All posts by z3u9t.icu

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have erupted over a contract update involving star Raheem Sterling. 

The England international, who is still yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms at the Etihad Stadium, has been the subject of some criticism for his City performances over the last year.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

A far cry from his 2019/2020 season, where he finished the campaign as Pep Guardiola’s top goal scorer in all competitions (31), Sterling bagged below half that total over 2020/2021 (14).

The £300,000-per-week forward, after a stellar Euro 2020 tournament with England, still hasn’t managed to rediscover his prolific form from two seasons ago and news has now come to light on his contract situation.

Reliable reporter James Ducker of The Telegraph says both the player and Guardiola have struck an uneasy truce whilst agreeing to disagree on certain matters.

While sources at the Etihad complex say Sterling isn’t screaming injustice and has his head firmly down, the 26-year-old’s new deal talks have stalled and will remain on hold to be revisited after a few months.

The player will have a year left on his current deal next summer and sporting director Txiki Begiristain risks losing him for a minimal or non-existent fee.

Flocking to this update, there have been many opinions by a plethora of City supporters, find all of their best ones down below.

Man City fans erupt over Sterling update…

“Please don’t”

Credit: @GalaxyGrealish

“He’s not good enough anymore

City is a Giant football now

There should be no room for mediocrity Sterling wouldn’t get regular game time anymore”

Credit: @kunfunduscharm

“As much as some of us won’t want to hear this, Sterling is leaving next summer.

He is an amazing baller and wherever he goes he will be loved”

Credit: @izzy900is

“Please sign the contract Raheem”

Credit: @Zaks456

“Please no”

Credit: @mcfc_tk

“Sell him. It’s time.”

Credit: @JMCFCLOL

“Get him gone”

Credit: @mcfcjosh9320

“Wallahi no way”

Credit: @monstaclass

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Bring him home’, ‘Am I dreaming’ – Man City fans excited by claim on 35-goal striker, find out more here.

Eddie Howe is reportedly now targeting a record Newcastle United move for Kieran Trippier in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Will not go away…

The possibility of Trippier moving to St. James’ Park is simply one rumour that will not go away.

The Daily Mirror reported last month that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) believe that they can tempt him back to the Premier League in January, while The Northern Echo have recently claimed that the North East club are hopeful that they can persuade him to leave Atletico Madrid given the emergence of Marcos Llorente in his right-back position.

Nonetheless, given that he played under Howe while they were both at Burnley, a potential move does make a lot of sense.

The Latest: Howe’s top target

As per 90min, Trippier is now Howe’s ‘top target’, after sources revealed that he ‘remains keen’ on a move back to the English top flight, after a move to Manchester United last summer fell through.

However, it will take ‘some persuading’ for him to move to Tyneside, and so the new owners will offer him the biggest contract in the club’s history, worth £150,000-per-week, far more than the £82,000-a-week that he is currently earning in La Liga.

The Magpies would also likely have to pay a club-record transfer fee, or very close to it, in order to sign him next month.

The Verdict: Expensive, but worth it

There is no doubt that bringing in Trippier would be expensive, and could be questioned given that he is 31 years of age now.

However, money should be no object to the mega-rich consortium, and he would offer so much of the valuable experience needed to pull themselves out of the drop zone.

Described as a ‘warrior’ by England manager Gareth Southgate back in June, Trippier was a won the La Liga title last season ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and has so much knowledge and know-how that can be passed down to the squad.

Howe and Trippier also have a good relationship dating back to their time with the Clarets, as Howe once claimed that he is ‘one of the best crossers of the ball’ that he has ever worked with (The Bournemouth Echo), while Trippier in turn has claimed that Howe is a ‘great manager’ and has expressed his admiration for helping him personally (The Burnley Express).

Nonetheless, bringing Trippier to the Toon to work with him could well be a match made in heaven.

In other news, find out which ‘very talented’ Premier League ace NUFC are now eyeing here!

Leeds United are battling fellow Premier League sides Newcastle and Spurs for the signing of Lens midfielder Seko Fofana.

What’s the story?

Back in the January transfer window, Foot Mercato’s editor-in-chief Sebastien Denis claimed the Whites were one of several teams looking at a potential move for the Ivory Coast international.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

Now, Newcastle World have suggested that the Magpies face competition from both Spurs and Jesse Marsch’s side in the race to sign him this summer, and that Leeds in particular have been monitoring his situation.

Dream midfield partner for Kalvin Phillips

While Kalvin Phillips has struggled with injuries this year, if he does stay put at Elland Road this summer, he will no doubt be hoping to enjoy a far more consistent campaign next season.

The big question for him and Leeds, is who his midfield partner should be in the long-term, with the likes of Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw generally used in the engine room alongside him.

But, in Fofana, they could have the kind of box-to-box powerhouse that would thrive with someone like Phillips next to him.

As per Whoscored, Fofana is currently Lens’ fourth highest-rated player (6.90) out of those who have started more than one game this season in Ligue 1, while compared to his teammates, he ranks top for both shots and dribbles (2.4 and 1.9), and second for key passes (1.1).

Indeed, with seven goals in his 31 appearances, he’s the club’s second top goal-scorer, with one of those strikes coming during a 1-1 draw with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, leading to journalist Zach Lowry describing him as a “phenom”.

It’s no surprise then his manager Franck Haise dubbed him “the most complete player”, and added: “On the pitch, he is able to stay organized to adjust the team’s balance. At the same time, he has a great ability to create and to be decisive on the last pass. He is also capable of scoring a few goals in a season.”

The £18m-rated powerhouse could be a dream midfield signing for Marsch at Leeds, and would surely have Phillips dreaming about the prospect of running things in the engine room.

AND in other news – Leeds could strike gold with £42m teenage sensation, he follows Raphinha on Instagram

Interest in West Ham United centre-back Issa Diop is growing ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Santi Aouna, with the Foot Mercato journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that the trio of AC Milan, Newcastle United and Watford have made contact with the Irons regarding a deal for the 24-year-old defender.

Meanwhile, manager David Moyes is believed to be interested in a number of centre-back targets of his own this winter, with Liverpool’s Nathaniel Phillips and LOSC Lille’s Sven Botman thought to be on the 58-year-old’s shortlist – something that the Daily Mail claim is down to the fact that there are ‘questions remaining over the reliability of Frenchman Issa Diop.’

Moyes can axe Diop with Botman signing

While Diop is undeniably a player who is an extremely useful squad member at the London Stadium, should Moyes have the chance to cash in on the former France U21 international this winter, and subsequently replace him with a centre-back of Botman’s ability, it is certainly a move that the Hammers boss must look to pull off.

Indeed, Diop has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot in the Hammers side since his then-club record £22m arrival in east London back in 2018, with the 24-year-old being typically used as a backup option under the management of Moyes.

This has been the case in the current campaign, in which the £10.8m-rated man has made just five Premier League appearances – which have come as a result of both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna being sidelined due to injuries.

And, over these five league outings, the £61k-per-week defender dubbed a “colossus” by Stuart Pearce has hardly shone for the Hammers, averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.60 – ranking him as the club’s joint second-worst performer in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Botman has been in rather contrasting form over his 12 Ligue 1 appearances this term, helping his side keep two clean sheets, scoring one goal and providing his teammates with one assist, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, one tackle, 51.5 passes and winning 68% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the 21-year-old, who Kevin Phillips dubbed a “[Virgil] Van Dijk-like signing”, average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as Jocelyn Gourvennec’s joint fourth-best player in the French top flight.

As such, should Moyes indeed have the chance to recoup a decent portion of the club’s initial £22m outlay on Diop next month, it would seem very wise for the 58-year-old to do so, before reinvesting the money in a move for the £27m-rated Netherlands U21 international.

In other news: Forget Bowen: £47k-p/w WHU monster who won 64% duels will be giving Watford nightmares

Newcastle United would like to sign ‘at least one’ striker during the January transfer window but ‘it’s proving tricky’. 

That’s according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, fielding questions in a recent matchday forum.

The lowdown

Eddie Howe revealed following the shock FA Cup defeat to Cambridge United on Saturday that Callum Wilson was facing eight weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury against Manchester United in December.

The 29-year-old is the Magpies’ top scorer this season with six goals, and he also led the way in this regard last term, so their reliance on him is clear to see.

Newcastle’s list of centre-forward targets reportedly includes Liverpool’s Divock Origi, who is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, who’s valued at £12.6m.

The latest

In a Q&A on The Athletic on Saturday, Waugh was addressing the possibility of Newcastle bringing in attacking reinforcements this month, while also hinting that the club’s PIF ownership are dissatisfied with current reserve option Dwight Gayle, who was brought to Tyneside by Rafael Benitez in 2016 for £10m.

The journalist outlined: “In terms of strikers, they are very much actively looking to recruit at least one but, as you say, it’s a very difficult window and hard to secure one even during the summer, so it’s proving tricky, but they will keep attempting to lure one. I don’t believe anything is close, though, and I think they see beyond Gayle now.”

The verdict

Perhaps it’s difficult to persuade a quality striker to join the Magpies when they may fear playing second fiddle to a fit-and-firing Wilson once he returns.

One option might be for Eddie Howe to consider changing shape – over the course of his managerial career, he has favoured a 4-4-2 ‘double six’ formation.

When Wilson – who would have played in that system at Bournemouth – is back in action, the Newcastle boss could play him alongside a new recruit and keep both players happy. However, for that to happen, any prospective new centre-forwards must also be well suited to playing in a strike partnership rather than as a lone target man

In other news, Newcastle are ‘in talks’ over this potential addition in defence

[ad_pod ]

Simon Mignolet has told the Liverpool Echo that Liverpool have the squad depth to win the Premier League title.

The Belgian was involved in the Reds’ last title chase, in 2013-14, as the Reds came agonisingly close to winning the league, only to capitulate at the last, allowing Manchester City to become champions.

What’s the word?

Liverpool are currently four points clear of City at the top of the Premier League table, with 15 games still to play.

However, Mignolet has been in this position before, seeing Brendan Rodgers’ side dramatically fail to clinch the title, despite building a seemingly unassailable lead at the top of the table.

The Belgium international, though, says that there is more quality running throughout the entirety of the squad this time around, and believes they have the numbers to weather all but the most serious injury crisis.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: “So much has changed over the past five years here.

FFC’s James Jones has identified the one thing that could cost Liverpool the title. Find out what it is in the video below…

“It’s only Hendo (Jordan Henderson), Studge (Daniel Sturridge) and myself still here from the last time we really fought for the title.

“Back then a lot of it was about Luis Suarez and Studge, whereas now the goals are shared about more. We had a really good team in 2013/14 but the moment we got one or two injuries it became difficult.

“We’ve got a broad squad now which means we can cope with injuries. That’s probably the biggest difference with last time.”

The Reds face Leicester City on Wednesday before a weekend meeting with West Ham United.

Depth is key

In 2013-14, Liverpool were all too reliant on the mercurial talents of Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan scored 31 goals and provided 17 assists in the top flight, as per Transfermarkt, in what was undoubtedly one of the finest individual seasons in Premier League history.

However, this time around the Reds can call on Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, with the likes of Naby Keita, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum all too happy to chip in as well.

Jurgen Klopp is blessed with a fantastic array of talent on his bench; ironically, perhaps only Pep Guardiola can lay claim to having more in reserve than the Reds.

It is set up to be a fascinating run-in, particularly with the amount of talent packed in each squad.

One thing is for sure; if either side slips up, the other is certain to take advantage.

Many Everton fans have been left flocking to some news on Yerry Mina and his current contract situation at Goodison Park.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Patrick Boyland has now confirmed that the Colombia international is yet to sign a new deal at the Merseyside club, as his current one expires at the end of the season.

The journalist claims that there is a decision now to be made on his future, as he becomes more important to the team’s hopes.

Given that Rafa Benitez’s side conceded from another corner at the weekend against West Ham United, attention immediately drew to the absence of Mina, who at six-foot-five-inches tall certainly helps them aerially in both boxes.

He is also reliable with the ball at his feet, as he has averaged a higher pass success (76.4%) in the Premier League so far this season compared to Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane (Whoscored).

Everton fans on Mina news

These Toffees supporters flocked to the news as it was shared on Twitter:

“He’s easily our best defender by a long stretch, its a no brainer, get him signed up”

Credit: @Blueboymike1983

“No decision needed he’s 27 and our best defender. 4-year deal don’t lose him”

Credit: @cjohno1001

“We simply have to give him a new contract, he’s our best centre-back by far”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“I don’t understand what the decision is that has to be made. He’s comfortably our best centre-half. The decision is easy”

Credit: @rogerefc

“He’s becoming one of the first names on the team sheet, so it’s vital we sign him to a new contract”

Credit: @RyanOHanlon1

“No brainer for me. Sign him up.”

Credit: @datgregmc83

In other news, find out what injury news has been bemoaned by Blues here!

West Ham United are the latest team to be linked with a move for Darwin Nunez this winter…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), who claim that the Irons are keen on launching a bid for the 22-year-old Benfica talisman in January.

The Uruguay international has a whopping €150m (£127m) release clause, so he could command a record-breaking fee for the Primeira Liga, and the Hammers also face fierce competition from some of Europe’s elite.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, both Manchester and Milan clubs, as well as Saudi-backed Newcastle United, have all been mentioned with interest.

Goal machine

Nunez only joined the Eagles in 2020 but has quickly established himself as a rather prolific goalscorer in Portugual’s top-flight and in Europe, too – for instance, he’s found the net 11 times already this season, averaging a goal every 86 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the young forward has clearly built on his form from last season, where he delivered 14 goals in 44 games.

It’s no secret that the Hammers are in desperate need of frontline additions as it’s bordering on two years since manager David Moyes had more than just 31-year-old Michail Antonio, who has dealt with numerous injury problems in the past, at his disposal.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/west-ham-news-transfer-updates-rumours-gossip-david-moyes-gsb-premier-league” title=”Read the latest West Ham news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Him facing time on the sideline is always a worry but now he’s out of form too, scoring just once in nine matches, so the Scot cannot even turn to an alternative to spark a reaction.

Nunez, considering the calibre of teams keen to land his signature, would certainly be a major coup for Rob Newman’s recruitment team at the London Stadium.

His manager, Jorge Jesus, believes he will become a “world-class” player one day, making Benfica millions in the process.

“All this decision-making ability, finishing and speed… He was Benfica’s most expensive purchase, and when there is no pandemic, he will be the most expensive sale,” he claimed. “He will be a world-class player. Unfortunately for me, maybe I will lose him in a short time.”

Some have dubbed him the ‘next Luis Suarez,’ who of course had plenty of success in England at Liverpool, whilst he has also been described as the “complete forward” and a “poacher” by scout Jacek Kulig, who has also previously likened his style to that of Alvaro Morata.

On the above evidence, Newman could seal Moyes a fantastic option up top and if they can strike a deal over some elite teams, it would be a massive statement of intent.

AND in other news, 84% duels lost: West Ham liability has now proven to Moyes that he’s not good enough…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Everton’s recent financial figures are now a ‘real concern’.

The Lowdown: Figures published

The Merseyside club have now published their official accounts for the 2020/21 season on their website, which shows a total loss of £120.9m.

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

This is the third year in a row that they have published losses of over £110m, and given the problems that they have had with Financial Fair Play (FFP), in addition to the real possibility of being relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season, the next few years certainly look bleak if you are a Toffees fan.

The Latest: O’Rourke reacts

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that the latest figures published are a ‘real concern’:

“It’s a real concern for Everton recording these heavy losses again, £120m this year, I think it was £111m the year before and £139m the previous season before that, as well.”

The Verdict: Worrying

These are certainly worrying times for the Goodison Park faithful, who need to concentrate on matters on the pitch, starting with their game away at West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, but may be distracted by the latest accounts.

If Frank Lampard’s team do go down to the Championship, it would be nothing short of disastrous, given the financial assurances that the top flight has to offer.

Nonetheless, if the Blues can stay up, they can at least look at becoming more financially stable for the next couple of seasons, with the long-term view of wiping out their losses.

In other news, find out what big EFC injury update has now emerged here!

Everton have not given their faithful supporters much to be positive about having won just seven Premier League games out of a possible 27.

With 11 league fixtures left to play and only three points above the relegation zone, Frank Lampard has a big job on his hands to keep the Toffees in the top division for another season.

One player that has not been particularly helpful for the team is midfielder Andre Gomes, someone who has certainly played his part in where the Merseyside club sits in the top-flight table.

With 12 league appearances under his belt, the Portugal international, who has been slammed for his “ridiculous” decision making on the pitch in the past by Garry Birtles, has failed to show exactly what he offers the team.

From an attacking point of view, the 28-year-old has only managed to make nine live passes that have led to a shot at goal, which is fewer than defenders Ben Godfrey (21) and Lucas Digne (22), who left Goodison Park back in January.

On the flip side, in terms of his defensive actions, or lack thereof, the former Barcelona figure has only won nine of the 15 tackles he’s attempted, fewer than the likes of Alex Iwobi, Demarai Gray and Richarlison.

His overall performances have earned him an uninspiring overall season rating of 6.21 from WhoScored, making him the lowest-rated Toffees player to have started more than one league game.

With these stats suggesting that Gomes has been of very little use to Everton, the upcoming summer transfer window could give Lampard the chance to finally get rid of the dud.

With that possibility in mind, Gomes’ potential exit could pave the way for the Merseyside club to finally land a transfer target they were after during the previous summer window.

A recent report from the Daily Mirror has claimed that on-loan Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who Everton were reportedly after in the previous summer, is set to return to England after his current loan deal with AS Roma comes to an end.

Given the drama around his exit from the north London club, it seems unlikely that they would want him back in their squad, meaning that they could be enticed into selling him on a permanent deal this time around.

If this would open the door for Everton to make a move for the midfielder, who has been described as being a “huge talent” in the past by Mikel Arteta, it could give Lampard the chance to build the £48k-per-week Englishman into an important figure for his side.

The Arsenal man’s potential arrival would surely also spell the end of Gomes’ period at Goodison Park, dislodging him in the middle of the park and supplying the Toffees with a more energetic and dynamic central option.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano relays huge behind-scenes Finch Farm update, great news for Everton