All posts by h716a5.icu

West Bromwich Albion ended up delivering a rather uninspiring attempt at winning promotion back to the Premier League this season.

With 46 Championship games played, the Baggies won 18, drew 15 and lost 13 in the process, leaving them with a tenth-place finish.

One disappointing factor throughout the campaign was West Brom’s attacking power, or lack thereof at times.

Having scored 52 goals all season, the Baggies racked up 18 games where they failed to find the back of the net.

To further highlight their ineffectiveness in front of goal, they ended the season with the lowest percentage for shots on target and the joint-lowest rate of goals per shot.

One figure in Steve Bruce’s squad that ended up being a rather useful attacking figure in terms of his goal contributions was midfielder Alex Mowatt.

In 34 league appearances, the Englishman scored four goals and delivered two assists, ending the campaign with more goal contributions than the likes of Matt Phillips and Grady Diangana among others.

Now that the season has come to an end and the summer transfer window is on the horizon, one figure that has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns that could form a deadly midfield duo with Mowatt is John Swift.

With 38 league appearances under his belt for Reading this season, the 26-year-old has scored 11 goals and delivered 13 assists, showing how capable he is in front of goal from midfield.

Having played four more games than Mowatt, the 26-year-old has racked up more shots and crosses than the Baggies figure.

Rather unsurprisingly, the Englishman also has a higher average for shots (2.1) and key passes per game (2.7) than any other player at his current club.

Back in 2019, one of Swift’s previous assists was described as “outrageous” by journalist Charles Watts.

His overall performances in this campaign have earned him an impressive season rating of 7.13/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at Reading.

This would also make him the highest-rated player in West Brom’s squad as well, which shows how important he is to his side and why the Baggies are after him.

Taking all of this into account, having a midfield pairing of Mowatt and Swift in their side could definitely make West Brom a much deadlier team going forward, which is what they’ll need to be if they want to have any chance of winning promotion next season.

In other news: Bruce can finally axe “shocking” WBA dud with move for “dominating” £14k-p/w machine

Tottenham Hotspur are readying a first bid to sign Inter Milan central defender Alessandro Bastoni, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Big plans

Having secured UEFA Champions League football on the final day of the Premier League season, Spurs boss Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici were handed a huge boost to the transfer kitty to the tune of £150million from ENIC this week.

That timely addition to the coffers is expected to see multiple arrivals to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium squad as Conte attempts to bolster the options at his disposal.

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One man perennially linked in recent times has been Bastoni – who appeared on 74 occasions under Conte at the San Siro – and it now appears that the Londoners could be ready to make their first move to reunite the countrymen…

The latest: First offer incoming…

As per Football Insider, Spurs are believed to ‘submitting an opening bid’ over the coming days.

It’s claimed that a ‘Tottenham source’ has confirmed that the Lilywhites are ready to submit a ‘big-money’ offer to bring the 23-year-old 11-cap Italy international to north London.

The report also states that Paratici is looking to exploit a need to sell prized assets at Inter by making an offer for the man hailed as ‘world class’ by journalist Kaustubh Pandey.

RB Leipzig defender Javier Gvardiol and Villarreal ace Pau Torres are also cited as potential targets.

The verdict: Superstar signing

Adding a player of Bastoni’s undoubted calibre to the squad would be a significant statement of intent from the club.

During 2021/22, the talented Italian defender earned a superb 7.10 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.1 duels, completing 50.5 accurate passes and making 1.8 clearances on average per game, highlighting a supreme defensive acumen coupled with a ball-playing ability.

Valued at an eye-watering £54million (Transfermarkt), any move for Bastoni would be an expensive, but partnering the star alongside Cristian Romero would provide Conte and Tottenham with a solid foundation on which to build.

In other news… Sky Sports have shared an ‘interesting’ live TV update for Tottenham supporters

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly taking an interest in Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn this summer and it would be a disaster if Steven Gerrard were to lose the Scotland international.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Antonio Conte’s side are lining up a move for the former Hearts man following their fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, a feat which secured them Champions League football for next season.

Although Villa will be targeting European qualification of their own next season, considering their statement signings so far, it may be difficult for McGinn to turn down the offer of Champions League football in north London next season.

Gerrard heading for disaster?

While much was made of Villa’s exciting midfield last season, with Philippe Coutinho starring on loan from Barcelona and Jacob Ramsay enjoying a breakthrough season, it was arguably McGinn who was the most consistent performer for the Villans.

According to WhoScored, the 27-year-old was Villa’s best performer in the Premier League, averaging a superb 7.17 rating for his performances, with Coutinho ranked second after averaging a 6.96 rating.

This emphasises just how important he is to Gerrard, and his midfield would surely be significantly weaker if McGinn were to depart this summer.

The Villa boss was full of praise for the Spurs target after a stunning performance in a 2-1 win against Leicester City last season, saying:

“I thought he was terrific all game, John has been one of the more consistent ones over the four games.

“I knew John a little bit before I came through the door and I knew he’d be the type to run through a brick wall for me.

“The effort, commitment and desire, the energy that he gives this team, but not only that he plays with real quality too.

“Some of his passing today was outstanding, so I’m super pleased with John over the past few games, the challenge for him now is for him to stay in this place.”

The Scottish midfield maestro is also a fan favourite at Villa Park, so supporters would surely be gutted and even angry if he were to depart to Premier League rivals.

It has been widely reported that Spurs would need to bid around £40m if they were to prise McGinn away from Villa this summer but considering his performances last season, it would be disastrous for Gerrard to sell him if he does have aspirations of European qualification next season.

And, in other news… Journo shares update on “Champions League level” beast, Villa supporters will be buzzing

Frank Lampard is closing in on his first summer signing for Everton as he looks to strengthen his squad before next season.

That’s according to Journalist Ryan Taylor, who tweeted that “Everton also hopeful of wrapping up the signing of James Tarkowski on a free transfer after submitting formal contract offer.”

Tarkowski has been sought after since Burnley’s relegation, with Newcastle United and Leeds United also interested in the defender.

If a deal is wrapped up, it would represent Lampard’s first summer signing at the club and could set them back around £100k-per-week in wages.

Godfrey upgrade

Everton supporters will be hoping that they don’t endure another campaign like last season’s, in which they avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth with a frantic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.

Lampard’s team conceded 66 goals in the Premier League, the fifth-worst in the division, and the defence is the obvious area for improvement over the summer. the likes of Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey didn’t have great seasons and Tarkowski would certainly be an upgrade on the latter.

The signing of Tarkowski would go a long way to alleviate this defensive problem ahead of next season. The defender held a WhoScored ranking of 6.97 last season, ranking him first in the Burnley squad.

Compared to positional peers in the big five leagues, Tarkowski’s stats are outstanding. The 29-year-old ranks in the top 1% in both blocks (2.67 per 90) and aerials won (4.95 per 90), while also ranking in the top 3% for clearances made (6.26 per 90).

Compare these to Godfrey’s stats from last season and it’s clear to see who would be the better player. the Everton centre back only made 2.13 blocks per match, 4.35 clearances, and only 2.26 aerials won per match.

These stats prove that Tarkowski would be an excellent addition to the Everton squad for next season, especially on a free transfer which would allow Lampard to redirect funds to other areas of the team.

The England international was once described as a “rock” by Alex James and judging by his performances for Burnley last season, even though they were relegated, the statement is spot on.

An interesting summer lies ahead for Everton and Lampard, where recruitment needs to be absolutely spot on if he hopes to remain in a job. Signing Tarkowski could go a long way to pleasing the supporters.

AND in other news, “No chance…”: Journo drops big Everton transfer twist that’ll disappoint supporters…

Manchester United have submitted an offer to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Marca (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Major interest

Although the transfer window is yet to officially open, the pursuit of De Jong is already in danger of turning into an exhausting saga.

The Red Devils have been extensively linked with a move for the 25-year-old, particularly following the official appointment of former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who took charge of 59 games in which the cultured midfielder played in Holland.

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Amidst all the noise surrounding the potential switch to Old Trafford from the Camp Nou, it now appears as though United have taken the first big step towards getting the deal moving…

The latest: Bid made

As per Marca, translated by SW, Manchester United chiefs are believed to have made an opening bid worth €60million (£51million) initially, plus a further €20million (£17million) in add ons.

It’s claimed that Ten Hag has personally ‘spoken with the footballer to convince him to be his star at United’, having overseen his development earlier on in a fledgeling career.

The report states that De Jong – once lauded as a ‘sublime footballer’ by reporter Sam Dean – would be given the responsibility to be the ‘conductor’ in the midfield and is now ‘further away’ than ever from staying at Barcelona.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Signing the 42-cap Holland star for the mooted expenditure would be a welcome positive statement of intent to signify the beginning of what is hoped to be a new and successful era under Ten Hag.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric, Manchester City sensation Ilkay Gundogan and classy Inter Milan ace Nicolo Barella (Fbref), there is certainly an elite level player in the cross hairs of the United recruitment team.

With his talents already well known to the manager, during 2021/22, the Dutchman scored four times and registered five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst competing 1.3 key passes on average from 32 La Liga outings in the process.

That form and perceived level of potential, combined with the opportunity to link back up with his ex-manager Ten Hag and former teammate Donny van de Beek, makes the swoop for De Jong a no brainer, particularly having allowed Paul Pogba move on.

In other news, Erik ten Hag could be key in luring this star to Old Trafford

Aston Villa have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with Premier League champions Manchester City now reportedly targeting the Englishman.

What’s the word?

As per The Times, City are believed to be turning their attention towards making a move for the 26-year-old this summer, after confirming the arrival of Borussia Dortmund hotshot Erling Haaland on Monday.

The report suggests that Pep Guardiola and co view the 19-cap international as a potential replacement for veteran gem Fernandinho – with the Brazilian set to leave the Etihad once his contract expires at the end of the month – and would reportedly be willing to pay as much as £60m for his services.

This follows speculation that Villa were in fact firmly in the mix to prize the Leeds academy graduate from Elland Road, with the player believed to be a ‘long-term target’ for the Midlands outfit.

One of the best

Potentially missing out on the £38k-per-week machine to the title winners would no doubt be a painful situation for those at Villa Park, with manager Steven Gerrard likely to have viewed him as an ideal fit to add to his midfield.

Despite having only two years of top-flight football under his belt thus far, the £45m-rated ace has already cemented his status as one of the most effective performers in the division, while he’s also forged his way to becoming a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England side.

At the end of his first campaign in the top tier, Phillips went on to play a vital role in the Three Lions’ surge to the European Championship final last summer, featuring in all seven games en route to the showpiece and forming an immense partnership with West Ham United talisman, Declan Rice.

That duo was the subject of praise from coaching icon Fabio Capello, with the Italian highlighting the Yorkshire-born star, in particular, for his standout displays, suggesting that the “aggressive” playmaker is the “best modern midfielder” that he has seen.

Such plaudits have no doubt been deserved and while he endured an injury-hit campaign last time out, the 5 foot 10 destroyer still compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 2% for pressures made, the top 3% for tackles and the top 4% for blocks.

His relentless nature in the centre of the pitch has made him such a highly coveted asset, with it a marker of just how far he has come that he is now a top target for arguably the best team in the country – Man City.

Competing with the uber-rich outfit for Phillips’ signature is only likely to end in tears for the Villans, with it looking as if they are set to miss out on one of the best around.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Tottenham Hotspur are facing an all-London battle to sign Everton forward Richarlison this summer, claims The Daily Mail’s Chief Football Reporter, Sami Mokbel.

The Lowdown: Richarlison’s season

Despite a poor season for Everton with Frank Lampard side’s narrowly avoiding Premier League relegation, the Brazil international was one of the only bright sparks holding the Toffees together, awarded the highest average match rating across the campaign out of the entire squad (via SofaScore).

The 25-year-old was the Blues’ top scorer with ten league goals, adding to his overall Toffees tally which now sits at 53 in 152 appearances for the club.

A number of rumours have emerged linking Richarlison with a move away from Goodison Park this summer, namely to Tottenham, but it looks like they have some serious competition.

The Latest: Mokbel’s news

Mokbel has now revealed the latest news regarding Richarlison’s transfer saga.

Taking to Twitter, Lilywhites news channel The Spurs Express shared Mokbel’s latest update: “Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are in a battle for Richarlison.”

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The Verdict: Great signing

Analysing the Brazilian’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why Fabio Paratici is so keen on signing Everton’s pressing monster this summer.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Richarlison ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks, 92nd for pressures, 95th for tackles and in the 93rd percentile for interceptions (via FB Ref).

With Antonio Conte’s style of play reliant on defensive contributions from the wing-backs and forwards, the 25-year-old would fit perfectly into the Lilywhites’ squad in a variety of attacking positions.

This would no doubt be a great signing for Tottenham, given Carlo Ancelotti’s assessment that the winger also has bags of ‘quality’ to match his tenacity.

In other news: Paul Robinson urges Spurs to sign another striker

Newcastle United should not break their current wage structure to keep Allan Saint-Maximin at the club, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Saint-Maximin’s head turned?

According to the Daily Mail, the 25-year-old’s head has been turned after the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea were alerted to his potential availability this summer.

The Frenchman is said to have learnt that he could be earning substantially more if he were to leave the Magpies, where he currently earns £93,000 per week (via Salary Sport).

With four years left on the player’s contract, Newcastle do not want to break the club’s wage structure to keep him on Tyneside.

The Latest: Robinson’s claim

Robinson, who works as a pundit for Sky Sports News, believes that the Magpies need to be careful with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations should they reward Saint-Maximin with a new deal.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former England goalkeeper claimed: “They have to be careful with Financial Fair Play. I think that is why they are wary of breaking the wage structure. The old saying, nobody is bigger than the club.

“Newcastle is a huge football club that now has a huge bank account. They still have to be ran very carefully though. You only have to look at Everton’s misspending and how they now have no wriggle room with Financial Fair Play.

“You should always reward your best players but you don’t give players ridiculous amounts of money to stay at the club.

“At the end of the day, Newcastle will shortly be right at the top of the Premier League. They will soon get most of the players that they want.

“Saint-Maximin is a top player but is he irreplaceable? No, he is not.”

The Verdict: Not enough end product

Whilst Saint-Maximin is known for his electric speed and dribbling ability, demonstrated by his ranking in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed over the past year among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues (via FBRef), he lacks that clinical nature in the final third.

During the 2021/22 season, the attacker scored just five goals, putting him in the 33th percentile for non-penalty goals when compared with other wingers across the continent’s major leagues (via FBRef).

Therefore, if the 25-year-old were to come to Newcastle chiefs with huge demands, it could be entirely possible that the club refuse a new contract for the Frenchman, opening up the possibility of a move away from St James’ Park.

Newcastle United have reportedly been dealt a blow in their efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer.

What’s the news?

In a recent post on Twitter, journalist Patrick Berger shed some light on the current situation surrounding the Magpies’ attempts to sign the winger.

He said: “Moussa Diaby is the top target for Newcastle United.#NUFCset to pay €35-40m for the Frenchman.Leverkusen demanding way more than €60m. I am told [the] player is open for a move but has no intention to go to Newcastle. The winger is also on the list of Paris Saint-Germain.”

It was reported in May that the Toon were interested in bringing the Frenchman to St James’ Park ahead of their next Premier League campaign.

After working his way through PSG’s youth ranks, the attacker made his move to Germany in the summer of 2019.

Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 124 appearances for the Bundesliga club across all competitions. In that time, Diaby has found the net 35 times and delivered 37 assists along the way.

Bad news for Howe

Across 40 appearances throughout the 2021/22 season with Leverkusen across the Bundesliga and Europa League, the winger scored 17 goals and supplied 14 assists, highlighting his importance to the team.

To further highlight his attacking talent, in his 32 league games last term, the former PSG youngster racked up more successful dribbles (50) and more shot-creating actions (103) than any other Leverkusen player.

Taking all this into account, it would surely be bad news for Eddie Howe to hear that Diaby has no intention of moving to St James’ Park this summer.

Given the 22-year-old’s clear attacking talent, it’s easy to argue that he would be an exciting signing for the Toon and give them an extra dynamic at the top of the pitch.

However, if the player genuinely has no interest in joining the Magpies, there would be very little point in the club putting in a bid for him.

Therefore, if Howe is looking for another attacking player to bring in this summer, they could be better off forgetting about Diaby and looking elsewhere.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, it’s great news for Newcastle supporters

A claim has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the Magpies have been eyeing the Serie A goalscorer for a number of weeks, since the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Although, the reporter has also claimed that Napoli’s valuation of the centre-forward could prove to be a stumbling block for Dan Ashworth.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure he’s been on their radar for most of the summer, it’s just the issue probably is the price tag that’s on his head from Napoli.

“Napoli are demanding big, big money for him, so even with Newcastle’s riches, I don’t think they could get near that transfer fee for him right now. It’s probably £80 million-plus for the Nigerian international.”

Supporters will be excited

Despite the doubts over whether or not Newcastle can afford to sign Osimhen, the Toon head coach and supporters alike will be excited by this news.

Firstly, Howe will be buzzing with the prospect of working with the 23-year-old next season. If the Magpies can haggle Napoli down to an agreeable price then he would be an exceptional addition to the squad to bolster the attack.

In the Serie A last term, the Nigerian striker scored 14 times and provided two assists in 23 starts – averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.13. He delivered quality performances on a consistent basis and proved that he can score goals at an impressive rate in a major European league.

Meanwhile, no Newcastle player scored more than eight Premier League goals and only one – Callum Wilson – scored more than five. This suggests that Osimhen would provide a huge, much-needed, boost in front of goal for the Magpies with his ability to find the back of the net.

Therefore, Howe would love to have the attacker in his squad and will be hoping that this interest leads to a deal later in the window for a player who Emmet Gates hailed as “frightening.”

Supporters will also be delighted with this news because it highlights the standard of strikers the club are pursuing. Osimhen is a young, proven, goalscorer and him being on their radar suggests that they have set a high bar in terms of the number nines they are looking at as potential signings.

This suggests that they are ready to splash out on a player who can score goals on a regular basis, instead of taking a gamble on an unproven forward, and the manager will be excited to see who comes in.

AND in other news, “Lots of talk..”: Keith Downie drops exciting NUFC transfer claim that’ll elate Howe…