All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a shock move for their former player Gini Wijnaldum.

The Lowdown: Developing story…

TEAMtalk reported last month that the St James’ Park oufit are eyeing a shock return for the Dutchman and are ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Magpies have ‘made it clear’ that they would be interested in signing him, should he be made available in the January transfer window.

It would be a sensational swoop for a player who had a remarkable sole season on Tyneside, with 11 goals and a further five assists from midfield as he played in every single match of their 2015/16 Premier League campaign (Transfermarkt).

Unfortunately, the Netherlands international could not do enough to help his team avoid relegation to the Championship, which is ultimately a big reason why he left to join Liverpool after just one year in the northeast.

The Latest: Contact made

As per AS, Newcastle are the first club to have shown interest in signing Wijnaldum, who wants to leave Paris already, and he has made known his desire to return to the Premier League.

According to sources close to the 31-year-old, there has already been contact made with the Magpies over a potential move, meaning that the ball could already be rolling come January.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Wijnaldum has already shown what he can do in front of the Toon Army, so a deal to bring him back is surely a no-brainer.

Since moving on from Newcastle, he became a won both the Premier League and Champions League, showing that he can perform on the big stage. Indeed, Geordie legend Alan Shearer dubbed him an ‘absolutely sensational’ player back in 2018.

Signing him would be one way for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium to get the fans on their side straight away, as he would certainly be a popular addition among many at St James’ Park, and he would give Eddie Howe that extra bit of experience and quality to give his Newcastle side the best possible chance of avoiding relegation.

In other news, Howe is also lining up this ‘brilliant’ EFL maestro for Newcastle

With just one win in their past 13 Premier League games and a dismal 2-1 defeat against relegation strugglers Norwich City at the weekend, Rafa Benitez’s time in charge of Everton was brought to an end, leaving the Toffees in 16th place in the league table and on the hunt for a new manager.

In terms of who could come in as the next figure to try and steady the ship, it seems as though Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has one name in mind to come in and replace Benitez and try and get the Toffees’ season back on the rails.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Athletic by Everton journalist Patrick Boyland and Greg O’Keeffe, the Merseyside club have identified former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre as a potential candidate to take the reins at Goodison Park.

During his stint in charge of Dortmund between July 2018 and December 2020, Favre took charge of 110 matches across all competitions, winning 68, drawing 17 and losing 25, which is an impressive record to have.

The 64-year-old has had spells at other German clubs such as Hertha BSC and Borussia Monchengladbach as well as having a period in charge of French club OGC Nice and FC Zurich in his native country of Switzerland, highlighting the experience he has in management.

Even though he hasn’t had a job since leaving Dortmund, this would give Everton the opportunity to get him to Goodison quicker than potentially any other manager they see as a possible candidate for the job that is currently working at another club.

In his own words, Favre has said in the past that his players “have to be ready to suffer in training,” suggesting just how much he expects from them. That could be just what Everton need to get the right attitude and work ethic in the squad that can deliver strong performances and positive results on the pitch.

After all, Benitez clearly didn’t get the most from his players but a stern coach such as Favre appears to fit the bill.

Moving forward, Everton should definitely make an approach to the Swiss boss in the coming days and weeks if they haven’t already to see if he would be willing to test his managerial abilities in the Premier League with a side that need a big change in fortunes before the end of the current campaign.

In other news: “As things stand”: Fabrizio Romano drops fresh EFC manager claim, fans surely relieved – opinion

A number of Aston Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts on the club’s reported interest in Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia.

According to The Sun, cited by Birmingham Live, Dean Smith is keen to move for the Argentine, who is ‘a top summer transfer target’. Buendia played a key role in helping the Canaries return to the top flight at the first time of asking this season, scoring 14 times and registering 17 assists in 37 Championship appearances.

Should he move to Villa Park, he could become another creative outlet, which appears to be needed at this moment in time.

It looks as if Villa have lost their attacking spark without Jack Grealish. The club captain has been ruled out through injury in each of Villa’s last 10 games, with Smith’s side picking up just nine points out of a possible 30 during that time.

Norwich reportedly value Buendia at £40m, with the 24-year-old still having more than three years remaining on his Carrow Road deal.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the report regarding Buendia on Twitter, asking fans if they would like to see the creative star at Villa Park. These Villa fans were delighted at the update, with one describing the Argentine as a ‘cracking’ player.

“Buendia and Jacky G creating chances for Watkins and Tammy. Who would stop us?”

Credit: @TraoreTheKing

“Do it @AVFCOfficial”

Credit: @Jxckkss

“Cracking player, unfortunately he will stay at Norwich as they are PL team next season”

Credit: @deniswhite1114

“Get him in straight away.”

Credit: @_Symmo

“I’d take this baller over Cantwell any day of the week”

Credit: @OP4C

“Yes please”

Credit: @raffsteveraff

In other news: ‘So weird’ – Many Villa fans fume at what’s happened to Grealish now, find out more here. 

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes there could be a shock twist on the future of Liverpool striker Divock Origi. 

The lowdown: Italy bound?

The 27-year-old, who once again endeared himself to the Anfield faithful with another Merseyside derby goal on Sunday, is widely expected to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires.

Recently, reputable journalist James Pearce admitted that an amicable departure was imminent with Serie A giants AC Milan the favourites to sign the popular Belgian frontman, with some reports even claiming an agreement will be found in Milan this week.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-30/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, a fresh update has emerged claiming it’s not too late for all parties to perform a major U-turn…

The latest: Jones makes claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones suggested there remains a possibility that Origi will still be plying his trade on Merseyside next season due to the ‘massive moments’ he produces.

“There’s loads of clubs that are a good potential fit for Origi, but I think it’s also going to depend on what he wants at this stage of his career.

“Whatever you say or think of him and whether he’s good enough to be in that Liverpool team, he has had some massive moments in a Liverpool shirt and he continues to have them.

“Jurgen Klopp absolutely loves him. If Klopp tells him he still has a role for him in that squad, I’d be surprised to see him leave.”

The verdict: Time has come

Seemingly on the brink of an exit for a number of transfer windows now, the prospect of keeping Origi and in turn offering the 32-cap Belgium ace a new deal is surely out of the question.

Albeit a man of multiple memorable moments, not least against the seven goals scored against cross-park rivals Everton, the striker who was hailed as ‘very unique’ by Jermaine Jenas has missed out on five Premier League match-day squads entirely in 2022 alone, suggesting he is not even a major option off the bench.

Despite a noteworthy return of nine direct goal contributions in 16 fleeting outings this season and well-established cult hero status on the Kop, the best option now for all parties would be a move away this summer.

In other news, a key Liverpool update has emerged regarding a superstar player. Read more here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to a post regarding a possible permanent swoop for on-loan midfielder Ross Barkley.

According to Football Insider, Villa chief executive Christian Purslow is spearheading a permanent move for the 27-year-old, with the Blues wanting £35m for his full-time services.

Dean Smith is reportedly yet to be convinced over a potential club-record deal this summer, with Barkley failing to start any of the club’s last four Premier League games, despite Jack Grealish missing those fixtures with a leg issue.

Football Insider went on to add that Villa paid Chelsea a huge £11m fee to take Barkley to the Midlands for the 2020/21 season.

The Blues paid Everton just over £15m for the England international back in 2018 – meaning Villa have handed Chelsea 66% of that deal three years ago just for a loan spell.

@AbsoluteChelsea shared Football Insider’s update, specifically on the £11m reveal, which led to these Villa fans giving their views. One even labelled the fee as ‘farcical’.

Villa fans react

“Farcical…”

Credit: @seb_mannell

“Yikes”

Credit: @_CJAV

“Pain.”

Credit: @georgeprokopa

“Nobody pays that kind of fee without a option too buy which we don’t have, absolute rubbish UTV”

Credit: @Dean41210127

“Nah no way”

Credit: @momoislam96

“It’s called wages….”

Credit: @BandanaSavos

In other news: Many Villa fans have been left fuming with a specific pre-Spurs annoucement, find out more here. 

Aston Villa would be risking Dean Smith’s wrath by selling Douglas Luiz this summer amid a recent transfer update.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old has pretty much been a permanent fixture in Dean Smith’s side since making the switch to Villa Park, already making 76 appearances for the first-team, including playing 33 out of the 38 Premier League games last season.

His form even earned him international honours, picking up his first couple of senior caps for Brazil, and so it’s been no surprise then that his market value has absolutely sky-rocketed, now standing at £31.5m according to Transfermarkt.

Now, BBC Sport claim that Serie A giants AS Roma are interested in signing Luiz this summer, amid the Italian side’s offer for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka being rejected.

Dean Smith would be fuming

While Southampton star James Ward-Prowse would be an upgrade on Luiz, selling the Brazilian outright this summer would be a foolish mistake by the Villa hierarchy.

Speaking last summer, The Athletic journalist Gregg Evans, said of him: “He’s an absolute joy to watch now and I never thought I would be saying that. Villa have got a fantastic player in Douglas Luiz now, he looks like an absolute star, he could have played in that Man United team.

“He was better than (Paul) Pogba, I thought. I thought he was brilliant, hardly did anything wrong, hardly put a foot wrong. He won so many interceptions and made so many important blocks. When he gets the ball, he passes it nicely. He’s the best player in that Villa team at the moment because it’s just not working for John McGinn.”

Given the fact he played such an integral role in Villa’s superb Premier League campaign last season, it would be absurd for the club to let him go, especially without any replacements having been signed first.

If Ward-Prowse does arrive, then perhaps the argument changes about potentially cashing in on him and recouping some money, but the fact is, with the owners supposedly backing Smith to the hilt in the transfer market, there should be no need to sell.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news” title=”Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

Luiz has been a regular starter for Smith, and the Villa boss would surely be fuming were the club to sell him to Roma.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped an update on this Villa man…

Tottenham legend Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that his former club should not have sold Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid.

Trippier joined Diego Simeone’s side back in 2019 for £20m and has since gone on to help them become La Liga champions.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have really struggled. Following Trippier’s departure, the north London outfit have finished sixth and seventh place in the Premier League, missing out on Champions League football as a result.

Ultimately, for Roberts, letting the 30-year-old right-back go was a mistake. On the subject, he told FFC:

“I wouldn’t have let him go. He was the best right-back we had. When Kyle Walker went, he took over and was very, very good.

“He’s gone on to Atletico Madrid and won the league there, so we just seem to let our good players go and they go and win the league.”

In hindsight, selling Trippier does look like it was a mistake. The England international has been excellent under Simeone, which clearly has not gone unnoticed.

Last week, speaking after his surprise inclusion at left-back against Croatia, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate claimed Trippier had become a “defensive animal”.

Indeed, in both an England and Atletico shirt, Trippier has undoubtedly proven himself and shown Spurs they have perhaps slipped up.

Issa Diop came close to costing West Ham United the win as David Moyes’ side held on to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 on Monday night.

The Irons stormed out of the blocks to claim a three-goal lead before half-time for the second successive Premier League game, but would have feared a repeat of the 3-3 Arsenal draw when Leander Dendoncker pulled one back.

Fabio Silva later set up a nervy finish for Moyes’ men when he drilled home Wolves’ second, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s team could not find another way past Lukasz Fabianski and the Hammers clinched three vital points.

West Ham now sit fourth in the Premier League standings and are in control of their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, while a win over Leicester City this Sunday can see the London Stadium natives close the gap to third to a single point.

Moyes will have been nervous of the Irons letting slip another three-goal lead when Dendoncker and Silva struck home for Wolves, having seen Diop and centre-back partner Craig Dawson both struggle at Molineux.

West Ham were once again without Angelo Ogbonna as the Italian continues his recovery from a high ankle sprain, although he has been making solid progress as he looks to return after seven games in the treatment room.

The Hammers sorely missed the former Juventus enforcer, as an early yellow card for Dawson left the Watford loanee – now set for a £2m permanent summer switch – having to be overly cautious and give up plenty of chances.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-west-ham-news-and-views-2″ title=”The latest West Ham news and views!”]

Willian Jose, Dendoncker and Daniel Podence each struck three efforts on goal while Adama Traore’s two and Pedro Neto’s five attempts helped toward Wolves taking 20 shots, per WhoScored, eight more than West Ham give up on average per Premier League game this season.

Diop was no better, as the Frenchman switched off too many times and failed to cover the space left by Aaron Cresswell to leave Silva with time to pick his spot and drill home low into the far-right corner.

The £16.2m-rated centre-half appeared desperate for Cresswell or Ben Johnson – a second-half substitute for Arthur Masuaku – to be the one to track Silva back, when Diop was the best-placed option to run with the 18-year-old and avoid the nervy finish.

Dawson and Mark Noble later had to restrain Diop from charging up the pitch after making a crucial block following a rush of blood to the head, and had already been urged by the Hammers captain to be quicker with his actions.

Diop’s efforts may have returned more clearances (8) than Dawson (6), as well as more interceptions (2 to 1) and shots blocked (1 to 0) for SofaScore’s higher match rating at 6.8 out of 10 compared to his teammate’s 6.3, but his low moments came close to costing West Ham the win and three vital points.

AND in other news, West Ham trail a Premier League rival for a five-goal, seven-assist star once labelled an “exciting prospect”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday defender Jon Newsome has warned Dejphon Chansiri that he will not be able to sell the Owls for £160m.

Following Wednesday’s relegation from the Championship to League One, the topic of Chansiri potentially selling the club has come up.

However, according to The Sun on Sunday (via The 72), the businessman is not looking to give up his asset. And if such an idea is to be considered, then potential buyers are looking at £160m in order to complete a takeover.

For Newsome, Chansiri has no chance of receiving a fee like that given the situation the Yorkshire outfit currently finds itself in.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Wednesday’s future, the retired Premier League footballer said:

“I’ve heard reports this week that he wants £160m for the football club. Now, he paid £37m for the club, he’s subsequently sold the stadium to himself that’s now on a 30-year lease at £2.5m a year, which is going to be a massive cost for a League One club to pay £2.5m a year to play football at your own stadium.

“And all of a sudden he wants £160m because he says that’s what he’s put in? Well, it doesn’t work like that. It doesn’t work like that.”

Indeed, it is a figure you cannot see anyone paying, while Chansiri’s public stance is that he takes full responsibility for Wednesday’s relegation and aims to continue at the club.

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Max Meyer has joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a free transfer.

And a number of Eagles fans have been giving their thoughts to the deal on social media.

The 25-year-old made 56 appearances during his two-and-a-half-year stay at Selhurst Park and left back in January for German side FC Koln.

Palace, who signed and allowed Meyer to leave for nothing, didn’t stay at FC Koln for long and has now secured a two-year deal at new club Fenerbahce.

The attacking midfielder, who was involved in just five goals during his Palace stay, will be looking to get his career back on track, with his Transfermarkt valuation falling from £16.2m when he arrived in south London in 2018 to just £1.35m in 2021.

Palace fans react

Fenerbahce shared the news regarding Meyer on Twitter on Thursday. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one describing a transfer as a ‘great move’.

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @SWPalace

“Good move for him imo. Hope he destroys the league.”

Credit: @CPFCMax9

“Great move for Max. Hope he proves himself there.”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“go on lad”

Credit: @cpfcbeast

“Upgrade on Ozil”

Credit: @liamb0117

“Hope he does well and finally finds some stability in his career”

Credit: @IocaIpIa999tic

In other news: ‘Unreal’, ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Lots of CPFC fans flock to ‘beautiful’ Eze update.