All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United have been one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League in terms of the business they have done during the summer transfer window.

Along with bringing in a plethora of new faces such as Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Luis Sinisterra, among others, the Yorkshire club have also seen some big players make moves away from Elland Road such as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

With a few weeks still left before the transfer window shuts, this would give the Whites the chance to strengthen any area of the squad where it may be necessary.

Taking into account how Andrea Radrizzani recently spoke about the club’s aim to bring in a striker before deadline day, one man who has been linked with a move to Elland Road and who could be just what the Whites need is Bamba Dieng.

Having made 42 senior appearances for Marseille, the 22-year-old – who is reportedly valued at €18m (£15m) – has scored nine goals and delivered three assists in the process.

The majority of those appearances and goals came during the 2021/22 season with Les Olympiens, during which he also showed his versatility by playing with near-equal regularity as a centre-forward and as a left-winger.

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To further highlight his attacking talent, in his 25 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the Senegal attacker took 37 shots at goal, with 18 of those being on target, leaving him with the highest percentage for shots on target (48.6%) at the Stade Velodrome.

Hailed as an “explosive player with great potential,” by his former manager Jorge Sampaoli, Dieng also ended the campaign with the fourth-highest rate of goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (0.55) at Marseille.

In terms of what sort of player he is or could become in the future, the youngster has been likened to former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba by El-Hadji Diouf in terms of his ability to score goals.

Bearing in mind how the Ivorian scored 104 goals in 254 top-flight appearances for the Blues and earned himself a place in the Premier League Hall of Fame, the prospect of seeing Victor Orta unearth what could be Leeds’ own version of Drogba would certainly be a mouth-watering prospect for the Whites and their supporters.

With transfer deadline day coming into view, securing a deal for the young striker could be just what Leeds need in order to top off what has undeniably been a very busy transfer period for the club.

Reliable journalist Lee Ryder of The Chronicle has now weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur and their ‘real’ interest in Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Spurs’ summer overhaul…

Spurs could yet be busy towards the end of the summer transfer window after completing six major signings already for Antonio Conte.

It is believed that sporting director Fabio Paratici remains in the market for a creative midfielder and could yet target another defender despite the arrival of Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet on loan.

Saint-Maximin has also been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer as Conte gears up for his first full Premier League season in charge of the Lilywhites.

The Latest: Ryder backs Saint-Maximin interest…

Tottenham’s interest in the exciting Frenchman has now been backed by a reliable source in Ryder of The Chronicle.

The Newcastle correspondent claims that Paratici’s interest in Saint-Maximin is ‘real’, with the north Londoners having sent senior talent spotters to keep watch on the 25-year-old over the last few months.

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The Verdict: Advance?

While Ryder states that it is solely interest from Spurs for now, we believe that it is a no-brainer for Paratici and co to at least consider opening talks.

Saint-Maximin can be truly devastating on his day, as backed by his numbers from 2021/22, with the winger completing more successful take-ons than any of his team-mates (WhoScored).

The 25-year-old has stood out as a ‘huge, huge player’ for Newcastle, as explained by their manager Eddie Howe, and reports suggest that he could cost a fairly reasonable £40m.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Jesse Lingard.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite recent reports suggesting that Nottingham Forest are looking to hijack Rob Newman’s move for the 29-year-old this summer, West Ham nevertheless remain in the race for the former Manchester United forward’s signature – with the player expected to make a final decision on his future in the coming days.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Nottingham Forest have made an important proposal to Jesse Lingard as Jacob Steinberg reported – but West Ham are still in the race with their proposal on the table. Player decision expected soon, both clubs are on it.”

Supporters will love Romano’s update

While it is undeniable that Forest’s late move for Lingard will be a cause for concern for the West Ham faithful, Romano’s suggestion that the Hammers are still well and truly in the race for the England international, in addition to the transfer insider’s claim that the 29-year-old will make a decision on his future soon, is sure to be news the London Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, while it is true that the £16.2m-rated talent had become something of a bit part player at Old Trafford in recent years – starting just 11 Premier League fixtures for the Red Devils over the last three seasons – the academy graduate nevertheless returned an impressive 35 goals and 21 assists over his 232 appearances for the club – only 143 of which came as starts.

Furthermore, the £75k-per-week attacker very much caught the eye during a loan spell in east London in the back end of the 2020/21 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering five assists over sixth-place finish in the league that season.

And, while it is being reported that Forest are prepared to offer the 32-cap international a lucrative wage packet in a bid to tempt him into a move to The City Ground ahead of one the London Stadium this summer, the fact that the Irons can offer the 29-year-old European football, as well as the prospect of challenging for another top-six finish in the league next season, is sure to weigh in the favour of the east London outfit.

Either way, Romano’s latest update is undoubtedly good news for supporters of the Hammers, who will be waiting with bated breath to discover where Lingard will decide he wants to spend the prime years of his career.

AND in other news: “We’ll look at…”: ExWHUemployee drops huge WHU transfer update, it’d be a major coup

Glasgow Rangers have had a busy month throughout July as they bought and sold multiple players in the summer transfer window.

Gio van Bronckhorst lost two of his stars from the 2021/22 campaign as Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo both departed Ibrox, with the former leaving for a club-record fee.

The Dutch head coach has also gained a number of new recruits. Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo, Antonio Colak, and Ben Davies have all come through the door to bolster the squad.

Another player who could be on his way out of Ibrox before the end of August is Jamaican forward Kemar Roofe. English League One outfit Derby County are reportedly keen on the attacker and are weighing up a potential loan swoop for his services.

This would leave Alfredo Morelos and Colak as van Bronckhorst’s only options up front, though, and this means that Ross Wilson would need to replace the ex-Leeds man before sanctioning an exit.

The Gers have been linked with a move for Sunderland attacker Ross Stewart this summer and signing him could allow the club to wave bye-bye to Roofe between now and the end of August.

It was reported last month that the Black Cats wanted to tie him down to an extended contract but they are yet to get a deal over the line, which means that he – as it stands – can leave for nothing next year.

Rangers could use this to their advantage as the window drags on and tempt the Championship team into cashing in on him, in order to avoid a Bosman transfer in 2023.

The Scotland international would be an excellent signing for van Bronckhorst’s side after he enjoyed a stellar campaign in League One.

Stewart, whose work rate was dubbed “exceptional” by James McFadden, scored 26 goals in 49 games as he showcased his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

He also showed off the creative side of his game as he produced nine ‘big chances’ and made 1.3 key passes per game – ending the campaign with three assists to his name.

The 26-year-old, who is three years younger than Roofe, has the quality to be a consistent goalscorer and this means that he has the potential to be a big addition to the Gers squad, if he can make the step up to playing in the Premiership.

Therefore, signing him would allow Rangers to part ways with the attacker they signed from Anderlecht as they would then have three capable strikers to rely upon next season.

AND in other news, GvB can land huge Arfield upgrade as Rangers eye move for “interesting” £8.5m gem…

Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is threatening to last the entire summer, but it seems as if those at the Old Trafford club have upped the ante in recent days.

What’s the word?

According to BBC journalist Simon Stone, senior Manchester United officials Richard Arnold and John Murtough have both travelled to Barcelona to try and get the deal over the line.

The former Ajax midfielder is described as Erik ten Hag’s number one priority signing but the ongoing financial problems at Barcelona are making any deal difficult.

The Netherlands international is still owed wages by the Catalan club having taken a deferral during the pandemic to aid the financially stricken giants and is reluctant to leave this summer as a result.

While the report claims that United have other options in mind, the fact that these officials have travelled to Barcelona rather than Thailand for the pre-season tour, emphasises just how much they want him at Old Trafford this summer.

Supporters will be buzzing

United fans are probably fed up with hearing De Jong’s name at this point.

But if the United officials can find a resolution with Barcelona in the next few days, then you would hope that it would only be a matter of time before the move is made official, given that previous reports have suggested that the two sides have agreed a fee.

Although he would be giving up Champions League football to join, you would hope that his relationship with Ten Hag will also be a factor, and the personal terms shouldn’t be too difficult, especially considering the wage problems he has endured at the Nou Camp.

Given the possession-based style of football Ten Hag will be looking to implement at Old Trafford, De Jong could prove to be a superb addition, with WhoScored suggesting that passing and through balls are amongst his strongest attributes.

The 25-year-old’s 91.3% pass accuracy was the seventh-best in La Liga last season, which suggests that he will have no trouble keeping the ball and using it effectively, so it is easy to see why Ten Hag has made him his priority.

United fans will surely be delighted to hear that their club are making strides in any potential deal, and will be hoping to find a resolution in the next few days.

AND, in other news: Ten Hag given green light for “perfect” £30m Man United signing, imagine him & De Jong

Nottingham Forest are looking to raid Championship side Huddersfield Town, starting with left-back Harry Toffolo.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that both Toffolo and Lewis O’Brien are high on Steve Cooper’s wish list.

Both were ever-present last season for the Terriers, and the Tricky Trees are interested in the pair despite knocking them out of the playoff final just two months ago.

Forest have already made three signings, and could be set to make two more in one swoop.

Way better than Colback

Jack Colback has deputised relatively well at left wing back for Cooper’s side, recording four goal contributions across 38 Championship appearances.

However, at the age of 32 and naturally declining, it would make sense to bring in a fresh marauding full-back to rejuvenate their left-hand side.

Toffolo scored six and assisted seven throughout the Championship season, impressing greatly for the playoff pushers.

He, therefore, recorded a decent 6.88 average SofaScore rating, which is made even more impressive given the £2.25m-rated ace’s remarkable 42 league appearances.

Although Colback does boast a slightly higher SofaScore rating of 6.94, again his age will most likely prevent him from progressing this rating. The sky is the limit for the 26-year-old.

Danny Cowley, his former boss, was full of praise for the defender back in early 2020. He had the following to say: “He can score goals from left-back.

“He’s rampaging. He will get on the overlap and probably create and assist more goals than he scores, but we like the fact that he’s still about defending first.”

To support Cowley’s statement is Toffolo’s defensive stats, as he averages 1 tackle, 1.9 clearances and 0.8 interceptions per 90. Whilst not spectacular, the modern full-back does often prioritise attacking, yet his defensive stats do not falter.

His offensive output certainly suits Cooper’s three-at-the-back system, as it allows the wing-backs the freedom to push forward. That was why Djed Spence succeeded and is certainly why Toffolo would if he was to make the move.

He would certainly be an upgrade on the £7.1k-per-week midfielder turned defender, who has been solid if unspectacular. The Huddersfield flyer could certainly bring the spectacular to the City Ground.

AND, in other news: “Advanced talks”: Sky Sports journo drops claim that’ll leave Forest supporters gutted.

Liverpool have had a long-term interest in Jude Bellingham and have been linked with a move for the player again this summer.

There has now been an update on the details of what Borussia Dortmund would expect from any transfer for the 19-year-old.

What’s the latest?

According to SportBild (via Daily Mail), Bellingham will cost £103m if Liverpool want to sign the player in 2023.

As per the report, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool have been named as clubs who are interested in signing the youngster next summer, but the Bundesliga outfit have their demands and a price tag which must be met.

It is reported that, due to the absence of a release clause in Bellingham’s contract, Dortmund have given themselves the opportunity to demand whatever transfer fee they deem necessary.

Klopp’s Henderson heir

It is no secret that Liverpool’s midfield is an area in need of refinement, especially after engaging in a transfer battle with Real Madrid for Aurelien Tchouameni last month, so signing Bellingham next summer will likely be an endeavour into which FSG will put a lot of effort in completing.

Jordan Henderson is now 32 years old, and despite his amazing career at Anfield – captaining the team to many trophies and winning the first Premier League title as the club’s skipper – Liverpool need to start looking at the future of the centre of the pitch. Bellingham could be the perfect heir to succeed him.

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The Liverpool captain is a big fan of the 19-year-old Dortmund midfielder and has even claimed that “the sky is the limit” for his England team-mate.

In an interview with SPORTBible, the Anfield stalwart said of the teenager: “He’s a great lad, a fantastic player and I’m sure he’ll go from strength to strength as he gets older and matures.

“When I watch him, he plays with such maturity even now. The sky is the limit for him really.”

Bellingham has been proving his worth and justifying his reported price tag during his time in Germany, and last season he continued to impress in the middle of the park for Dortmund.

The young talent – who was dubbed “adventurous” by Michael Owen – scored three goals, delivered eight assists and created 10 big chances in the 2021/22 Bundesliga. He also made 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, whilst successfully completing the majority of his dribble attempts (57%) and winning the majority of his duels (51%), as per Sofascore.

The signing of Bellingham would be worth every single penny of his transfer, fee as he’d not only virtually guarantee a decade of performances in his peak, his ability and potential is crystal clear, so FSG must prepare to compete for his signature next summer.

AND in other news – In talks: FSG make move for “exceptional” £17m target, he can be Klopp’s Camavinga

Journalist Ashley Preece has shared an update regarding Aston Villa’s reported interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher…

What’s the word?

Speaking in a Q & A for Birmingham Mail, the Villa correspondent revealed that the Midlands outfit could be in line to make a move for the 22-year-old, albeit with no contact having been made with the Blues as yet.

Asked for any news regarding the England international’s potential move to Villa Park, Preece stated: “As for Gallagher, I have a feeling Villa will test the water with that one but that’s just the vibe I’ve been getting. Gerrard, I’m told, really rates him. Villa yet to make an approach to Chelsea so nothing has happened.”

The four-cap England international – who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace – is set to return to his parent club for pre-season with Thomas Tuchel keen to take a closer look at the player, although a £30m fee has been mooted if Chelsea were inclined to sell.

He’d be a major coup

There would no doubt be a long list of suitors were the Stamford Bridge outfit to put the £17k-per-week gem on the market this summer, with it set to be a major coup if Villa are able to fend off rival interest to land such a promising talent.

While the £22.5m-rated midfielder is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for the west Londoners, he has showcased his talent with a string of fine loan spells. He has caught the eye in the Championship with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City, before more recent temporary moves to West Bromwich Albion and Palace in the top flight.

That latter stint proved particularly profitable for the Epsom-born starlet as he enjoyed something of a breakthrough campaign at Selhurst Park during the 2021/22 season, netting eight goals and providing three assists in 34 Premier League games for Patrick Vieira’s side.

Not just an attacking force, the box-to-box workhorse also averaged an impressive two tackles and registered 0.9 interceptions per game in the top flight, while he also ranks in the top 7% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

That relentless work ethic, combined with an impressive end product, has seen the 6-foot menace, who was dubbed by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino as “like N’Golo Kante with goals”, with that glowing praise a marker of the English youngster’s undoubted quality.

Now pushing for a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad in Qatar this winter, there may be no better place for Gallagher to catch the 51-year-old’s eye than at his former club Villa, with the Midlanders seemingly on the hunt for a new central midfield addition.

Having already completed four major summer deals, Steven Gerrard can rubberstamp his strong pulling power by adding the 22-year-old to that list of arrivals, with the dynamic machine having the potential to be a real marquee acquisition for Villa.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Leeds United are reportedly looking to tie down Crysencio Summerville down to a new deal at the Yorkshire club this summer.

What’s the news?

In a recent Twitter post, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had this to say about the current situation regarding the winger and his immediate future at Elland Road.

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He said: “Nottingham Forest and AZ Alkmaar are interested in Crysencio Summerville with many clubs exploring this possibility, but Leeds are busy trying to keep the player at Elland Road by extending his contract. Negotiations ongoing to decide his future as soon as possible.” 

Back in September 2020, the Yorkshire club signed Summerville from Feyenoord’s U19 side. Since then, the 20-year-old has gone on to make 27 appearances for the Whites’ U23 side, scoring 13 goals and delivering eight assists in the process.

The winger has also appeared nine times for the Whites’ first team but has yet to find himself on the scoresheet or delivering an assist for any of his teammates.

All of those senior appearances came during the most recent campaign, with six of them coming in the Premier League, the latest of which came during their 3-0 win over Watford.

In those six appearances, the Dutchman managed to complete 50 passes, recover 16 loose balls, deliver four crosses, make five interceptions and win four tackles.

Leeds fans will be delighted

Even though Summerville has not become a regular figure in the first team as yet, nor has he managed to deliver a goal contribution, the fact that these two clubs that Romano mentions are after him shows how highly thought of the 20-year-old is.

Also, with Leeds looking to keep the player where he is for the foreseeable future, this demonstrates just how much they value him.

This would surely be music to the ears of a lot of Leeds fans that may feel the youngster has what it takes to become an important senior player in the team.

Moving forward, should the winger put pen to paper on a new deal at Elland Road and the club decides to not loan him out, their upcoming pre-season period could be vital for the player and his chances to impress Jesse Marsch and show that he has what it takes to be a useful squad option.

AND in other news: “Leeds are monitoring..”: Romano drops big transfer update, it’s great news for Marsch

Reliable journalist Pol Ballus of The Athletic has now shared a major update on Manchester City and their chase for Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

The Lowdown: Guardiola sets sights on Cucurella…

After clinching a fourth Premier League crown in five seasons last month, Sky Blues head coach Pep Guardiola has now set his sights on the transfer window, and a real summer of change could be on the cards at Eastlands.

City’s 3-2 smash-and-grab final day victory over Aston Villa sealed one of the most dramatic title wins in English football a month ago as Guardiola’s men came back from 2-0 down with three goals in five minutes late on.

However, some members of that pivotal team may well be on the way out as exit links surround the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and final day hero Ilkay Gundogan (The Times). Even one of City’s best players of the 2021/22 season, Bernardo Silva, is being heavily courted by Barcelona.

In terms of incomings, it is reliably believed that Cucurella of Brighton is a major target for Guardiola, who is looking to add more balance down the left channel.

The Latest: City talks imminent…

According to Ballus of The Athletic, City’s talks for the Spaniard are set to begin ‘within days’, and fellow reporter Andy Naylor of the same publication anticipates ‘hair-raising’ negotiations.

Ballus explained: “Talks to start within days. Brighton to ask £50m-plus. City expecting to negotiate, or will walk away. Chelsea expected on the mix too. Cucurella more seduced by City.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

While £50m would be a heavy price to pay for sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, we believe that City should grant Guardiola his wish and make a move for the Brighton defender.

Cucurella dazzled at the Amex Stadium last season, finishing as their second-best regular starter by average match rating, with only star midfielder Yves Bissouma outdoing him (WhoScored).

The marauding full-back, who has been called ‘sensational’ by members of the media (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette), also put in some memorable outings, perhaps most notably against City’s arch-rivals Manchester United.

Former top-flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny raved to Football Insider over Cucurella’s relentless performance against the Red Devils, even claiming the ex-Getafe man ‘tore them apart’ in the Seagulls’ 4-0 win last month.

Still just 23 years old, the Spaniard could be a real fixture in Guardiola’s starting XI for many years to come.

In other news: Club already preparing to lose ‘very special’ star with Man City agreement possible…find out more here.