All posts by n8rngtd.top

A Rangers target has admitted that he could be open to a move to Ibrox this summer.

What’s the talk?

Rangers target Stephen Odey has claimed that his head could be turned by a possible transfer to Glasgow amid reports linking both Old Firm outfits with him.

When asked about a potential move to Ibrox or Celtic Park, he told Amtsavisen: “These are big clubs, and it is clear that this is something that I want to be open to. But I’m in Randers FC, and right now that’s the only thing that matters. As long as I have not been presented with anything concrete, as I said, I will not let myself be disturbed by it.”

“If the right club comes, Randers FC has no choice but to let me go. But I am happy to be in Randers FC, and that does not change the fact that there are some rumours about other clubs. For me, it’s about the preparations for the new season with the team I’m part of.”

Imagine him & Joe Aribo

If Rangers decide to make a move for Odey then they can form an exciting duo by pairing him with current attacking midfielder Joe Aribo.

Both players are Nigeria internationals and this may help them to connect instantly on the pitch – potentially playing for club and country alongside each other at the top end of the pitch.

If the Light Blues are able to keep hold of Aribo, the ex-Charlton man can line up in the number 10 position or out wide on the right of a front three. This gives him a direct line to link-up with the starting centre-forward in matches and Odey could be the man filling that role.

The £5.6k-per-week Randers FC goalscorer, who was dubbed “deadly” by former manager Fidelis Ilechukwu, managed three goals in four starts in the Europa Conference League last term, whilst also scoring seven goals in 21 starts in the Superliga. 

At the age of 24, Odey has room to grow and improve as a player and having a talented gem like Aribo to unlock the best of his abilities could accelerate his development.

In the Premiership last season, the 25-year-old created nine ‘big chances’ and produced 1.8 key passes per game – showing that he can consistently create opportunities for his teammates.

He can, therefore, provide his fellow countryman with the chances he needs to be a regular goalscorer for Rangers – forming an exciting partnership in the process.

AND in other news, Gvb plotting Rangers swoop for £1.3k-p/w gem who “rarely misses”, imagine him & Kent…

Nottingham Forest have reportedly ‘reached an agreement’ to sign free agent striker Cyle Larin this summer, according to Turkish outlet Fanatik. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed by Besiktas from MLS side Orlando City in 2018, Larin spent time on loan in Belgium with Zulte Waregem whilst plying his trade with the Turkish giants.

The 27-year-old Canada international directly contributed to 48 goals in 109 outings for Besiktas, lifting the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup during the 2020/21 campaign.

Currently a free agent after rejecting the offer of a prolonged stay and having previously been linked with Everton, West Ham and Brighton, Forest could now be set to land the frontman this summer…

The latest: Forest cited

As per Fanatik, Nottingham Forest have ‘made an agreement’ to sign the 50-cap Canada ace on a free transfer.

It’s claimed that Larin – who was earning a reported £26,000 per week last season (Salary Sport) – will join the Reds after he ‘parted ways’ with Besiktas due to a discrepancy over the salary on offer.

The report states that the Turkish club offered a new deal to the man hailed for an ‘unstoppable’ spell of form last year by writer and editor Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic, but the powerful frontman ‘did not accept’ the fresh terms.

The verdict: Shrewd business

Still holding a perceived market value of £9million (Transfermarkt), snapping up the 6 foot 1 versatile forward for nothing shouldn’t be underestimated as simply a value-for-money deal and has to be regarded as a major coup from the City Ground recruitment team.

During 2021/22, Larin scored eight times and provided one assist in 38 appearances across all competitions, some way below the previous season when the Canadian forged a frightening partnership with fellow powerhouse Vincent Aboubakar to net 23 times and register another six assists alongside the bulldozing Cameroon captain.

With club-record capture and somewhat like-for-like alternative Taiwo Awoniyi already in situ, Steve Cooper is rightfully stocking up on firepower as Forest ride the crest of a wave into the Premier League and look to secure the goals required to ensure their hard-earned status remains.

Newcastle United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this summer.

What’s the news?

In a recent tweet, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared some big news regarding the prospective €37m (£31.86m) transfer.

He said: “Paperworks are being signed tonight between Newcastle and Lille for Sven Botman, here we go! Full agreement confirmed, €37m with add-ons – and contract being prepared for Botman. Medical already booked. After three bids turned down in January, it’s now completed.”

Having worked his way through Ajax’s youth ranks, the centre-back joined Lille in the summer of 2020. Since then, the 22-year-old has made 79 appearances for the Ligue 1 club across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the process.

Great news for Newcastle fans

Taking into account how the Magpies have been pursuing Botman since January, as Romano mentioned, this latest news that the club have finally secured a deal for the defender will surely be music to the ears of Newcastle fans everywhere.

To further highlight the 22-year-old’s defensive talent and what he could offer to Eddie Howe’s side, in his 25 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the Dutchman made 120 clearances, 38 interceptions and 54 blocks and won 25 tackles.

In addition, the centre-back ended the previous league campaign with a higher average of clearances per game (4.5) than any other player at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Botman’s overall performances earned him a solid season rating of 6.83/10, making him the third-highest rated player in Lille’s squad according to WhoScored. To put that into perspective, that rating would make him the joint-sixth highest rated player in the Toon squad from last season alongside Joelinton.

Bearing in mind how Newcastle ended their 2021/22 Premier League season with 62 goals conceded, which is more than the likes of Burnley, Brentford and Aston Villa, adding the Dutchman to their squad will surely make Howe’s team stronger at the back.

In addition to his attributes on the pitch, the fact that Newcastle have agreed a deal for the 22-year-old will be great news for the club as a whole and for the fans, as it will now give them the chance to move on from this saga and focus on other potential transfer targets that the Magpies may want to bring in this summer.

In other news: NUFC set for green light to sign £30m machine who “has everything”, he’s Gabriel Jesus 2.0

According to journalist Jacques Talbot, some promising Manchester City transfer news has come to light involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Sky Blue summer of change?

After sealing their fourth domestic crown in five seasons on an unbelievable final-day triumph last season, the Premier League champions could be set for a sweeping summer of change at the Etihad Stadium.

As manager Pep Guardiola reportedly sets his sights on Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and Brighton sensation Marc Cucurella, it is believed that a plethora of first-team exits may be possible.

Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake have all been mentioned as potential departures, with Barcelona also eyeing a move for superstar Bernardo Silva.

Depending on developments, City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain may well need to keep tabs on more potential signings.

While Phillips and Cucurella are believed to be the club’s main targets, Talbot has now shared some news involving Portuguese top-flight revelation Nunes.

The Latest: Man City firmly in Nunes transfer race…

According to the reporter on Twitter, City are firmly in the race to sign the Sporting star and are showing the ‘most interest’ alongside Wolves, even if the in-demand Nunes has ‘ten clubs’ after him.

Talbot added that a bid of €45m (£39m) would be enough to secure a deal for the Sky Blues.

He explained: “Exc: Understand Man City are keen on Sporting CP star Matheus Nunes. The centre-midfielder has about ten clubs looking at him – including PSG – but looks like it will be a Premier League move this window. Told an offer of €45m should do it.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

As per WhoScored, the dazzling 23-year-old finished 2021/22 as one of Sporting’s top five performers by average match rating, having completed more successful take-ons per 90 minutes (2.5) than any of his team-mates.

Still very young and with a glowing reputation judging by the sheer scale of transfer interest, Nunes moving to City for just £39m would appear to be a very shrewd move, with Guardiola himself even once calling him one of the best players in world football currently.

Newcastle United are close to completing a move for Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur, according to Daily Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath. 

The lowdown: Prodigious talent

Captain of Scotland at the Under 17 level, McArthur has already made great strides in a fledgeling career to date north of the border.

The exciting young defender made a senior bow for Kilmarnock last season and ended the campaign with four first-team outings under his belt.

Now, slightly over a month on from his 17th birthday, it appears as though the Magpies are nearing a swoop for the talented teenager…

The latest: McGrath on McArthur

Taking to Twitter, reputable journalist McGrath has claimed that Newcastle are set to land the 10-cap Scotland youth starlet.

He stated: “Newcastle are close to completing deal for Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur. Scotland youth international seen as huge prospect but sources at his club say it is difficult to stand in way when youngster is targeted by a Premier League club.”

The verdict: Snap him up

Described as a ‘dream to work with’ by then Kilmarnock boss Tommy Wright following a senior debut in the 3-1 win over Queen’s Park last term, McArthur can also operate as a left-back and would therefore provide all-important versatility to the Toon ranks further down the line.

Unperturbed by the lack of senior-level exposure, albeit perhaps too soon for McArthur to make an immediate impact on Eddie Howe’s plans, positioning such talented youngsters in situ at St James’ Park is a hugely promising sign as the era under PIF begins to take shape.

Should this move now be completed as expected, intentions will no doubt turn to bolster the first-team ranks as reports continue to index Newcastle with a move for Lille ace Sven Botman and Reims’ frontman Hugo Ekitike.

In the meantime, however, this is a deal that shows the long-term intentions of the ownership group as well as potentially an eye from newly appointed Sporting Director Dan Ashworth as to his vision for the Magpies moving forwards.

In other news, this maestro is willing to bide his time in order to seal a Newcastle move

Nottingham Forest are looking to strengthen their team ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, and now a huge transfer update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Forest have begun negotiations to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Romano tweeted:

“Excl: Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Manchester United to sign Dean Henderson on loan with option to buy [around £20m].

“Negotiations ongoing – Nottingham Forest want Henderson and it’s now a possibility also considered by the player. Talks on.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited at the prospect of signing Henderson this summer even if it is just on a loan deal, especially with Brice Samba potentially set to leave the club.

It was reported on Tuesday that Ligue 1 side Nantes had submitted a bid for the current wantaway Forest ‘keeper who rejected the advances of his newly Premier League promoted side to secure his future.

As a result, Forest are clearly not waiting around to see if Samba stays on for the last 12 months of his contract and the signing of Henderson would be a great piece of business and a worthy replacement for the Congolese stopper.

Despite a lack of game-time at Old Trafford, Henderson is a Premier League proven keeper with 29 appearances for Man United offering a wealth of experience that could be hugely valuable as they navigate through their first season in the top flight for the first time in 23 years.

The 25-year-old has only made five appearances this season falling out of favour due to David de Gea’s impeccable form, and has reportedly expressed his desire to leave the Manchester club to get more first-team football elsewhere, something Forest would be able to provide following the departure of Samba.

With that being said, both Steve Cooper and Henderson can mutually benefit from the deal as it could resolve a potential problem for Forest and also offer the player an opportunity to play consistently in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: Nottingham Forest plot bid for “electrifying” £3m magician, he can be Cooper’s Sancho

Manchester United reportedly have a “nice envelope” for recruitment summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to TopMercato.com, who state that the club is “currently having difficulty concluding its files”, with the report mentioning the targets of Marco Asensio, Arnaut Danjuma and Darwin Nunez as players whose proposed transfers “seem to be in trouble.”

TopMercato added that Frenkie de Jong is Erik ten Hag’s priority at United, and a report from Manchester Evening News give fresh hope of one signing.

The Manchester-based outlet have an understanding that the Red Devils are keeping tabs on Danjuma, with the Dutchman’s recent admission adding some momentum.

The 25-year-old told Sky Sports, via Manchester Evening News: “There’s definitely unfinished business for me in England. The reason why I joined Bournemouth originally was for me to play Premier League football. I think how big the league is and it’s seen as the best league in the world for many of us.”

Forget De Jong

With headway slowly being made in the chase for De Jong, United should learn to compartmentalise like the rest of Europe’s elite clubs and give further attention to 25-year-old Danjuma.

The former Bournemouth man has had a stellar campaign with Villarreal, notching 16 goals this season means he has now scored 67 goals over the course of his career.

Listed as ‘both footed’ by Fotmob, Danjuma is a technical winger who would suit the style of Ten Hag, with the Villarreal star perhaps the key to attacking transitions for the 52-year-old due to his direct style of play.

Statistically similar players to the Netherlands international include the likes of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, as per FBRef; and with an average of 0.61 goals per match, it’s easy to see why.

Danjuma represents a high-potential purchase for United, and if Ten Hag decides on an attacker, the former Bournemouth ace could well be the man to provide the spark which the Red Devils need in the final third.

In other news: Romano issues Man Utd twist on £31.5m-rated brute, Ten Hag needs him 

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has suggested that Everton would be set to face some serious competition if they tried to sign Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko’s future up in the air

The Ukrainian first made the switch to the Etihad from FC Ufa back in 2016, where he has since gone on to make 128 appearances and nine trophies for the Sky Blues during his six-year spell at the club.

The 25-year-old still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Premier League champions, but it was recently reported by The Athletic journalists Patrick Boyland and Greg O’Keeffe that his future is very much up in the air, with the likes of the Toffees and fellow top-flight side Newcastle United believed to have identified the full-back as a possible transfer target for the upcoming window.

The Latest: Robinson unsure about Everton move

When asked during an interview with Football Insider whether or not he thought Zinchenko would be a strong addition at Goodison Park, Robinson said:

“As much as Zinchenko is a top-quality player, where does he fit in at Everton?

“They already have [Vitaliy] Mykolenko.

“Zinchenko is unlucky not to get more game time at Man City. He’s a very good player.

“If he is going to make a move this summer there will be a lot more clubs than just Everton looking to sign him.

“He can play left-back and in the midfield. His versatility and quality make him a very attractive proposition for a lot of clubs.

“I’m sure there would be a lot of managers keen on a player like him if it becomes common knowledge that he’s available. 100 per cent.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-5/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Zinchenko’s high ambitions

Despite only making 15 top-flight outings this campaign, the 48-cap international has more than shown what he’s capable of when he’s on the pitch, having provided four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As well as making 1.3 tackles per game, the defender has been equally as threatening going forward, recording 1.1 key passes and 1.6 long balls per league game, via WhoScored, and he is exactly the profile of player that Everton should be looking at signing if they are aiming for a much higher place finish next season.

However, even if Zinchenko were to leave the Manchester outfit in the coming weeks in a bid to get more game time, he would highly likely want to switch somewhere that he’ll have a strong chance of continuing to get his hands on silverware after his success with City, a factor that might end up being a disadvantage for Everton in the race for their man.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano has revealed the transfer intentions of one of Everton’s ‘best’ players.

Reliable reporters Sami Mokbel and Adrian Kajumba of The Daily Mail have now shared a promising Southampton transfer update involving Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks.

The Lowdown: Saints set for big summer…

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, under the ownership of Sport Republic and guidance of transfer chief Martin Semmens, could be set for their busiest summer in years.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/southampton-latest-developments-2/” title=”Southampton latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Many Saints players are currently either out of contract or heading into their final year with Semmens recently admitting that the Premier League side already have a plan in place and intend to move earlier for targets than in previous windows (Daily Echo).

One of those supposed players on Southampton’s radar is Spurs outcast Winks as The Mail now share a promising update.

The Latest: Southampton ‘lead the race’…

According to their information, courtesy of Mokbel and Kajumba, Semmens and co ‘lead the race’ to sign Antonio Conte’s peripheral player alongside Newcastle United.

It is understood that Southampton, as well as The Magpies, have ‘early interest’ in Winks as Hasenhuttl and Semmens seemingly set their sights.

However, if they wish to seal a deal for the Englishman, Spurs have set their price at £25 million.

The Verdict: Make the move?

The 26-year-old, having been linked with a move to the south coast last year, could well be a shrewd capture for Hasenhuttl.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has previously tipped Southampton as the perfect move for Winks, citing their style of play and claiming it would suit Tottenham’s outcast ‘down to the ground’.

The player has no shortage of backing when it comes to pundits with ex-Lilywhites shot stopper Paul Robinson admitting he’s a ‘big fan’ – even branding Winks a ‘fabulous player’ and ‘versatile’ enough to play anywhere in midfield (Football Insider).

Conte himself has even praised the England international as a ‘reliable’ asset before, so we believe all of these plaudits may well point to someone who can do a job for Hasenhuttl ahead of next season.

In other news: Hasenhuttl personally sets his sights on signing ‘absolute beast’ for Southampton, find out more here.

Manchester United have had their hopes of signing Juventus defender Merih Demiral boosted.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Italian outlet Tutto Atalanta, via Sport Witness, who claim that the Turkish defender could be “sacrificed” from a Juventus perspective in other to bolster their transfer kitty from what would be an immediate sale.

In a report that mentions both Manchester United and Real Madrid among top European destinations, it is said that the Red Devils are “above all” in the list of European outfits who are ready to move for the defender – this despite the fact that Los Blancos “moved first” for the transfer of the 24-year-old.

In the same report, it is stated that two clubs may “already have an agreement in principle”, with United anticipated to be one of those clubs, particularly with the Premier League side now in pole position for the signature.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

In order for the transfer to work, it would copy the model that saw Spurs sign Christian Romero from Atalanta, in which they bought Romero and immediately sold him.

With Atalanta intending to trigger the buy-option to sign the £27m-rated Turkish defender from Juventus, they could immediately sell him to the likes of United in a replica model to that used in the case of Romero.

Better than Varane

In Demiral, we are talking about a player who has been more defensively sound than Raphael Varane across the last 365 days, as per FBref.

After spending this season on loan at Atalanta, Demiral has been able to demonstrate his acumen in six apiece in the Champions League and Europa League, respectively.

His ability to pressure the opposition has been his biggest asset this year, putting up an astonishing average of 14.93 pressures per 90, with 7.35 occurring in the defensive third and 7.03 in the middle third also. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see him described as an “absolute beast” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

In comparison, Varane’s numbers falter, with his average of 8.08 pressures almost not worth comparing.

It’s the same for the majority of defensive metrics, with Demiral topping the Frenchman for tackles, interceptions and blocks per 90 minutes. Though it is worth noting that the World Cup winner is more accomplished in possession.

That said, they are two players with different defensive approaches. Demiral can play the Vidic role for Ten Hag in United’s back-line with his ball-winning ability.

In other news: Ten Hag can find his own “Ibrahimovic” for MUFC in deal for “lanky” £21m “machine”