All posts by h716a5.icu

While Todd Boehly will undoubtedly have to move on some of Chelsea's bloated squad if he wants to sign new players this summer, it seems clear that attacking additions are necessary.

The Blues are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the division, having mustered just a goal a game in the Premier League so far this season, with the 3-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend just the third time they've managed to score more than twice in a top-flight fixture.

Therefore, it is perhaps no surprise to see Chelsea linked with some of the best strikers across European football, with Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen one man who Boehly could look to bring to Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Victor Osimhen this summer?

According to reports last month from 90min, the west London outfit are confident that they can win the race to sign the 24-year-old sensation this summer, despite not being able to offer Champions League football.

They claim that the Blues are prepared to blow other sides out of the water as they prepare what would likely be a club-record bid for the €150m (£133m-rated) forward, who has been at the forefront of Luciano Spalletti's Scudetto-winning side this season.

The Nigeria international boasts a phenomenal record of 23 goals and four assists in just 28 Serie A appearances, earning an incredible 7.47 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Previously described as "phenomenal" by former Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri, Osimhen has naturally been afforded a lot of chances in Napoli's run to the title, but it is his overachievement in terms of expected goals which suggests that he could be the man to solve Chelsea's woes in front of goal.

As per Fotmob, the fine-finishing forward has scored 23 goals from just 18.9 xG this season, which suggests that he is more than capable of putting the difficult chances away.

As such, it marks him out as an ideal replacement for the struggling Kai Havertz, who once again has underperformed on expected goals as Chelsea's main man in the attack.

Could Osimhen replace Havertz at Chelsea?

As per Understat, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has failed to turn his xG into results throughout his time at Chelsea, but this season has been the worst by far, as he has scored 5.15 fewer goals than expected.

He has also averaged far fewer shots (2.1 vs 4.2) and dribbles (0.5 vs 0.8) per game than Osimhen, while the 6 foot 4 striker's 6.81 average rating from WhoScored simply puts the Napoli forward in a different league.

If Boehly is serious about turning Chelsea into title challengers, he must consider ditching the "hopeless" Havertz, as he has been dubbed by Chris Sutton, and bringing in the exciting Osimhen instead.

The current front-runner to be the next Leeds United boss, Sam Allardyce, has already stated on his No Tippy Tappy Football podcast (via Leeds Live) that Wilfried Gnonto should be playing more at Elland Road.

What's the latest Leeds United News?

The Italian winger has struggled for gametime this season, managing just 13 starts in the Premier League despite a return of two goals and four assists.

The 19-year-old has managed even less minutes under Javi Gracia. Since the appointment of the boss in February, Gnonto has managed only nine games and his output has nosedived. He's produced three assists but has failed to hit the back of the net, as Leeds' fortunes have also continued to falter.

The Whites are currently on the edge of the relegation places in the top flight, with the side sat in 17th. They remain only out of the bottom three on goal difference, meaning that the prospect of a drop in league to the Championship is very much real.

With the Leeds fans and board growing weary of Javi Gracia's inability to generate positive results – he's won only three of his 12 games at the helm – it seems he will ultimately be given the boot and the torch will seemingly be passed on to Sam Allardyce. The former Baggies boss will now be tasked with steering the club in the right direction.

A positive for Whites fans though is that their potential new boss could give Gnonto the playing time he – and the supporters – crave. One of the biggest downsides of Gracia's time at the helm has been the lack of action for the Italian but it appears Allardyce could be prepared to give him more, as he called the player "fantastic".

He stated on his podcast last week, via Leeds Live: "There are a couple of players who in my opinion should be playing. Wilfried Gnonto, the young Italian kid. Fantastic.

"He's so positive, so driven, so direct with the ball, he gets the play up the field and he doesn't mind defending as well."

Should Gnonto get more playing time?

Gnonto has certainly proven that he has the talent to be a key player under new boss Allardyce. It was his 12 goals and ten assists for FC Zurich that prompted the Premier League side to snap him up in the first place and he's already on track to beat those tallies in less games with the Whites. The 19-year-old already has four goals and four assists in 24 games so far, so is thriving despite his age (via Transfermarkt).

He can produce the goods for his team and has done so when called upon up to this point. His absence from the side and the way he was deployed under Gracia has meant that creative spark in the Leeds team has been absent – and his ability to drive the team forward has been missed. Throwing him back into the mix now could be just what the side need to avoid the drop to the Championship if Allardyce does play Gnonto.

Newcastle United are interested in bringing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to St James' Park this summer, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Maguire?

As per TEAMtalk, Manchester United are set to make Maguire available for transfer this summer, with Newcastle United and West Ham United said to be among the early frontrunners for his signature.

90min have also claimed that the England international is attracting interest from several high-profile Serie A clubs, with Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan keen on proposing loan deals with an option to buy.

The 30-year-old is believed to be one of several first-team players that the Old Trafford giants could let leave in the off-season, though it would need to be 'in the right circumstances' to sanction a departure.

Ideally, Manchester United would want to accumulate a transfer fee for Maguire's services, though they may need to be 'flexible' to ensure they meet their Financial Fair Play obligations.

Maguire has been in and out of Erik ten Hag's side this season, featuring 28 times in all competitions for the Red Devils, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook has said that Newcastle United are keen on bringing the player Paul Pogba called "the beast" to the North East this summer.

Crook said: "Yeah, I think so. It's a question of what sort of money they're going to get for Maguire. He needs to go and play.

"I know there's some interest from Newcastle, West Ham as well.

I think, probably, they would be good moves for him. I think it's best for all concerned that he moves on."

Would Harry Maguire be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Maguire has enjoyed a decent season at Manchester United and has been a fairly reliable presence when called upon, making an average of 2.7 clearances per match in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

The 30-year-old has also recorded a tackle success rate of 71% in the English top flight this campaign, showing a tenacious nature to win possession back for his side.

Nevertheless, it may now be time for the £190k-per-week defender, who was acquired from Leicester City for £80 million back in 2019, to seek a fresh challenge following four years at Old Trafford.

With Newcastle United looking to be in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification, the England international could potentially be an experienced head in the defence to help marshal the Magpies' backline looking ahead to 2023/24.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane could leave to join Manchester United this summer, according to pundit Frank McAvennie, speaking to Football Insider.

What's the latest on Harry Kane's future?

As expected, Tottenham are currently trying to convince Kane to commit his future to the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, however the club's hierarchy may have a difficult task on their hands.

Earlier this month, it was reported the England captain had told friends he won't be signing a new deal, amid a backdrop of chaos at Spurs. Of course, things have not improved recently, with the club changing interim managers before they even identify a new permanent one, and very unlikely to finish in the top four.

It has previously been reported the Man United board have sanctioned a move for the 29-year-old this summer, and McAvennie believes he would be interested in a switch to Old Trafford.

The pundit does not believe the Englishman would be the right fit for Paris Saint-Germain, given the strength in depth the Ligue 1 club already have in attacking areas, but he indicates a move to United could be on the cards, saying:

“They’ve got Mbappe, Neymar and [Lionel] Messi, I do not know where Harry would fit into that system.

“I do not think he is the kind of player that can do the tippy tappy stuff. We saw at the World Cup that that is not his game.

“That is what PSG do, I can also tell you this also why Man City is not his club.

“From what I know, Harry Kane would be ideal for Man United, they need a number nine plain and simple. I can see it definitely happening, him leaving Spurs for United”.

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham this summer?

Not for the first time this season, the forward was one of the only Spurs players to impress at the weekend, getting on the scoresheet in the 6-1 defeat against Newcastle.

The shocking result makes it very unlikely the Lilywhites will be in the Champions League again this season, while the Red Devils are in a very strong position, and they have proven they have the ability to compete for silverware this season.

A move to Old Trafford could also be an attractive proposition as it would mean Kane still has the opportunity to break Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League goal record, which he has previously made it clear is his goal.

Hailed as "incredible" by journalist Joe Crann, it would be fantastic if the Tottenham talisman signs a new deal this summer, however it would not be a surprise if he is attracted by a move elsewhere.

Newcastle United have been on an exciting journey since their Saudi-led takeover with the prospect of Champions League football firmly in sight

Now, a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target ahead of the summer transfer window.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Moises Caicedo?

According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, Newcastle are interested in a number of Premier League players to bolster their already impressive squad this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo is one of the many players on the list of targets for the Magpies, alongside Declan Rice, James Maddison, Kaoru Mitoma and Ivan Toney to name a few.

Will Newcastle sign Moises Caicedo this summer?

Eddie Howe and his current squad have enjoyed a phenomenal season so far with a trip to Wembley for the League Cup final and an incredible run in the Premier League that has led to a great chance of playing European football next term.

The Magpies are currently fourth with just eight league fixtures left to secure their dreams of playing in the Champions League next season and it will come as no surprise that the club are looking to continue their pursuit of success and trophies by identifying quality players who can add depth to key positions.

One of their most valuable assets acquired has undoubtedly been midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who has had to sacrifice his attacking flair as of late due to Jonjo Shelvey's departure in January – leaving him in a more restricted defensive role in the centre of the pitch.

The signing of Caicedo this summer could be the catalyst to unlocking the Brazilian's full potential next season, allowing him the freedom to be more involved in the attacking position he thrived in over his first six months at St James' Park.

Over 17 league appearances in 2021/22, the 25-year-old scored five goals, delivered one assist and created three big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 successful dribbles and 1.4 shots on goal per game, which has led to calls for the midfielder to return to higher areas of the pitch this season with reporter Miles Starforth claiming his "magic" is needed there.

Caicedo would be an ideal defensive midfielder to take over from Guimaraes in the deeper role and could provide the popular Newcastle star with even more opportunities to trouble opponents.

The Ecuadorian midfielder – hailed a "pleasure to watch" by writer Ryan Adsett – has tallied up an 89% pass completion rate and successfully completed 56% of his dribbles over 28 league appearances this season, as well as averaging 1.2 key passes, outlining him as a progressive and composed midfield asset.

He also lives up to his billing as a "machine" – as per The Athletic's Andy Naylor – having made 3.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and won 6.4 duels per game, proving he is a reliable defensive presence in midfield.

With that being said, if the powerbrokers at the North East club are willing to meet the extortionate £90m price tag set on Caicedo this summer, it could spark a huge tactical shift in midfield personnel and provide Howe with a player who can keep up with the quality needed to compete at the highest level next season.

Tottenham Hotspur have a squad inundated with players that need offloading, with almost the whole of English football aware of that.

However, it seems that the man who has allowed such mediocrity to fester, Daniel Levy, is the only one oblivious to such a fact.

For someone so frugal and seemingly petrified of spending big, the 61-year-old has certainly invested heavily in recent years in a desperate pursuit of silverware; a search that continues to go amiss.

Whilst there are plenty of depreciating duds that do need selling, perhaps the savvy CEO could first seek to capitalise on the few who have seen their value rise in preparation for the transfer war chest he will have to promise to the new boss.

One such name that springs to mind is Japhet Tanganga, who truly burst onto the scene during the 2019/20 season under Jose Mourinho.

The legendary manager saw immense potential in the 24-year-old, claiming after his first league start came against Liverpool: “I thought he did well. I think the kid has reason to be happy with his level.”

However, injuries and a sharp loss of form would see his reputation plummet, with the academy graduate falling way down in the pecking order. Therefore, he must be one of the first to go.

How much is Japhet Tanganga worth now?

Across his first six Premier League appearances, Tanganga maintained a 6.95 average rating that encouraged many. Journalist Charlie Eccleshare even branded him a “great prospect for the future."

Having burst onto the scene as a physical yet classy presence all across the back line, this figure would unfortunately decrease with each passing season.

With just three appearances to his name this campaign and a 6.3 rating to show for them, his downfall is truly exacerbated.

Pundit Jamie O’Hara even took to talkSPORT (5:38 pm, February 11, 2023) earlier this year to claim: “Tanganga, how he is still playing for Tottenham, I don’t know. It looks like he has got ice skates on him every time he is defending. It’s embarrassing.”

However, with increased prominence in and around the senior squad, no matter how poor the form, the £25k-per-week dud has still seen a valuation increase.

Transfermarkt has overseen this rise, suggesting that in September 2019 he was worth just €800k (£702k). However, despite the aforementioned underperformance, that has grown to €9m (£7.9m) as of November 2022. This marks a 1,025% rise across a three-year period.

With numerous poor performers culminating in what is set to be another year without a trophy, Tanganga could be an unfortunate but wholly necessary casualty of the impending revolution this summer should bring.

One problem position for Manchester United for a number of years has been at right-back, with a succession of names having tried and failed to nail down the position for an extended period of time.

In the present day, manager Erik ten Hag has flitted between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot in that full-back berth of late, albeit with it yet to be seen if either man truly has the credentials to be a long-term solution.

In the case of Wan-Bissaka, it was only a matter of months ago that the former Crystal Palace man appeared unsuited to the Dutchman's style amid reports that he was heading for a January exit, while with Dalot, the Portugal international has looked a "bit off it" since returning from World Cup duty, as per The Mirror's Colin Millar.

That uncertainty surrounding the right side of the defence has been a constant theme throughout the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, with the likes of Ashley Young, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia and Rafael having all been unable to truly impress on a consistent basis.

In truth, the Red Devils have arguably not had a reliable option in that role since the retirement of club legend Gary Neville in 2011, with the long-serving asset having racked up over 600 appearances for the club after rising up through the youth ranks.

The one-time United skipper was truly a 'leader of men' – as per the club's official website – having shown great "determination", in the words of Ferguson, to ensure that he remained a key part of the side year-in, year-out, for almost two decades.

While a figure of such elite service is almost impossible to find, Ten Hag could again look to the youth ranks to unearth a potential heir to that man Neville, with the Old Trafford outfit potentially having a prime candidate in the form of 18-year-old, Marc Jurado.

Who is Man United's Marc Jurado?

The promising Spaniard has been tipped for a bright future at the club ever since making the move from La Liga giants Barcelona back in 2020, having notably made "impressive" development over the past few years, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

The teen machine – who has been lauded as a "complete full-back" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – was notably part of the side that claimed FA Youth Cup glory last season, having started every game in the competition, including taking on the captaincy in the opening two fixtures.

Having taken on the armband on occasion throughout his time at United, Jurado clearly follows Neville in being something of a leader on the pitch, with that point having only been rubberstamped by former youth aid, Paul McShane, who previously stated:

"Marc Jurado is a great lad, he's got a great spirit about him. He's good around the training ground, he's good on the pitch, he's very vocal, wants to defend as well."

The Spain youth international has since made a smooth transition to life at U21 level this season having already racked up three goals and four assists from his 19 Premier League 2 outings, while also featuring five times in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign.

Despite coming up against senior opposition in that latter tournament, the exciting teen continued to thrive as he averaged 3.6 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game, showcasing the full array of his defensive prowess.

While a chance at senior level on a competitive basis has yet to emerge, Jurado was involved in first-team action during the mid-season trip to Spain, while also notably earning a promotion to first-team training alongside a handful of other youngsters earlier this month.

That close contact with Ten Hag may put the Spaniard at an advantage ahead of another youth star such as Ethan Laird, with the latter man currently away from the Theatre of Dreams after joining Queens Park Rangers on loan last summer.

Although the Englishman has enjoyed an encouraging year at Loftus Road, having made 26 appearances in the Championship this season, it remains to be seen if the 21-year-old's chance at his parent club may have already come and gone, particularly with just a matter of months left to run existing deal.

As such, it could be Jurado who emerges as the leading candidate to nail down the right-back berth in the near future, with the hope being that the Sabadell native can follow in Neville's footsteps and establish himself in the role for the long term.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that Newcastle United are considering a possible summer transfer for Renan Lodi if he is relegated.

What's the latest on Renan Lodi and Newcastle?

Just after the current Premier League campaign began, the Brazilian left-back left Atletico Madrid and joined Nottingham Forest for the season on loan.

Since then, while earning a reported £62,000 per week, Lodi has played 19 league games for Steve Cooper's team amid their hopes to avoid the drop.

With 11 games left to go, Forest are just two points and two places above the foot of the table, and it sounds as though Newcastle are ready to swoop if Lodi and co end up relegated.

Indeed, while talking on his YouTube channel, Talbot explained how the player is likely to stay put if Cooper and co can avoid the drop – but his future will be up for grabs if not.

In full, he said: “Lodi has aligned to Newcastle and that's about it.

"If Forest go down, then I believe that he's on the list.

"Newcastle quite like him but they also have a number of players ahead of Lodi. And also, if you [Forest] go down, then possibly [it could happen], but if you survive, that isn’t going to happen.”

Do Newcastle have a chance of signing Lodi?

When the left-back joined Forest, the deal came with an option to move permanently for a £25m fee paid at the end of the season. However, it remains unclear if that option will be triggered.

After all, there are reports in the Spanish media that Lodi will return to La Liga at the end of the season without completing a move to Cooper's team.

That will likely depend on whether or not the club avoid relegation but if he does head back to Spain, that would open the door for Newcastle to come in and sign the defender.

What's more, it does seem as though Eddie Howe and co are in the market for a new left-back in the summer. Indeed, the club have been linked with Arsenal's Kieran Tierney – who is expected to cost upwards of £30m.

Seeing as Lodi is valued at £25m, he could well be a cheaper alternative should the Scottish defender be out of reach for the Magpies.

A report has claimed that Barcelona are eyeing up Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer this summer, amid worries over midfielders Pedri and Gavi.

What's going on with Barcelona and Gundogan?

Despite financial issues meaning Barcelona have to heavily reduce their wage bill this summer, they are thought to be eyeing up the Manchester City star, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The club are already sweating over the future of Gavi after the young midfielder's contract renewal was cancelled by La Liga, and they may need to find a way to register the teenager before they think about incomings.

However, Xavi would like to strengthen the depth of his midfield. An injury to Pedri has meant that the 20-year-old has missed a number of games in the middle of the park and Gundogan could provide top-quality cover for the Spaniard.

A report in The Athletic has highlighted Xavi's desire to add support for Pedri, amidst concerns that the team suffers a dip in performance without an extra attacking midfielder in the side.

Sources told them that "there is a strong belief within Barcelona’s staff that the team struggle to achieve the style desired by Xavi if Pedri isn’t available," and Gundogan could be a solution to solve this issue as Barcelona look to compete on multiple fronts next season.

Xavi's side have faltered in the Champions League group stages for two years in a row, and extra depth to help compete in this competition could see their results improve.

Should Barcelona sign Gundogan?

Given that the club already have Franck Kessie and Frenkie de Jong among their ranks alongside Pedri and Gavi, it seems unlikely that another central midfielder would arrive unless there is a major departure such as Sergio Busquets.

The veteran midfielder has been linked with a move to Inter Miami, and Gundogan could help replace his experience should the Spaniard depart.

However, Barcelona's concerns over their wage bill could prevent the 32-year-old, who earns £140k-per-week, from joining, and even if they manage to bring him in, it could prevent other signings.

If Busquets stays at the club, having an ageing high-earner who may not be a guaranteed starter would be an expensive way to provide extra quality in midfield, despite the experience of the "incredible" Gundogan.

Meanwhile, if the club were to make a move for Lionel Messi, as has been mooted in recent days, there may be little need to add extra creativity, and City's out-of-contract star may need to look elsewhere for a move.

Leeds United earned a battling draw against high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend at Elland Road, but will have a test of a different nature away against relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.

The Whites' point last time out was not enough to navigate away from danger, with results for Bournemouth and West Ham United sinking Javi Gracia's outfit to 19th in the division.

Only five points separate manager-less Crystal Palace in 12th and Southampton at the pit of the table and a victory on the road against the Old Gold could take Leeds to as high as 14th.

On the injury front, prolific talisman Rodrigo, who returned off the bench last weekend, and captain Liam Cooper are both fit again, though industrious midfielder Tyler Adams has picked up an injury and will not feature.

How will Leeds United line up against Wolves today?

With defeat at Molineux unfathomable given the current situation, Football FanCast predicts Gracia will make four changes to the starting eleven this afternoon to freshen the squad up.

(4-3-3) – (GK) Meslier; (RB) Ayling, (CB) Koch, (CB) Cooper, (LB) Firpo; (CM) Roca, (CM) McKennie, (CM) Gyabi; (RW) Summerville, (ST) Rodrigo, (LW) Harrison.

Gracia could bring in Cooper, Rodrigo, Juventus loan signing Weston McKennie and youngster Darko Gyabi today in order to add some dynamism to his outfit, who will need attacking impetus to break down a resilient Wolves defence.

Illan Meslier will retain his role between the sticks, having started all 26 of United's league outings this term.

Leeds signed versatile defender Max Wober for £11m in January, and he has started eight of the nine Premier League matches since his arrival, but the club's skipper could replace him in hope of a galvanising effect and for his leadership qualities – Cooper also ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe's big five leagues for aerials won and the top 4% for interceptions, as per FBref.

In midfield, the £55k-per-week "machine" McKennie – as described by Sebastian Velasquez – appears the obvious choice to step in for Adams, while Marc Roca will form the rest of the midfield alongside the 19-year-old Gyabi.

The teenager could be in line for a shock first start in the Premier League amid the loss of the United States skipper, with Brenden Aaronson dropping out of the starting fold to hopefully instil some assiduity in the centre.

Jack Harrison clinched a goal and assist against Albion last weekend, and could be joined once again by Crysencio Summerville on the offensive flanks, while Patrick Bamford could drop out for Rodrigo, who has scored ten goals from 19 appearances in the top flight this season.