All posts by z3u9t.icu

Whilst some clubs would absolutely love to bring in a striker like Charlie Austin, Aston Villa fans are all desperate to steer clear of the 29-year-old. The Telegraph has run a story that claims the striker could leave Southampton this month, and despite his Championship pedigree, the Villains want to miss out on this one.

In his career, Charlie Austin has proven to be a brilliant goalscorer at Championship level. In his time at both Burnley and QPR his lowest goal tally in a full season is 16 goals, which he managed in the 2011/12 season with the Clarets. However, whether he’s what’s needed at Villa Park is another question as entirely, as they already have the likes of JonathanÂKodjia and Tammy Abraham scoring the goals.

Instead, the Villains would rather go for a young player for the future who is preferably a defender. The fact that they already have goals flowing freely is brilliant, but stopping them at the other end is something that they’ve struggled with. Whilst Austin is no doubt a brilliant player, he wouldn’t be much use to Dean Smith as the Villa gaffer looks to tighten up his backline.

You can read the Villains’ verdict on Austin here:

The Villains are all in agreement that Austin is not what they need, although they’ll be keen to see maybe one more player come in before the end of the window.

Newcastle United are still in with a chance of landing Diego Carlos in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Kaveh Solhekol, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing on a recent episode of The Transfer Show that, despite Monchi recently suggesting that the Magpies’ move for the centre-back was all but over, there is actually the slim possibility of PIF managing to strike a deal for the 28-year-old this month.

Speaking about Newcastle’s interest in Diego Carlos, Solhekol said: “Sevilla [are] playing hardball. They don’t want to sell him to Newcastle for less than €45m, we’ve been told. It looked like that deal was not going to happen.

“The Sevilla sporting director, Monchi, came out yesterday and said: ‘It’s not happening. We saw their offer, it’s not enough. The player is going to stay with us. There isn’t enough time for us to sign a replacement.’

“But, I was told earlier this morning that there is still a small, small chance that this could happen. Somebody involved in the deal said: “Don’t say it’s impossible, don’t say it’s finished. The window is still open, so there is a possibility.’

“I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up because I still think it’s unlikely that it will happen, but, behind the scenes, people are still working to try and make it happen.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a defender Diego Carlos quite clearly is, should Solhekol’s latest update regarding Newcastle’s interest in the Brazil international prove to be correct, the St. James’ Park faithful will be buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 LaLiga appearances so far this season, the £40.5m-rated centre-back has been in remarkable form for Sevilla, helping his side keep 10 clean sheets and scoring two goals, in addition to making an average of 0.8 interceptions, one tackle, 3.6 clearances, 60.3 passes and winning 63% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £40k-per-week defender average a SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Julen Lopetegui’s third-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football – a highly impressive feat considering the 28-year-old is part of a side currently sitting just four points off first place in the league table.

As such, it is clear for all to see that, should a deal remain on the table for Carlos prior to the closure of the transfer window on Monday evening, PIF must do all they can to bring the centre-back into the club – as his signing would undoubtedly provide the Magpies’ survival chances this season with a substantial boost.

In other news: Luke Edwards drops major update on late Newcastle transfers, PIF finally mean business

Celtic have made a move to bring Riley McGree to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Anthony Joseph, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Celtic have made an offer of an initial £2.5m for the Charlotte FC midfielder, with various add-on fees currently being finalised between the two clubs.

Joseph goes on to state that both Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough are also interested in a move for the 23-year-old, who has spent the last 14 months on loan at fellow Championship side Birmingham City.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s side are now believed to have reached an advanced stage in their discussions regarding the Australia international’s transfer this month.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Celtic have made a move for Charlotte FC midfielder Riley McGree. Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough also expressed their interest. But talks with Celtic are understood to have reached an advanced stage on a deal worth an initial £2.5m, with various add-ons being finalised.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering how impressive McGree had been for Birmingham this season – before being recalled by Charlotte FC in December – the news that Celtic appear to be closing in on the signing of the central midfielder this month is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 13 Championship appearances in the current campaign, the £540k-rated man scored two goals, registered two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.4 key passes and taking 1.8 shots per game.

The £5.7k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.3 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 22 passes and winning 4.8 duels per fixture.

These returns saw the 23-year-old earn a rather remarkable average SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as Lee Bowyer’s sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that McGree would make an exceptional addition to Postecoglou’s current options in the middle of the park at Celtic, which is why the news that the Bhoys appear to be closing in on a £2.5m deal for the Australian is sure to have left everyone involved with the club extremely excited.

In other news: Ange could be set for grave Celtic error on “rock-solid” 21 y/o as Jan bids confirmed

It’s Christmas Day which means 2022 is soon on the horizon. And with the New Year comes a new transfer window.

Leeds United will surely be active given their struggles since the start of the season.

Injuries have crippled Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad and the Yorkshire giants have found themselves sat in 15th place, just five points above the relegation zone and are at risk of being pulled into a relegation dogfight.

Second-season syndrome, perhaps?

The Whites notoriously do not operate much in the winter when it comes to transfers but you’d imagine that changes next month. It’s unlikely they spend big, though can you get 100% right in this quiz about Leeds’ most expensive signings?

Do you know your Rio Ferdinand from your Raphinha?

So sit back, enjoy your Christmas dinner and take on this not-so-very festive transfer quiz from us here at Football FanCast.

If you think you’re a die-hard Leeds fan, then you should have no trouble getting all of these right…

According to Portuguese television broadcaster SIC Noticias TV, as relayed by O Jogo, Sport Witness and Goal Point, there has been a big transfer update out of Tottenham involving FC Porto forward Luis Diaz.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing frontmen…

As explained by reliable sources, Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte have their eyes on new forward additions this January transfer window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, the likes of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic and Paris-Saint Germain star Mauro Icardi have been linked in recent months as well as more obscure names like Genk striker Paul Onuachu.

It is believed that a striker is among Conte’s priority signings for Spurs as he seeks an alternative to star frontman Harry Kane, with broadcast network SIC Noticias now sharing a big development in their hunt.

The Latest: Spurs table bid…

According to the Portuguese broadcaster, as relayed by O Jogo, Sport Witness and Goal Point, Tottenham have tabled a €60 million (£50.1m) offer to sign Porto star Diaz.

Indeed, this is apparently the only ‘formal offer’ they have received so far for their attacker, with the club swiftly rejecting Paratici’s advances.

If the Primeira Liga giants are to consider selling Diaz, it is claimed that it will take a bid closer to the player’s €80million (£66.8m) release clause to reach an agreement.

The Verdict: Big claim…

Diaz is turning heads all over Europe with his sensational form for Porto this season, attracting serious interest from the Premier League also as Liverpool are repeatedly linked.

It’s not hard to see why Tottenham have taken a serious interest either as they allegedly make an offer.

According to WhoScored, he’s outscored every Spurs player in terms of league strikes so far this season – finding the net 12 times for Porto whilst averaging an impressive 3.1 attempts per 90.

This is more than any Lilywhites man, including the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min (WhoScored), with Diaz’s teammate, Sergio Oliveira, calling him ‘extraordinary’.

It’s little wonder the Colombian is a sought-after player, but it appears Tottenham will have to smash their transfer record if they wish to seal a sensational January move.

In other news: Tottenham ‘working strongly’ for ‘phenomenal signing’ as reporter drops Twitter claim, find out more here.

Wolves manager Bruno Lage must keep winger Adama Traore at the club beyond the upcoming January window, with the Spaniard linked with a potential move to fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid.

What’s the story?

Although Leeds are reportedly interested in Traore, Eurosport journalist Dean Jones has claimed that their “budget won’t be able to stretch to Traore” and a swoop for the Spaniard may have to be waited for until the summer.

As for Real, the Barcelona youth product has reportedly expressed his desire to return to his homeland and his agent has already contacted the Spanish giants.

With potential suitors elsewhere, it does beg the question as to whether or not the West Midlands club should hold onto a player that, on one side is yet to score this season, but on the other has previously received top praise, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola once labelling the 25-year-old as “a motorcycle.”

Wolves should keep Traore

It would be a disaster if Wolves allowed Traore to leave Molineux next month. The statistics don’t support that claim, with zero goals or assists in the Premier League so far this term. However, the Spaniard offers Lage plenty of pace and physicality, traits that the Portuguese’s squad isn’t necessarily blessed with.

Moreover, it isn’t as though the £27m-rated talisman is failing to bag in a high-scoring outfit, in fact, Wolves are the English top-flight’s second-lowest scorers with just 12 goals in 16 matches. Granted, Traore hasn’t contributed any of them and that is of course where he will have to improve.

We have seen what the 25-year-old is capable of before though, particularly in the 2019/20 season where he was “thrilling.”

That campaign saw Traore score a career-best four Premier League goals, three of which being against Manchester City.

You don’t go on to make over 100 Premier League appearances for a club without talent. Yes, it’s clear in which department Traore must improve but, given that his side are seriously struggling to score goals, Lage must keep the winger at Molineux for the remainder of the season at the very least.

After all, in the words of Tim Sherwood, he is a player who “destroys anyone.”

An update has emerged on Rangers’ pursuit of a new manager, regarding a possible candidate for the role…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, 53-year-old Bodo Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen is a coach who has caught Ross Wilson’s eye in his search for Steven Gerrard’s replacement.

The report claims that he is also on Norwich’s shortlist to take over at Carrow Road, whilst the Gers are also plotting talks with ex-Feyenoord man Gio van Bronckhorst.

Dream for Rangers

Wilson could discover a dream Rangers boss in Knutsen with his progressive, front-foot, style and impressive C.V in Norway with Glimt. He broke the goalscoring record in the Norweigan top-flight as his side found the back of the net a whopping 103 times last season as they won the title, whilst his team also beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in the Conference League earlier this term.

This shows that he is capable of setting up a team to play exciting, free-flowing, football to score goals at a ridiculous rate, which could excite Rangers fans and explain why he could be a dream appointment. He could carry on where Gerrard left off and help the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala and Kemar Roofe thrive, as he has shown that he can organise a team to flourish in front of goal.

Glimt captain Ulrick Saltnes described Knutsen’s style as ‘kamikaze’ and the man himself outlined his demands for the players on the pitch, wanting his side to dominate all aspects of the game. He said:

“Dominating doesn’t just mean scoring but also having the possession of the ball and dictating the rules of the game.

“We want to create a team identity that encompasses everyone; players, staff, managers, fans. We must confront ourselves to be able to create this ‘Bodo model’.”

This goes further to show that he wants his team to play in a defined style and will try to employ a dominant, attack-orientated, system at Ibrox. Therefore, he could be an excellent appointment by Wilson if he is able to translate his success over to Scotland.

The Gers chief should, at the very least, explore the move and see if he is a viable option in the coming days as his background suggests that he could be a great addition to the dugout. Supporters could get excited about the prospect of their team firing in the goals on a consistent basis and winning titles under him, following on from what he has achieved in Norway.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for Rangers disaster over 43y/o boss with 0 trophies, fans surely livid…

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that divisive former Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell has been nothing but supportive since he has taken charge.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou excelling in charge

The Australian became the Hoops’ new manager last summer, having left his role as boss at Yokohama F. Marinos, and he has done a superb job to date.

Under Postecoglou, Celtic sit comfortably atop the Scottish Premiership, with last weekend’s 2-1 win at Rangers arguably the high point of his reign to date.

The 56-year-old’s current deal at Parkhead expires at the end of this season after only signing a 12-month contract, however, leading to doubts surrounding his long-term future.

The Latest: Ange praises Lawwell

As per Football Scotland, Postecoglou has hinted at his desire to stay put, heaping praise on those behind the scenes at Parkhead, including Lawwell, who is disliked by many Celtic fans:

“I’ve said consistently that the one thing I’ve felt since I got this position is a real strong backing and support.

“The fans, players, staff have been unbelievable and that includes the management. Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay, Dermot and the board, even Peter Lawwell who is no longer involved but has been very supportive of me.

“I couldn’t start to achieve in terms of building a team and trying to get to this point without that sort of support.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Credit where it’s due

There is no denying that Lawwell made mistakes during his time as chief executive but Postecoglou’s comments do at least deserve to be taken seriously.

Lawwell could easily have left the Hoops manager to his own devices after stepping down from his role, but has instead clearly been supportive during the transition period.

There is certainly every reason for Postecoglou’s contract to be extended well beyond its current expiry date, having guided Celtic to within touching distance of a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double, and the praise he is receiving is fully merited.

In other news, one Celtic player has been hailed as a club legend. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United are actively pursuing deals, according to LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross…

What’s the word?

“Leeds will certainly be pursuing targets. As you say, [Victor] Orta has his shortlists and he will ensure he is on top of each of their situations to swoop if or when an opportunity arises,” the reliable reporter responded to one supporter during a recent online Q&A.

“There may be little concrete out there right now because the targets they have identified are not available as yet. There is nothing to report if the moves are not in motion.

“Leeds are open for business in this window, but there is such a small pool of players who will be available at the right price, with the right quality and amount of 21/22 minutes to make it all worthwhile.”

Expect business?

It is no secret that the Whites need to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad this month as the Yorkshire giants have seriously struggled with injuries and inconsistencies throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Over the festive period, the Argentine was missing as many as 11 players, including nine first-team stars, in key areas, too. Last season’s top goalscorer Patrick Bamford has been missing for large parts without any true centre-forward backup, whilst many of Bielsa’s centre-backs have been injured too.

The squad is also in need of midfield reinforcements but traditionally, Leeds under Bielsa and Orta have never spent during the winter, so that trend must change if they are to resolve the aforementioned situation.

Leeds’ recent win over Burnley moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone – a sign of encouragement after such a poor start to the season, though things could quickly change with another downturn in form.

The fact that Cross has suggested that Orta and co are looking to complete deals is certainly exciting and would suggest that things will be very different this time around. Fans will no doubt be delighted as a result.

AND in other news, Bielsa must brutally axe £55k-p/w Leeds liability who’s “like a kid in the playground”…

As per El Nacional, there has been an update in Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt involving Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing move…

Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici has been tasked with strengthening Conte’s options in north London as the Italian duo seek to guide them back to the summit of European football.

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

It’s been over two years since Spurs last hit those lofty heights, with ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino guiding them to the 2019 Champions League final, but Conte’s glittering CV could point to a coach capable of reigniting the club’s fortunes.

As such, the 52-year-old’s pulling power has seen Spurs linked with a host of Serie A stars including de Ligt (Calciomercato.it), with Football Insider even claiming that Paratici personally believes a deal ‘can be done’.

Now, in an update, El Nacional have shared some news on Tottenham’s interest.

The Latest: Conte personally eyeing ‘priority’…

According to the Spanish source, Spurs’ new manager has now personally listed de Ligt as a ‘priority’ target for the club.

This comes as the 22-year-old’s representative, super agent Mino Raiola, offers him out to the likes of Real Madrid as he seeks a move away for his client.

He is also aware of Premier League interest, though, with Conte eyeing the player for Spurs as well as Premier League champions Manchester City taking an interest.

The Verdict: Ambitious…

Conte ambitions for Spurs could be perfectly summed up by this claim, especially given de Ligt’s plaudits and sky high valuation.

As per Transfermarkt, Juve’s defender is valued at a lofty £63 million – a figure which would break Tottenham’s transfer record and eclipse the £53.8m fee they paid to sign Tanguy Ndombele.

The Old Lady could feasibly demand more given his age and potential for sell-on value, not to mention he has attracted some pretty big praise.

Former Premier League star Edwin van der Sar, as relayed by TRANSFERmarketWEB, likened the Netherlands centre-back to Cristiano Ronaldo for his mentality and application in the gym.

On a reported wage of around £200,000-per-week, Spurs would have to break the bank in more ways than one to sign de Ligt – so pulling this transfer off would be quite the ambitious move.

In other news: Spurs agreement to sign star now possible as Paratici makes exciting plea to club chiefs, find out more here.