All posts by z3u9t.icu

Flocking to Twitter, many Fulham fans have erupted over their side’s six-word message involving Jean Michael Seri.

Marco Silva’s men, looking to bounce straight back to the English top flight after being relegated last season, have certainly made a brilliant start – currently sitting third and well in contention for an automatic spot.

The Cottagers have many players to thank for their start to the Championship campaign but one of the main men is arguably Seri.

Starting 10/12 second tier games under Silva, the 30-year-old has been a composed and assured figure in the middle of the park – averaging the highest pass accuracy (89.1%) out of any Fulham player who’s played more than 90 minutes (WhoScored).

Now, in recognition of his fine form, Fulham have dropped the six-word message ‘Ladies and gentlemen…Jean Michaël Seri’ whilst sharing an exclusive interview with the midfield man.

Indeed, Seri shared his gratitude for the backing of Fulham fans with many erupting in response.

Some are even overjoyed that they ‘finally’ get to hear more from the player.

Find all of their reactions from Twitter down below.

Fulham fans erupt over Seri post…

“Best midfielder in the division. The Seri revival has been glorious”

Credit: @SeeJayFFC

“weeeeve got seriiii”

Credit: @DanFoard1

“Great to finally hear from him. Fans need to be able to understand who our players are as people, not just what they do on the pitch”

Credit: @AdamBrightPhoto

“Great to hear such positivity. We are now seeing why the club spent so much on him.”

Credit: @RogerBurbridge

“What a hero, glad he is enjoying his stay now even if it isn’t for a long time top man”

Credit: @Nathan_Footy

“I love this man more than words could possibly describe. The revival of his fulham career has been nothing short of glorious.”

Credit: @SumptuousSeri

“I am in love”

Credit: @AFreitas1308

“Top lad! inspirational! COYW”

Credit: @secravencottage

Paddy Kenny thinks Everton have a chance of pulling off ‘an unbelievable deal’ for Real Madrid’s Isco. 

The former Sheffield United and Leeds United goalkeeper was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo last week, Isco is facing an ‘untenable situation’ at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are keen to sell him in January in order to prevent him walking away for nothing when he reaches the end of his contract come June.

And so it’s down to the player to decide whether he’ll leave mid-season, with Everton one of his ‘more likely’ destinations.

Isco was limited to just eight La Liga starts last season in Zinedine Zidane’s final season at the helm, and new boss Carlo Ancelotti has only picked him for two of the first eight top-flight fixtures (via WhoScored).

The 29-year-old, who’s valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt, has made 342 appearances for Los Blancos, scored 52 goals and provided 56 assists.

The latest

Kenny was effusive in his praise of Isco despite his struggles for gametime in the Spanish capital.

He thinks the player’s previous experience of working with Rafael Benitez could give Everton an ‘edge’ if there proves to be a battle for his signature.

“I think if this one comes off, it would be an unbelievable deal,” he said.

“You don’t play all those games for Real Madrid over the last ten years without being an absolute superstar.

“He is a talented player, someone I’ve always looked up to as a fantastic midfielder. What a player.

“If there is an opportunity to sign him, he’s someone the fans would like to see play for them.

“Benitez managed him when he was at Real Madrid too, which could give them a bit of an edge.”

The verdict

The parallels with the James Rodriguez are hard to ignore.

James was also 29 when he swapped Madrid for Merseyside, having fallen down the pecking order.

The Colombian did show his quality on the pitch, but his wages soon become a real problem for Everton.

Isco’s £225,000 pay packet should force the Toffees to think twice, especially when they compare his extensive injury history to that of Rodriguez.

In other news, Greg O’Keeffe offers his insight on reported Donny van de Beek interest.

Leeds United have made ‘no progression’ in their efforts to sign Noa Lang, with a financial issue being the hold-up on any potential deal, a source close to the player revealed to LUFC Fanzone.

The lowdown

Lang has only been with Club Brugge permanently since July 2021, after the Belgian club opted to sign him for good following an impressive loan stay.

He has made 41 appearances in total for Club Brugge, chipping in with 18 goals and 13 assists.

Leeds United have held an interest in signing the young forward, with The Telegraph reporting that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are in the mix to land his signature.

The latest

Leeds’ potential move for Lang has made no progression though, with a ‘financial issue’ to blame according to LUFC Fanzone.

“There has been no progression in the last month regarding Leeds.

“From what I understand, there is a financial issue from inside Leeds which is why they are moving slow in the market.”

The verdict

It’ll be interesting to see whether they can reach an agreement to land his signature this summer, and you would imagine that it could be a sizeable fee involved in any potential deal.

He’s only just signed permanently for Club Brugge, and is contracted with the Belgian side until the summer of 2024, which means they’re likely to command a high price to move him on.

Lang was lauded as a ‘phenomenon’ by Belgian journalist Peter Vandenbempt back in April 2021, and it appears as though his strong performances haven’t gone unnoticed – perhaps Victor Orta and co may have to change tact and offer a player-plus-cash deal to have any hope with this one.

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.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-developments-2/” title=”Spurs developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

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.

An update has emerged on Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa, regarding Everton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Everton manager Rafa Benitez is keeping tabs on Flamengo centre-forward Gabriel Barbosa.

The former Newcastle boss is going in search of additions to his squad before the end of the window and has identified the Brazilian striker as a potential target.

Get it done

Marcel Brands must get a deal done for Barbosa this summer as he could complete Everton’s attack. The Toffees already have James Rodriguez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, but the Flamengo forward could be the missing piece to form a mouth-watering front four.

Imagine a 4-3-3 variation with Rodriguez as the most advanced of the midfield three behind Barbosa on the right, Calvert-Lewin through the middle and Richarlison on the left. That could be a lethal strike force for Benitez, especially given Gabigol’s record for Flamengo.

The ex-Inter man has 68 goals and 18 assists in 96 appearances for the club, including 14 goals and assists in 15 games in the 2020/21 campaign. He has shown that he can score goals at an eye-catching rate, whilst he also has the versatility to play as a striker, on either wing, or as an attacking midfielder. This means that Benitez could utilise him in a variety of ways and have flexibility with his frontline options.

Former Brazil international Zico once claimed Barbosa “has everything” and said that he can make himself one of the greats with Flamengo. He told O Dia (via TNT Sports):

“I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history. It’s getting there. His performance got better and better, consolidating himself as one of the greats.

“He’s already gone down in history. He is young and can do much more, and hopefully, he can do it. Doing this is always good to give joy to the Rubro-Negro fan and, logically, we always expect this from a guy who has the potential that he has.”

This is why Brands must swoop for the Brazilian this summer, as he is highly rated in Brazil and his statistics back up the hype.

He has shown that he is too good for the league he is currently playing in with his sublime goalscoring record and Everton fans would love to see him showing off his skills alongside the club’s current forwards.

AND in other news, “That was the disappointment” – Exclusive: Ball fires warning to Rafa on £18m-rated Everton ace…

Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly looks set to depart the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed in a post on Twitter that the QPR shot-stopper is a target of both Motherwell and Dundee United in the summer transfer window, with the Scottish duo potentially considering a loan bid for the 25-year-old.

The Motherwell manager Graham Alexander has already stated his desire to bring the ‘keeper back to Fir Park this summer, after the former Scotland U21 international impressed during a loan spell at the Scottish Premiership side last season.

Kelly must go

Since joining QPR from Livingston in what was a £54k deal back in the summer of 2019, Kelly has struggled to make any great impression at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium to date, having played second fiddle to both Joe Lumley and Seny Dieng.

Indeed, over his two-year spell in west London, the £360k-rated goalkeeper has made just 21 appearances in all competitions for the Rs, over which he has conceded 35 goals and kept just three clean sheets.

The vast majority of these appearances came in his debut season at the club, featuring in 19 Championship fixtures for Mark Warburton’s side, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game and earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.79.

Last season, the £7k-per-week shot-stopper failed to make a single appearance for QPR, with both Lumley and Dieng highly impressing for the club in the league, averaging SofaScore match ratings of 7.04 and 6.96 respectively.

Kelly then joined Motherwell on a loan deal in the January transfer window, where, to his credit, the 25-year-old impressed over his 18 Scottish Premiership appearances, keeping six clean sheets and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

However, despite his decent level of performance while in Scotland, this should not be enough to convince Warburton that the ‘keeper is of a Championship standard, and it would appear highly advisable for the 58-year-old to allow the player, whom Alexander claimed had a “massive impact” on his side, to leave the club this summer.

In other news: Massive transfer update emerges on “incredible” QPR target that will have fans buzzing

After seeing the summer transfer window shut on Tuesday night, Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa will be glad to have gotten one final signing over the line in the shape of Manchester United’s Dan James.

But, one area in which the Whites failed to strengthen is in central midfield, with a move for Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien seemingly falling on its head.

In response to a question from a fan about whether the Whites would pursue a late move for the midfielder on transfer deadline day, The Athletic’s Phil Hay said on Twitter: “Not a matter of time. They’re not stretching to £8m+ for O’Brien.”

While Leeds may have baulked against paying that kind of fee for O’Brien, they may take some comfort in the return from injury of Adam Forshaw.

The midfielder has endured a difficult spell at Leeds for well over a year now, with injuries seeing him miss the entire Premier League season – in fact, his only appearance of 2020/21 came at Premier League 2 level when he was given a runout against Aston Villa’s under-23s back in mid-April.

Speaking towards the end of last season, Bielsa himself said of the 29-year-old: “He has basically been not playing for two seasons and to be able to play 90 minutes at a high competition after being healthy – there is still a while to go before you’re ready for that.

“He’s healthy, and has two months left of the season to prove that he is finally over his issues. We all hope it will be like this, because he is a very important player and he has made a massive effort to overcome the situation that he’s been through.”

With Leeds lacking natural cover for Kalvin Phillips, and a new central midfielder not arriving through the door, Forshaw’s comeback from injury is a timely one.

Writing for The Athletic, Phil Hay backed Forshaw to enjoy a redemption season this year, saying: “Can his body hold up? Could he adapt quickly to the pace of the Premier League? The thing about Forshaw is that he is one of Bielsa’s favourite players at Leeds; someone who Bielsa has genuinely been heard to describe privately as having the right attributes for a Champions League side.”

The £60k-a-week earning midfielder has been dubbed as “class” by former Leeds man Noel Whelan, while Bielsa himself has previously admitted just how influential he can be.

He said: “Forshaw is a player who, when he has played, he is always between the better players of the team.

“He has a feature that is very difficult to get. He defends similar to Kalvin, he attacks similar to Klich. What he does close to Phillips doesn’t impede, it is not a problem for him when he goes close to Klich to attack. You are not going to find a lot of players with this kind of characteristic.”

That is high praise indeed from Bielsa, and he will be hoping that this campaign could be the making of the 29-year-old at the top level.

Now that O’Brien isn’t here and the transfer window has closed, it’s finally time for Bielsa to unleash Forshaw in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay dropped a Leeds United update on deadline day…

West Ham United announced the arrival of Nikola Vlasic earlier this morning and Irons fans can expect further deals to be done, according to a very reliable source…

What’s the word?

ExWHUemployee tweeted that the east London outfit were in talks with as many as four players heading into tonight’s transfer deadline, though it remains to be seen exactly who these players might be.

“Talks with 4 players scheduled (we won’t sign all 4),” he tweeted.

The Croatian playmaker has joined from CSKA Moscow in an initial €30m (£25.5m) deal, signing a five-year £66k-per-week contract at the London Stadium. He joins centre-back Kurt Zouma and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola as David Moyes’ third summer signing.

More business to be done!

This latest development should leave many supporters around the club absolutely buzzing as it looks like their side are trying to conduct more business before 11pm tonight.

Moyes could certainly do with another striker, as right now, he risks going into the next few months – when they’ll be playing two times per week – with just one senior option in the role, an injury-prone Michail Antonio.

Indeed, he’s currently the Premier League’s leading goalscorer on four goals but he hasn’t started over 24 league games since 2016/17.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-much-more-2” title= “Read the latest West Ham team and injury news, transfer rumours, gossip and much, much more!”]

There is also the small matter of sealing Jesse Lingard’s potential return – something that Hammers assistant manager Stuart Pearce re-iterated his club would like to secure during an interview with talkSPORT last week.

Given the arrival of Vlasic in the no.10 position, it would be hard to see the Manchester United midfielder returning to the London Stadium today but you never know.

Moyes could potentially do with further cover in the full-back positions too, particularly at left-back, where Arthur Masuaku has had long-term injury problems, as well as deeper in the engine room as one injury to Declan Rice or Tomas Soucek means it’s the retiring Mark Noble up next.

All in all, the West Ham faithful should be thrilled to hear that the club is in talks with as many as four players today. There’s surely a good chance they get at least one of those over the line to bolster the Scot’s playing squad.

For now, we can expect the Irons to be busier today.

AND in other news, Moyes could repeat Lingard 2.0 with West Ham deadline day swoop for “unplayable” beast…

Southampton’s hopes of signing Ryan Gauld this summer have taken a blow after SC Farense triggered a one-year extension option in his contract, meaning he will now set the Saints back somewhere in the region of £3.5m, rather than being available on a free transfer as was initially thought.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were first linked with a move for the Scottish midfielder by the Daily Record earlier this month, with the reports suggesting that he was keen on a move to St Mary’s so he could link up with fellow Scot and former Dundee United teammate Stuart Armstrong.

The 25-year-old’s contract with SC Farense was set to expire at the end of the season, meaning the Saints could have signed him on a Bosman transfer, but Portuguese news outlet O Jogo have now suggested that they have triggered a one-year extension to his contract ahead of the summer, where an offer of €4m (£3.5m) will be enough to prise him away from Estadio de São Luís.

SC Farense’s head coach Sergio Vieira was full of praise for Gauld last year, saying:

“He has given us fantastic individual quality, played most of every 90 
minutes and has been crucial in 
contributing with assists and goals.

“He’s a great player, technically very developed and, with the ball at his feet, capable of realising actions that only the best players do.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

Given that SC Farense suffered relegation from the Portuguese top-flight this season, despite the best efforts of Gauld, it seems extremely likely that he will depart this summer, but Southampton will have to shell out a fee if they want to bring him to St Mary’s.

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a superb season in the Liga NOS, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 33 league appearances, which helped him average an impressive 7.19 rating from WhoScored, which is better than any Southampton player managed this season.

Therefore, despite the disappointing news that Gauld seemingly won’t be available on a free transfer this summer, Martin Semmens should definitely try to sign him, as he could prove to be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s side ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl can amend key 20/21 disaster with summer swoop for £4.5m-rated beast

After a disappointing season for West Brom, currently 13th in the Championship, Steve Bruce has given an update on Andy Carroll’s future at the club ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In an interview with Express & Star, the Baggies boss has confirmed that talks have been scheduled to make a decision on the striker’s future and whether his stay will be extended at the club or not.

Bruce confirmed:

“He has done well since he has been here and it’s great to see him fit. I’ve always said, when fit, Andy Carroll is a threat.

“I think it’s important in the next week or so that we sit down and make those big decisions which are never easy. We’ll see what develops.”

Time to go

Carroll was initially brought into the club to fill a gap in the striker role for West Brom after a freak hamstring injury to January signing Daryl Dike on his first full debut for the Baggies and has had an adequate impact on the side.

The £720k-rated star who was hailed “powerful” by former boss Alan Pardew, has delivered three goals in 15 appearances, scoring a goal in each of the two victories West Brom have picked up in their last six games, but with players returning from injury the striker has fulfilled his purpose and it is now time to go.

Dike returned to full team training last month but is yet to make an appearance in the team since he picked up his injury, and Bruce is hoping that he will be able to have a good summer working on his match fitness to reprise his star role as the striker in next season’s charge for promotion back to the top-flight.

With that in mind, keeping hold of 33-year-old Carroll doesn’t make sense in the club’s pursuit to rebuild and recharge for a chance to get back into the Premier League next season, and should be looking to invest in the future of the team, rather than prolonging the contract of a player who is nearing the end of his career.

West Brom needs to reflect on the nightmare season they have had in the Championship and re-evaluate what needs to be done to ensure they don’t find themselves in the same position again this time next year.

It is really important to keep moving forward in the best interests of the team, and accepting Carroll was a short-term solution and moving him on this summer could be the right decision.

AND in other news: Bruce can finally axe “lazy” flop as West Brom plot bid for “superb” 19 y/o sensation