All posts by z3u9t.icu

Gabriel Agbonlahor has offered his thoughts on why Glen Kamara signed a new contract at Rangers…

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has suggested that Glen Kamara’s new contract at Rangers could include a release clause.

The ex-Villa man has claimed that the agreement could be for him to see out the rest of the season at Ibrox before a club comes in and activates his release clause to take him away from the club.

He told Football Insider:

“Maybe he’s signed a long-term contract but in that there is a release clause.

“He’s helped out Rangers and there may be a release clause for a certain amount of money that helps the club rather than losing him on a free transfer.

“It suits both parties. Maybe he gets a bigger wage until the end of the season and at the end of the season, the club get a bigger fee. It works out for both the player and the club.”

Worry

These comments from Agbonlahor could worry Rangers fans they are accurate. Having a release clause in a player’s contract, unless it is a ridiculously high figure, can cause concern because it could be activated at any time.

Without a clause, the club has all the power to reject offers and keep hold of a player, regardless of what they want to do.

With a release clause, however, there is the chance that they could go at any point.

Gerrard would be concerned by this as it means that he could be losing a top player next summer, if Ross Wilson has agreed a release clause with the Finland international.

Neil McCann, his former manager at Dundee United, once hailed him as being ‘lightning quick’. He said of Kamara: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect.

McCann added: “He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

This gives an insight into the level of quality Kamara possesses, which was in full view last season. In the 2020/21 campaign, Kamara averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.99 across 33 appearances in the Premiership as Rangers won the title.

He has made himself a key member of Gerrard’s team and that is why Rangers fans will be worried if these concerning comments from Abgonlahor turn out to be correct.

And in other news, Wilson must secure Rangers January deal for “natural goalscorer”, fans would love it…

Taking to Twitter, Fichajes reporter Ekrem Konur has made a interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Vlahovic chased by Spurs…

Towards the end of the summer transfer window, reports indicated that La Viola’s star forward was very much a wanted man at Spurs.

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

Indeed, talks were apparently held over a move for the Serbian powerhouse and there are claims that a bid was even made to bring him to north London by managing director Fabio Paratici.

Now, Konur has shared some news on Vlahovic in another update involving Tottenham.

The Latest: Konur drops interesting Spurs transfer claim…

Taking to his social media, the Fichajes journalist has made an interesting out-of-window claim with Spurs ‘preparing’ an offer to sign him.

The Turkish reporter says that the Lilywhites and Paratici are currently plotting an eight-figure bid of £30 million for Vlahovic despite some reports indicating he could cost over double that amount (Calciomercato.it).

It appears Spurs are planning to play low ball with the 21-year-old still yet to officially extend his stay with Fiorentina.

The Verdict: Certain rejection…

If Tottenham do submit an opening bid that low, we believe it is almost certain to get rejected considering how well he performed in Italy last year.

Vlahovic bagged 21 goals in Serie A alone over 2020/2021, with Italian football expert Conor Clancy calling him a ‘really exciting player’ when he spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern.

£30m is an optimistic first offer to say the very least for one of Europe’s hottest young strikers.

In other news: Spurs now want ‘outstanding’ 29 y/o who Pochettino wanted to make one of his highest earners, find out more here.

Get French Football News’ Adam White has hinted Celtic may baulk at Rennes’ £4.25million price tag for Brandon Soppy.

Highly-rated teenage right-back Soppy broke into Rennes’ first-team last season and made 11 appearances for the French outfit.

According to French media outlet L’Equipe, Soppy has entered the final 12 months of his contract and been the subject of interest from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic.

But the report claims Celtic are not Soppy’s only suitors, with newly-promoted Premier League outfit Watford and Udinese, of Serie A, also keen on the talented youngster.

The 19-year-old has won five caps for France’s under-18 side and, with him liking to get forward to create chances, could give new Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou an exciting full-back alternative.

Having made a disastrous start to the new season by already crashing out of the Champions League and losing their opening Scottish Premiership clash of the campaign at Hearts, Celtic have bounced back by beating Jablonec in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier and hitting Dundee for six.

But French football expert White believes Soppy may not be heading to Parkhead as they look to build on their return to form.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “Soppy would be an interesting signing for Celtic. They made a €1.5million bid last summer and lots of clubs are keen.

“Roma and Spartak Moscow were interested in January and Udinese and Watford want him at the moment.

“Rennes want €5million for him, which is probably quite a high fee for Celtic to spend on a young, unproven player like him.”

Newcastle made the decision to sack Steve Bruce last month and recently named Eddie Howe as his permanent successor.

The ex-Bournemouth coach is set to take charge of his first game against Brentford in the Premier League this weekend and will be going in search of the club’s first win of the season.

They are currently 19th in the table and on five points after 11 games and have six weeks before the January window opens. This means that the head coach may need to dip into the academy side to bolster his squad in the short term if he believes he needs an injection of enthusiasm in the team.

Almiron 2.0

One player who Howe could look to bring up through the ranks is 17-year-old gem Jay Turner-Cooke. The attacking midfielder could be Miguel Almiron 2.0 for the Magpies, with both players left-footed forwards able to play in the number 10 role or out wide on the right. Despite being 27, Almiron plays with youthful enthusiasm and that is what Turner-Cooke could provide given his tender age.

Newcastle snapped him up from rivals Sunderland in January, pinning him down to a three-year professional contract after a public spat with Lee Johnson’s side.

His father, John Cooke, was let go by the Black Cats earlier this year without any public message from the club despite 35 years of service from the kit man. This led to Turner-Cooke hitting out at Sunderland earlier this year.

The Daily Mail quotes the academy prospect as saying:

“35 years at the club and no acknowledgement even though he was made redundant 2 months ago. COWARDS. No class, no loyalty, no respect. Hang your heads in shame Sunderland AFC. You know who you are.”

These comments should make the Toon Army who take the rivalry with Sunderland seriously fall in love with him instantly. He was willing to make the switch to St. James’ Park after berating the Black Cats and has also shown enough form on the pitch for the youth sides to suggest that he has the potential to make it in the first team further down the line.

Since arriving on Tyneside, he has scored nine goals and provided one assist in 19 games for the U23’s and U18’s combined. This includes two goals in three games for the former this season despite only being 17, which shows that he is progressing through the ranks at a rapid pace.

Therefore, Howe could unearth a new left-footed attacking midfield option, like Almiron, by offering Turner-Cooke a chance in the first-team.

He may even compete with the ex-Atlanta midfielder for his place, given their similar play styles and positions. It would then be down to the youngster to prove that he can handle the step up to senior football, but his quick progression from the U18s to the U23s suggests that it is possible.

AND in other news, NUFC could make waves with deal for £33.6m-rated tank with “extraordinary physicality”…

West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael is facing a nightmare transfer scenario at The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a Steve Madeley report for The Athletic, who claims that Albion are in desperate need of a new centre-forward ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign. However, without raising funds through the sale of some of the club’s current players, Ismael’s transfer kitty will not allow for a big-money addition to his attacking arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Madeley goes on to state that the most likely way of the Baggies raising money this summer would be by sanctioning the departures of both Matheus Pereira and Sam Johnstone, with it being claimed the pair would bring in over £30m – even at significantly reduced asking prices.

Finally, it is said that, in the event that the Frenchman does not cash in on either of his most valuable stars, he will have to turn his attention to out-of-favour Premier League forwards or an up-and-coming young goalscorer in the transfer market.

Nightmare scenario

Considering just how impressive both Pereira and Johnstone were for West Brom last season, it is undeniable that losing either of the two this summer would put a significant dent in the club’s hopes of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season.

Indeed, over his 33 Premier League appearances last term, the £13.5m-rated Pereira bagged 11 goals, registered six assists and created a whopping 11 big chances for his teammates, with these returns seeing the £39k-per-week winger earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.18.

Meanwhile, over Johnstone’s 37 Premier League appearances, the £7.2m-rated goalkeeper kept six clean sheets and made a total of 166 saves throughout the season, with these metrics seeing the £28k-per-week shot-stopper earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03.

Unsurprisingly, these ratings saw Pereira and Johnstone rank as the Baggies’ top two performers in the Premier League last season, demonstrating their importance to the team.

However, as Madeley states, with Mbaye Diagne returning to Galatasaray following his loan spell at The Hawthorns last year, it is indeed true that Ismael is short of options in attack ahead of next season. A proven goalscorer very much appears to be a necessity if Albion wish to give themselves the best shot at promotion.

As such, it would seem as if the Frenchman is stuck between something of a rock and a hard place, with the 45-year-old having to decide whether his team’s need for goals is greater than an incredibly solid option in between the sticks or a massive creative influence from the wing – a headache it is certain will be keeping the manager up at night.

In other news: West Brom transfer news confirmed on “exciting” highly-rated gem, fan surely buzzing

West Ham will soon embark on a landmark season at the London Stadium.

Not only are the Irons going to be competing in the Europa League for the first time since 2016 but it’ll also be the last time we’ll see club legend Mark Noble in the claret and blue.

Back in March this year, the 34-year-old midfielder confirmed he would pull the curtain down on an 18-year career in East London after signing a final one-year extension to his current £50k-per-week contract.

Noble has featured over 500 times for the club, which sees him rank amongst the top ten of the club’s all-time appearances makers. That, combined with the fact he’s been the captain for several years, means he’ll be a very hard man to replace.

Despite being restricted to only eight league starts last campaign, the Englishman is still reportedly a major influence in the dressing room. That makes David Moyes’ task to find a viable successor a very hard one.

A new central midfield signing is certainly going to be down the list of priorities, too.

It’s no secret that West Ham need a new striker to provide the perfect foil to Michail Antonio, whilst a permanent return for Jesse Lingard will also be desired.

However, there’s one name that the Hammers have been linked to that fits the bill as potentially Moyes’ dream replacement – Nahitan Nandez.

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

The East Londoners face stiff competition for his signature, though.

Premier League rivals Leeds United have been heavily mooted with interest but Moyes has an ace up his sleeve over Marcelo Bielsa in the fact that he can offer the Cagliari star European football.

Nandez was a stern presence in midfield throughout the 2020/21 season – as per SofaScore, he averaged 1.8 tackles and won an impressive 6.1 duels per game, which rates out well in comparison to Noble, who has averaged between 1.5 and 2.1 tackles per match in each of his last four top-flight seasons, via WhoScored.

The 25-year-old, who has been capped 35 times by Uruguay, was given a glowing endorsement this week by Forza Italian Football editor-in-chief Conor Clancy.

During an exclusive interview with This is Futbol, he said:

“I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

It’s thought that Nandez would be available for just €30m (£26m), which on the above evidence, would certainly be great value for money and with the Hammers on the up, this is exactly the sort of signing they need to make to prolong their period at the top.

In the “unstoppable” Nandez, the Irons could get the perfect successor to Noble.

AND in other news, Moyes could sign his next Duncan Ferguson in £30m beast who’s “horrible to play against”…

Tottenham Hotspur are trying to prise Franck Kessie away from AC Milan…

What’s the word?

According to La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Spurs will attempt to sign the 24-year-old powerhouse by offering the Serie A outfit wantaway midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.

Earlier this week, reports emerged claiming the north Londoners had offered Kessie a long-term €8m-per-year (£6.85m-per-year) deal to join them upon the expiry of his current contract in 2022.

The Ivory Coast international has previously expressed his desire to remain at the San Siro, though he was far from convinced by their latest offer and as a result, Fabio Paratici and co are trying to sign him now, instead of next summer.

Get it done!

Ndombele’s wishes to depart N17 have been made no secret in recent weeks. The Athletic claim that his snub from the starting XI for their EFL Cup final clash with Manchester City kickstarted the change in his demeanour.

During the off-season, the Frenchman has requested an exit, believing he could secure a move to a Paris Saint-Germain or a Bayern Munich, which is why Nuno Santo is yet to include him since taking charge – he won’t select a player that doesn’t want to be there.

Offering him up in a move for Kessie, who is valued at £34m by CIES, could be quite a shrewd move with Ndombele’s wages in excess of £200k-per-week, and considering the Milan star is out of contract in a year’s time, the Italian giants could be forced into letting him go for a lot cheaper than they would’ve expected.

The 24-year-old has been an industrious presence in midfield for Milan, contributing at either end of the pitch to great effect.

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

As per WhoScored, he ended the 2020/21 campaign as their fourth highest-best player with an average rating of 7.15. He found the net a whopping 13 times from the engine room, a figure only bettered by the talismanic Zlatan Ibrahimovic (15).

The box-to-box beast also contributed 1.3 shots, 1.2 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per league outing, proving that he is efficient at bringing the ball forward and making that crucial link between the defence and the attack.

Meanwhile, an average of 1.5 aerial duels won, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions, via WhoScored, would suggest that Kessie is a solid presence and one that isn’t easily bypassed in midfield.

It’s no wonder his head coach Stefano Piolo dubbed him “a complete player” who gives us physicality, energy, quality, protects the defence and knits the moves going forward too” and is “invaluable” to the team.

Furthermore, ex-Milan boss Vincenzo Montella once hailed the Ivorian as an “extraordinary player” with “sublime intelligence.”

Evidently, those that have worked with him only have praise for the 24-year-old, so he’s clearly got something special about him if every manager that walks through the door in Milan is selecting him and subsequently praising him.

These are all attributes that we should be seeing from Ndombele in that box-to-box role alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and whilst his technical ability is unrivalled, top-quality and consistent performances from a club-record £55m signing have been far and few between.

Kessie has scored more goals in one season than Ndombele has in two years in north London.

Paratici must look to axe Ndombele in favour of Kessie, especially as he’s going to be available for bargain price given his contractual situation.

Get it done, Spurs.

AND in other news, Paratici masterclass: Nuno could form scary Tottenham unit with “special” £54m-rated gem…

Southampton’s reported hopes of signing Gary Cahill this summer are over after the 35-year-old completed his move to Bournemouth earlier this week.

What’s the word?

The veteran defender had emerged as a potential target for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in recent weeks following the exit of Jannik Vestergaard, and the former England international could have been a stellar addition at St Mary’s.

The centre-back was available on a free transfer and would’ve provided a wealth of experience for Southampton’s side both on and off the pitch, which is arguably something they lack following player exits so far this summer.

The Saints conceded the second-most goals in the Premier League last season and this campaign did not get off to the best start for Hasenhuttl’s side either as they collapsed in the second half against Everton at Goodison Park last weekend, which suggests that defensive reinforcements are required.

Although they are reportedly closing in on a deal for Torino’s Lyanco, he is just 24 years old and has no experience in the Premier League, so signing someone like Cahill might well have been a good idea for Southampton this summer.

The 35-year-old, who has earned 61 caps for England, might be approaching the end of his career but he still managed 20 appearances in the top flight with Palace last season and was praised for his influence by his then-manager Roy Hodgson, who said: “First of all, he’s a very, very good defender. His position is very good, he’s exceptionally good in the air, he’s a strong challenger for the ball and a very good blocker of the ball. These are the defensive qualities we don’t talk about every day… They’re the qualities that get you the clean sheets.

“He’s also brought us leadership qualities, he’s been very good leadership-wise. He’s the best type of leader; he’s the quiet leader people don’t see from Row Z in the stand. He’s the leader we see in training week to week.”

Therefore, Cahill could have solved a key issue for Southampton this season – their lack of experience in defence – and Hasenhuttl may well be disappointed that the Saints couldn’t bring him in.

In other news… Semmens heading for Saints transfer disaster with £10m Premier League dud

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes the Whites will bring in a number of new signings during the summer transfer window, revealing a meeting between Marcelo Bielsa, Victor Orta and the club’s owners.

The Lowdown: Keep the good times coming

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are enjoying a richly deserved breather after a relentless season back in the Premier League, in which they finished ninth in the table.

It was a superb effort by Leeds, who never looked like returning to the Championship and even threatened to finish in the European places.

The key now is to keep building from this strong position, adding new faces to the squad and ensuring more good times are around the corner.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040”]

The Latest: Robinson expects numerous signings

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson says he is in no doubt that Bielsa and Orta will be working on finding reinforcements across numerous positions:

“The recruitment that they’ve done – Leicester get a lot of plaudits for their recruitment, but the prices Leeds paid for Raphinha and Rodrigo and how good they’ve been, you have to trust the plans that Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa have in place, and that there are players ready to come in.

“I know that the owners have been in two weeks ago, Orta and Bielsa have been sat with the owners for week-long meetings about what players are going to come in over the summer.

“You’re looking at a left-back, a midfielder, a number 10, and potentially another wide player if Helder Costa goes, plus strengthening the goalkeeping department.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Exciting times at Leeds

This is a hugely exciting time to be a Leeds supporter, with the Whites playing superb attacking football and looking at some talented potential signings, like Udinese’s Rodrigo de Paul.

While Bielsa doesn’t need to go mad in the transfer market, it is clear that a number of individuals need to come in, with left-back a pressing area, given Ezgjan Alioski’s imminent exit.

Adding guile to the midfield is also key – something De Paul could certainly bring, averaging 3.4 dribbles per game in Serie A this season – while another winger also wouldn’t go amiss, especially if Helder Costa moves on, as Robinson alludes to.

In other news, a former England striker has talked up the idea of one player moving to Leeds this summer. Find out who it is here.

Rangers, and by extension their sporting director Ross Wilson, are preparing to make a six-figure bid for Aberdeen starlet Lancelot Pollard, according to The Scottish Daily Express.

The lowdown

Pollard, a 15-year-old attacker, has worked his way up through the youth ranks with the Dons, even featuring for their under-18 side.

Having won the club’s Young Talent of Month award in October, he’s regarded as one of the leading talents in their academy.

Rangers are planning for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first summer transfer window at the helm after he took over from Steven Gerrard in the autumn.

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

The latest

Reliable reporter Scott Burns, a long-serving journalist for The Scottish Express, says that Rangers are ready to submit a six-figure offer for Pollard to win the race for his signature.

They know that there’s ‘big interest’ in the player and therefore feel pressure to get the deal over the line.

Liverpool are actively pursuing Pollard, while Manchester United have been monitoring him too.

The verdict

The fact that six-figure fees are on the table for a player so young speaks to his potential, as does the interest of three heavyweights.

Pollard is seemingly levels above the other players in his age bracket, hence Aberdeen’s decision to fast-track him.

If Liverpool were to match Rangers’ offer, then it could come down to which club can offer the player the clearest long-term path to first-team football.

While he’s unlikely to be in the senior picture for a good while yet, it’s definitely a name worth remembering.

In other news, Frank McAvennie reacts to transfer developments involving Rangers and a PL club.