Tag Futebol

Newcastle United reporter for The Shields Gazette Miles Starforth has shared that Ryan Fraser has picked up a ‘calf problem’ ahead of this weekend.

The Lowdown: Not in squad

Fraser was on the bench in the 4-1 win away at Southampton.

He has made September.

The Latest: Calf problem

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday night, Starforth shared that Fraser missed the game against Palace because he has picked up a ‘calf problem’:

“Ryan Fraser missed tonight’s game with a calf problem.”

[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: Not ideal

Although Fraser has not had much game time this season, losing him to a calf problem is not ideal for Eddie Howe going into the weekend’s clash at home to Chelsea.

They do not have many natural wide options in the senior squad, and Allan Saint-Maximin has only just returned from injury.

Interestingly, he has been called up for Scotland for their upcoming friendly against Turkey, which suggests that his latest setback is not too serious, but nonetheless Fraser is now a doubt for the Magpies against Chelsea, as they look to gain three points on one of their rivals for a top four place in the Premier League.

Journalist Gregg Evans was full of praise for Leander Dendoncker in Aston Villa’s win at home to Brentford, hailing him as ‘superb’

The Lowdown: Brilliant win for Villa

Life after Steven Gerrard started in memorable fashion for the Villans on Sunday afternoon, as they hosted the Bees in a Premier League clash.

Villa made a stunning start to the game, leading 3-0 before 15 minutes were even on the clock, with Leon Bailey opening the scoring and Danny Ings scoring twice.

They ended up winning at Villa Park, on what was a memorable day for interim manager Aaron Danks.

The Latest: Dendnocker receives special praise

Taking to Twitter during the game, Evans lauded Dendoncker’s influence, as he earned his first league start in a Villa shirt:

“A side-note: Dendoncker has been superb in these opening 15 minutes. Already making a big difference in midfield, winning challenges, mopping up when required and moving the ball forward efficiently.”

The Verdict: Excellent performance

Dendoncker fully repaid the faith that Danks showed in him against Brentford, putting in a dominant display that played a key role in Villa’s emphatic win.

The Belgian enjoyed a 95% pass completion rate, according to Sofascore, not to mention winning four out of his five ground duels and making three tackles.

On this evidence, Dendoncker deserves to keep his place over the dropped John McGinn and it will be interesting to see if the eventual new manager keeps playing him.

Sheffield Wednesday are back on the road again this weekend as they travel to the Abbey Stadium to take on Cambridge United in League One.

Darren Moore’s side bounced back from their 2-1 defeat against league leaders Plymouth Argyle with a comprehensive victory over Cheltenham Town last weekend to keep pace with the automatic promotion spots in the third tier.

While victory won’t be enough to see the Owls ahead of Ipswich or Plymouth into the top two, three points are a must if Wednesday have aspirations of going up automatically this season.

Moore changed the formation for the win against Cheltenham, opting for a four-at-the-back, but an away trip could see him revert back to the 3-4-1-2 that he has favoured for the majority of the season so far.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Sheffield Wednesday to line up against Cambridge on Saturday, with two changes from last weekend.

Another clean sheet against Cheltenham will no doubt see David Stockdale keep his place in between the posts.

In defence, Mark McGuinness makes his return from injury to start alongside Ben Heneghan and Michael Ihiekwe in a back three, which sees attacking midfielder Alex Mighten drop out to make the Owls more defensively solid.

The Nottingham Forest loanee, who was described as an “elite” talent by Gary Brazil, has struggled for regular form at Hillsborough so far, with no goal contributions in any of his six appearances in Yorkshire.

Wednesday’s return to a back three sees Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson feature as wing-backs, with Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks keeping their places in the middle of the park.

Josh Windass will be looking to continue his fine start to the season as an attacking midfielder, with four goals and four assists to his name so far.

He supports Michael Smith and Malik Wilks in attack, with the latter replacing Lee Gregory up front after the 34-year-old failed to find the net once again last weekend.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Sam Hoskins ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, the Black Cats are one of a number of teams eyeing up a swoop for the Northampton attacker at the start of 2023.

The report claims that Middlesbrough are another Championship club taking a look at him, whilst Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, and Barnsley are among the League One outfits vying for his signature.

However, it is not stated how open Northampton are to cashing in on him or how much it would cost to pry him away from the fourth-tier side.

Patrick Roberts upgrade

Kristjaan Speakman brought in Patrick Roberts to bolster the club’s attacking options last season and the Englishman has been a classy operator out wide with his silky ability on the ball.

However, his end product has left a lot to be desired at times throughout 2022. In League One last term, he scored two goals and provided one assist in 17 matches and he has matched that tally in seven Championship outings so far this season for the Black Cats.

The winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, has created one chance per game across his Sunderland career at league level, and Speakman could bring in Hoskins as a potential upgrade in the final third.

In League Two this season, the 29-year-old has racked up a phenomenal 11 goals and one assist in ten matches for the Cobblers, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.81 – higher than any Black Cats player has managed in the Championship.

Journalist Josh Bunting claimed that he is scoring “all sorts of goals” and his record indicates that he is playing below his level, as he is finding it far too easy to find the net in the fourth tier.

The attacker, who can play on either flank, up front, or in a number 10 role, also caught the eye in 2021/22 as he averaged a score of 7.25 across 46 appearances – bagging 13 times and assisting nine, whilst creating 1.7 chances per match.

It would be a gamble by Sunderland to bring him in as it is a big step up from League Two to the Championship but it is a high-risk high-reward transfer.

If he can translate his current form into the second tier then he would be a fantastic signing and would add a huge goal threat to Tony Mowbray’s team, which is something Roberts has been unable to do.

Barcelona are keen on signing West Ham United forward Pablo Fornals this summer, according to reports from Spain. 

The lowdown: Fornals at West Ham

Signed from La Liga outfit Villarreal for £24m in 2019, the Spain international has become an integral part of David Moyes’ plans at the London Stadium, starting 24 or more Premier League matches in all three full seasons for the Irons.

The 26-year-old has directly contributed to 34 goals in 135 outings for the Hammers and played a regular role in the journey to the Europa League semi-finals last season.

After Barcelona failed in their quest to lure Bernando Silva to Camp Nou from Manchester City, the Catalan giants could now be set to turn their attention towards an east London favourite…

The latest: Fornals on Barcelona’s radar

As per Spanish sources, Barcelona are believed to view the six-cap attacker as a ‘plan B’ to Silva.

It’s claimed that Fornals could be available for a fee in the region of €30m-€35m (£25.5m-£30m) despite being under contract at the London Stadium until 2024.

The report also states that the Spaniard – who was described by Tony Gale as a ‘workaholic’ with ‘phenomenal’ fitness levels – is a ‘more than valid option’ for Barcelona.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates-2/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The verdict: No chance

Albeit those in situ at West Ham have gone some way to ensuring that the strength in depth within Moyes’ ranks is sufficient to cover any major losses, allowing a player as integral as Fornals to leave so late in the transfer window is a non-starter.

Still seemingly heading towards the capture of Lucas Paqueta and with irons in the fire for Hans Vanaken and Atilla Szalai, more incomings remain imminently possible before the September 1 deadline passes.

So far this season, the £19.8m-valued man has scored once in five appearances across all competitions, starting all four Premier League games and posting the squad’s highest WhoScored rating in the embryonic stages of the campaign, illustrating his importance to the club.

As such, whilst a gargantuan offer could ultimately sway any decision, at present it seems unlikely that GSB would sanction an exit for Fornals.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed on personal terms with Destiny Udogie…

What’s the word?

Italian transfer guru and journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation to supporters on Twitter.

“Full agreement on personal terms between Destiny Udogie, his agents and Tottenham, five year contract. Deal expected to be completed next week with Udinese,” he said.

“[Fabio] Paratici and [Antonio] Conte want Udogie as part of future project, so he could be loaned back to Udinese.”

Imagine him and Heung-min Son

Spurs have enjoyed a rather busy summer off the pitch, signing no fewer than six fresh faces and a seventh appears to be on the horizon in Udogie.

Whilst the Lilywhites won’t get to witness his potential anytime soon, he is a signing for the future and that goes in line with some of their other bits of business in recent windows, having signed Pape Matar Sarr and Bryan Gil with the long-term in mind.

It also ties in with Antonio Conte’s recent comments that he could be here for the foreseeable future, too.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-transfer-news-gossip-rumours-conte-paratici-premier-league” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

“For sure we want to continue to improve, to build something important for this club,” he said (via talkSPORT). “If the idea continues to be in this way, there will be zero problems to continue my life in Tottenham because I stay well and I like this group of players and I have a good relationship with Paratici and with Daniel Levy.”

In the short-term, the left wing-back role is likely to be filled by Ivan Perisic, 33, but the longevity of him playing that position still very much remains to be seen.

Udogie is a hugely exciting young talent, having broken through at Udinese last season. He provided five goals and three assists across 35 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Such form and quality has seen him lauded as “extraordinary” by former manager Gabriele Cioffi, whilst talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “tenacious tackler,” as well as “hard-working and charismatic.”

Just imagine this type of player bombing down the wing with Heung-min Son in support on the left flank. The South Korean has only just entered his thirties and appears to be in the form of his life still, so by the time Udogie makes his emergence in north London, he should still be Spurs’ main man.

He provided an assist in the opening game of the season – a 4-1 win over Southampton – and this merely continued on from last season’s exploits of 24 goals and ten assists in all competitions.

A £21m investment in Udogie certainly suggests that the club view him as someone who can break into Conte’s starting XI eventually and as Romano claims, Conte wants him to sign, too.

The Italian head coach could form a mouthwatering partnership in the future.

AND in other news, Spurs could seal “unstoppable” 7th signing in £10m “animal” with Paratici “a huge fan”…

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is seemingly determined to bolster manager Thomas Tuchel’s options at Stamford Bridge as an exciting claim surfaces involving Leicester City star Wesley Fofana.

The Lowdown: Chelsea keep busy…

Following Boehly’s acquisition of the Blues, it’s safe to say the Premier League giants have kept busy with a flurry of major bids.

Having just signed exciting left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton, hijacking English champions Man City in the process, it is now believed that Tuchel’s side are chasing the signing of another star centre-half.

This is despite landing Senegal star Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli with Chelsea seriously on the hunt for more options.

The Latest: CBS journalist makes exciting Fofana claim…

Writing on social media, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an exciting update on Fofana after their ‘latest bid’.

The reporter claims, even if their marquee ‘over £70 million’ offer is snubbed, Chelsea will not stop there and are determined to keep pursuing the Foxes star.

Jacobs explained:

“Chelsea’s latest bid for Wesley Fofana is over £70m and won’t be the last one made if rejected. Brendan Rodgers again said Fofana isn’t for sale, but Todd Boehly means business. Fofana is Chelsea’s number one target between now and when window shuts.”

The Verdict: Keep pushing…

There is little doubt Fofana would be a stellar upgrade to Tuchel’s back line.

The Frenchman missed the vast majority of last season through injury but his 2020/2021 statistics indicate he is a serious player.

As per WhoScored, Fofana completed that year as one of Leicester’s top five best performing players – making an impressive 3.3 clearances per 90 whilst averaging their second-highest number of interceptions.

At just 21-years-old, the defender’s potential is sky high and there is little surprise he is seemingly Chelsea’s number one defensive target.

According to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is in ‘talks’ over a potential summer move to fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko in demand

The 25-year-old still has just under two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad, but Pep Guardiola has been in the market for a new left-back amid strong links to Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, suggesting that an exit could be on the horizon.

The Ukrainian has been associated with a number of clubs in recent weeks, with the likes of Everton, West Ham and Barcelona all interested in his services, but it’s the Gunners who have now emerged as the most likely suitors.

The Latest: City open to Zinchenko exit

Taking to Twitter, Ornstein confirmed that Arsenal are in negotiations to sign Zinchenko, with Man City ‘open’ to sanctioning his exit. He said:

“EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal working on deal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City. Clubs in talks, #MCFC open to sale if valuation met. #AFC would also need to agree personal terms. Versatile 25yo now priority for Arteta after missing Martinez.”

The Verdict: Joining Jesus?

City have already sold Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal, and it sounds like it won’t be long before his former teammate will be following in his footsteps to walk through the doors at the Emirates.

The full-back, recently described as being ‘different class’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, only made ten top-flight starts under Guardiola last season, so a move away from the champions would be best if he desires more game time.

The 52-cap international will already hold a strong relationship with Mikel Arteta having worked alongside each other during his reign as City’s assistant coach, so a reunion could well and truly be on the cards.

Richarlison has reportedly now told his friends that he wants to leave Everton and sign for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Everton’s saviour

It is safe to say that the 25-year-old saved the Goodison Park outfit from getting relegated last season, with six goals and two assists in his last ten matches in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

Dubbed ‘magnificent’ by former Toffees midfielder Leon Osman after his match-winning goal at home to Chelsea in early May, the Brazil international may be hard to keep hold of this summer.

The Latest: Richarlison admission

As per Football Insider, Richarlison has now ‘told friends’ that he is ‘keen’ on signing for Spurs and playing in the Champions League next season.

Talks have taken place this week between both clubs over a potential deal, but Everton are holding out for a fee of around £50m.

The Verdict: Sell?

If Richarlison is unhappy at Goodison Park, then it may be the best option to sell him, so long as the Toffees can get the right price.

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

Not only did he save them towards the end of the campaign, the 25-year-old finished as their top scorer overall and highest-rated performer in the top flight (as per WhoScored), highlighting just how important he has been to Frank Lampard’s side.

Nonetheless, it would be difficult to turn down a move to Tottenham at this stage in his career, so this is a deal that Everton need to get right.

West Ham United could renew their interest in Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, having been heavily linked with the player over the past year or so.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Paul Brown has suggested that the Hammers will still be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old amid their current striker search, although a sizeable offer appears unlikely due to the Moroccan’s recent dip in form.

The transfer insider stated: “I’m pretty sure he’s still on their radar. They had quite a big bid turned down for him at one point when it looked like he was their most likely option that window.

“Since then, his forms gone off a cliff a little bit. He hasn’t had a great season, and it would be a surprise if West Ham were to make a big bid for him now.”

The east Londoners are believed to be contemplating a move this summer having reportedly seen a £27m bid rejected in January – short of the Spanish side’s £40m valuation – with their interest stretching back to January 2021.

Moyes’ own Giroud

As Brown alluded to, the former Leganes man did endure a difficult last campaign in Spain, netting just five league goals and providing just one assist in 23 games for the La Liga outfit.

Prior to that, however, the 48-cap marksman had scored 24 goals in all competitions in what was a real standout campaign during the 2020/21 season, notably netting six times in just eight Champions League games for the Andalusian outfit.

That “prolific” form – as described by journalist Muhammad Butt – unsurprisingly caught the attention of those at the London Stadium, with the £45k-per-week man seemingly the figure who can finally end their centre-forward woes.

Despite reports that manager David Moyes will not break the bank for a new number nine, the continued void left by the departure of a newly-rejuvenated Sebastian Haller 18 months ago has placed for too great a burden on Michail Antonio, with extra competition seemingly vital ahead of next term.

The former Manchester United boss may potentially have doubts over En-Nesyri’s lack of Premier League experience, although according to FBref, the one-time Malaga man shares a number of stylistic and statistical similarities to a man who does – Olivier Giroud.

The current AC Milan hotshot spent nine years in English football prior to his move to Italy last summer, netting 144 goals and providing 55 assists in 372 games in all competitions across spells at London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, notably winning the FA Cup on four occasions during that time.

The 2018 World Cup winner – who is the second-top scorer for France at present with 48 goals in 112 caps – has dazzled with his repertoire of delightful finishes throughout his career, producing a catalogue of goals that would be the envy of anyone in Europe.

To potentially find a comparable figure in En-Nesyri – who is also left-footed like the veteran ace – will no doubt be a huge source of excitement to both Hammers supporters and the club itself, with the Irons seemingly in need of a lethal leading man who knows where the goal is.

IN other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham