All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur manager, Nuno Espirito Santo has been impressed with midfielder Harry Winks since his arrival at the club – after the player was outcasted by ex-boss Jose Mourinho last season.

The Lowdown: Winks shunned…

The Englishman was heavily out of favour under Mourinho over 2020/2021, starting just nine Premier League matches all season.

His situation was similar to that of another homegrown Tottenham talent in Dele Alli as both men’s futures in north London became the subject of debate last year.

Winks reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United while sources suggested that Spurs were also open to selling him in the summer window (football.london).

The Latest: Nuno blown away by Winks…

As per The Sun, new Lilywhites boss Nuno has been impressed by Winks since he took over from Mourinho this summer, as the player seeks to rebuild his Spurs career.

The 25-year-old apparently wanted to stay as long as he had a chance of playing regularly and it appears that Winks is back in contention despite only playing one Premier League minute so far (WhoScored).

Winks did start both Europa Conference League qualifying games against Pacos de Ferreira as Tottenham overturned a first leg defeat to reach the group stages.

The Verdict: Comeback season?

After Alli, we could be about to see another former Spurs outcast fight his way back into the side, judging by this report.

It will certainly be interesting to see whether Winks does become more of a fixture in Nuno’s starting eleven domestically as well as in Europe, but so far, it appears he is turning heads.

The midfield maestro, who averaged an impressive 90.3% pass accuracy over 26 league starts the season before last (WhoScored), could prove a viable asset for Nuno as he seeks to maintain an impressive Spurs start.

In other news: ‘Finished article’ – Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’…find out more here.

West Ham boss David Moyes has received a huge transfer boost ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

Back in July, it was revealed by Football Insider that the Irons had managed to steal Rob Newman from defending champions Manchester City to become their new head of recruitment at the London Stadium.

However, the former Norwich City defender, who had been the head of international scouting and recruitment at the Etihad, had to work a notice period before being allowed to leave.

The Hammers had hoped to have him in place for the summer window but those plans were quickly shelved, with majority shareholder David Sullivan leading the negotiations for what should be the final time.

It has now been confirmed exactly when Newman will be starting.

According to Football Insider, the 57-year-old will take charge on September 22nd, becoming the first person in a role like this since Mario Husillos in 2019.

January boost

This development is hugely encouraging, even if it wasn’t completed in time to make an impact in the summer, though he’ll be able to make his presence known in time for when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

There is a belief around east London that West Ham have relied too heavily on Sullivan’s favoured agents, such as Will Salthouse who represents no fewer than five first-team stars, ahead of genuine talent-spotters.

But during the off-season, Moyes reportedly made it clear during his own contract negotiations that he wanted to revamp the Hammers’ recruitment system and this move represents a major change in direction.

Newman, who is fluent in French and Spanish, will represent a major boost to the Scotsman and the club heading into January, where they will undoubtedly be targeting a new striker after failing to secure one this time around.

Michail Antonio remains the only senior centre-forward at the London Stadium and that’s certainly playing with fire given his injury record. That is likely to be Newman’s first priority as he looks to make his mark at West Ham.

After finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, this off-the-pitch masterstroke could be exactly what the club needs to keep them at this sort of level for the foreseeable future.

Newman is said to have a proven track record and was one of City’s key scouts across Europe – in recent times, signings like Ruben Dias, Rodri and Joao Cancelo have made major impacts.

This latest update should leave the Irons faithful absolutely excited heading into the rest of the month.

AND in other news, West Ham insider drops PAI Capital claim, fans won’t be impressed…

Noel Whelan has claimed that Celtic should sign Jack Wilshere as a free agent.

The Lowdown: Brazil on Wilshere

Speaking on talkSPORT (via Daily Record), Alan Brazil has claimed that Hoops fans would take Wilshere at Parkhead, as he has ‘dribbling skills’ and is capable of ‘taking the ball and running at defenders’.

The former Arsenal ace is without a club at the moment, so Celtic would be able to sign him outside of the transfer window.

The Latest: Whelan on Wilshere

Speaking to Football Insider, former Aberdeen striker and now BBC pundit Whelan has claimed that Wilshere would be a good signing for the Bhoys, so long as they can give him a pay-as-you-play deal. He stated:

“On a pay-as-you-play, you’re not really putting anything at risk.

“The only thing you are doing is maybe gaining a player that can stay fit and contribute to the team.

“We know what Jack is like as a player. When he’s fully fit, on his day, he’s a world-beater, there’s no doubt about that.

“I think the injury problems set him back. He never found his performances again because of the injuries. He’s been working really hard abroad, we know that, to get fit.

“If he is 100 per cent fit, Celtic need a player like that. If there is a pay-as-you-play opportunity for Jack, I think you’ve got to take it.

“At a big club like that, you’ve got to go in there and make sure that you stay fit and you’re putting performances.

“It could turn into something more permanent and it could be good for both player and club.

“But it all depends on the fitness. It all depends on Jack and those previous injuries that he’s suffered from.”

The Verdict: Sign

With no transfer fee involved, there would be little risk for Celtic in bringing in Wilshere as another decent squad option in the middle of the park. He has had a terrible injury record over the years, but on a pay-as-you-play contract, he could still have plenty to offer.

Wilshere is very experienced at the highest level, with many games played in both the Premier League and Champions League (Transfermarkt), and at 29 years of age, he still has energy in his legs to get around the pitch. Plus, as Whelan alluded to, he is not short of quality – indeed, a certain Dani Alves has likened him to Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The Englishman could also be a very useful presence to have in the dressing room, so the Hoops should definitely give strong consideration to taking him on board.

In other news, this Celtic ace is impressing in training

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin wants to leave the club, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Athletic’s David Ornstein dropped the surprising claim to Twitter on Monday, where he revealed that the Spaniard has been left frustrated by the club’s reluctance to sanction his departure.

It’s thought that the 26-year-old defender has informed both Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar of his intentions to leave the Emirates Stadium before the end of the transfer window this month. He’s even said to be willing to take a pay cut.

The Gunners failed to reach an agreement with Inter Milan over a potential deal, whilst Bellerin’s representatives have provided the technical director with possible destinations but none have come to fruition thus far.

One idea is to include the £22.5m-rated Spain international in a swap deal, with Barcelona’s Emerson Royal and Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier two likely targets.

Frustrating update

Arsenal’s unwillingness to offload Bellerin isn’t likely to go down well with the Gunners’ faithful, particularly as the north London outfit have largely struggled to get rid of their deadwood throughout the summer.

For example, Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira is AWOL in Spain despite not returning to Atletico on loan. Willian has been linked with an exit but no one appears to be willing to pay his extortionate wages. Sead Kolasinac, Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are just three others that the club are still unable to move on.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-arsenal-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2” title= “Read the latest Arsenal team and injury news, transfer rumours, gossip and much, much more!”]

What perhaps makes this situation surrounding Bellerin even more intriguing is the fact that Arteta looked to left-back Nuno Tavares to replace Calum Chambers, who started on the right against Brentford, despite having the Spaniard, Cedric and Maitland-Niles available to him.

As predicted above, this news has not gone down well with some members of the Emirates Stadium fanbase, as seen by the responses to Ornstein’s tweet.

“Story of our window,” exclaimed one supporter, whilst another described Arsenal as a “shambles of a club,” with one further fan blaming the board for their “failure.”

Bellerin has played 239 times for the Gunners since joining the club from Barcelona as a youth player in 2011. However, in recent times, he has found game-time hard to come by – largely due to injuries.

Last season, he only started 24 league games, whilst in 2019/20, it was just 13 starts due to his ACL injury and a further hamstring problem.

On this evidence, it’s no wonder that some fans and the player himself are seeking a fresh start, though Arteta and Edu’s current stance is a perplexing one which will only frustrate everyone around north London even more.

AND in other news, talkSPORT drop major Arsenal transfer update…

West Bromwich Albion will not be returning for 2020/21 loanee Okay Yokuslu of Celta Vigo, as reported by Birmingham Mail.

The Lowdown: West Brom set for life under Valerien Ismael

Gliding ever closer to the 2021/22 campaign, Valerien Ismael will be keen to put his stamp on a squad who will be desperate to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Getting busy in the transfer market, the 45-year-old has sanctioned deals for Matt Clarke and Alex Mowatt [Transfermarkt].

However, one man he will not bring back to the Hawthorns this window is 27-year-old Yokuslu.

The Latest: Yokuslu will not return to West Brom this summer

In spite of numerous suggestions otherwise, the Turkey international is not someone who will pitch up in the Midlands once again for the forthcoming campaign [Birmingham Mail].

Despite giving a good account of himself with the Baggies last year, West Brom currently do not have the money necessary to bring the 6 foot 3 midfield maestro aboard.

Furthermore, newly appointed Ismael is said to want to shape the side in his own way, a vision that does not include Yokuslu.

The Verdict: Clean break

For both parties, a clean break may be the best scenario here. Though a very talented midfielder who performed admirably last term, Yokuslu joining up with West Brom would take a significant chunk out of their respective transfer and wage budgets.

In 2020/21, he impressed with his desire to win possession, successfully winning an average of 2.4 tackles per game in the Premier League across the year [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘excellent’ by West Brom journalist Adrian Goldberg [This is Futbol], he is a talented player no doubt, but one talented player does not earn promotion.

If Ismael is allowed to redirect whatever funds were plotted for Yokuslu’s return elsewhere instead, this could turn out to be a very wise decision indeed.

In other news, West Brom have been linked with a free agent.

Aston Villa are expected to test Southampton’s resolve with another bid for captain James Ward-Prowse, which is undoubtedly a blow to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hopes of keeping him.

What’s the word?

According to Saints Extra on Twitter, Villa believe that it could cost them up to £50m to sign the England international this summer but will attempt to negotiate a lower fee with Southampton.

They also suggest that a second bid is likely, which was also suggested by The Athletic in their initial report on Villa’s interest in Ward-Prowse after Dean Smith’s side recently submitted a £25m bid.

Could Ward-Prowse leave?

Fortunately for Southampton, Ward-Prowse is contracted at St Mary’s until 2024 and having come through the academy, you would hope that he will be loyal to the club should another Premier League side offer him a significant wage increase.

You could also argue that, whilst Aston Villa are clearly spending big this summer, with Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey having already arrived at Villa Park for £30m apiece, they are not too far ahead of Southampton in terms of being an established Premier League side.

Although they were much improved last season, they only managed to scrape Premier League survival in the 2019/20 season, which was aided by the goal technology system failing to work in a home draw against Sheffield United.

However, with Jack Grealish looking likely to seal a £100m move to Manchester City, the Birmingham-based club are not short on funds, and there is no telling on how much they would be willing to spend on a player such as Ward-Prowse.

The 26-year-old is a hugely important part of Hasenhuttl’s squad and was the Austrian’s most consistent performer in a less than consistent 2020/21 campaign for Southampton, so it would be a huge blow to lose him so close to the new season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, Southampton fans will definitely be worried by this latest transfer report, as they will surely be desperate to keep Ward-Prowse at the club.

And, in other news… Imagine him and JWP: Semmens should seal swoop for beast who “always performs”

Duje Caleta-Car is reportedly on Southampton’s shortlist to replace Jannik Vestergaard this summer and he could be the next Dejan Lovren at St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach, Caleta-Car, alongside Ozan Kabak and Gary Cahill, is a candidate to replace Vestergaard in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side following his £15m move to Leicester City earlier this month.

After conceding the second-most goals in the Premier League last season and collapsing in the second half against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, it seems clear that the Saints need to add some quality to their backline, or they risk being dragged into a relegation battle this season.

Caleta-Car has established himself as a regular at Marseille in the past three seasons, making 91 appearances, in which he has contributed three goals and two assists.

Last season saw the Croatia international make 33 appearances in Ligue 1, averaging a solid 6.72 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Southampton’s next Lovren?

The similarities between Caleta-Car and Lovren are clear to see, as both are Croatian centre-backs who have made a name for themselves in Ligue 1, with the latter featuring regularly for Lyon before his move to St Mary’s in 2013.

After a superb debut season in Mauricio Pochettino’s side, he would go on to join Liverpool, where he would help them win the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp, so if Caleta-Car proved to be anywhere near as good as his Croatian compatriot, then he could be a very good signing indeed.

Lovren has also sung the praises of the Marseille man in the past and has recommended him for a Premier League move, saying:

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl can amend key 20/21 issue with swoop for “exceptionally good” free agent

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson this summer, along with a number of other Premier League clubs.

The Lowdown: Vieira looks for new additions

Patrick Vieira is looking to work his magic in the Selhurst Park hot-seat, having taken over from the departed Roy Hodgson earlier this month.

Palace’s squad could do with some freshening up in the coming weeks, as they look to enjoy a vibrant period under their new manager, and business has already started with the capture of Michael Olise and the links to Marc Guehi.

The Latest: Palace linked with Nelson move

According to CBS Sports, the Eagles are also keen on signing Nelson from Arsenal, with the 21-year-old potentially moving on this summer.

Brentford and Brighton are also mentioned as potential suitors, however, and the youngster’s current Gunners deal expires in 2023.

While there has been talk of Nelson extending his stay at Arsenal, the report states that there is ‘no imminent sign’ of that happening.

The Verdict: Exciting potential signing

Nelson is a hugely exciting young player who has already enjoyed great experience at a high level, scoring and assisting four times apiece in 47 appearances for the Gunners.

Regular football elsewhere could do him the world of good – he thrived while on loan in Germany scoring an incredible seven times in just five starts for Hoffenheim – and Palace could possibly offer him just that, with more quality required in attacking areas even despite the acquisition of Olise.

Mikel Arteta has hailed Nelson as a ‘special player’, highlighting his pedigree, and he would be worth taking a punt on, given his long-term potential.

In other news, some Palace fans have been reacting to a report linking the Eagles with a Championship player. Read more here.

Crystal Palace will allegedly meet with Lucien Favre in France to attempt to persuade the Swiss head-coach to take the reigns at Selhurst Park, according to COPA 90 journalist Harvey Wheddon on Twitter.

The Eagles have been embroiled in a mire of uncertainty heading into 2021/22, as they are still without a manager following the departure of Roy Hodgson from Selhurst Park last month [Independent].

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Favre looked certain to enter the vacant managerial position in South-East London, however the deal looked to have collapsed in spectacular fashion following a breakdown in discussions [Guardian].

Now, in another stunning turn of events, Wheddon has indicated that the Palace hierarchy have once again gone all out to get their favoured option on Twitter, stating:

“My understanding is, Lucien Favre declined us before because of our small transfer budget. That’s why the Americans have flown to France with Parish to meet him.Parish really wants Favre and is doing everything in his power to get him.Big props to Steve. #CPFC #Favre”

There is no doubt that yet another turn in this deal would come as a shock to onlookers of all persuasions given how the initial move faltered, and it’s no wonder loads of Crystal Palace diehards took to Twitter to voice their opinions on recent developments.

Crystal Palace fans react:

Replying to the post on Twitter, here is how some Eagles fans summed up their feelings on the latest twist in the Favre saga:

“My god, we can’t blow this please”

Credit: @liamb0117″Reading these comments make me excited and nervous”Credit: @foursixzer0″Favre also wouldn’t meet us, if he didn’t think he could turn this around too.”Credit: @RomfordRoger”God PLEASE”Credit: @escobond_”Favre back to favourite on SkyBet once again. My head’s gone”Credit: @jonnylatimer_”Actually happy with that tbf. It’s a lot easier to convince him with that than trying to convince him to not take a break.”Credit: @Callum_CPFC_In other news, Crystal Palace have received a boost in a transfer pursuit.

Aston Villa have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.

What’s the story?

The Villans have already seen two bids turned down for the highly-rated 20-year-old, but it appears as though their hopes of securing his services could be ended over the coming days.

According to respected journalist James Benge, Smith Rowe is set to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Emirates Stadium after extensive negotiations.

He tweeted: “Exclusive: Arsenal growing in confidence that they will soon secure a new contract for Emile Smith Rowe. It’s expected to be a five year deal but there are still details to finalise.”

Dean Smith will be gutted

Villa enjoyed a fabulous 2020/21 campaign, finishing in 11th position in the Premier League standings despite talisman Jack Grealish being injured for three months of the season.

The Midlands outfit are keen to strengthen their ranks even further over the summer and have already brought in former Norwich City ace Emi Buendia in a big-money deal.

Smith Rowe had been identified as their next top target, with bids of £25m and £30m being placed for the creative talent, although their hopes of bringing the England Under-21 international to Villa Park appear to be all but over.

The news will leave Villa boss Dean Smith feeling gutted after missing out on one of the nation’s most promising young talents.

After multiple injuries to first-team regulars left Mikel Arteta with little choice but to place his faith in academy graduates last season, Smith Rowe took his chance with both hands.

“I know what they are capable of doing. They are developing really well, and that’s a merit to them, a merit for their teammates and everybody that is involved to try to support them and protect them as well,” claimed Arteta.

“But the performances that they are putting in are extraordinary.”

Dean Smith has created an exciting, youthful squad since winning promotion with Villa two years ago, and Smith Rowe would have been another significant coup for the former Brentford boss, but he’ll be forced to look for alternative options in the rest of the window.

And, in other news…Aston Villa have bid accepted for “combative” dynamo, Lange is working his magic again