All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United look destined to sign Maxi Gomez this month one way or another but, with Celta Vigo struggling at the foot of La Liga, the conclusion of the mooted deal is far from straightforward. 

Reports in recent days have depicted Gomez to West Ham as something of a formality, but with less than 48 hours remaining until the deadline passes time is running out for the Hammers to reach an agreement.

Gomez reportedly has a £43.5 million release clause in his contract, but the fact Celta want West Ham to loan him back to the club after completing a deal is complicating matters, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Indeed, while speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, Sheth claimed that one of his sources close to the deal revealed that West Ham are looking to secure a transfer for a fee below the £43.5 million release clause because they will not be benefiting from his presence until the summer. Crucially, though, Celta are reluctant to accept a reduced fee.

“The information I was getting for someone who was close to the deal was saying that there were 2 different prices: one if they bought him in January and they’d want the full release clause, but if West Ham waited and bought him in the summer then there would be a reduction in the price.

“But what Celta are trying to do is a combination of both, they’re saying we’re selling to you in January so give us the full release clause but what we want is him to be loaned back.

“The discussions that are happening now, I’m led to believe, is that West Ham want a reduction in what they’re paying because they’re effectively not getting him until the summer but they’re securing his services now.”

Murmurs emerging from the media suggest that Manuel Pellegrini is more than willing to allow Gomez to stay in Spain until the end of the season, with Marko Arnautovic’s peculiar contract extension also lending reason to believe that the Austrian hitman has agreed to stay until the La Liga goal-machine moves to east London.

That Celta are playing hardball on the figure is far from surprising considering the circumstances; they hold all the cards given Gomez’s obvious attraction and the tentative situation regarding Arnuatovic’s future.

But, with time still remaining in the window, the powers that be at West Ham will be hoping to knock a few million pounds off the eventual figure to ensure something of a straight footballing and financial swap in the summer when Arnautovic renew his effort to leave the club.

It’s a complicated time for West Ham in the transfer market but, even with Celta’s tough stance on Gomez in mind, it seems Pellegrini is in a strong position to secure a massive signing for the club – whether it be for £43.5 million or slightly less.

West Ham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s reported interest in a move for Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by FcInter1908 (via Sport Witness), the Sky Sports Italia journalist revealed that, following earlier reports suggesting that Antonio Conte has made the Inter Milan centre-forward one of his priority targets in the summer transfer window, there is a very good chance Fabio Paratici does make another move for the 24-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

Speaking about Spurs’ interest in the Argentina international, Di Marzio said: “Who will Tottenham go to if they qualify for the Champions League? Surely Antonio Conte wants another striker.

“We know that, even before he arrived in London, Fabio Paratici had tried to take Lautaro Martinez, but then Inter sold Lukaku and could not sell both.

“I expect a possible Tottenham offensive for him. Then it is true that he has renewed, but it is possible that Tottenham could present themselves again and we’ll see what kind of offer they might present.”

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Spurs supporters will love Di Marzio’s update

With backup and competition for Harry Kane having been something of an issue for Tottenham in recent years, with the club’s last permanent signing of a centre-forward being Fernando Llorente back in August 2017 – who subsequently left Spurs for Napoli just two years later – the suggestion that Paratici could pursue a deal for Martinez this summer is sure to be an update the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, the thought of the £63m-rated Argentine and Kane linking up in a front two in north London is an incredibly exciting one – not to mention being a duo that would somewhat replicate Conte’s devastating attacking two during Inter’s Scudetto-winning campaign under the 52-year-old.

Last season, in the Italian manager’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, Romelu Lukaku and Martinez scored 41 goals and registered 17 assists between them in the league, with Lukaku averaging an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.32 and Martinez averaging a 7.17 rating – ranking the duo as Conte’s first and third-best performers in Serie A respectively.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the prospect of Kane – who himself has scored 12 goals, provided six assists and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.29 in the Premier League this season – taking the place of Lukaku in this tandem will be a thought that terrifies defenders up and down the country.

And, with it being reported that Inter will be willing to listen to offers beginning at €70m (£59m) for the €125k-per-week (£105k-per-week) striker this summer, a deal for Martinez is one that Daniel Levy could very much afford to sanction.

AND in other news: Conte can finally axe “horrendous” liability as Spurs plot talks for £17m “revelation”

A number of Liverpool supporters have slammed James Milner’s ineffective performance in the Reds’ 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were in semi-final first leg action on Thursday evening, hosting a Gunners side that had just been dumped out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest.

It proved to be an extremely frustrating night for Liverpool, who performed badly throughout, failing to break down an Arsenal side who had Granit Xhaka sent-off in the first half.

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The Reds mustered a single attempt on target and now have plenty of work to do in the second leg at the Emirates next Thursday if they want to make it into next month’s final against Chelsea.

One player who struggled more than most was Milner, who offered little in the middle of the park, losing possession 13 times and playing no key passes, according to Sofascore, with that lack of creativity summing up the team’s overall display.

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Liverpool fans slaughter Milner performance

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to criticise the veteran’s display, with one supporter calling it a ‘disgrace’.

“I’m sorry but Milner and Henderson in the same midfield actually breaks me”

Credit: @ilab1612

“Honestly, I’ve had enough of Milner. He’s washed, it’s a bit of a disgrace he still gets minutes for us”

Credit: @TDJS_92

“Milner and Hendo were woeful yet again”

Credit: @_umairg

“Love Milner done lots for us but surely he has to go”

Credit: @sam76803802

“Milner is one of the worst players in the Prem”

Credit: @UnbiasedLiverp1

“Announce Milner as part of the coaching staff @LFC”

Credit: @KingAfo

In other news, some Liverpool fans have flocked to one transfer update. Read more here.

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard posted a picture in West Ham colours on his Instagram story recently.

A number of Red Devils fans have hit out at the 29-year-old as a result, with the player wanted back at the London Stadium in a possible January switch.

Lingard is yet to feature under Ralf Rangnick in the Premier League and has made just two starts all season. The Englishman is out of contract at the end of the campaign, meaning that he could technically pen pre-contract terms now with a club outside of England ahead of a free transfer in the summer.

However, the Hammers are still interested in Lingard, who relayed a Premier League post on his Instagram story alongside Declan Rice, Pablo Fornals and Tomas Soucek from when he was on loan with the east London club last season.

United fans react

The United Stand shared the screenshot of Lingard’s social media post on Twitter. Here is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with many not pleased and one describing it as ‘disrespectful’ to his current club.

Indeed, it is not the first time that the 29-year-old has enraged some of the Old Trafford fan base over his social media antics, and given his inactivity this season, some supporters feel that it is time for him to be moved on.

“Genuinely can’t believe we didn’t sell Lingard in the summer. Sell him in January. Try and get something for him.”

Credit: @Daniaal_7

“He’s becoming disrespectful”

Credit: @YourstrulyKemar

“get this man out of the club”

Credit: @lwsn___

“He should be banned from kicking ball at my club for life”

Credit: @Dope_Sbu

“Let him go, we don’t need him, we don’t play him, get him off the books”

Credit: @Acro_ManUtd

“I really hope he leave this club”

Credit: @AidanUTD7

In other news: ‘Pathetic’ – Many Man Utd fans fume over ’embarrassing’ behind-the-scenes revelation

Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Jonathan David, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian transfer expert delivered the exciting claim to Twitter earlier this week as the Gunners’ search for a new striker rumbles on, though it’s a move that may have to wait until the summer window.

“Jonathan David will be one of the big names on the market… in the summer. He’s not leaving Lille in January, the plan is to complete the season in Ligue 1.

“Arsenal have been mentioned among clubs interested in him – but there’s nothing advanced yet. Open and long race,” he said.

David is currently valued at £45m, as per Transfermarkt.

Vlahovic alternative

Thus far, the north London giants have been left frustrated in their pursuit to find a new talisman for manager Mikel Arteta – a need that is only going to get desperate the closer we get to next season.

That’s because Alexandre Lacazette is still out of contract end the end of the current campaign, whilst the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is by no means certain, having been stripped of the captaincy for behind-the-scenes disciplinary reasons.

Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as a key target for the club but they are yet to make any advances despite being linked with a £150m package for him this month.

It’s been reported that he isn’t keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium and that he could well also remain in Italy until the summer, at the earliest.

David could therefore be an intriguing and perhaps perfect alternative as he’s not going to cost as much as the Serbian and he too has been in electric form this term.

As per Transfermarkt, the Canada international has found the net 16 times from only 28 appearances, averaging one goal every 134 minutes, which is very impressive indeed.

He is finally living up to him €30m (£26m) price tag from Club Brugge, where his former boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck once dubbed him “a phenomenon” and “the best player in the country.”

Last season, he bagged 13 goals on their way to the Ligue 1 title, so the 5 foot 11 marksman has been a very important player for Les Dogues.

Strong with both feed and pace to burn, David could easily fit in with Arteta’s system as he seems the ideal mix between both Aubameyang and Lacazette.

Therefore, it would make sense for Edu Gaspar and the Gunners’ recruitment team to turn to the Lille beast in the coming weeks, if not months as the need for a new striker is paramount ahead of next season.

Arteta would surely love David at Arsenal.

AND in other news, Arsenal dealt huge transfer setback… 

The door has seemingly opened for Tottenham Hotspur to make their move for mooted transfer target Mauro Icardi this January…

What’s the word?

According to Friday’s edition of French newspaper L’Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain are likely to part ways with the 28-year-old striker in the winter transfer window as it would be a ‘surprise’ if they rejected a ‘reasonable’ offer for him (via Sport Witness).

Other reports earlier in the month have suggested that agents had offered the Argentina international to the north London outfit and PSG were prepared to sanction his departure.

It remains to be seen how much a move for Icardi would cost Spurs, though Transfermarkt currently value the Rosario-born forward at £31.5m.

Shades of Lautaro

A new striker could certainly be high on Antonio Conte’s agenda at the turn of the year as he only has one senior option in Harry Kane, who is out of form, having bagged just one league goal all campaign.

The Italian is also unable to deploy a 3-5-2 formation as a result of the situation, a system which saw him clinch Inter Milan’s first Scudetto in over a decade last term.

He was able to pair Romelu Lukaku, a towering and physical presence, alongside Lautaro Martinez, a more nimble poacher, together in the attack and it paid serious dividends.

Presuming Kane can fulfil the Belgian’s role, then Icardi could come in as Conte’s new Martinez. After all, the pair are both Argentinian and stand at 6 foot or smaller.

Ironically enough, it was the 24-year-old Nerazzurri striker who arrived at the San Siro to replace Icardi a few years ago.

‘Similar to Icardi, Martínez is a great poacher in the box.  When leading the line, the striker causes confusion in the opposition defence by wandering into midfield and rather discretely using the defender’s blind spots to make runs into the box,’ wrote analysis website FootballBH back in 2019.

The eight-cap Argentina international may be frustrated by his lack game-time under former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, being restricted to 746 minutes in all competitions so far this season.

However, he has been prolific throughout his career, scoring 124 goals in 219 games for Inter, whilst he’s still bagged 36 times in only 79 appearances at the Parcs des Princes, as per Transfermarkt.

Icardi’s former manager Stefano Pioli once dubbed him an “animal in the box” and that is a frightening prospect to have alongside Kane in the Premier Leauge.

As such, Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici must seal a move for the PSG outcast in January. In doing so, Conte could switch to his successful two-man frontline and find his new Martinez and Lukaku combination.

It makes the world of sense.

AND in other news, Journalist drops Spurs update amid mounting Hotspur Way crisis…

A development has emerged on Rangers’ pursuit of former Glasgow defender Gio van Bronckhorst to take over as manager.

What’s the talk?

According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Dutchman’s agent confirmed to him that he has held ‘positive talks’ with the Gers ahead of a potential move to Ibrox.

Sheth Tweeted: “Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s representative tells @SkySportsNews they held “positive talks” with Rangers today over vacant managerial position. Footage shows van Bronckhorst leaving London earlier.”

He accompanied the Tweet with a clip appearing to show van Bronkchorst heading off to board a plane at Heathrow airport.

Buzzing

This update from Sheth will surely leave Rangers fans buzzing as it appears to place the club one step closer to announcing Steven Gerrard’s successor. The ex-Liverpool man was snatched up by Premier League side Aston Villa earlier this week and the Gers are now moving quickly to bring in a new head coach, with van Bronckhorst seemingly leading the race at this moment in time.

Gers fans will be delighted with the speed at which the decisions are being made by Ross Wilson, with a quarter-final clash with Hibernian coming up next Saturday at Ibrox in the League Cup. The club have the chance to make the last four of the competition and not having a manager in place for the match could hinder their chances, as players would be going out without a coach who they know will be there in the long-term and a bit-part gameplan in-place.

Van Bronckhorst, in particular, could be a superb appointment ahead of this match as his record in cup competitions as a manager is eye-catching. He won four of his five cup finals at Feyenoord and made the quarter-finals and semi-finals in the other two seasons he failed to reach a final. This shows that he is adept at progressing in domestic cups and that could give Rangers an edge in the SFA Cup and League Cup this season, two honours Gerrard failed to win at Ibrox.

Therefore, fans should also be delighted that the talks went well with the Dutchman as he has a track record of winning trophies, including an Eredivisie title with Feyenoord, and could pick up where Gerrard left off. They must be buzzing not only with the speed of the dealings from Wilson but also the fact that they have progressed seamlessly, with the 46-year-old closing in on a switch to the club.

AND in other news, Davis 2.0: Rangers could sign new metronome in gem who “quietly impressed” ex-EPL boss…

Speaking on live TV, Sky Sports have shared a transfer update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye playmaker…

Tottenham have arguably failed to replace former fan favourite Christian Eriksen since he joined Inter Milan in 2020, leading to links with names who could finally fill that void.

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Juventus man Dejan Kulusevski, who can operate as an advanced playmaker, is thought to be held in high esteem by both manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici.

Lingard has also been mentioned before amid his precarious contract situation at United with Sky now making an exciting claim on live TV.

The Latest: Sky make Lingard to Spurs claim…

As per the reliable broadcast giant, Tottenham have made contact with the 29-year-old’s entourage over a potential move.

“This will get Tottenham fans excited, they’ve been screaming for a creative midfielder, someone to replace Christian Eriksen, someone who can score goals, set up goals, and be really dynamic,” as said on Sky.

“Tottenham fans will like this one, potentially, Jesse Lingard is on their radar.

“Tottenham are keen to sign Lingard and they have approached his representatives over the course of this window, potentially with a view to a move in January, possibly, maybe more likely, the summer.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Scoring nine goals and assisting four others over a very productive West Ham loan spell last year, it’s clear to see Lingard has the talent to turn it on when given the opportunity.

As well as this, Lingard could leave for as little as £15 million this month according to some reports, arguably a bargain given his quality and the fact he would also be a part of Tottenham’s homegrown quota.

On a reported £100,000-per-week, his salary is very affordable with a potential swoop for Lingard looking like a seemingly realistic transfer.

We are surprised he hasn’t actually been more heavily linked with Spurs sooner.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Leeds United will ‘definitely’ target a new striker this summer to provide cover and competition for Patrick Bamford.

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who was speaking to This Is Futbol.

The lowdown

Bamford enjoyed a fine 2020/21 season upon Leeds’ return to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals, providing eight assists and – crucially – featuring in every single game (via Transfermarkt). However, this season he has been ravaged by injury, limiting him to just seven starts out of a possible 32 in the top flight.

An ankle injury kept Bamford out from the end of September until the start of December, and he then suffered a hamstring problem upon his return against Brentford. Having returned to the fold in March, he was forced off in the win away to Wolves and has missed the team’s subsequent two games (via Transfermarkt).

Amidst these woes, Leeds have often turned to summer signing Dan James – who is predominantly a winger – to lead the line, and the Welshman has only scored four goals.

The latest

Jones has said that Leeds believe they need a more effective centre-forward ‘backup’ for Bamford and have made it a priority ahead of the summer transfer window.

He told This Is Futbol: “Leeds are definitely going to look to sign a new striker. I think irrelevant of whether Bamford is fit or not. We’ve seen that you have to have backup for him.”

The verdict

Bamford’s availability was excellent in 2020/21 but his injury nightmare this season has exposed a hole in Leeds’ squad, so who could they potentially sign to strengthen their centre-forward ranks?

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Whites have entered the race to sign Ben Brereton Diaz from Blackburn Rovers. The £9m-rated Chile international has been prolific for the Lancashire club in the Championship, bagging 20 goals in 34 appearances so far this season.

In addition to his goalscoring, the 22-year-old offers an ‘extraordinary’ work rate, according to his manager Tony Mowbray, so he could potentially be a favourite at Elland Road if he were to join Leeds and carry across that industrious trait.

In other news, Phil Hay has shared an update on this injured Leeds midfielder

As per Football Insider, there has been a rather exciting update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans ahead of January.

The Lowdown: Conte’s first transfer window looms…

There is just over a month until the mid-season window opens for business and all eyes will be on new Spurs boss Antonio Conte and how he will begin to reshape his current squad.

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After their humbling 2-1 defeat in the Europa Conference League to Slovenian minnows NS Mura, the Italian head coach sent a stern message to his players and admitted that he’s making ‘evaluations’ on the squad (Daily Mirror).

As well as outgoings, Tottenham have been tipped to strengthen, and Serie A looks like itcould be a profitable source of incoming quality for Conte, according to claims from the continent (Calciomercato).

Netherlands duo Stefan de Vrij and Matthijs de Ligt have been repeatedly linked with moves to north London and Football Insider now bring news on what the 52-year-old could do in the New Year.

The Latest: Conte plotting sensational double move…

As per their information, Tottenham’s manager has personally identified both defenders as top targets ahead of January and is now plotting to sign the pair, who he believes are ‘world class’.

De Vrij in particular has been earmarked as his possible ‘lieutenant’ at the north London club as transfer chief Fabio Paratici backs Conte’s call to make landing the defensive duo a priority.

The Verdict: Big claim…

If Spurs are going to pull off this double swoop mid-season, it will take all of Paratici’s negotiation skills and Conte’s pulling power to make it happen.

Valued at £40m by Inter Milan, De Vrij is a key player for the Nerazzurri, with his contract not expiring until 2023 – potentially meaning that the Serie A giants are in no rush to offload him.

Meanwhile, De Ligt’s deal at Juventus runs all the way through to 2024 and his estimated £63m valuation by Transfermarkt means that Spurs would potentially need to smash their transfer record.

After Tottenham recorded an £80.2m pre-tax loss for the last financial year, taking their overall club debt to £706m in total (The Guardian), completing these moves would certainly be a statement of intent by the club.

Both players could well strengthen the Lilywhites’ defence but whether or not Spurs can actually get it done is another matter entirely.

In other news: Eight players now safe from Spurs axe after wowing Conte behind the scenes, find out more here.