All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Ham United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Orkun Kokcu to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Leicester City have now opened talks with Feyenoord regarding a deal for the central midfielder, who the Eredivisie side are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €60m (£51m) in order to part with this summer.

This news is sure to have come as a huge blow to David Moyes and his West Ham transfer team, as the Hammers are also reported to be extremely keen on a move for the Turkey international this summer – particularly as Tomas Soucek’s future in east London is said to be looking more uncertain with each passing day.

The next Modric

Considering just how exciting a prospect Kokcu undoubtedly is, it would very much appear as if Moyes should do everything in his power to land the 21-year-old ahead of Leicester this summer.

Indeed, over his 32 Eredivisie appearances last season, the £19.8m-rated talent was in sensational form in the heart of Arne Slot’s side, scoring seven goals, registering nine assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots, making 3.2 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

The 16-cap international also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.3 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 60.4 passes, 3.6 long balls and winning 4.3 duels per game.

These returns saw the £5k-per-week playmaker average a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.60, not only ranking him as De club aan de Maas’ best performer in the league but also as the third-best player in the division as a whole last time out.

It is form such as this that has seen Kokcu earn comparisons to some of the best midfielders in the game, with Mohamed Sissoko going as far as to claim in an interview with TuttoJuve that the 21-year-old has the potential to become the next Luka Modric.

Regarding Koku, the former Liverpool, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said: “He is the protagonist at Feyenoord. I see him playing different roles. He made a good impression on me both as a central and as an attacking midfielder. He is perfect as a pivot in a three-man midfield. Modric, for me, [Kokcu] has the same quality of play. He has the potential to reach his level.”

As such, considering his already extremely impressive ability coupled with his potential for future growth, it would appear highly advisable for Moyes to do all he can to land the midfielder ahead of Leicester this summer – as, while £51m is undoubtedly a huge sum of money to pay for a 21-year-old, Kokcu could very quickly prove to be worth this fee for the Hammers.

AND in other news: “Told West Ham..”: Sky Sports journo drops transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

The Rangers Review journalist Jonny McFarlane has now revealed some Glasgow Rangers transfer news regarding James McAtee.

The Lowdown: Bid expected?

As per The Scottish Sun, the Ibrox club are set to launch an ambitious bid to sign the 19-year-old on loan from Manchester City next season.

However, they face competition from the likes of Leeds United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Huddersfield Town and Swansea City for his signature.

The Latest: No interest?

Taking to Twitter, McFarlane has revealed that Rangers are actually ‘not looking’ at McAtee and are ‘not pursuing’ a deal for the teenager in this transfer window.

The journalist stated: “I’ve been told Rangers are not looking at Manchester City youngster James McAtee.

“He’s a player van Bronckhorst is aware of through his time at City Group and there was previous interest, but the club are not pursuing a deal in this window.”

The Verdict: Shame

It would certainly be a shame if Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side do not act on their reported interest in McAtee this summer.

Hailed as an ‘exceptional’ talent by none other than his manager Pep Guardiola, the 19-year-old broke into the Man City first team last season, making Premier League champions.

At youth level, he managed a mammoth 23 goals and eight assists in the 2021/22 campaign, primarily playing as a midfielder (Transfermarkt). Based on those figures, he looks a good bet to excel in senior men’s football.

Nonetheless, Rangers could give McAtee the platform to perform week in, week out in the Premiership, so this is a prospective deal that they should not let slip through their fingers.

Liverpool have already signed three players this summer to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, however, there has also been a number of outgoings both confirmed and imminent.

Sadio Mane has already been confirmed with a move to Bayern Munich, whilst Divock Origi leaves on a free transfer this summer and Taki Minamino is set to be announced as a Monaco player imminently, leaving Liverpool without a number of proven goal-scorers in the team.

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Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho have both been brought in to add fresh attacking perspectives to the team, however, Nunez has no Premier League experience and Carvalho has very little with just four appearances in the top flight for Fulham.

Not only do the club have the three aforementioned forwards leaving Anfield this summer, but there are also now fresh reports that Mohamed Salah could be set to follow them with Liverpool considering their options on the Egyptian winger who has just 12 months left on his contract and no further progression on signing an extension.

Roberto Firmino also has just 12 months left on his contract too, with no word of an opportunity for the Brazilian to extend his stay on Merseyside as of yet.

As a result, FSG must look to the future and not put themselves or Jurgen Klopp in the position to get caught short next season and beyond, so now must identify proven attacking threats that they can sign to either replace their infamous front three or add depth to the forward line.

One player who has been closely linked with the club for a while now is Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka, who is currently stuck into his own contract negotiations with the Gunners with his future in question as the club are reportedly committing to signing Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer.

Liverpool must now seize the opportunity to capitalise on the forward’s uncertain future in North London, by making an offer he can’t refuse this summer as Klopp could have his second coming of Salah on his hands should the club secure a deal.

The £100m star has had a brilliant season in the Premier League scoring 11 goals, contributing seven assists and creating eight big chances, making 1.8 key passes and 1.1 tackles on average per game, proving that he is an absolute nuisance for his opponents.

Saka’s high-quality performances have attracted high praise with Ray Parlour telling talkSPORT that the youngster is “fantastic” and a “revelation” after Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle last season (via Metro);

“Saka has been a revelation, he and [Emile] Smith Rowe have been the main guys up front creating chances,”

“The way he took his goal today, it was fantastic. His movement, his runs off the ball, he’s got so much intelligence. He really can play anywhere.”

With that being said, the signing of Saka would be a major coup for Liverpool as not only can he give the team that extra boost in goal contributions but also become a key player of the future as the club begin to rebuild their team and develop new stars to become the faces of the Merseyside giants.

AND in other news: FSG make LFC transfer decision on “world-class” £81m-rated star, Klopp will be fuming

Everton have been linked on many occasions to Armando Broja, and now a new update has emerged that should encourage the club to ramp up their interest in the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to GOAL, West Ham United are set to make a £30m bid for Armando Broja this summer.

As per the report, Everton are named as a club interested in the striker alongside Napoli and Atalanta, with the player in the search for regular first-team football, something he is not guaranteed at Chelsea following his return to Stamford Bridge after a season-long loan at Southampton.

Frank must act now

Following the news that West Ham are in hot pursuit and readying an official bid for Broja, Frank Lampard must act now to sign one of the players that has been reportedly been put on the top of the Everton manager’s wish list this summer.

The former Chelsea boss gave Broja his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge ironically against Everton in a 4-0 victory back in 2020 and Lampard has always had high praise for the young forward hailing him “talented” in a press conference last season:

“He’s a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy.

“He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he’s a very, very good young player so I’m very aware of his strengths in a Southampton team playing very well.”

Last season Broja impressed on his season-long loan at Southampton scoring nine goals and contributing one assist in all competitions, and his effectiveness in the Premier League besides his goal contributions has been capturing the attention of clubs across Europe.

The 20-year-old gem has created two big chances, taking 1.4 shots, winning five duels and completing one successful dribble attempt on average per game, proving he offers more than just goals and assists to his team.

Everton are desperate to improve their squad this summer following a disappointing season in the Premier League, only avoiding relegation in the penultimate game of their campaign, which is a situation Lampard will not want to find himself in again next season.

With that being said, the Toffees boss clearly knows Broja well and will be able to deploy him effectively in the team if the club can complete the signing of the young player this summer.

AND in other news: Contact made: EFC in talks to sign “untouchable” £18m-rated gem, Frank will love him

Sky Sports have provided a big update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, going against previous news of an opening bid.

The Lowdown: Bid turned down?

Erik ten Hag is seemingly keen to reunite with De Jong at Old Trafford and has reportedly persuaded him over a move to England.

However, United and Barcelona are yet to reach an agreement when it comes to a fee.

Fabrizio Romano claimed last week that the Catalan giants have turned down an opening offer from United worth €60m plus €10m in add-ons.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Dharmesh Sheth provided the latest when it came to transfer updates from Old Trafford. He said live on Sky Sports that the club’s priority is still a new midfielder and that they remain locked in talks over a move for De Jong.

However, Sheth said that ‘we’re told there’s been no official offer yet’ but added that the ‘noises’ are that a deal is there to be done.

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The Verdict: Need to get a move on…

It is certainly interesting to hear Sky Sports say that a formal offer is yet to be made, despite reports from Romano who has said that a first bid was rejected.

United do need to get a move on when it comes to additions for Ten Hag, though, so it could be wise to set a deadline regarding a move before looking elsewhere.

The Red Devils seemingly haven’t made any real progress when it comes to De Jong after first being linked with a transfer at the end of April, and with time ticking, action is urgently needed.

In other news: ‘They’ve looked at him’ – talkSPORT man drops huge Man Utd transfer claim involving ‘lethal’ ace. 

A major update has emerged on Tottenham’s pursuit of Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Gary Jacobs of The Times has claimed that Spurs have agreed a deal with Brighton to land the central midfielder in a deal worth around £25m.

Fabrizio Romano has since added: “Tottenham are set to complete their third signing: agreement in place for Yves Bissouma joining from Brighton, as first reported by @garyjacob. Final details on the add-ons, €26m fee. Spurs are offering Bissouma a five year deal – new midfielder is coming for Conte.”

It will now be down to the player to decide whether or not he wants to accept the personal terms on offer before completing a medical to finalise the move.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg upgrade

The club are now closing in on the Mali international and this means that Antonio Conte will have an upgrade on Hojbjerg for the 2022/23 campaign.

Seagulls reporter Andy Naylor once dubbed him an “absolute joy to watch” and his statistics in the top-flight illustrate why that is the case.

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In the 2021/22 Premier League season, Bissouma made a whopping 4.8 tackles and interceptions per match as he won 59% of his individual battles. This comes after he made 4.7 per game in the previous campaign, along with completing 1.5 dribbles.

Meanwhile, Hojbjerg made 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game and won 58% of his duels in total, whilst also completing 1.2 dribbles per match in the season just gone. However, in 2020/21, the Dane made 3.9 tackles and interceptions and only won 51% of his battles with only 0.6 take-ons per game.

These statistics suggest that Bissouma would be a big upgrade on the former Southampton man both in terms of his ability to win the ball back off the opposition and having the quality to burst through the lines in transition.

This will help Spurs on the counter-attack as the Brighton man can nick the ball off an opponent before driving through the middle to pass to the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.

Of course, Antonio Conte may opt to play both of them in the same midfield but the stats indicate that he can come in and improve the team in place of Hojbjerg. This would leave Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur running the midfield in north London next term… an exciting prospect.

AND in other news, Paratici now given green light to seal “outstanding” Spurs signing, he’d be “clinical”…

It’s fair to say that Frank Lampard’s time at Everton so far has been one of strife, with the club narrowly avoiding relegation thanks to a stunning 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in their penultimate Premier League clash.

This isn’t a season that the Everton faithful will remember with any degree of satisfaction, and it should be confined to a locked box with the key thrown in the Mersey, with the manager facing a crucial summer transfer window ahead.

Poor recruitment might put an end to the 43-year-olds reign at the club, but there is time for him to bring in the players he needs and axe the ones that have underperformed.

One such player that should be leaving the club is Salomon Rondon. Last summer, the striker joined the club on a free transfer but hasn’t hit the heights required, netting just three times all season. Former Everton defender Michael Ball dubbed him as a “problem” earlier in the season and from his goalscoring stats, it’s clear to see why.

Lampard urgently needs to improve his attacking options, with Richarlison (11) being the club’s highest scorer this season.

There could be a solution however, with the club linked with New York City striker Valentin Castellanos, Lampard may have found a saviour to his attacking woes.

Ronny Deila hailed the Argentinian frontman as “top class” following a season in which he won the MLS golden boot with 22 goals, more than the other Everton strikers put together in the league.

Scoring goals isn’t his only strength either, as he provided eight assists during the MLS season as well as creating a further eight big chances for his teammates.

The player certainly looks like an upgrade on the £43k-per-week Rondon and despite the Venezuelan striker having another year left on his current contract, Lampard should be making a concrete effort to add Castellanos to his squad ahead of next season.

AND in other news, “Everton also..”: Reliable journo drops huge transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing…

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is a target for Paris Saint-Germain and could follow Sadio Mane out the Anfield exit door, according to a report from Guinean outlet Imedias.net.

The lowdown: High expectations

Signed for a then club-record £48million from RB Leipzig in 2017 (BBC), Keita arrived on Merseyside 12 months later with a weight of expectation to impress from the outset.

Despite showing fleeting glimpses of his first-class ability, the Guinean struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and picked up regular injuries throughout his first three seasons at Anfield.

However, having made 40 appearances across all competitions in 2021/22, Keita had appeared to turn a corner in terms of fitness and availability.

The latest: PSG keen

As per Imedias.net, an outlet in the player’s homeland, French Ligue 1 winners PSG are ‘ready to welcome’ Keita to their ranks this summer with an offer in the region of €50million (£42.5million) expected.

It’s claimed that ‘sources’ have informed the outlet that the Parisien club ‘respectfully follows his situation’ and have placed the 48-cap Guinea captain on the ‘short list’ as incoming Sporting Director Luis Campos weighs up possible targets.

Ironically, the report goes on to say that the man hailed as ‘outstanding by Jurgen Klopp and ‘one of the best midfielders’ he’s ever seen could be lined up as a successor to former Anfield favourite Gini Wijnaldum.

The player shares an agent with Mane, so perhaps the Reds are not on the best of terms with the duo’s representatives.

The verdict: Tough call

Deciding what should happen with Keita is a difficult judgement to make for the Reds and in particular Klopp.

Starting on 25 occasions out of those aforementioned 40 outings, the dynamic maestro is clearly a preferred option of the German boss, but there can be no guarantees that the injury issues that plagued the 27-year-old’s early career at Liverpool won’t return in the future.

With the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain already reportedly on the way out, at the mooted price, there will undoubtedly be a temptation to cash in on Keita and spend the combined funds on a more reliable midfield option to bolster the options at Klopp’s disposal.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Aurelien Tchouameni and are currently battling with Champions League rivals Real Madrid for his signature, with a new update emerging on the player.

What’s the latest?

According to a journalist for Foot Mercato, Liverpool will “step up” their chase for the Monaco midfielder after the Champions League final.

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The reporter tweeted: “There is not yet a full agreement between Real and Monaco for Tchouameni.

“The people of Madrid remain in pole position for the moment. Liverpool will step up after the UCL. Paris have not said their last word and are ready to offer more than other clubs.”

Supporters will be buzzing

After Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tchouameni reportedly preferred a move to Real Madrid it seemingly put a dampener on Liverpool’s chances, however supporters will be buzzing that the club hasn’t given up on the potential signing yet.

It is clear that Jurgen Klopp is keen to bolster his midfield by injecting youth into his ageing squad, with Gavi and Ibrahim Sangare both also linked with a move to Anfield this summer but it’s clear that the intent is to sign the Ligue 1 star if possible.

The £60m ace who was hailed a “monster” by France U21 boss Sylvain Ripoll, has been an absolute force for Monaco this season with the youngster scoring two goals, creating six big chances and completing the most interceptions (101) of any player in the top five European leagues this season.

Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are all in their 30s, so making plans for the next generation of the team to come through and add a fresh perspective to the team is clearly something Liverpool want to achieve and Tchouameni is capable of providing as he identifies as the exact type of midfielder Liverpool need.

According to ESPN, Real Madrid are prepared to pay an estimated €80m (£68m) so Liverpool will need to offer something in a similar region to compete with the La Liga giants this summer and get the deal over the line to secure his services in their midfield on Merseyside for the future.

Should FSG do so then given his qualities, the entire of Anfield will be beaming with joy.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Paul Joyce drops major Liverpool update that’ll excite supporters

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an exit update on Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Jesus’ City future

According to reports which emerged out of Brazil last week and were shared by City Xtra, Gabriel Jesus has communicated his desire to leave the Sky Blues this summer.

As a result, the 25-year-old has become a major target for Arsenal.

Romano even previously reported that Jesus’ agent had claimed how they ‘like the project’ at the north London club, thus making Mikel Arteta’s side the most likely destination this summer.

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The Latest: Romano’s update

Taking to Twitter, Romano shared comments from Jesus’ latest interview with ESPN:

“My future is still uncertain. I have already expressed my desire to Man City people and to my agent. I have in my head very clear what I want”.

Romano then proceeded to add his own words: “Gabriel Jesus wants to leave and he’s not extending the contract with City. Work in progress.”

The Verdict: Big loss

Whilst the Brazil international may not have secured a position in the starting XI week in and week out, the forward has gone on to produce a fantastic goalscoring record at City; in 236 appearances for the club, the 25-year-old has netted 95 goals and has pocketed 46 assists.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has described a number of Jesus’ goalscoring performances as “super”, whilst teammate Bernardo Silva has claimed that the Brazilian is “one of our most important players”.

Therefore, Jesus’ decision to leave the Etihad will come as a huge blow to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

In other news: Manchester City: Danny Mills makes Declan Rice transfer claim