All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers continued their summer rebuild by announcing their third signing of the summer on Tuesday, welcoming Jack Butland to the club.

The experienced English goalkeeper is set to arrive at Ibrox on a free transfer from Crystal Palace at the start of next month and will join Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who agreed moves to Scotland before him.

Michael Beale's work in the market is far from done as the Light Blues boss is reportedly keen on a number of other deals to improve his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Daily Record recently claimed that the Gers are pursuing a deal to sign Cremonese centre-forward Cyriel Dessers, Nottingham Forest's Jonathan Panzo and Swansea winger Morgan Whittaker.

Who is Jonathan Panzo?

He is a 22-year-old central defender who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Coventry City in the English Championship.

Beale must seal a swoop for the young left-footed enforcer as the ex-Monaco ace could be the future of the club's defence alongside academy graduate Leon King.

He happens to be the only first-team centre-back under the age of 26 as the likes of Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and John Souttar are in the prime years of their respective careers.

Therefore, the club could benefit from bringing a younger defender through the door as they could already have their future replacements for the current first-choice options in the building by the time they move on.

King and Panzo could complement each other tremendously well as the Rangers ace is a right-sided defender who plays on the other side, which means that they suit each other in terms of what they do in possession.

Both of them would be able to open up onto their stronger foot to play the ball out from the back, rather than playing next to a player who forces them onto their weaker foot, which could lead to lesser-quality passing if they are not as proficient on their other side.

Panzo has also proven himself to be a strong and capable defender at Championship level in England. The 22-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.99 across 29 appearances and won 58% of his individual duels.

King, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.89 across 15 outings in the Scottish Premiership and also won an excellent 58% of his physical contests, which shows that both players are able to get the better of their opponents more often than not in matches.

Therefore, Rangers must swoop for the £1.5m Forest ace, who was once praised as being "outstanding" by his former coach Mark Robins as he could be an excellent long-term signing for the club who is able to strike a connection with King in the years to come.

Manchester United are in the market for a new striker this summer following Cristiano Ronaldo's premature departure and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Dusan Vlahovic to Man United?

According to Italian news outlet Corriere Torino (via The Faithful MUFC), Man United have been told how much they will need to pay to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.

As per the report, the Red Devils will need to cough up €90m (£77.5m) to secure the signature of the star and will also need to compete with Bayern Munich to get a deal done.

Would Vlahovic be a good alternative for Harry Kane?

The highest priority for the Manchester giants will be to sign a prolific centre-forward and the pressure to secure one will have only been heightened after the uninspiring attacking performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup final yesterday.

Man United have been linked to many world-class strikers over the last few months with Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane just two named as potential options for the Red Devils, with the latter bringing the massive advantage of having a wealth of experience in the Premier League.

However, with Tottenham Hotspur demanding an eye-watering £100m and some reports even suggesting that the League Cup winners would have to cough up a total bill in excess of £300m to complete the move, it would be an outrageous commitment to sign a striker who will be 30 years old when next season commences.

As a result, the signing of Vlahovic could be the perfect alternative for Kane this summer as he is much younger and would even be a cheaper option without compromising the quality and consistency needed in the forward line.

Over his career so far, the 23-year-old – who was notably dubbed "world-class" and a "beast" by journalist Siavoush Fallahi – has scored 95 goals and registered 16 assists in 220 appearances, with a goal contribution every 126 minutes so far, proving that he provides a reliable output in front of goal that could be a huge asset to Man United.

Whilst Vlahovic only managed to score 14 goals in all competitions this season, there is no doubt that the Serbian striker demonstrates clear potential and it has been suggested that he is not being given the tools to reach his full potential with Juventus.

Forbes Sport journalist Emmet Gates claimed last year: "Dusan Vlahovic has the ability to be a generational talent, but he's suffering in this iteration of Juventus.

"To paraphrase a famous Zlatan line: He's a Ferrari being driven like a Fiat."

With that being said, Erik ten Hag could not only offer Vlahovic the opportunity to play Champions League football next season but he could deliver a potentially career-defining move that would help the Serb unleash his full potential at Old Trafford.

Liverpool have held discussions regarding a summer deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.

Is Bruno Guimaraes leaving Newcastle?

The Premier League giants have confirmed that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all left the club, as well as loanee Arthur Melo, so Jurgen Klopp is in the market for central reinforcements and the 25-year-old has seemingly been highlighted as an ideal target.

The Brazilian international still has another three years remaining on his contract, but being Eddie Howe’s top-performing defensive player last season, has caught the eye of the boss at Anfield, alongside overseas.

The Times report that Barcelona are interested in a deal for the northeast outfit’s star, and whilst 90min have since claimed that the Magpies are confident that he will sign a new deal over the summer, that hasn’t stopped FSG from attempting to take a bite of the cherry.

Are Liverpool signing Guimaraes?

According to Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have “opened talks” to land Guimaraes as well as Barcelona, with both admirers “willing to try” to buy him. The Merseyside outfit have “made contact” to discover what it would take to get a deal over the line, and whilst the player’s representatives have personally “told” Newcastle about the interest, they understand that his “preference” is to remain at St. James’ Park.

Would Guimaraes be a good signing for Liverpool?

Liverpool have played against Newcastle and indeed Guimaraes on several occasions so will know what he’s capable of, and having been dubbed a defensive midfield “orchestrator” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could be a fantastic signing for FSG.

The World Cup participant, who pockets £120k-per-week, recorded a total of 78 tackles throughout the 2022/23 campaign which was more than any other of his teammates, as per FBRef, but he’s also capable of chipping in at the opposite end of the pitch.

The Rio de Janeiro native clocked up nine goal contributions (five assists and four goals) in the top-flight last term and made 110 shot-creating actions which was the second-highest number in the northeast, so is constantly looking to produce moments of quality.

Finally, Guimaraes has the versatility to operate slightly further up the pitch in central midfield and even at centre-back alongside his natural position sitting just in front of the backline, so he could be a great option for Klopp to have at his disposal should the opportunity ever present itself, however, a move could be tricky to complete.

According to a recent report by Italian media outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi (via TEAMtalk), Leeds United are interested in a move to bring Takumi Minamino to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

The report claimed that Liverpool are now prepared to part with the 27-year-old in the coming months, with an offer of around £17m believed to be enough for Jurgen Klopp to sanction the Japan international’s departure.

This development has apparently seen Leeds, Inter Milan and Lazio all make contact with the Reds concerning a deal for the winger, with Minamino himself believed to be open to a move away from Anfield in a bid to secure regular first-team football.

Raphinha replacement

While it is true that the 27-year-old has not enjoyed a huge amount of game-time following his £7.25m move to Liverpool in January 2020 – starting just 21 of his 55 appearances for the Reds – this should not be seen as a reflection of the forward’s talent, but rather a huge compliment to the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

Indeed, it would be an extremely difficult task for the £12.5m-rated attacker to have made more of the minutes Klopp has afforded him, with FBRef data showing that Minamino averaged 1.45 goals per 90 this season, as well as 0.88 non-penalty xG, 0.25 xA and 1.13 npxG+xA, while he made 30.5 pressures per game.

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For comparison, looking at the same metrics, FBref shows that Raphinha – who is reported to be an all but certain departure from Leeds this summer – averaged 0.34 goals per 90 this term, in addition to 0.25 non-penalty xG, 0.21 xA and 0.56 npxG+xA, while he made 17.7 pressures per match.

As such, should the Whites go on to receive their £60m asking price for the Brazil international this summer, it would appear a wise move for Victor Orta to spend £17m of this income on a move for the £72k-per-week Minamino.

The player who Klopp dubbed a “machine” and “outstanding” would very much look to be something of a perfect – not to mention cost-effective – replacement for Raphinha at Elland Road.

AND in other news: Orta can now seal “eye-catching” Leeds signing with £20m bid for “sensational” talent

Wolves have been boosted in their efforts to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with a fresh report claiming that they are favourites to land him.

The Lowdown: Constant Palhinha transfer links

In recent weeks and months, the Old Gold have been continually linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who appears to be a primary transfer target.

Palhinha has grown into a vital player for Sporting over the years and has become arguably their most important midfielder, making 27 Primeira Liga appearances in 2021/22.

A fresh update further suggests that the Portuguese gem could be plying his trade at Molineux next season.

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The Latest: Wolves favourites to sign Palhinha

According to Correio da Manha [via Sport Witness], Wolves is Palhinha’s ‘most likely destination’, giving Bruno Lage’s side an undoubted boost in this particular transfer pursuit.

However, it is also claimed that the ‘deal depends on’ whether or not they are happy to pay €30m (£25.5m) for his services, which is a possible stumbling block.

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The Verdict: Surely it happens now?

It increasingly looks as though Wolves are in pole position to get their man this summer, with Palhinha potentially being a seamless replacement for the exit-linked Ruben Neves.

A top-class player could be required to come in for the current Molineux hero and the 26-year-old Sporting midfielder is exactly that, enjoying an 84.3% pass completion rate across six Champions League appearances this season.

Losing Neves will clearly be a blow for Lage if he goes, but signing Palhinha would certainly help to make up for that loss, with the Portugal international described as a ‘special’ player by his manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, a key update has emerged regarding one Wolves player’s future. Read more here.

Liverpool forward Divock Origi is absolutely nailed-on to join AC Milan at the end of the season, journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Origi tipped for exit

The Belgian has long been tipped for a summer exit in recent months, with his current Reds deal expiring once the current campaign is over.

Origi has been continually linked with a move to Milan, with the Serie A giants looking to add more firepower in the attacking third ahead of another year in the Champions League – they often rely on Olivier Giroud to lead the line, who will turn 36 at the start of next season.

The transfer is starting to look like a formality, with Romano giving a fresh update on the matter this week.

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The Latest: Origi to sign contract in Milan

Taking to Twitter, the renowned transfer expert claimed that the deal is now extremely close, even effectively done:

“Divock Origi has no doubts on his next destination: he’s just waiting to complete medical tests and sign the contract as new AC Milan player in the coming weeks.

“Liverpool have already accepted his decision – he’s definitely leaving on a free transfer.”

The Verdict: Smash it, Divock

This is a perfect time for Origi to move on, with the 27-year-old too good a footballer to be sitting on the substitutes’ bench for Liverpool most weeks.

He is in his prime years and a move to Milan could be perfect, as the Rossoneri lie on the cusp of winning the Serie A title, meaning the Belgium international could be joining at a perfect time in their recent history.

For all Origi’s cult hero status at Liverpool, racking up 41 goals across his time at the club, first and foremost he is a very good footballer and someone who could and deserves to thrive with a new challenge at another huge club.

In other news, a journalist has confirmed ‘strong interest’ in one Liverpool player. Read more here.

Italian newspaper Il Giorno has now shared a significant update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for Atalanta defender Joakim Maehle this summer.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes new full-backs…

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has famously earmarked the signing of new right-wing-back with attempts being made to sign Adama Traore as a makeshift option in January.

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When the Spaniard opted to join Barcelona, Tottenham’s boss was left without a desired upgrade in that position, meaning he has had to turn to Emerson Royal since the in-form Matt Doherty was ruled out for the remainder of 2021/2022.

As Conte’s first full Premier League campaign looms, transfer chief Fabio Paratici will be looking to make amends and finally back the Italian with a world class RWB addition.

The Latest: Spurs could bid for Maehle…

Italian newspaper Il Giorno, sharing news, claim Conte now personally wants Denmark international Maehle in north London with the club, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, having followed him since 2019.

The Lilywhites are apparently willing to table a €18 million (£15m) bid for the 24-year-old and will potentially hold talks when they meet with Atalanta ‘in the coming weeks’.

While the summit is set to discuss loanee goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini’s future at Hotspur Way, the report claims Maehle could well become a topic.

The Verdict: Advance…

Denmark goalkeeper and Leicester City number one Kasper Schmeichel has raved over his international teammate, branding the Serie A ace a ‘machine’ who never stops running on the treadmill.

Of course, durability and endurance are traits which could be attractive to the famously demanding Conte, and Maehle’s potential as a fairly young option could also motivate Spurs to make the offer – particularly if Atalanta agree to the £15m terms.

In other news: Reliable source: Tottenham agreement now ‘very likely’ as Conte closes in on ‘top signing’…find out more here.

Aston Villa will be heavily linked with Joe Gomez alongside several other central defenders during the upcoming window as a result of missing out on Matthias Ginter, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Number one target

In a report published by Football Insider just last week, it was revealed that the 28-year-old German turned down a big-money move to the Midlands and has instead decided to join Freiburg from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer.

As a result, Steven Gerrard is now believed to have made Liverpool’s Gomez the number one target on his wish-list this summer and could be set to make a move for him ahead of the start of next season.

The centre-back still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Merseyside outfit, but after falling down the pecking order to the likes of Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate under Jurgen Klopp, he could be tempted into looking elsewhere when the campaign is over.

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The Latest: Gerrard eyeing up Gomez

After failing to secure the signing of Ginter, Jones now expects there to be plenty of names doing the rounds at Villa Park. He told GiveMeSport: “I honestly think Villa will be linked with loads of centre-backs between now and June.

“Joe Gomez is obviously one that Gerrard has had his eye on for a while now with his contract situation – still possible that Liverpool renew that, though, so he’s waiting to see.”

The Verdict: An ideal candidate

The 41-year-old boss has been playing the pairing of captain Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa at the back for the majority of the season, but after finding themselves sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table, it would seem that Gerrard isn’t too happy with his current options and will look to bolster his back-line before anything else.

The £19.8m-rated Gomez has only played 282 minutes in the top-flight this term, but has still got plenty of experience under his belt, having made a total of 141 senior career appearances for Liverpool, showing that he could add some much-needed assurance to the backline.

Gomez, who was once dubbed a “top-quality” player by his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, will no doubt already have an established relationship with the Villa manager given both of their previous connections to the Reds, and this could prove to be the deciding factor when it comes down the defender choosing where the next chapter of his career will be.

In other news… a reliable journalist has revealed that Villa are set to hold contract talks with one of their star players at the end of the season.

Manchester United are acting on a mega-money bid that would see Napoli striker Victor Osimhen trade the Serie A for the Premier League if it all comes to fruition.

What’s the word?

That is according to La Repubblica, via Sport Witness, who claim that Manchester United “have already come forward” for the 23-year-old striker “with an offer of €100 million” (£84m).

Corriere dello Sport’s report is along the same lines, with the outlet stating that Manchester United and Arsenal “may make a sacrifice (a big bid) that would make him happy.”

The report states that “Napoli would not falter” if they were “faced with an indecent proposal worth €110 million” (£92.5m), but would “let the deal happen.”

United’s “Lion Heart”

If there is one thing that Manchester United need in the side, it is heart. Previously dubbed a “Lion Heart”, Osimhen brings that in abundance.

The 23-year-old has had a tough upbringing. His mother died when he was still a child and his father lost his job three months later. He sold bottled water in the middle of traffic to help his family get by financially.

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It seems as though his work ethic has transitioned into his play style on the pitch, with Osimhen willing to graft from the front in order to win back possession for his side. The Nigeria international’s match average of 10.31 pressures in the attacking third are elite level, as per FBref, and fit perfectly with the pressing system that Erik ten Hag will seek to employ at the Old Trafford side.

Osimhen is enjoying yet another prosperous season at Napoli in Serie A, with his five times in a row.

With two goals) combined.

With his average of 3.89 shots total per 90, he pips that of Erling Haaland’s average of 3.65, with the Norwegian previously linked.

His threat up top could see him become a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, and with his link as a similar player to Erling Haaland, as per FBref, he could well be United’s version of the Dortmund sensation.

In other news: Man United now plotting bid to sign £70m “machine”, he’s a big upgrade on Martial

Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be keeping a close eye on transfer developments between Tomas Soucek and West Ham at the end of the season, according to Claret & Hugh.

The Lowdown: Breakdown in talks

The 27-year-old has reportedly held talks with David Moyes surrounding his future at the London Stadium, but they are said to have broken down as a result of the midfielder not being happy with the terms offered to him.

Discussions are set to be reopened once the current campaign has ended, with Soucek hoping for a more attractive deal to be placed on the table, considering that he has played 48 matches across all competitions for the Irons this term.

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However, if the Czech Republic captain’s relationship with West Ham turns hostile, it would appear that there is plenty of interest in his services elsewhere in the capital in the form of Tottenham.

The Latest: Conte’s a huge fan

In a new article published by West Ham news outlet Claret & Hugh, it is claimed that Spurs manager Antonio Conte is a ‘big admirer’ of Soucek and will be ‘ready to move’ should talks break down again in the coming months.

The report added that a source close to both clubs explained that the Italian ‘has the money’ to attempt a deal for the midfielder and would be ‘hopeful’ that Spurs can land him if a settlement fails to be reached.

The Verdict: Fellaini-esque signing

The £40.5m-rated talisman, who has previously been described as Fellaini-esque after receiving praise from the Belgian himself, currently averages 1.3 shots per league game and is winning 3.8 of his aerial duels per 90 minutes, via WhoScored, showing just how effective he can be at both ends of the pitch.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel hailed Soucek as an “incredible” player earlier this season, so it’s no wonder that Conte is such a huge fan of the 27-year-old.

Despite it being more likely that the £47k-per-week colossus will stay with the Hammers as they are in desperate need of strengthening their midfield options, the possibility of playing football at the highest level in the Champions League in N17 could be too good of an opportunity for him to turn down.

In other news… one Spurs star has admitted that there has been a ‘radical change’ at the club since the arrival of Conte