All posts by n8rngtd.top

Marko Arnautovic departed for China in 2019 claiming that his reason for leaving West Ham was to win trophies, something he is yet to do, and former West Ham United midfielder Rob Lee has exclusively told Football FanCast that there is no way the Austrian would return to the London Stadium.

The striker left in some style as his agent, who is also his brother, did countless interviews and public pleas towards West Ham to accept an offer for the former Stoke City attacker, which they ultimately did as Chinese side Shanghai SIPG offered £22.5 million.

There have been reports suggesting that Arnautovic would love a return to West Ham this summer as he looks to leave China and show people he still has the ability to perform in the Premier League.

Despite managing to score 22 goals in 65 appearances for West Ham, Lee believes there is not a chance that the board would want to sign Arnautovic, and he told FFC exclusively:

“There’s no chance he’ll come back in my opinion, considering the way he left and the way that he wanted to leave – I can’t see West Ham fans accepting that.

“Why would West Ham fans accept him back? He made his decision to leave for the money. I think he had one good season but there’s no chance of that happening, in my opinion.”

West Ham are likely to be interested in signing a striker this summer as they currently only have Michail Antonio at the club who is a recognised striker after they sold Sebastien Haller in January.

The Hammers appeared to be on course for at least a Europa League qualification spot but after other teams began picking up form, they now may have to settle for a Europa Conference League spot.

Borussia Dortmund have been credited with an interest in Leeds star Raphinha, according to Eurosport.

The Lowdown: Raphinha’s impressive season

It’s safe to say now that the Whites struck gold with their £17m move for the Brazilian back in October.

Leeds sealed a deal on deadline day, and Raphinha was one of the standout performers under Marcelo Bielsa in an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old scored six times and registered six assists in 30 league appearances, ending the campaign as Leeds’ best-rated performer, as per WhoScored.

It appears that his displays have caught the eye abroad, with the summer transfer window set to open over the next few weeks.

The Latest: Dortmund’s interest

According to Eurosport, German giants Dortmund have made tentative enquiries to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi as they seek replacements in case Jadon Sancho departs.

The report adds that the former Champions League winners could explore deals for Lille’s Jonathan Ikone and Raphinha as alternatives.

Raphinha, who former Elland Road man Noel Whelan described as ‘sensational’, is under contract at Elland Road until 2024.

The Verdict: Whites should be under no pressure to sell

In our opinion, unless a mega-money offer comes in from Dortmund, the Whites should dismiss all interest in the winger.

Only five players in the Premier League registered more assists than the Brazilian last season. He started just 26 league games, so that tally could have been a lot more if he signed prior to the start of the campaign.

Leeds will be looking to improve on their 9th place finish next year, and to do that, you’d expect keeping hold of their prized assets will be crucial.

It just goes to show the impact he’s had in Yorkshire for Dortmund to show an interest, but hopefully, a deal won’t materialise.

In other news: Whites boosted in hopes of signing Emi Buendia, find out more here. 

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa may be making a real howler over Sam Greenwood this summer as news emerges from Thorp Arch about the club’s potential plans for him.

What’s the story?

The 19-year-old only joined the Whites’ youth system last summer, but he has been a revelation for the club’s U23s, helping them to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title.

However, it now appears that his immediate future could lay outside of Elland Road, with The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth revealing that he could be sent out on loan.

He said: “Leeds may also listen to loan offers for striker Sam Greenwood, signed from Arsenal last summer, who scored a dozen times in 18 Premier League 2 fixtures this season.

“The YEP understands there was Championship interest in the 19-year-old’s services during the campaign but head coach Marcelo Bielsa wanted him to develop at the club.”

Deserves a first-team chance

In his first season with the club, Greenwood managed 12 goals in 18 games, playing in a number of different roles, including up front, behind the striker and further back as a central midfielder.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously been very vocal in his praise of the youngster, saying: “He’s started really well at Leeds and he was very well thought of at Arsenal, and they weren’t rushing to get him out (of) the door this summer. From what we’ve seen of him so far, his movement and his finishing and everything else, he looks like a very natural striker.”

Meanwhile, Leeds Live’s Joe Donnohue said: “He may have hit the ground running at Thorp Arch, but he has only been here for a matter of months. His start may have been excellent, so imagine how much better he could be with consistent football.”

Rather than sending the highly-exciting prospect out on loan, could Greenwood be offered the chance to prove himself in the first-team during pre-season and seeing whether he can cope with Bielsa’s demands?

The teenager made the switch from Arsenal to Leeds after failing to break through at the Emirates, and a loan deal just seems like the kind of thing that would have happened had he stayed in north London.

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A better pathway to the first-team is surely one of the things that the Whites would have offered Greenwood when they initially signed him, and they can live up to that end of the bargain right now.

Given how Leeds fans are already on board with the 19-year-old, it surely wouldn’t have them happy seeing him just fade out of the spotlight by heading on loan.

Meanwhile, Bielsa is close to clinching his first permanent signing…

Adama Traore started his career at Barcelona but has since spent time at Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and now Wolves, but club legend Steve Bull still believes that the Spaniard can become a world-class winger.

Traore earned his first Spain call-up and also made his debut this season which is a testament to how he is starting to improve his overall game and not just rely on his raw pace to beat defenders.

Liverpool reportedly still hold an interest in Traore and with Wolves willing to accept a lower offer for him this summer, this has led to Chelsea now having him firmly on their transfer wish-list this summer.

Since joining Wolves, Traore has played as a striker, winger and wing-back which would offer whoever signs him versatility as well as a bag full of potential, something Bull still believes can be unlocked, as he told Football FanCast exclusively:

“I think if he can get that balance right of being able to perform for 90 minutes rather than just 45-60 minutes then he could be a world-class player.

“I think he’s been called up into the Spain squad so that might bring him on a bit more and I think he could be a world-beater but all I can say is I hope he does it at Wolves.”

Traore was often the one trying to carry Wolves and get them further up the pitch especially in the absence of influential attackers, Pedro Neto and Raul Jimenez.

The £43,000 per week winger was just one of several Wolves players that struggled to perform to the high standards they had previously set under Nuno Espirito Santo because of the lack of a clinical striker in the box.

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is eyeing a move for Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson in the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

While the Magpies boss has already made it clear that he will be looking to sign Joe Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal this summer, it appears that the Tyneside club also have their sights set on another midfielder in Ferguson.

According to the Daily Mail (via Not The Old Firm), Newcastle are the latest club to be interested in the 21-year-old, and the Magpies are believed to be monitoring his situation ahead of a possible move.

Another Joe Willock

The £2.7m-rated youngster, who was dubbed a “real leader” by former Celtic ace Mark Wilson just last year, has shown his ability to be a real box-to-box midfielder just like Willock, netting ten times in all competitions just last season – his young career has seen him bag 21 goals in total for Aberdeen.

Derek McInnes has previously raved about the 21-year-old, saying: “For me he will (play for Scotland) but whether he is ready for it now, it’s not my job to do that. The boy was born to play football and born to play on the big occasion, and I’m sure everything will come his way in time.

“His temperament has never been in question. He’s a boy but he’s a man. Nothing fazes him. He takes responsibility and there’s a maturity about him that I love. He’s still making contact and winning more headers and tackles than anyone else.”

ScoutedFootball writer Blair Newman described the midfielder as “a dynamic, physical and versatile midfielder” who “possesses a fine range of passing, impressive movement, and plenty of useful defensive attributes.”

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As the Magpies look to chase a permanent deal for Willock, having Ferguson in their sights gives them a potential fallback option if they can’t work something out with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could sign a new Saint-Maximin in this “jewel”…

Marcelo Bielsa has identified left-back as a key area to improve this summer with Stuart Dallas being deployed as a centre midfielder last season and Ezgjan Alioski yet to sign a new deal.

Someone they could be set to miss out on is Romain Perraud and former Leeds midfielder David Norris believes that it will be a huge blow for the club.

Leeds appeared to be leading the chase for the full-back, however now Southampton appear to be favourites for the French full-back having reportedly agreed personal terms with Perraud leaving him on the brink of making the switch to the Premier League at St Mary’s.

Perraud has performed well for Stade Brestois and he helped his club fight off relegation for the second successive season, being named in France Football’s Ligue 1 Team of the Season as a result, but now could be the right time for their promising 23-year old to move onto bigger things.

With both clubs eager for a new left-back this summer it appeared to be a straight shoot-out between Leeds and Southampton with the latter winning, something that will come as a huge blow to Bielsa, according to Norris, whos spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“I think once it’s out that Leeds are going for a player that normally means they’ve done their background work and it won’t just be an off the cuff one. So, having put in that amount of effort to make it known they’re going for a player, only to lose him will be a blow.

“It’s clearly a position they’re looking to reinforce. So I think it will be a little bit of a blow especially him going to Southampton over Leeds, it will be a blow but I’m sure they’ll have other targets lined up.”

Perraud would have ticked one box immediately at Leeds this summer with the transfer window only opening this week, however, they could well be on the back foot with other targets now.

The fact that Marcelo Bielsa wants to bring in a new left-back that could signal the end of Alioski’s Leeds career and that he sees Dallas’ long term future in the centre of midfield.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been left unhappy after it was confirmed that Adrian has signed a new contract with the Reds.

The Spanish goalkeeper has proven to be a hit-and-miss player for Jurgen Klopp’s side, having arrived from West Ham in the summer of 2019.

Adrian made a great start to life at Liverpool, winning the UEFA Super Cup and proving to be the hero in the penalty shootout win against Chelsea, but he has struggled since.

The 34-year-old has looked an unconvincing figure too often when Alisson hasn’t been around, with his performance against Atletico Madrid in 2019/20 almost single-handedly getting the Reds knocked out of the Champions League.

Adrian is staying put at Anfield, however, with the club confirming on Monday that he has extended his stay on Merseyside beyond this summer.

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Liverpool fans react negatively to Adrian news

It is a piece of news that hasn’t exactly been met with a huge amount of positivity, with these Liverpool fans taking to Twitter to vent their frustration.

“Was 3rd choice keeper and now this? Just get rid he’s awful”

Credit: @morganclee

“Head’s hot! Simply unacceptable”

Credit: @Blxckmass9397

“Get out “

Credit: @Joe19times

“Enough is Enough. #FSGOUT”

Credit: @LFCGOATMILLY

“Wait what? You can’t be serious. You can’t be”

Credit: @19times19times

“30 years wasn’t a long enough wait. We deserve 60”

Credit: @_JS98

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after an update on one key player. Find out who it is here.

Price tags today like Ben White’s are ridiculous, says former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Leeds are one club said to be interested in signing the Brighton defender this summer, but it is going to cost a lot of money to get him out of the Amex.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, the Whites will have to pay over £50m if they are to sign White, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Elland Road.

Arsenal are already said to have had a £40m bid turned down for the player, so it does indeed seem like Brighton are looking for the sort of money Castles has mentioned.

On White’s rumoured price tag, Palmer told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“All the price tags are ridiculous now. It’s supply and demand, you know, if somebody is willing to pay that, then that’s what you’ll get for the player. It’s not what the player’s valued at.

“No disrespect to the player. I think he had a fantastic season last season and he’s done really well, but clubs can actually pick a figure out because if they don’t want to sell you, they don’t have to sell you. And so they can pick a figure out and it’s whether that club’s prepared to go to that figure.

“There are very few players that go in the transfer market now that are actually worth the figure that the club’s paid. It’s all inflated prices.”

White certainly had a strong campaign. He averaged 1.7 interceptions per league game, which puts him only behind Yves Bissouma (1.8) in Brighton’s squad, as he thwarted attacks for his side (via WhoScored).

Paying £50m plus for the central defender, though, is questionable after one season in the top flight.

As per The Press Association (via Inside Futbol), five clubs are in pursuit of Glasgow Rangers winger Josh McPake.

The Lowdown: McPake continues development

McPake spent last year on loan at Greenock Morton and Harrogate Town, managing four goals and two assists across the two spells (Transfermarkt).

As it stands, he has no immediate future at Ibrox, meaning it would make sense for him to spend another 12 months out on loan.

The Latest: 5 clubs want McPake

It seems there is plenty of demand for his short-term signature.

As per this latest report, which emerged late on Monday night, Doncaster Rovers, Morecambe, Motherwell, Oldham Athletic and Tranmere Rovers are all in pursuit of the 19-year-old.

The Verdict: Good move

As we mentioned earlier, it is unlikely Steven Gerrard will have him in his plans yet. Has has so far made just one appearance for the 55-time Scottish champions, and could do with playing at a higher level elsewhere first as he continues to develop.

Called “excellent” by Morton boss David Hopkin last term (via notheoldfirm.com), he clearly has plenty of ability. He is a player the Gers will not want to see leave on a permanent basis, but they will be hoping he can impress on loan next term so he can have an influence of the Rangers side in the future.

Where that loan spell takes place however could be quite the interesting story to follow this summer.

In other news, Rangers have rejected several bids for this controversial ace.

According to a report by Sport, West Ham United have joined the race to sign Denmark and Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite – with the Hammers, Brighton, Burnley and Norwich City ‘on the prowl’ for his signature.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye striker…

As per Claret & Hugh, one of West Ham’s main transfer priorities for this summer is signing a new forward who can provide striker Michail Antonio with sufficient back up.

The Englishman suffered from a variety of injury issues last season which kept him out of the side, and with a Europa League campaign coming up, manager David Moyes will need more strength in depth going forward.

The Latest: West Ham join Braithwaite race…

As per Spanish news outlet Sport, the Irons are now one of the clubs eyeing Barca forward Braithwaite currently playing at Euro 2020 with Denmark.

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Alongside West Ham, Brighton, Burnley and Norwich City are ‘on the prowl’ for him this summer but an unnamed Russian club may hold the advantage.

The La Liga giants have apparently already opened a ‘negotiating channel’ with that side and it could ‘bear fruit’ as long as the player himself is open to moving.

Braithwaite scored two goals and assisted two others in 11 Spanish top flight starts over 20/21 under Ronald Koeman and has been told that he will not feature for Barca next season.

The Verdict: Turn away…

The 53-cap forward, once hailed as ‘exceptional’ by former Middlesborough manager Tony Pulis (Hartlepool Mail), certainly should be bottom of the candidate list when it comes to new strikers for West Ham.

His lack of both goals and game time over the past year certainly doesn’t equate to the Irons’ perfect forward solution, with in-form goalscorers like Adam Armstrong and Ivan Toney surely coming as much better options.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘I soooo hope this is true’…West Ham fans flock to transfer claim, find out more here.