Category Uncategorized

Recent reports have suggested that Manchester City are plotting an eye-watering swoop for World Cup breakthrough star Josko Gvardiol but Pep Guardiola may be better off putting his faith in academy graduate Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Foot Mercato have claimed that City have submitted a bid of around £85m for the 20-year-old centre-back, who was crucial as Croatia finished third at the World Cup in Qatar.

While he is undoubtedly a hugely impressive young centre-back, it would be another example of City spending big money rather than giving opportunities to promising youngsters, and Harwood-Bellis has shown with his performances on loan at Burnley this season that he could have a future at the Etihad.

The Englishman linked up with City legend Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor and has been a mainstay in their side at centre-back so far this campaign, with an immediate return to the top tier certainly looking on the cards for the Clarets.

Harwood-Bellis is the only player in Kompany’s squad to have started all 24 games in the Championship and it is easy to see why, with WhoScored rating him as the second-best performer in the squad.

Playing such a crucial role in a title challenge will surely give the 20-year-old vital experience that could help him make it at City in the future, as it will show whether or not he has the ability to consistently perform in a side who are always expected to win.

Kompany is certainly a big fan of the Englishman and will no doubt be in regular contact with his old club about the youngster’s progress, so it would not be a surprise to see him make it at the Etihad in the future, if the Belgian manager’s comments are anything to go by.

He said: “I’ve known Taylor [Harwood-Bellis] for a long time so what everyone can see on the ball or what everyone can see when he goes into his challenges, I think his biggest quality, that is perhaps more difficult to see on the eye, is his leadership and his incredible drive and high standards.

“These kinds of players you can almost be certain are going to improve. Usually, when a talent goes wrong it’s because there’s something mentally not right. With him, he’s got that more than anyone else. Wherever he is now, in two or three years’ time he will be a lot better.”
This certainly bodes well for his future at City and if he isn’t given more opportunities next season on the back of such an impressive campaign with Burnley, then the club may regret losing him in the future.
Therefore, Guardiola should forget about spending big money on Gvardiol and instead look at giving a chance to one of City’s most exciting homegrown talents.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could potentially receive a cherished piece of positivity on the injury front, following reports that Arthur Melo is well ahead of schedule in his return from the medical department. 

What’s the word?

Signing on a one-year loan deal from Juventus at the end of the summer transfer window, with an option to buy of £32m, Arthur picked up a serious muscular problem and was sidelined for an extensive period, making just one substitute appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s squad at present.  

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: “Positive news for Arthur Melo. Brazilian midfielder will try to be back within the end of the month after first, positive medical check.

“New tests have already been scheduled in the next days/weeks but Arthur is pushing to return earlier than expected.”

Forget Jude

The overarching pessimism surrounding the Reds’ deal to bring Arthur to Anfield has been emanating with force, with the injury certainly not lessening concerns over his reliability in this ambitious Liverpool team.

Arthur has been part of a Juventus side that have slipped from their almighty pedestal and fallen from grace, although he has looked promising when he has played, and he will need to rekindle his fluidity and form swiftly if he wishes to prove his worth to Klopp and stamp his presence into the team. 

Last term, Arthur was beset with similar issues, missing 23 matches for the Old Lady and consequently making just 11 league starts all year. 

When he did play, he offered shades of impressive passing play that played a defining role in Klopp’s decision to take a gamble and bring him to Anfield. 

Liverpool are one of the many suitors for the marvellous Jude Bellingham, with the Borussia Dortmund ace likely to come at an astronomical fee, with figures in the region of £129m touted, and Arthur could prove a very cost-efficient alternative to the 19-year-old phenom.

As per Sofascore, the 26-year-old maintained a 90% passing accuracy and recorded 1.3 tackles per outing for Juventus last season, completing 91% of his dribbles and winning 64% of his duels.

Should he manage to shake off the cobwebs and free his legs from the injury shackles, he can conduct the Liverpool play from the centre, retaining the ball and starting positive plays as he pleases. 

As per FBref, the 22-cap gem ranks within the top 5% for pass completion and 9% for attempted passes when compared to midfielders across Europe’s big five leagues this past year, and he can be the difference in so many regards, instilling assurance, dictating the tempo, searching for openings in even the tightest defences when required.

Bellingham might be a prominent name on the lips of many a Liverpool supporter, but Arthur is an avenue for the club that must be explored; the “extraordinary” technician – as dubbed by Max Allegri – can save Klopp’s season, and with Liverpool currently in sixth place in the Premier League, the need for an addition, someone of his ilk, with his prowess and technical ability, sticks out like a sore thumb.

Leeds United are one of a number of Premier League clubs showing an interest in signing Villarreal forward Boulaye Dia, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Dia move

Over the weekend, reports suggested that the Whites were keeping tabs on the 26-year-old, who is currently on loan at Serie A side Salernitana and is part of Senegal’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, winning the Player of the Match award after scoring in a 3-1 win over Qatar.

Dia has scored six goals in 14 appearances for his temporary club, settling in well and providing a consistent attacking threat and end product in the final third.

Now, another update further suggests that Leeds’ interest in the 20-time capped Senegal international is genuine.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Tutto Salernitana [via Sport Witness], the Whites ‘express interest’ in signing Dia, although they are far from alone in that respect.

Everton, West Ham and Leicester City are also eyeing up a move for the attacker, who has the option of joining Salernitana permanently for €12million (£10.3m).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-11/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Much-needed firepower

Leeds may have scored 22 goals in 14 league outings this season but they still clearly need additional firepower, especially with Patrick Bamford struggling to stay fit for extended periods.

While Rodrigo has bagged nine league goals, nobody else has more than four to their name currently and Dia is someone who could ease that problem.

A strong dribbler who possesses plenty of international experience, he could be a shrewd addition to Jesse Marsch’s side, with a central attacking role his preference, appearing there 12 times this season.

Newcastle United continued their stunning start to the 2022/23 campaign with a victory over Chelsea at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, with that 1-0 triumph making it five wins in a row for the Magpies in the Premier League.

Eddie Howe’s side – who have lost just once in the top flight this season – have ensured that they will be in third place heading into the World Cup break following what was a hard-fought victory over the Blues, with that deserved win a marker of the remarkable turnaround that the former Bournemouth boss has overseen in the past year.

Just over 12 months on from the northeast side losing 3-0 at home to the Stamford Bridge outfit to maintain their winless start to the season, during Graeme Jones’ brief interim spell in charge, the Tynesiders were simply a different force this time around, having fearlessly taken the game to the west Londoners.

In what was a fiercely competitive encounter – illustrated by the frantic and ferocious end to proceedings in added time – a stunning strike from Joe Willock ultimately proved the difference, with the young Englishman netting for the second game running following his composed effort against Southampton a week ago.

For all the former Arsenal man’s quality, the star attraction was again teammate Miguel Almiron, with the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October helping to tee up the midfielder with an “outstanding” piece of play after cutting in off the right, in the words of Newcastle World’s Jordan Cronin.

The 28-year-old is “moving like [Lionel] Messi” at present, according to journalist Daniel Koranteng, with that assist the Paraguayan’s ninth league goal involvement of the season so far, having netted eight times heading into today’s encounter.

The diminutive speedster has simply looked reborn under Howe in recent times, with the former Atlanta United man’s all-round performance having been particularly eye-catching against Graham Potter’s side, notably recording a 90% pass accuracy rate from his 57 touches.

The £42k-per-week maestro also registered two key passes in total, while his defensive quality was also on display having won an impressive eight of his 12 total duels, further rubberstamping that the 47-cap menace is providing more than just goals at present.

Following yet another impactful performance, Almiron may well be wishing that there was no upcoming halt to proceedings, with the hope now for Howe and co that the fleet-footed forward can continue this explosive form when club action resumes at the end of next month.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that they can ‘secure’ a permanent exit for Wales international Joe Rodon, on one condition.

The Lowdown: Revolving door…

The Antonio Conte era at Spurs has seen many players come through the revolving Hotspur Way door, with transfer chief Fabio Paratici completing 10 major signings in 2022 alone.

Spurs sealed moves for Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski in a double deal from Juventus in January, with multiple summer arrivals coming in afterwards. Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie followed the duo to N17, with Paratici also completing a permanent move for loanee Cristian Romero.

The club also agreed a plethora of outgoings, either on loan or permanently, with the most high-profile of those arguably being Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Rodon.

The Latest: Spurs told they can ‘secure’ permanent Rodon exit…

In terms of the latter, Spurs have been told that they can ‘secure’ a permanent exit for the Wales defender – one one condition.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Lilywhites pundit John Wenham has told Football Insider that a decent World Cup campaign for Rodon could generate enough interest for either Rennes or any interested club to snap him up altogether.

He explained: “Joe Rodon is still playing for Rennes. We know it was a bit tough for him at the start but it looks like he has managed to get a place in that team now.

“It’s the same with the other loan players, we just have to keep hoping that he keeps impressing.

“The World Cup will be big for him too. If he can go there with Wales and make an impression on the world stage then that could go some way to securing him a permanent exit.

“Whether it is Rennes or someone else, if he really impresses in Qatar then that could pretty much secure his permanent exit and I think that’s what all parties want at this stage.”

The Verdict: Right move?

If the 25-year-old does turn heads at the World Cup in Qatar, you could argue that Conte may want to consider keeping hold of Rodon.

Still young and having been praised for his performances in a Spurs shirt occasionally, the north Londoners arguably shouldn’t be too hasty in offloading the former Swansea City gem.

Indeed, there is an argument to be made that he could improve Tottenham’s defence if he returns to N17, having made more clearances and won more aerial duels per game than anyone in Conte’s current squad.

Rodon still has time to transform into an elite level centre-back, and the player’s confidence could soar if he is to enjoy a stellar World Cup campaign.

Southampton’s academy has always been liable to produce the occasional star, with the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alan Shearer all going on to achieve impressive feats across their various careers having come through their ranks.

Few stick around at St Mary’s for long, but someone who has, and seems to be planning to for the foreseeable future is James Ward-Prowse.

The academy graduate has matured into a fine midfielder, with the 27-year-old now the official club captain.

His importance is such that when Newcastle United came calling for him this summer, the Magpies were quoted at an astounding £75m for his services by CEO Martin Semmens and his staff.

He is their prized asset, and no amount of money can account for what he brings to the side. This does mark an incredible up-shoot in value, considering as a graduate he cost them nothing.

Across 372 appearances for the club, the maestro has scored 45 times and assisted a further 49.

He has earned a fierce reputation across the Premier League for being one of the best players in the world over a dead ball. His free kicks could trouble any goalkeeper, whilst his crossing set pieces too are hit with remarkable accuracy and power.

There is great optimism on the south coast that he will soon break the record for most free kicks ever scored in the league, which stands at David Beckham’s 18.

Ward-Prowse, at just 27, sat only four behind that mark as of April this year.

In fact, Andy Kerr noted him as part of a group of “outstanding free kick takers” that England have at their disposal.

His caps for the national side will certainly have aided in the ludicrous price tag quoted earlier, as he has featured 11 times and seems in a good position to make the squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Whilst the likes of Bale went on to win numerous Champions Leagues, and Shearer smashed the all-time goal-scoring record in the league, it is likely that when their respective careers come to an end, Ward-Prowse will be thought of in the highest regard by Saints fans.

To stick around despite constant links to larger clubs marks his loyalty to maintaining Southampton’s Premier League status, and if their youthful summer signings can click in the next few years, he could lead them to something really special as their captain.

Middlesbrough would be keen on Steve Cooper if he was sacked by Nottingham Forest, Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo says. 

The lowdown

Middlesbrough are working to appoint a successor to Chris Wilder after they terminated his contract on Monday.

Rob Edwards, recently relieved of his duties by Watford, is thought to be leading the race, though Bournemouth’s interim boss Gary O’Neil is still in the running (via Wilson).

Cooper finds himself on the ‘brink’ of losing his job at Forest following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of local rivals Leicester City on Monday, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy.

The latest

Wilson reckons that, if Cooper was on the market, he would ‘definitely’ be on Middlesbrough’s radar.

And while his sacking may come soon, the Teesside club want a swift appointment.

“The Steve Cooper situation at Forest is an interesting one. Suspect if he was available now, #Boro would definitely be interested. He might be soon – but they don’t want this to drag on and on…”

The verdict

Cooper has already shown he could be exactly what Middlesbrough need.

Forest appointed the Welshman at around this point last year (21 September to be precise), when they were bottom of the second tier.

He then sparked a historic turnaround, leading them to a fourth-place finish and promotion via the play-offs.

Middlesbrough find themselves in a similar position, down in 22nd in the table with just two wins and ten points from 11 games.

If he’s dismissed before Forest’s next game against Aston Villa, then perhaps that will lead to a rethink.

Manchester United could bring Barcelona forward Memphis Depay back to Old Trafford this summer, according to reliable journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

The Lowdown: Depay return rumours

Erik ten Hag is working hard on making some key reinforcements before the end of the summer transfer window, with a new forward at the top of his wish-list.

A move for Ajax attacker Antony looks to be progressing well but United have also been strongly linked with bringing Depay back to the club after he left in 2017.

The Dutchman, who can play anywhere across the front, flattered to deceive in his first spell at Old Trafford but Ten Hag appears to see him as a primary target.

The Latest: Ronaldo replacement?

The Manchester Evening News‘ Luckhurst has now backed the Depay rumours, saying United ‘have not ruled out’ the idea of re-signing Depay, with Barca ‘prepared to sell’ the 28-year-old.

The aim is to seal Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit and sign a replacement, with Depay looking like a strong contender to come in alongside Antony, who would of course be designated for the right-wing role if he signs.

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

The Verdict: Is he good enough?

There will be some understandable trepidation from some United fans if Depay rejoins this summer, considering his struggles the first time around, but Ten Hag has to be trusted in the transfer market.

There will be a reason why he likes him so much – Ronald Koeman once said he is a ‘joy to watch’ – and he will believe he is someone who can provide regular end product in his attack, as well as impressing in his off-the-ball work.

There would be a risk element in signing Depay – Barca want to sell him for a reason, after all – but he has matured as a player and his record of 42 goals in 80 caps for the Netherlands is hugely impressive.

Tottenham Hotspur have now been linked with interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb.it, Spurs boss Antonio Conte is an admirer of the Serbia international and with the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele heading for the exit, there could be space freed up in the engine room for a move of this calibre.

The Lilywhites could offer €45m (£38m) plus add-ons rising to €60m (£50m) for his signature.

And what a signing this could be for the Italian head coach.

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

Milinkovic-Savic, 27, would be something of a perfect end to the summer transfer window as he would add some much-needed attacking threat to his midfield.

It’s no secret that this is where the north London side are targeting next, given other interest in the likes of Leicester City star James Maddison and AS Roma dynamo Nicolo Zaniolo.

It has also been reported that Conte is keen for a playmaker of sorts and he could find that in Savic, who he and sporting director Fabio Paratici are said to be ‘crazy’ about.

Over the course of his Biancocelesti career, Milinkovic-Savic has delivered 58 goals and 53 assists from a whopping 295 appearances, including a return of 11 goals and 12 assists in 47 games last season, as per Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, when compared to fellow midfielders across Europe’s elite leagues, the Serbian, who Sky Sports reporter Anton Toloui once lauded as a “complete midfielder”, ranks very favourably.

As per FBref, he sits amongst the top 2% for touches in the opposition’s box (4.10 per 90) and the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.16 per 90) and such ability has seen him compare favourably to that of Jude Bellingham and Kevin De Bruyne (4.53 touches per 90) in terms of statistical profile.

Perhaps Conte could find his very own version of the Belgium sensation as Milinkovic-Savic is clearly capable of influencing the attack from a no.8 or deeper role.

That is something that the Italian head coach currently lacks as neither of his current options have put up anywhere near the same returns.

The likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur didn’t register a touch in the opposition’s box last season, with neither of Oliver Skipp nor Yves Bissouma averaging more than 0.37 per 90, whilst only the Dane surpassed the Serb’s shot-creating actions (4.00 per 90), via FBref.

Therefore, Paratici and go must seal a move for the 27-year-old, who has been dubbed a “great champion” and “extraordinary” by Parma sporting director Demetrio Albertini, before the 11pm deadline on September 1st.

He could be the dream end to an exciting summer for Spurs as Conte eyes his very own KDB.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal Spurs’ best signing since Son in late swoop for £33m “diamond”…

Manchester City have brought some big names to the club during the current summer transfer window such as Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips.

Another familiar name that has been mentioned with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer is Brighton & Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella.

However, with recent reports claiming that the Citizens are not willing to meet Brighton’s asking price for the left-back, the league champions may look to other potential full-back options they can sign before the window closes.

One potential figure that could be their perfect alternative to Cucurella is Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerreiro.

In a recent report from The Athletic, Guerreiro is a player that been scouted and followed by the Manchester club in the past.

After making 111 appearances for FC Lorient in which he scored ten goals and delivered eight assists, the Portugal international joined Dortmund back in the 2016 summer transfer window.

Since then, the 28-year-old has made 187 appearances for the German club, scoring 32 goals and providing 37 assists along the way.

To further highlight his attacking prowess, not only did the £80k-wer-week full-back manage to score four goals and provide two assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances last season, but only four other players were able to rack up more shot-creating actions than him (54).

He also racked up 23 successful dribbles, 27 crosses and had 31 shots at goal in total, in addition to making 38 interceptions and 30 successful tackles (as per FBref).

This highlights how capable he is on and off the ball in an attacking and defensive regard and why signing him would be a great way for City to forget about Cucurella.

With the Brighton figure only being able to have 18 shots at goal in the Premier League last season, this suggests that the Portuguese defender could be a better attacking option for City.

Previously praised for being in “exceptionally good shape” by Dortmund’s former sporting director Michael Zorc, Guerreiro could be just what Pep Guardiola needs for his side given how the squad is rather light in terms of full-back options.

Moving forward, with fresh reports claiming that Chelsea have now begun talks over a potential move for Cucurella following City’s reluctance to pay Brighton’s asking price for him, switching their attention to the Dortmund defender could be a smart next step for the club and help solve their full-back worries.

AND in other news: The Athletic journo drops behind-the-scenes Man City transfer claim, Pep surely fuming