All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton have been busy in the transfer window this week, with the Toffees aiming to significantly bolster their forward line.

Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray both joined the club on the cheap, but the Merseysiders’ work isn’t done yet.

What’s the word?

With Richarlison and James Rodriguez both linked with exits, Everton may need to significantly bolster their options in the final third.

One man who could rejoin the club is Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley. He spent last term on loan at Aston Villa but has now headed back to the Blues, where he looks surplus to requirements.

David Moyes is hoping for a reunion at West Ham, but Everton and Newcastle are two of the other interested parties.

Another Francis Jeffers

If Barkley returns to Goodison Park this summer, it would have shades of Francis Jeffers at the turn of the millennium.

Jeffers came through the academy at Everton before earning a major £8m move to Arsenal. However, after scoring just eight goals in 39 league outings for the Gunners, he returned to the Toffees on loan for a season.

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He flopped at Arsenal and ultimately hasn’t been remembered too fondly by many supporters in Islington.

Therefore, it’s easy to see where the Barkley comparisons lie. Similarly to Jeffers, he was part of the academy in Merseyside before earning a huge move to a major London club.

He joined Chelsea in a £15m deal back in 2018 but has ultimately had a rather indifferent spell since heading to the capital.

Barkley was described as a “special talent” by Tim Cahill when he first burst onto the scene but has never lived up to expectations. The 27-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided just 11 assists in 86 outings for the Stamford Bridge club.

He’s also earned 33 caps for his country but it’s difficult to suggest that it’s worth bringing the attacking midfielder back to Goodison Park. The former Toffee endured a difficult loan with Villa last term, contributing just five goal involvements all season.

If Richarlison and James do leave this summer, Everton will need to find a player with the ability to produce moments of magic on a more regular basis.

Barkley once showed great promise but he simply isn’t that precocious player anymore. Rafa Benitez should look elsewhere this summer.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for 18-goal “supreme talent”, he’s their dream Richarlison successor…

Everton have reportedly called the agent of Denzel Dumfries ahead of a potential transfer in the summer window.

The Lowdown: Dumfries wanted

There have been various reports over the last few weeks with regards to interest from the Goodison Park outfit in signing Dumfries.

With the PSV Eindhoven ace impressing at Euro 2020 with the Netherlands so far, scoring two goals in his first two group games from the right-back position (Sofascore), he is bound to attract a lot more interest from other clubs in Europe ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The Latest: Agent called

As per Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton have called Dumfries’ agent Milo Raiola over a possible deal for the 25-year-old.

However, both Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have also called the agent of a player who has been described as a ‘revelation’ at the Euros by the Spanish media outlet who reported of the Toffees’ interest.

The Verdict: Sign quickly

Dumfries scored four goals and supplied a further nine assists in 41 games across all competitions in 2020/21 (Transfermarkt), showing just how much of an attacking threat he can pose despite being a defender by trade.

At 25 years of age, and being the captain of PSV, the Dutchman would appear to be an ideal long-term replacement for veteran Everton right-back Seamus Coleman.

However, with competition looking to hot up as the Euros continue, the Toffees need to be looking to sign him as soon as possible.

In other news, find out what transfer update has left these Everton fans buzzing!

Aston Villa don’t rate West Brom star Matheus Pereira as highly as other targets, according to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans.

And, as to be expected, the latest update has had plenty of Villa fans talking on social media.

Villa have been linked with a move for Pereira recently, however, it seems as if sporting director Johan Lange has two other players higher up on his summer wishlist.

According to Evans, Villa have already laid extensive groundwork over deals for Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia.

Evans adds that Pereira could still come into the reckoning regarding a Midlands switch, however, at this moment in time, the Brazilian isn’t rated as highly as McNeil or Buendia.

Villa reportedly want two or three signings ahead of the 2021/22 season, but it seems as if Pereira may not be one of those going off the latest update.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Evans’ claims on Pereira on social media on Friday morning. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with many not exactly thrilled and one describing the call as ‘stupid’.

“Can you imagine what Jack Grealish must think of this? Dwight McNeil ahead of Matheus Pereira? It’s an absolute joke. And with our business supposedly limited to 2/3 ‘smart’ signings it’s hardly surprising he’s linked to a City move this morning. No ambition whatsoever.”Credit: @_porsalin”Madness. Absolute madness. Seriously Smith doesn’t know a good winger”Credit: @Harry34740948″We are so stupid if that’s true”Credit: @jackavfc1″McNeil over Pereira??? Really???”Credit: @willjonesavfc1″Pereira should be our main priority after Buendia”Credit: @OllyAVFC_”I really don’t understand this but I’ve got faith in Lange”Credit: @compsavfc_

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Tom Heaton update, find out more here. 

If and when Ange Postecoglou is announced as the new manager of Celtic, he will have a huge job on his hands in the transfer market.

The Hoops are in danger of losing defensive stalwart Kristoffer Ajer to England or Germany while star striker Odsonne Edouard could also flee Parkhead.

He seemingly has a deal wrapped up to reunite his relationship with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester but that hasn’t been formally announced yet.

What’s the word?

Crucial to Postecoglou’s success will be finding a new striker. We know Celtic don’t have a bottomless pit of money so they will have to be shrewd in the window.

One way of being just that will be to sign players who are out of contract in the summer.

According to Ghana Soccer Net, the Bhoys are interested in securing the services of Andre Ayew, who will be available on a free transfer this summer.

The attacker is currently under contract with Swansea City but his terms in Wales expire at the end of the month.

Ayew was a target under Rodgers but now the Hoops are seemingly casting their eyes towards him again.

Edouard successor?

The Ghanaian might be the wrong side of 30 but there is no denying his fabulous ability to find the back of the net.

Edouard scored 22 goals this term and has been Celtic’s top scorer for three years in a row so if he does leave, finding a replacement is absolutely necessary.

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Ayew would presumably only give the Hoops a couple of years of service but despite his age, he seems to be improving.

The striker has a relentless never-say-die attitude that saw him score 17 goals last term, taking his tally in Swansea colours to 47 strikes.

The 2020/21 campaign was his best for attacking numbers, usurping the 16 occasions he beat the goalkeeper during the 2019/20 season.

With that in mind, it would appear that Ayew is getting even better as time goes on. Described as “brilliant” by Swans manager Steve Cooper, his professionalism could be incredibly beneficial for the players coming through at Lennoxtown.

Speaking earlier this year, Cooper commented: “We know he has the ability, he can be as good as anyone in the league and he can play at a higher level.

“But the fact he is showing the commitment and work-rate he is, means it is rubbing off on everybody. It is certainly motivating me to see a player so committed to what we are doing.”

For a new manager to arrive and instantly insert a player like that into his team would give everybody a lift.

His experience is fabulous and would surely be game-changing for young players like Karamoko Dembele.

Celtic are at a stage where they need to welcome younger players into the first-team but it’s impossible to ignore a player of Ayew’s talents.

In winning three aerial duels per match, he is a physical presence in attack while his 1.5 dribbles per game dictate that he can beat defenders in a technical capacity too.

The Ghana international has everything needed to succeed in the Scottish game. He’d be a very good short-term replacement if Edouard does leave, as is expected.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Postecoglou: Celtic can forge dream duo by signing “breathtaking” 29 y/o…

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a loan move for William Saliba in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Saliba future unclear

As per Sky Sports, Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Ben White from Brighton and Hove Albion, leaving the future of Saliba very much unclear.

The central defender spent the 2020/21 season on loan at OGC Nice, but with White potentially coming to the Emirates Stadium for big money, it certainly casts doubt over how much game time he would be allowed.

The Latest: Saliba loan?

According to the Daily Mail, the St. James’ Park faithful are eyeing a potential loan move for Saliba, as they monitor his situation at the Gunners.

They are said to be keeping tabs on the Frenchman, although their transfer business is on hold at present as Mike Ashley continues to discuss the proposed takeover in the North East from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The Verdict: Sign

Bought for a hefty £27m in July 2019 despite only being a teenager, Mikel Arteta’s team clearly saw a lot of potential in Saliba, and the Magpies could certainly take advantage by furthering his development.

He has no shortage of admirers, none more so than former Tyneside club stars Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy, have both sung his praises in the past (Ligue 1 podcast).

Saliba was a regular starter in Ligue 1 last term, and certainly showed just how talented he is already despite being 20 years of age, winning no fewer than 3.5 of his duels a game while also averaging four clearances and 1.3 interceptions per match (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, he would certainly be another good option to have for Steve Bruce.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ NUFC transfer claim has been dropped here!

Derby County striker Martyn Waghorn has been linked with a move to fellow Championship club Cardiff City this summer.

The Lowdown: Waghorn out of contract

The 31-year-old scored five goals and registered four assists in the Championship in 2020/21, doing his bit to keep the Rams in the division. His contribution on the final day of the campaign was nothing short of heroic, scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Sheffield Wednesday when a defeat would have sent Wayne Rooney’ side down and kept the Owls in the second tier.

Like a number of Derby players, however, Waghorn’s contract at Pride Park expires in the summer, meaning that he is likely to move on to pastures new.

The Latest: Cardiff linked with move

According to Football Insider, Cardiff are eyeing up a move for the forward, looking to bring him in on a free transfer over the summer.

Waghorn, who earns £7,900 per week and has been described as ‘excellent’ by journalist Ryan Conway, could yet stay at Derby, with the club reportedly keen on giving him a new deal.

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Waghorn still has enough quality to suggest that Derby should retain his services moving forward, with the striker scoring 30 goals in 123 appearances for the Rams, also registering 13 assists.

At 31, it would be remiss to think of him as an ‘old’ player. He still has plenty to offer, coming good when it mattered most at the season’s climax, while his Championship pedigree speaks for itself, having netted 75 times in the division throughout his career.

Waghorn might not be perfect, but he doesn’t stand out as someone Derby should be quick to jettison. Failing to offer him a new deal wouldn’t be much gratitude for scoring the goals which kept them up on the final day.

In other news, some Derby fans have been calling for one of Waghorn’s team-mates to be sold this summer. Find out who it is here.

A number of Wolves supporters have been hailing Vitinha’s performance in the 1-1 draw away to West Brom on Monday night.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team were hoping for a rare positive outing in what has been a frustrating season as they headed to The Hawthorns for the Black Country derby.

Wolves could only pick up a point against their struggling rivals, though, with Fabio Silva and Mbaye Diagne exchanging goals.

It wasn’t exactly a vintage performance from Nuno’s men, who would have been hoping for a win against a team who have been towards the bottom of the table all season.

One player who stood out for Wolves, though, was Vitinha, having been handed just his third start in the Premier League in 2020/21. As per Sofascore, the 21-year-old found a team-mate with 54 of his 60 passes, won six duels and completed three dribbles, while he was also involved in the move which led to Silva’s opener and named as Sky Sports’ man of the match.

Wolves fans hail Vitinha after West Brom draw

The midfielder was a lively presence at The Hawthorns and these Wolves fans took to Twitter to praise his efforts, with many bemoaning the fact that he hasn’t played more often this season.

“Turns out Vitinha is one of our best players”

Credit: @JasonJ1987

“Many fans have known this for ages. Been very frustrated that he hasn’t been given a chance”

Credit: @amarsmusicshow

“Vitinha’s been on the bench all this time”

Credit: @calwwfc19

“Vitinha tonight though…. can we just appreciate how class he played. 100% deserved to start”

Credit: @MaddocksVicki

“Better performance but the shining sunlight came from Vitinha who was fantastic. A certain star for next season”

Credit: @dougan_the

“Vitinha gonna be some player”

Credit: @FairfaxJosh

In other news, some Wolves fans have been left annoyed by comments made by one player. Find out who it is here.

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 278 appearances during his career, has claimed that Sergio Aguero would do well at Everton under Carlo Ancelotti.

Aguero is set to leave Manchester City after their Champions League final against Chelsea and he has reportedly already held talks with Barcelona over a potential move this summer.

City’s all-time top scorer has also been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer as the 32-year old may feel he still has plenty to offer in the Premier League, despite Pep Guardiola seeing him as surplus to requirements.

Speaking on how Aguero is still good enough to play in the Premier League and why a team like Everton would be good for Aguero, Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s a goal machine because you give him a chance and he’ll score. I don’t think he’s past it, but obviously, Pep is looking for something else.

“Somebody like Everton would be good for him. So I think given the right kind of contract and if he wants the move, then a deal can definitely be done.”

Aguero showed everyone what he is still capable of with his goal two weeks ago against Crystal Palace, but he was left rather red-faced when his panenka penalty was saved by Edouard Mendy last weekend.

Man City’s final league game of the season is set to have fans inside the Etihad which will allow them to give Aguero a send-off after lifting the Premier League trophy.

A number of Manchester City fans have been reacting to comments from Pep Guardiola on Sergio Aguero after the Argentine played his last Premier League game for the Citizens.

On Sunday, City wrapped up the league campaign in style as they thrashed Everton 5-0. After the match, they received the Premier League trophy at the Etihad Stadium as they were able to celebrate with the fans – it was a special day for the all involved with the club.

The £22.5m-valued striker (Transfermarkt), who scored twice against the Toffees after coming on from the bench, will depart the club at the end of the season. He has scored 260 goals in 389 matches for City (Transfermarkt), becoming their all-time leading scorer, and he will be an incredibly hard player to replace.

After the match, Sky Sports spoke to Guardiola about Aguero, and he was unable to hold back the tears when describing the 32-year-old, about whom he said: “We love him so much. He is a special person for us…We cannot replace him.”

The manager’s emotional comments have attracted plenty of attention from the City supporters, and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Guardiola’s comments on Aguero

“This broke me. And this is why I love Pep & #MCFC”

Credit: @BobbieJack77

“Guardiola got me all emotional with this one”

Credit: @Demmiedgod

“And people say he hates him, have some shame!”

Credit: @poli_thundermc

“Can’t stop the tears! I’m so happy for Aguero but really sad for us fans”

Credit: @omidvheravi

“you can’t do without tears – these are emotions and this is wonderful”

Credit: @CgON0NIPt523qIA

“in tears”

Credit: @93Noorr

In other news, some Man City fans slammed this man’s performance against Everton.

Leeds now face a major battle to sign Stade Brest full-back Romain Perraud in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay revealed back in February that the 23-year-old Frenchman is someone who Marcelo Bielsa’s side are genuinely interested in, but it now appears that a deal won’t be as easy or straightforward.

According to The Daily Mail, Perraud’s performances this season in Ligue 1 have now also alerted French giants Lyon and Marseille of his talents, with the former potentially being available to offer Champions League football for next season.

The report adds that “Leeds want Perraud for their left-back berth as Ezgjan Alioski is out of contract in the summer and talking to Galatasaray”.

Exciting for Bielsa

With three goals and five assists in 30 Ligue 1 games this season, Perraud has been every bit of the attacking full-back that Bielsa would surely love to have at Elland Road given the Leeds boss’ style of play.

Speaking on his podcast, The Athletic’s Phil Hay said: “He’s starting to become one of the leading left-backs, seen by many people, as the best left-back or one of them in France’s top division.

“It’s very clear from the performance data that he’s a very attacking left-back, who is good at creating chances, taking shots himself, a threat going forward, but also really good at employing the press, good as part of a team that likes to press aggressively. On those basic pointers, you can see why Leeds are interested.”

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And a player profile from by Get French Football News revealed: “Romain Perraud rapidly became a fan-favourite at the Stade Charlety, thanks to some Roberto Carlos-esque rockets from outside the box. Keeping everything in perspective, Perraud’s style is, on some points, quite similar to the former Real Madrid full-back’s. He has a fighting mentality, an incredible shot power and a left-foot that has proven throughout the season to be a deadly weapon for set-pieces.”

With a “fighting mentality”, and as someone who presses well and gets forward, the 5 foot 8 speedster seems perfect for Bielsa-ball at Elland Road, and would surely hit the ground running.

Given his performances this season, it’s no surprise why Leeds are keen on signing the £7.2m-rated Perraud this summer, and it’s absolutely imperative Victor Orta does his job and convinces the 23-year-old that his future is brightest at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Leeds could form a scary Premier League duo by signing this star…