent work ethic, and it’s exactly what Moyes would’ve wanted from the Italian when finally bringing an end to his long, drawn-out search for a centre-forward alternative to Antonio.

After a change of heart, former Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick is back in advanced talks with Middlesbrough to become their new manager, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Lowdown: Carrick off?

As per BBC journalist Simon Stone on October 11, the 41-year-old former midfielder opted out after talks with the Teeside club over the vacant managerial role, concluding it was not the right time for him to return to football.

Previously, Carrick worked as the assistant manager at Man United between July 2018 and November 2021, before assuming the role as the side’s caretaker manager after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Latest: Advanced talks

Downie has now shared a fresh update on Boro’s manager search, revealing a major U-turn with their ‘preferred candidate’.

Taking to Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter claimed:

“Michael Carrick is in advanced talks to take over at Middlesbrough, as per reports elsewhere. The former Man United midfielder is now the preferred candidate following a clutch of interviews last week. Boro play Wigan & Huddersfield this week & sit 22nd in Champ.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

With Chris Wilder’s dismissal coming after five defeats in the side’s opening 11 Championship games this season, Boro currently sit in the relegation zone in 22nd place.

Therefore, with talks having prolonged over a two-week period, it is imperative the club secure their next manager as soon as possible, as a major direction change is needed at The Riverside Stadium.

Recommended to Boro chairman Steve Gibson by England manager Gareth Southgate, presenter EFL David Prutton has hailed Carrick for his ‘very good reputation’ in the game.

If he really is their top candidate, the Teesiders must try and get the deal done ahead of the side’s weekend fixture against Huddersfield.

The Guardian reporter Ed Aarons has been reacting to Crystal Palace’s interest in Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo.

The Lowdown: Palace rumours

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon stated that Dougie Freedman watched the Ghana international in action last month, and speculation of a move has continued in recent weeks.

Football League World have since claimed that the Eagles are considering a double swoop for Semenyo and Tommy Conway. The Bristol City attacking pair appear to be catching the eye at Selhurst Park, and Aarons has been reacting to the rumours specifically regarding the former.

The Latest: Aarons’ comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Aarons labelled Semenyo a ‘very exciting forward’ and stated that he knows Palace have had a look at him in the past. However, the reporter added that the 22-year-old is facing a fight to make the Ghana squad for the World Cup next month.

Aarons said: “Semenyo is an interesting one. He was born in London but has got Ghanaian heritage and he has decided to play for them.

“He is a very exciting forward and I know they have definitely had a look at him in the past. I think it’s one where they’re just keeping an eye on him.

“It’s going to be a fight for him to get in the Ghana team. They’ve got quite a few options up front now.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Palace have had great success in the past in signing the best young players in the Championship and giving them opportunities to shine in the Premier League.

Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise are prime examples, so Semenyo could well follow suit. He appears to be a player of interest for a while and enjoyed a career-best campaign last year, contributing to 20 goals in the second tier.

The 22-year-old’s contract is set to expire next summer, and although Bristol City have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, Palace may look to take full advantage in the New Year, making this one to watch for the Selhurst Park faithful.

Liverpool could be looking to bring in at least two new midfielders during the January transfer window or next summer, according to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Lowdown: Midfield woes for Liverpool

The Reds are having a disastrous season in the Premier League, with Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds United a new low point in the campaign.

While numerous areas of the pitch are a concern, the midfield has been the Reds’ biggest weakness, with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson looking past their best, and simply nowhere near enough energy and intensity on show in general.

Not signing a midfielder in the summer (barring injured loanee Arthur) was seen as a grave error, and it is an issue which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

The Latest: Double midfield swoop eyed

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Chorianopoulos – editor in chief of Greek outlet Sportime – claimed that Liverpool are eyeing up a couple of midfield additions in January and next summer.

He tweeted:

“Liverpool are considering to sign at least two midfielders in January/summer 2023. One DMF and one CMF (Bellingham priority) at the minimum.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/https-www-footballtransfertavern-com-liverpool-fc-news-liverpool-premier-league-mohamed-salah-news-updates-klopp/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Exactly what’s needed

It has reached the stage where if Liverpool don’t sign at least one midfielder in the next transfer window, their season really could capitulate even further.

That’s how big an issue the middle of the park is right now, with too many players ageing, or the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones still raw footballers learning their trade.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398089″]

A couple of signings would add some much-needed freshness in midfield, which has been blighted by injuries this season, and take the burden off struggling individuals.

A shake-up in this department could help to transform Liverpool’s season in the process.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier are fine to play for Newcastle United at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup tonight.

The Lowdown: Southampton scares

Both players came off in the 4-1 win at Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, with Wilson substituted at half-time.

Howe confirmed after the game that the 30-year-old was feeling ‘light-headed’ after being unwell during the week, while Trippier received treatment after a knock at the end of the first half.

The Latest: Both players are fine

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference on Tuesday morning ahead of Newcastle’s match against Palace at St James’ Park tonight, Howe has confirmed that Wilson is ‘OK’ after falling ill over the last few days.

The manager said of the ex-Bournemouth striker: “He’s OK. He’s been ill for a few days so he’s a little bit run down but we’ll see how he is again today.”

Howe also added that there are ‘no problems’ with Trippier and that he only decided to take the defender off against the Saints as a precaution, stating: “There’s no problems with Kieran. It always looks more than it is when the physio comes onto the pitch, but he came out second-half and he was fine. As I said after the game it was my decision to take him off.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Start them both

It is always tempting for managers to rotate the squad significantly for matches in the Carabao Cup, as Everton did on Tuesday night by making 11 changes for their game at Bournemouth.

Frank Lampard’s side duly crashed out of the competition, showing how risky it is for clubs if their managers make too many changes to the team, so the Magpies should not be looking to follow the same path.

With the break for the World Cup starting in less than a week, Howe should be looking to field as strong a team as possible against Premier League opposition in Palace, in order to give Newcastle the best possible chance of going through to the fourth round.

They have not won a major trophy in more than 60 years and could have a very good chance of going all the way based on their current form.

Therefore, Howe should be looking to play at least some of his regulars against the Eagles, and both Wilson and Trippier will no doubt be eager to impress ahead of the England World Cup squad announcement on Thursday.

An early piece of team news has emerged ahead of Glasgow Rangers’ clash with St Mirren in the Premiership this afternoon…

What’s the latest?

Light Blues manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Ryan Jack will play a part in the game after missing the last eight matches with a calf injury.

He told reporters, via the club’s official Twitter account:

“It’s been a busy period for everyone involved in football at the moment. You are seeing a lot of teams at the highest level struggling with injuries and the packed schedule ahead of the World Cup.”

The head coach then added:

“Ryan Jack will be involved in the squad tomorrow, it should also be beneficial for him to get minutes with Scotland.”

Big boost

This piece of early team news is a big boost for van Bronckhorst heading into the trip to St Mirren in the final Premiership match before the World Cup break.

Coincidentally, Jack’s last appearance for Rangers in the Scottish top-flight was the 4-0 win over today’s opponents at Ibrox back at the start of October.

He dominated the Saints on that occasion as he put in a fantastic performance in the middle of the park, earning a SofaScore rating of 7.6. The Scotland international won four of his five individual duels, making three tackles and one clearance, whilst also completing 91% of his attempted passes and creating two chances for his teammates, also per SofaScore.

Jack’s last outing for the Gers in any competition was the 7-1 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League when he registered an assist for Scott Arfield’s ultimately irrelevant opening goal.

He has proven himself to be an instrumental player for the Light Blues when he has been available for selection in recent years. Last season, the midfield maestro averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.92 across nine appearances in the Europa League – making 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game and completing 84% of his passes on the club’s way to the final of the competition.

However, injury issues have been his downfall in the last two seasons as he missed 69 competitive games between the start of 2020/21 and the end of 2021/22. Jack needs to remain consistent in terms of his availability in order for the manager to benefit from his evident quality on the pitch more often.

The Scottish metronome has proven, with his aforementioned statistics, that he has the ability to put in impressive performances in the Premiership and in Europe, and that is why having him in contention to feature against St Mirren is a big boost for van Bronckhorst.

Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League, leaving them rooted bottom of the table as the domestic season heads into the midseason break for the World Cup.

Arsenal arrived at Molineux hoping to secure yet another win and extend their advantage at the top of the league to five points and a Martin Odegaard double secured all three points for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Wolves did look lively in the first half, but their goalscoring woes haunted them yet again as they couldn’t breach the Arsenal rear guard and the match was all square heading into the interval.

The second half saw the north London side kick into gear and score twice through Odegaard and Arteta will no doubt be pleased his side will be top of the table come Christmas.

The Old Gold had far too many passengers, however, with Nelson Semedo – who lost possession 11 times in 68 minutes – one of the many who let Davis down last night.

The interim manager will surely regret sticking with Joao Moutinho however, with the 36-year-old putting in yet another poor performance for the club.

The midfielder was substituted after 68 minutes last night having contributed just 27 passes during his time on the pitch, failing to demonstrate his experience and assert any authority in the match.

With just 38 touches, it appeared he was happy being a passenger, while he was caught in possession six times. New manager Julen Lopetegui was in the stands and will have been keeping a close eye on the players he believes can play a big part in saving them from relegation, but after tonight, Moutinho looks unlikely to be one of them.

Defensively, he only made one tackle and one interception, while showcasing his lack of pace by being dribbled past twice. Thus, it’s abundantly clear that his influence is waning in the Wolves starting XI.

When he failed to make the Portugal squad for their matches back in September, Zach Lowy dubbed him “dispensable” for the national side.

With his recent performances, might he be deemed the same for his club too? It certainly feels that way. The incoming Spaniard will have plenty to ponder during the winter break, that’s for sure.