Postecoglou Has "Approved" Spurs Swoop For £40m "Magician"

Incoming Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou could already be eyeing up a first signing of the summer at N17, following an update regarding the club's pursuit of Leicester City star, James Maddison.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to journalist Sean Walsh, writing on Twitter, the 57-year-old is said to have "approved" of the Lilywhites' pursuit of the England international, with the ex-Celtic man having been named as the new permanent head coach on Tuesday.

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh adds that the north London outfit are set to rival Newcastle United for the signing of the 26-year-old, with the playmaker in line to leave his current home following the Foxes' recent relegation.

This follows a previous report from The Sun which also claimed that both Spurs and the Magpies are 'pushing hardest' to sign the former Norwich City man ahead of next season, with the two-cap gem set to be available for around £40m with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

The fleet-footed "magician" – as previously hailed by Statman Dave – would likely prove an astute capture for new man Postecoglou, with the Coventry-born sensation having proven his credentials in the Premier League in recent years, with 75 goals and assists in 163 games in the competition to date.

Despite forming part of a Leicester side that only recently suffered relegation, the £110k-per-week maestro did still enjoy a positive individual campaign after racking up 19 goal involvements in 30 league appearances, with only Harry Kane contributing more goals and assists (33) among the Spurs squad.

Harry Kane and James Maddison

That ability to make a telling impact in the final third could ensure that Maddison proves to be a dream partner to Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next term, with the latter man likely to thrive off such elite service.

Hailed for his "world class" delivery in the past by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, Maddison notably recorded 12 big chances and averaged 2.3 key passes per game in 2022/23 as a marker of his creative prowess, with that illustrating that he can be the man to deliver the goods on a plate for Tottenham's free-scoring, talisman.

Previously hailed as "the best centre-forward in world football" by his England colleague, Kane has been linked with a departure in recent times, although the current suggestion is that the 29-year-old will not be sold this summer, despite having just 12 months to run on his current deal.

As such, the 280-goal marksman would likely thrive off having quality figures around him under Postecoglou next season, such as Maddison, with the latter man clearly an asset who seeks to play forward at every available opportunity as he ranks in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive passes, as per FBref.

With Spurs seemingly "in need of that creativity" – as pundit Noel Whelan previously stated – the signing of the Leicester man could well have Kane licking his lips this summer…

Presenter: £16m-rated ace ‘doesn’t fit the system’ at Liverpool

Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho just doesn't fit the system at Anfield, claims RedMenTV host, Ste Hoare.

The 20-year-old joined the Reds last summer and after initially impressing early on this season, things haven't quite gone to plan.

In fact, he's played just eight Premier League minutes in 2023, and that could be down to Jurgen Klopp's tactics.

What's the latest on Fabio Carvalho's future at Liverpool?

The former Fulham midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield, but the club are only prepared to let him go out on loan, recently rejecting a £10m bid from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

With the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, and reports suggesting Liverpool are pursuing several midfielders, there's going to be plenty of competition in the middle of the park for the club, and it seems Carvalho won't fit into plans this season.

A number of Premier League sides, including his former club Fulham are interested in taking the Portuguese youngster on loan, with several offers currently on the table, but it remains to be seen where he'll end up.

What has Ste Hoare said about Fabio Carvalho and Liverpool?

Despite Carvalho's struggles at Liverpool this season, Hoare believes it's not down to talent, but a lack of fit in Klopp's system that has caused the £16m-rated midfielder problems this year.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the RedMenTV host said:

"It's mad because Liverpool tried so hard to sign Carvalho. They beat so many teams, they paid more than they needed to make sure they got him.

"They really liked what they saw and by all accounts, he is a good player, he just doesn't fit the system."

How did Fabio Carvalho perform this season compared to last year?

While making the move from Fulham and Championship football, to one of the Premier League's biggest sides in Liverpool was always going to be tough, Carvalho's spell in Merseyside has seen his game time and output drop drastically.

Across the board, the 20-year-old's statistical numbers have all decreased this year, which is hardly a surprise given his lack of regular minutes.

Last year, the midfielder completed 1.2 dribbles per game for Fulham, seeing that number drop dramatically to 0.2 per game for Klopp's men this season, whilst his WhoScored average rating dropped from 7.11 at Fulham to 6.37 for the Reds, and he went from completing 1.7 key passes per game at Craven Cottage, to a measly 0.1 this campaign.

At 20 years old, there's still plenty of time for Carvalho, who is sponsored by Nike, to turn his Liverpool career around and a spell out on loan may be the catalyst in that, but if he doesn't fit the system now, who's to say he will when he comes back.

Celtic: Hoops in £2.2m talks to land their next Nir Bitton at Parkhead

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Odin Thiago Holm to Celtic?

According to Norwegian outlet Nettavisen, the Hoops are in talks with Eliteserien outfit Vålerenga as they close in on a deal to sign defensive midfielder Odin Thiago Holm.

The report claims that the two clubs are discussing the details around a transfer that would send the 20-year-old to Scotland ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and that a switch is imminent barring any late setbacks.

It states that an offer in the region of 30m kroner (around £2.2m) is on the cards from Celtic, who will also give up a percentage of their profit from any future sale to sweeten the deal.

What is Odin Thiago Holm's style of play?

The young battler is a defensive-minded ace who has the ability to win possession back for his side on a regular basis whilst also having the quality on the ball to function in a progressive system.

Holm could be the club's next Nir Bitton, who left Parkhead at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, by coming in as a strong no.6 with excellent passing.

Former Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton.

In his last season with the Hoops, the Israel international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 across 24 matches in the Scottish Premiership and made 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game and completed 91% of his attempted passes.

The 6 foot 5 stalwart, who made 271 appearances for Celtic, also won 54% of his individual duels that year, which was after he came out on top in 62% of his battles in the division in 20/21.

This shows that the experienced ace was a reliable passer who also bullied opposition players to win the ball back for his team and prevent them from creating chances in the final third.

Holm, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Eliteserien in 2022.

The youngster, who won 60% of his physical contests, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 22 outings and managed to complete 88% of his passes and made two tackles and interceptions per match.

These statistics suggest that the 20-year-old gem, who plays in the same position as Bitton, could come in and replicate the former Celtic enforcer's success in Scotland as a strong defensive midfielder who can make an impact in and out of possession.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described the Norway U20 international as a "huge talent" and cited his defensive reliability and ability to dictate games with his passing quality as some of his biggest strengths, which is backed up by his form in the Norwegian top-flight.

Therefore, Holm could come in as Bitton 2.0 for the next Celtic manager ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and his arrival, based on his impressive statistics at such a young age for Vålerenga, could be an excellent first signing of the summer for the new head coach.

Rangers Make Bid To Sign "Dynamic" 24 y/o

Glasgow Rangers have submitted an offer to Los Angeles FC for target Jose Cifuentes, according to reports.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news involving Cifuentes?

Michael Beale and those at Ibrox have wasted no time in bolstering the playing squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, with four new additions already made.

Dujon Sterling, Kiran Dowell and Jack Butland have all agreed on free transfers to Glasgow, whereas Rangers have also signed forward Sam Lammers from Italian side Atalanta for €3.5m.

That appears to be just the start of the club’s summer business, with Cifuentes looking like he could be the next through the Ibrox door.

Reports have suggested that a Rangers move for Cifuentes could be agreed upon by the end of the month, although a low fee still needs to be arranged with the MLS side, and it looks as if that bid has now been made.

According to journalist Alejandro Ruilova, Cifuentes has agreed to make the move to Rangers, with the Scottish side making an offer to LAFC, who are evaluating the proposal.

“Jose Cifuentes – Ecuadorian player has agreed to go to Rangers. Only that Los Angeles FC asks for an amount of money to be able to release the player before the end of his contract.

“It is being negotiated since Rangers offered an amount that is being studied by the club.”

Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

Who is Jose Cifuentes?

Cifuentes is seemingly at the top of his game with a career-high €12m Transfermarkt valuation and can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder.

The 24-year-old has made 115 appearances for LAFC after joining back in 2020, contributing to 33 goals along the way. He has also won 15 caps for Ecuador and is sponsored by Nike, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the year.

Lauded as being “very dynamic” by LAFC assistant manager Marc Dos Santos, Cifuentes has also been hailed by Ecuador football expert Benedikt Duda, who said:

“Cifuentes is a no.8, who is physical and strong in defence with a tendency to get involved in the attack. There is a good reason he wears the no.11, and footballing-wise, he models himself after Paul Pogba.”

Therefore, for the right price, it looks as if Rangers could be getting a versatile midfielder at the peak of his powers, and hopefully, he’ll be able to go from strength to strength under Beale in Scotland.

Liverpool May Have To Pay £90m For Premier League Midfielder

Liverpool's hopes of signing Joao Palhinha this summer may have been dealt a blow, with The Daily Mail reporting that Fulham want £90m for his signature.

Will Liverpool sign Joao Palhinha this summer?

The midfielder has spent only one season in the Premier League with Fulham so far but has already made quite the impression in England. The 27-year-old was a key player for the Cottagers as they managed to not only avoid the drop but to finish in the top ten during their first campaign back in the top flight.

The Portugal international made 35 appearances for the side over the course of the season and even bagged three goals along the way from his deep midfield role.

joao-palhinha-fulham-premier-league

Even more impressive from the player is how he has ranked against others in his position amongst the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe this year. Despite having to adapt to a new country, Palhinha managed 4.26 tackles per 90, which actually puts him in the top one percent in that area.

It shows that he works continuously in the centre of the field to break up opposition attacks, and with a rate of 1.77 clearances too (88th percentile), it showcases just how superb he can in front of a defence.

What is Palhinha's transfer price?

Now, according to a report from The Daily Mail, the player has indeed caught the eye of clubs like Liverpool, Man United and West Ham – but if any of them want to sign them, it could cost them a hefty amount of money.

The trio have all registered an interest in the midfielder but it appears that Fulham will demand around £90m for his signature – a huge amount for any club to pay if they want to sign the Portugal man. The hope from the Cottagers is that putting such a big amount of money on one of their best players could ward off any interest in his services.

It's no surprise to see the asking price for Palhinha shoot up, considering how well he has performed in the Premier League this season. Football journalist Josh Bunting called the midfielder "outstanding" for example and added that he is "top class" and "has it all".

It may be a steep price to pay for the player then, but if Liverpool want to bolster their midfield, it could be worth testing Fulham's patience with an offer.

Chelsea Considering Swoop For £19m-Rated Ukraine Goalkeeper

Chelsea have placed Anatoliy Trubin on their transfer radar this summer, according to a report from reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Anatoliy Trubin?

The 21-year-old currently plays in goal for Shakhtar Donetsk, where he has spent the entirety of his career to date. He was given his first ever league outing with the side back when he was just 16-years-old, and he has since gone on to establish himself as their undisputed number one. In the 2022/23 season, he managed the biggest stretch of league games with the side to date, featuring on 28 occasions as the club won his second league title.

It's led to him also being given minutes for his country on the international stage too. He was handed his Ukraine debut back in 2021 and has gone on to feature seven times for them, having also played for their youth teams.

Now, his performances appear to have caught the eye of Premier League side Chelsea. According to a report from reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Mauricio Pochettino wants to try and strengthen their goalkeeping department and whilst they aren't entirely sure of a need to buy a first-choice shot-stopper, it's clear they want to at least bring in an alternative to provide competition for that spot.

One of the names on their transfer wishlist on that area is the 6 foot 6 giant Trubin, although Blues chiefs have yet to make an official bid for his signature.

What is Trubin's transfer value?

It's unclear exactly how much Trubin would cost the Blues if they did want to launch an official bid for the player. Romano doesn't mention a price tag for the goalkeeper, but Transfermarkt suggest that his value could be around the 22 million Euros mark (or about £19m). It isn't an extortionate amount of money for a young and promising player, but it is still a fairly steep price to pay for a player yet to test himself outside of Ukranian football.

He's already highly regarded despite his age though, and that could be why Chelsea are keen to do business for the player. At just 21-years-old, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has already called him a "hero" for his performances with Shakhtar Donetsk and highlighted how impressive he had been statistically in a recent fixture against Rennes.

Trubin then can already do a job at a decent level and given the right coaching, he could eventually emerge as an undisputed number one – and the Blues seem to want it to be with them too.

Liverpool Could Sign £34m New Steven Gerrard

Liverpool are a club that boasts one of the richest histories in the English game, however, had only briefly returned to the pinnacle before they were dragged back down.

Fans had to wait 30 painstaking years before a Premier League title came to Anfield, with FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League victories having supplemented Jurgen Klopp’s success.

The hope is that, following a year of rebuilding and steady progression, this summer could mark the catalyst to once again pit them against the imperious treble-winning Manchester City.

If anyone can topple them, it is surely the Reds, who remain in a prime spot despite their tough recent campaign. After all, they are the only side other than Pep Guardiola's to boast a league title since 2017, having pushed them further than any other team.

Having already secured the acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister, the German tactician will be well aware that this is not enough to return them to the top alone.

Fortunately for fans, further reports have emerged this month continuing to link them with a swoop for Gabri Veiga.

Despite his €40m (£34m) price tag, he could actually pose another coup, especially given how his early-career form mirrors that of a true Anfield legend.

Could Gabri Veiga emulate any Liverpool legends?

Whilst one journalist, simply titled Rimedi, referred to the Spaniard as a “baby Kaka”, it is instead Steven Gerrard that it could be argued the 21-year-old truly imitates.

After all, in his prime, the Scouse general was actually an attacking midfielder, full of energy, passion, aggression and, above all, immense quality.

Viega seems like he is in possession of all of these attributes, having enjoyed a standout year for Celta Vigo in his homeland.

Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

As a childhood fan of the club he stars for, the youngster’s tally of 11 goals and four assists in La Liga from midfield is a startling figure. When compared to other midfielders across Europe, he also ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

For comparison, although it was under the pragmatic stylings of Gérard Houllier, the former Aston Villa manager could only muster 15 goal contributions of his own across all competitions at the same age, 21. However, in his true prime he was a real offensive threat, even notching 38 goal contributions across just one year in the 2005/06 campaign.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig sought to outline the other qualities that have helped make Veiga shine, noting his strengths as: “pace, passing, technique, shooting, off-the-ball movement, bravery, work rate”.

These are all attributes that saw Gerrard earn such success early in his glistening career, in which Jamie O’Hara has told talkSPORT (via Anfield Watch) that he was “the best midfielder the Premier League has ever seen.”

Although Veiga is unlikely to reach those levels that very few ever have, his emergence as a similar type of bustling goal-scoring midfielder could help rebuild Klopp’s dynasty, to once again make them challengers for the elite competitions.

Arsenal: Transfer insider stunned as Tchouameni rumour emerges

Arsenal making an offer to sign French international Aurélien Tchouaméni from Real Madrid is "hard to believe", according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Aurélien Tchouaméni?

It has been a brilliant start to the transfer window for Arsenal fans, as the club have already sewn up the £65m deal to sign Kai Havertz and look to be incredibly close to signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice for £105m and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber for £40m.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the Gunners aren't finished yet, and the next transfer could potentially be the most shocking yet.

Aurélien Tchouaméni

According to Spanish outlet DefensaCentral, the Premier League runners-up have made the player a 'priority objective' and are looking to submit a bid in the region of €80m to €90m (£69m-£77m) for the Los Blancos star.

However, the same report also states that the Spanish giants view the player as an 'indisputable' part of their team and that the ex-Monaco man wants to remain and 'succeed at Real Madrid.'

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Aurelien Tchouaméni to Arsenal?

Jones was upfront about his general surprise at the rumour, pointing out that the Gunners have already spent a huge amount of money this summer, making a deal for the Frenchman unlikely.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I mean, in terms of Tchouaméni, I find it hard to believe that Arsenal could afford a deal like that on the back of what they've just had to do to be able to afford Declan Rice.

He points out that while you can convince certain clubs to accept specific payment structures, Real are a different kettle of fish, adding: "The way that the cash flow is working at the moment, it's unlikely that you can just knock on the door at Real Madrid, and propose taking one of the young stars off him that you're playing over six years or something. For some clubs. Yeah, that works. And that's feasible. But at Real Madrid, I'm not so sure."

Would Aurelien Tchouaméni be a good signing for Arsenal?

In short, yes. Tchouaméni would represent an unbelievable signing for the Gunners, especially in a window that has already seen them spend big on Rice, Havertz and Timber.

aurelien-tchouameni-transfer-gossip-arsenal-real-madrid-edu-arteta-rodri-guardiola

The French international has taken a little bit of time to settle into life at the Bernabeu, but he still had a great season overall last year, with WhoScored giving the player an average rating of 7.04 for his 24 starts in La Liga.

His underlying numbers are outstanding as well, with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing him in the top 1% for pass completion and interceptions, the top 5% for attempted passes, the top 8% for clearances and the top 11% for aerial duals won, all per 90.

With numbers like that, it's hardly surprising that back in his Monaco days, his former boss Niko Kovac waxed lyrical about the star, saying:

"For me, he is already the best midfielder in Ligue 1 today."

Alongside his coach, he was also lauded by the pundits, with French football expert Tom Williams telling Football Espana that he was "an absolute machine when it comes to ball recovery."

If Edu and Co can get this deal over the line and play him in a midfield with Rice and Martin Odegaard, the Gunners might be able to go that one step further next season.

Rangers: Beale Could Solve Key Issue In Swoop For £2.5m Gem At Ibrox

Glasgow Rangers don’t appear to be completely finished with their transfer business this summer, with a few more players likely to arrive in the coming weeks to bolster Michael Beale’s squad.

That is despite seven signings already, as a total overhaul has been underway at Ibrox since the Premiership season finished in May.

The player trading model also appears to be in full swing at Rangers, with Beale maximising the value of his outgoings. Antonio Colak was signed for £1.8m last summer and has recently departed for a fee of £2.5m, while Fashion Sakala, who cost nothing in 2021, now looks set to leave for £4m, an impressive profit which could benefit the squad.

This should now be reinvested into the team, especially in regard to signing another centre-back as this remains the biggest issue at the club currently, despite the recent signing of Leon Balogun.

Leon King is injured, Ben Davies has attracted interest and although John Souttar ended last season well, he has a long history with injury problems and this could potentially disrupt another campaign, leaving Beale with a need to add someone else to his defence.

Are Rangers still keen on Jonathan Panzo?

According to Football Scotland, Rangers are still keen on signing Panzo this summer, although the finances still have to be ironed out if they are to secure his signature.

It will take a fee of £2.5m to sign the Englishman from Nottingham Forest and if Beale manages to move a few more players out the door in the next week or so, this shouldn’t represent much of a problem.

Could Jonathan Panzo improve Rangers?

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Coventry City from Forest and came so close to leading them back to the Premier League following a 22-year absence, losing in the playoff final to Luton Town.

Across his spell in the second tier, Panzo made 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game, and these figures would be good enough to rank him as sixth, first and second across the whole Rangers squad for the same metrics, suggesting he could offer some excellent qualities.

He even impressed compared to positional peers across the next big eight leagues in Europe, ranking in the top 8% for interceptions per 90 (2.01) and the top 15% for tackles per 90 (1.81) and given that he is only 22, there is still plenty of scope for improvement.

The youngster was hailed by Forest U21 coach Dave Rogers previously, who said:

"He is a great professional. He's enthusiastic and has got good experience and energy too. He brings a great vibe to the dressing room too."

Coventry City defender Jonathan Panzo.

These are all wonderful traits and something which Beale looks to be building at the club, filling the Ibrox side with young, hungry players who bring a good energy to the team and Panzo would be an excellent choice.

The Gers conceded 37 goals last year, which doesn’t sound too bad on the surface, yet it was six more than the previous campaign and improvements must be made to this key issue which could hamper Beale if it isn’t solved.

Man United Interested In Signing "Dominant" £12k-p/w Ace

Manchester United have a "long-standing interest" in signing AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, but there probably won't be any new centre-back arrivals unless there is a departure in that position, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Harry Maguire's time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end, with it recently being reported the Englishman is set to be stripped of the captaincy, as Erik ten Hag favours the centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

To replace the 30-year-old, it has now emerged that Man United are plotting a shock move for Antonio Rudiger, who could be tempted by a return to the Premier League if he is guaranteed game time at centre-back.

While a move for the former Chelsea man would no doubt be exciting for United fans, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has no plans to sell the German defender this summer, so the Red Devils may continue to run the rule over some other options.

Back in June, it was reported that United were leading the race for Disasi, but Sheth has now suggested that a move is unlikely, unless Ten Hag is able to shift on Maguire, or another centre-back this summer.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter said: “They are looking at other players in that position. Axel Disasi from Monaco is another player they've also got a long-standing interest in.

“But the information I've been given is there probably won't be any arrivals in that position unless there's a departure in that position.”

Is Axel Disasi signing for Man United?

It is clear that Ten Hag would be keen on a move for the Monaco defender, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claiming the manager has "approved" a move, after weeks of talks on the player's side.

However, Man United may have to move swiftly if they are to win the race for the £11k-per-week ace, with Romano also explaining that Newcastle are now exploring a deal, and the Magpies are now expected to make contact with Monaco.

As such, the race for the 6 foot 3 centre-back appears to be wide open, but if United do manage to beat Newcastle in the race for his signature, they could be signing a fantastic player.

AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the France international as "complete & dominant", while praising him for his pace, tackling, heading and athleticism, and likening him to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

The former Reims man is a forward-thinking defender, ranking in the 96th percentile for progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 over the past year, and he also poses a threat in the opposition box, placing in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals.

With Maguire's time at United seemingly coming to an end, it is important that Ten Hag brings in a top-quality replacement to provide competition for Varane and Martinez, and Disasi looks like he could be a very good addition to the squad.

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