All posts by h716a5.icu

West Bromwich Albion can seriously upgrade their midfield and give their promotion push next season a huge boost by signing Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury this summer.

The Baggies have been strongly linked to Choudhury recently with the Birmingham Mail reporting that Leicester would be willing to let the player leave, but would prefer a permanent deal rather than a loan.

Whether West Brom are willing to pay the fee required is another matter, but if they’re not, then in any loan deal they would still have to pay 80% of his wages, according to The Express and Star.

They are also not the only club interested with fellow Championship side Middlesbrough also admirers of the player. Steve Bruce’s side need to do all they can to land the 24-year-old who can seriously improve their midfield.

The club’s current squad is in need of a refresh, and we think that Choudhury would be a better option than club captain Jake Livermore. As controversial as it may sound, at 32 years old, the Baggies skipper isn’t getting any younger.

If they are to compete at the top end of the league, they need players who are almost Premier League quality, and Livermore certainly isn’t that anymore.

He made 37 appearances for the West Midlands side last season so played a key part, and having previously played under Bruce at Hull City, he’ll be tough for the manager to drop.

However, just because he wouldn’t be starting as many games doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have a key role to play, particularly in the dressing room if the team are fighting to go up.

Choudhury has been described as “excellent” by journalist Baz Cooper, and his performances in a Leicester shirt have seen him talked about as a future England star.

Bruce has also admired him for a long time and even wanted to bring him to Newcastle United during his sting on Tyneside.

If you compare him to Livermore you can see he performs better in many areas, he makes on average 2.0 interceptions per game which is better than the WBA captain’s 1.1.

He also won an impressive 70% of duels last season with Livermore winning 47%. This is simply a transfer West Brom have to be making.

AND in other news: Bruce now closing in on “brilliant” £27k-p/w West Brom target, just imagine him & Dike…

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester City have an agreement in place to sign Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega if Zack Steffen departs this summer.

The Lowdown: Ortega’s a free agent

The 29-year-old worked his way up through the academy ranks with the Bundesliga outfit before leaving in 2014 to join 1860 Munich, only to return to his boyhood club three years later.

However, the shot-stopper’s contract with the Blues is set to expire at the end of the month, and following Arminia’s relegation, it’s since been confirmed that he will be leaving the club, and it looks like he could be on his way to the Premier League.

The Latest: City have agreement ready

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that City have already got a deal in place for Ortega, and that it’s simply a matter of time before it gets completed. He wrote:

“Manchester City are really interested in signing Stefan Ortega, as called by @Sky_Dirk today. Been told there’s a verbal agreement in place with City to sign as free agent.

“Deal depends on Zack Steffen to find a good solution on the market, but Ortega’s waiting for City.”

The Verdict: Competition for Ederson

With Steffen looking elsewhere as a result of his lack of game time, Pep Guardiola will now be on the hunt to find a suitable replacement as a backup for current number one Ederson, and Ortega more than has the ability to provide some serious competition for the Brazilian.

Standing at 6 foot, the man between the sticks held a hugely impressive record in the Bundesliga last season, clocking up 33 appearances and making at least ten more saves (125) than any other goalkeeper in the German league.

Ortega is a player comfortable with the ball at his feet, and that’s an attribute that the Spaniard loves his stoppers to have, and the fact that City could bring him to the Etihad for the price of absolutely nothing saves the transfer coffers for bigger investments elsewhere in the squad.

Leeds United remain locked in talks with Birmingham City for midfielder George Hall.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

Hall, described as a ‘really exciting’ player, was linked with a summer move to Elland Road back in March.

The 18-year-old first caught the eye playing for England at youth level last November, with reports recently suggesting the Whites had firmed up their interest and were willing to make a seven-figure offer.

Capable of playing anywhere in midfield and even in attack, Phil Hay has even said that Leeds are lining up moves for both Hall and West Ham’s Sonny Perkins.

The Latest: ‘Remain in talks’

MOT Leeds News relayed an update regarding Leeds from Saturday’s print edition of The Daily Mail.

They claimed that the Whites ‘remain in talks’ with Birmingham for Hall, have discussed a move for PSG striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and still want to sign Perkins.

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The Verdict: Just what the U23s need?

Hall played as a central and attacking midfielder, on the wing and as a centre-forward last season, so would offer plenty of versatility in Yorkshire.  You’d expect that he’d initially link up with the U23s at Thorp Arch, who are fairly short of central midfield options.

One of the key midfielders for the U23s last season was Lewis Bate, who is expected to attract loan interest this summer, so Hall could be the perfect addition as Leeds continue to target the best young players in the country as well as bolstering their first-team squad with three additions so far.

In other news: Orta now working on signing 31-goal striker for free; famous Leeds fan may help Elland Road move. 

Everton are in need of bolstering their squad this summer following a difficult Premier League season, and now they are reportedly interested in a new target ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Everton are interested in signing Stade Rennais left-back Adrien Truffert.

As per the report, the Toffees are following the player’s situation alongside West Ham United, Leicester City, Ajax and Hoffenheim this summer.

Baines 2.0

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be wanting to add quality and depth to his Merseyside based squad ahead of next season to ensure they don’t find themselves in another tough relegation battle and Truffert could be the perfect addition to make an instant impact in the team.

Lampard has a penchant for developing young players with Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja just four of the players the former Chelsea boss has brought into the spotlight, and the 20-year-old Frenchman could be his next youth project at Goodison Park.

By no means is Truffert inexperienced with 75 appearances in total and has been a standout player for Rennes, with high praise after his debut in 2020 from former coach Julien Stéphan who hailed the youngster “ultra decisive”.

This season the £10.8m-rated dynamo has shown his quality more than ever over his 30 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring three goals, delivering two assists and creating two big chances, as well as making 1 tackle and winning 2.7 duels on average per game, proving that he has the potential to be a threat in attacking play and offers defensive qualities too.

The young left-back could follow in the footsteps of Everton legend Leighton Baines who signed for the Toffees when he was just 22-years-old back in 2007, becoming one of the most promising left-sided defenders in the Premier League, earning 30 caps for the England national team thanks to his impressive impact at club level.

Truffert is currently in the France U21 team and will surely be hoping that he can one day break into the senior France team, something he could achieve by gaining more game-time and developing his craft with Everton just like Baines did for England.

With that being said, Lampard could unearth a great young prospect in the squad that can help him not only add depth on the left side of the squad but Truffert could also add another attacking threat in the side by emulating his success in forward play at Rennes.

AND in other news: Offer accepted: Everton closing in on 1st summer signing, Lampard will be ecstatic

Further updates have now emerged regarding reported Leeds United target Florian Grillitsch.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Grillitsch

Hailed as ‘exceptionally gifted’ by Hoffenheim director Alexander Rosen, the Bundesliga club’s midfielder was linked with a move to Elland Road in April.

Transfer insider Dean Jones revealed in recent weeks that the Austria international is still a target for the Whites and could come to Yorkshire even if Kalvin Phillips remains at the club.

Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old is out of contract at Hoffenheim at the end of this month, with Leeds still name-checked with an interest in recent reports.

The Latest: Romano provides Grillitsch transfer latest

MOT Leeds News relayed an update regarding Grillitsch from Austrian newspaper Die Presse Am Sonntag. They claimed that he has rejected a new contract offer from Hoffenheim, with Leeds, Arsenal, Everton, Lazio and Fiorentina all keen.

The report stated that Fiorentina have reached a verbal agreement, but according to an update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Saturday night, ‘there’s still no agreement’ between the Serie A club and Grillitsch.

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The Verdict: Time for Leeds to swoop?

Romano’s update is an apparent boost for Leeds, who still appear to be interested in securing Grillitsch’s services over the coming weeks.

However, they seem to be busy at this moment in time in looking to wrap up the signing of defensive midfielder Marc Roca from Bayern Munich.

It seems as if Victor Orta may want Grillitsch alongside Roca in midfield, with Phillips now expected to move to Manchester City, so the Whites may need to act fast in order to snap up the Austrian on a free transfer.

In other news: Leeds now won’t sign ‘superb’ midfielder despite Phil Hay revealing talks

Liverpool and Manchester City are both eyeing up a future move for Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Saka shines for Arsenal

The 20-year-old has already blossomed into arguably the first name on Arsenal’s team sheet these days, having made enormous strides in recent years.

Saka scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in the Premier League last season, also averaging 1.8 key passes per game, and has been valued at a whopping £58.5million by Transfermarkt.

While the England international may not be available this summer, Arsenal could find it hard to keep hold of him for years to come, with his contract currently ticking towards a conclusion in 2024.

The Latest: Liverpool and City keen on move

According to The Daily Mail, City have ‘stepped up their interest’ in Saka ahead of a future move but Liverpool are also mentioned in the conversation.

The Reds have ‘earmarked’ him as a target, as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his squad for the long term.

Saka actually shares an agent with Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo, who has 12 months remaining on his contract at Anfield.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398089″]

The Verdict: Next summer, perhaps?

While this summer looks like a no-go for Liverpool and Saka, a move for him this time next year could make more sense, at which point he would only have 12 months left on his current deal.

Mohamed Salah could also be on the verge of leaving Anfield then, judging by the current situation, and the Arsenal hero could be perfect to fill that void, such is his left-footed brilliance on the right-hand side with the Gunners.

He is also supremely versatile, racking up appearances in north London all the way up both flanks, at centre-midfield and even up front.

Saka is arguably one of England’s most exciting players and a leading figure for many years to come – Ray Parlour has called him a ‘revelation’ – and his style of play feels perfect for Liverpool, given his trickery out wide, goal threat and work ethic.

In other news, a journalist has bemoaned a Liverpool transfer rumour. Read more here.

A big Newcastle United claim has been issued regarding their pursuit of Dan Ashworth heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has claimed that the Magpies are now in fresh talks with Premier League rivals Brighton over a deal for the former FA chief ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “Dan Ashworth could arrive as Newcastle sporting director in time for summer transfer window after negotiations with Brighton reopen.”

The BBC’s Ian Dennis has backed up the claim with an update of his own, tweeting: “Brighton and Hove Albion and Newcastle United close to resolving situation regarding Dan Ashworth. So much so that Ashworth could be in position as #NUFC Sporting Director as early as next week.”

Eddie Howe will be delighted

The prospect of the Ashworth being in place for the upcoming transfer window will surely delight the Magpies head coach for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the sporting director can help to build the culture of the club and continue the development off the pitch as well as on it.

Prior to his position at the Amex Stadium, he played an important role in developing England’s youth setup.

Gareth Southgate previously heaped praise on Ashworth for his achievements with the FA, saying: “I told Dan (Ashworth) as we walked in that he should feel really proud. The last time we came to one of these it was in St Petersburg three years ago but this time we walked in as world champions at U17 and U20 and we’ve been to a seniors’ semi-final, so we deserve our place at the table.

“That is a great credit to everyone involved, the backing the FA has given us in building St George’s Park and investing in the teams, to the work being done in youth development and to Dan in particular for putting those plans in place, which we have seen pay off for Spain, Germany and France. It’s up to us now to continue the work that’s been started.”

Howe will also be delighted with Ashworth’s potential arrival, as it would be a huge boost to the club’s summer transfer plans. The Newcastle head coach needed to take additional responsibility in January in terms of spotting targets and completing deals, and bringing in a sporting director would take that weight off his shoulders.

The 44-year-old could spend more time focusing on his tactics and plans for what he wants to happen on the pitch next season, rather than spending the bulk of his time working on transfers. This would hopefully ensure that Newcastle have the best possible chance of enjoying another successful campaign under PIF’s ownership.

AND in other news, PIF could sign Newcastle’s answer to Haaland in “sensational” £60m “monster”…

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell, according to a report from the Lancashire Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Rothwell’s career so far

Formerly of Manchester United, Rothwell arrived at Ewood Park in 2018 and has since become a mainstay for the Lancashire side, amassing 161 appearances.

However, the 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of June (Transfermarkt), and it appears as though a move could be on the cards for the former England youth international.

It now seems as though Forest could be among the interested parties ahead of a crucial week…

The latest: Forest keen on Rothwell

As per the Lancashire Telegraph, Steve Cooper’s side, along with Sheffield United and already-promoted Bournemouth, are in the mix to sign Rothwell.

It is claimed that the Rovers midfielder is ‘expected to receive offers’ this summer from the aforementioned clubs.

The report stated that the man for whom Cooper admitted a ‘love’ following a 2-0 Forest victory at Ewood Park earlier this season is set to ‘leave’ the Lancashire club at the end of his current deal.

The verdict: Make it happen

Regardless of what happens next week at Wembley against Huddersfield Town in the play-off final, adding Rothwell to the City Ground ranks would be a smart move from Cooper.

During the 2021/22 campaign, the energetic midfielder scored three times and provided 10 assists in 41 Championship outings, earning an outstanding 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst winning three duels, making 1.7 key passes and playing on average 77 minutes per game.

Valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, signing Rothwell – who has been tipped to become a ‘top player’ by his manager Tony Mowbray – for free would have to be regarded as a superb piece of business to kickstart what could be an exciting summer on the transfer front at the City Ground… especially if there is a Premier League campaign for which to prepare.

James Hunter has now shared some more Sunderland injury news before the League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers.

The Lowdown: Team News

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Alex Neil revealed that there is a possibility that both Aiden McGeady and Leon Dajaku could now return for the final after their respective setbacks.

They still have to be assessed however, having only just returned to training with the squad.

The Latest: Winchester return?

Taking to Twitter, The Chronicle journalist Hunter has now shared a further update from Neil, in that Carl Winchester could also return unexpectedly after being involved in training:

“We have a pretty clean bill of health. Players like Carl Winchester, who we thought might not be involved, have been out training.”

The Verdict: Big boost

It is certainly a big boost to have Winchester back in contention for the final, having missed the last four matches with injury.

He has largely been a mainstay in the team this season when he has been fit, and his ability to play in a number of different positions on the pitch (Transfermarkt) could be so useful in case of injuries or any necessary tactical tweaks.

Winchester picked up two man-of-the match awards in the league campaign, and ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles, interceptions and pass success, on top of his three goals and one assist (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, he is clearly a key player for the Black Cats, and they will no doubt want him on the pitch in some capacity at Wembley Stadium to give them the best possible chance of going up.

In other news, find out what ‘interesting’ claim this former SAFC captain has now made on the final here!

Newcastle United reportedly now ‘want’ to sign Jules Kounde in what would be a club-record move this summer.

The Lowdown: January bid

As per Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park faithful ‘offered’ Sevilla as much as €70m (£59.3m) to try and sign Kounde in the January transfer window, but a move never materialised.

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That would have been a club-record deal, and now it seems they are going to try their luck again in the summer.

The Latest: Wanted

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the North East club still ‘want’ to sign Kounde, and are now a ‘rival’ to FC Barcelona for his signature.

However, the La Liga giants cannot afford to pay his €90m (£76.3m) release clause, which could well open the door for the Tynesiders.

The Verdict: Difficult

With teams like Barcelona weighing up a move for Kounde, there is no doubt that he will be a wanted man this summer, and so the Magpies may find it difficult to persuade him to join without any European football to offer.

Dubbed ‘world-class’ by former Tottenham Hotspur and England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson, the France international has played in the UEFA Champions League this season, and will be next term should Sevilla get a point in their last match of the league campaign.

Nonetheless, he is only 23 years of age, and may not feel like a move to the Toon suits him at this stage of his career.

In other news, find out which £36m-rated star NUFC could now sign for free here!