All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa have been linked to a La Liga ace, in a signing that could bolster Unai Emery’s midfield this summer.

The Spaniard has enjoyed an emphatic first season at Villa Park, however, is on the path to exceed further expectations, having secured the club European football next campaign.

From Marco Asensio to Pau Torres, the Midlands outfit has been rumoured to be a potential new home for an array of stars in the Spanish top division, with the latest rumoured target following suit.

What’s the latest on Andre Almeida to Aston Villa?

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that the Valencia midfielder, Andre Almeida, has 'caught the attention' of Aston Villa.

The Portuguese midfielder is also rated by Brighton, with the struggling Spanish giants aiming to free up finances this summer to reinforce other areas of the squad.

The report claims the 23-year-old could be sold for a figure around €30m (£26m) after shining in what has been an abysmal season for Los Che.

What could Andre Almeida bring to Aston Villa?

Despite being part of a Valencia side still mildly threatened by relegation from the Spanish top tier, Almeida has settled into his surroundings impressively since signing from Vitoria Guimaraes last summer.

Likened to Newcastle United ace Bruno Guimaraes by FBref, the defensive midfielder enjoys a battle in the engine room, as well as being a strong distributor of the ball and competent in transitioning play.

Such strengths are supported by his numbers, with the 23-year-old “talented” gem – as per scout Antonio Mango – averaging 2.42 tackles per 90 minutes, as well as flexing his ability in moving the ball in averaging 7.11 progressive passes and 2.64 progressive carries per 90.

In La Liga this season, the Portuguese ace has maintained an accurate passing rate of 85%, and has secured four assists, showcasing his competency as a ball-playing midfielder – as per Sofascore.

The youngster could be a strong addition for Emery to introduce to his midfield, and could prove to be a perfect pairing for Boubacar Kamara, who has had his game time limited since arriving due to injury.

The Frenchman, like Almeida is a strong asset to have in deep midfield, branded as a “monster” by Villa pundit Ty Bracey, the 2022 signing showcases a more combative side to the art of the defensive role, which could balance the attacking expertise of the Portuguese.

While the Valencia star’s numbers are more influential in progressive play, Kamara is better defensively, averaging 2.94 tackles per 90 to his 2.42, as well as ranking in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for blocks per 90, with 1.92 – as per FBref.

Having a midfield pivot of two defensively competent players with one ball player is a combination for the ages, and one that has been successful throughout the history of the Premier League.

Take Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri for Manchester City this season, and Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka for Arsenal, both duos are powerhouses in retrieving the ball, with one individual in each partnership excelling in playing the ball.

While Douglas Luiz’s position in Emery’s midfield is paramount, competition could allow the Spaniard to exercise what his best formation and combination in the middle of the park may be, making Almeida a strong contender this summer.

Leeds United suffered relegation down to the Championship last week as they finished 19th in the Premier League table with a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on the final day.

The Whites are now braced for a summer of change, as they remain without a manager following Sam Allardyce's exit, and that could include plenty of movement in the playing squad.

One player who could be on his way out of Elland Road is central midfielder Marc Roca, who arrived at the club from German giants Bayern Munich last summer.

The Athletic's Phil Hay has reported that an exit is 'likely' for the 26-year-old and that he could make a return to Spain, where LaLiga outfit Real Betis have been credited with an interest in his services.

Who could replace Marc Roca at Leeds?

U21 midfielder Lewis Bate, who has been out on loan at Oxford United in League One, could make the step up to replace the Spaniard next season.

The 20-year-old, who has played four first-team matches for the club, offers similar attributes to Roca in the middle of the park as he has the ability to create chances for his teammates from a central midfield position and has the defensive awareness to make interventions at the back on a regular basis.

In League One, the youngster averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.84 across 28 appearances and made 1.1 key passes and two tackles and interceptions per game for his side.

Roca, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.81 in the Premier League across 32 matches and made 2.7 tackles and interceptions and one key pass per outing for Leeds.

This suggests that the pair, who both averaged between 79 and 80% pass accuracy in their respective divisions, are both combative midfielders who can also put their foot on the ball and use their quality to find teammates in attacking positions in order to create goalscoring opportunities.

Recruitment analyst and U18 specialist Connor Rowden claimed that Bate's ability to "control" games is "unparalleled" amongst his peers and this suggests that the academy gem could excel in the Championship in games that Leeds are expected to dominate in as teams potentially sit back in low blocks in an attempt to counter-attack against a side that was just in the top-flight.

He could use his ball-playing quality to wear down teams by rotating possession and shifting the opposition from side to side before utilising his creativity to play a killer ball to find a teammate in the final third.

The former Chelsea starlet's creative statistics in the third tier this season indicate that he has been able to translate his skills from youth level over to senior football and Leeds must now hand him an opportunity to showcase his talent in the second tier in 2023/24 after a full year of development under his belt.

Bate, based on his solid form for Oxford this term, could make the step up and save the club millions by coming in as a direct replacement for Roca, assuming the Spaniard does depart the Yorkshire side this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are a club in a tight spot at the minute and will be happy that the 2022/23 campaign has come to an end to give them some respite as they continue to hunt for a new manager.

Ryan Mason is currently in caretaker charge of the Lilywhites and will be in the dugout for their last Premier League match of this term away to Leeds United, where Spurs need to win to stand any chance of securing continental qualification for the Europa Conference League.

In regard to their ongoing search for a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is the latest name to rule himself out of contention for the role, as per BBC Sport, with the 44-year-old stating in an interview: "My wish is to stay at Feyenoord and continue working on what we created last year."

Sky Sports News have delivered an update on the state of play involving Tottenham, revealing on Twitter: "Tottenham will turn their attentions to Celtic's Ange Postecoglou, Brighton's Roberto de Zerbi, and Fulham's Marco Silva in their search for a new manager."

Although, a De Zerbi appointment does look unlikely, but you can never say never.

What's the latest news involving Roberto De Zerbi and what can he bring to Tottenham Hotspur?

The Sky Sports News claim details that Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is 'under consideration' for the 'vacant role at Tottenham', someone who journalist Paul Brown thinks would be a good appointment for Spurs as they look to bring some stability to N17.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Brown said when asked about potential candidates to replace Conte at the helm: "I think Spurs need a young, hungry manager who can come in and start again and remove some of the baggage at the club. Bring through some of the young players they have there, change the style, focus, ethos and build something slowly. Thomas Frank, I think, would certainly tick some of those boxes and I'm surprised they haven't approached Brentford about interviewing him. De Zerbi also has received huge praise in the last couple of weeks, quite rightly so. I think he's also someone Spurs should seriously look at, you'd have to ask the question whether he would take the job after doing such good work at Brighton, frankly, but he certainly is someone they should go for I think in my opinion."

In the case of De Zerbi, there is no doubt that he would help to lift spirits around The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium His debut campaign in English football has been excellent, as the Italian has managed to successfully guide the Seagulls to Europa League qualification for the first time in their history.

As per BBC Sport, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given some extremely high praise to the 43-year-old, stating: "Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years." He then added: "There is no team playing the way they play – it's unique.

"I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn't expect him to do it in this short space of time. He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn't been for a long time. They deserve completely the success they have."

De Zerbi prefers to operate in a possession-based style and build attacking phases from deep, something that involves his players being brave in possession. His high-pressing mantra is another quality that would surely make him an ideal candidate for the Tottenham job and would excite the Lilywhites' faithful, as per Coaches Voice.

He is also a skilled developer of young talent and has allowed the likes of Julio Enciso, Evan Ferguson, Facundo Buonanotte and Deniz Undav to sparkle this season.

Of course, one key priority for any incoming Spurs boss this summer will be trying to help keep Harry Kane at the club, who has registered 30 goals and five assists in 48 appearances this campaign, as per Transfermarkt. Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are all said to be sniffing around the £200k-a-week ace, whose deal in north London expires in 2024; nevertheless, it is believed that Daniel Levy will be a tough man to do business with and may even be willing to let him run his contract down at Spurs.

That can't be allowed to happen for several reasons. However, appointing someone like De Zerbi may be able to increase their chances of keeping the England international around for a longer period of time.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk boss is highly thought of in footballing circles and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also complimented his managerial style following Brighton's 6-0 demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, as per BBC Sport via The Argus, saying: “Brighton played one of the best football games this weekend that I have ever seen in my life, I have to say. Mr De Zerbi, wow! That was incredible."

Indeed, the fact that he's so highly-rated and has worked wonders at Brighton, which Kane will have seen playing in the same league, could turn his head should Levy manage to somehow land him.

Tottenham need some clear guidance in the dugout heading into next term and De Zerbi would be an ambitious appointment that would get plenty of optimism flowing following a period of turbulence on and off the field.

Leeds United are battling Tottenham and Man City in the race to sign young goalkeeper Rory Mahady, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns.

The Lowdown: Mahady profiled

Mahady is currently on the books in Scotland with Celtic but has yet to pen a professional deal at Parkhead due to his age.

The 15-year-old will be able to sign a first pro deal later this year when he turns 16. Mahady has already played for Scotland at Under-17 level and is regarded as ‘one of the best young keepers in Britain’.

Celtic are keen to keep hold of the youngster this summer, but it looks as if Victor Orta and Leeds are looking to pounce when he turns 16 in August.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Reliable reporter Burns shared a story on Tuesday afternoon, stating that the Whites are long-term admirers of Mahady.

However, Leeds now face competition from both Spurs and Manchester City for the goalkeeper’s services, with Celtic due compensation if a transfer south goes through.

Tottenham look set to sign a more senior shot-stopper in the shape of Fraser Forster, and given the north Londoners’ quest to fix their homegrown quota issue, perhaps they pose the biggest threat to Leeds in the race for Mahady.

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The Verdict: Another academy addition…

Even though Orta is looking to bolster Jesse Marsch’s senior squad this summer, it seems as if Leeds will still be in the market to sign the best youngsters around for their academy.

The Whites are firming up their interest in young Birmingham City midfielder George Hall, and it appears as if Mahady is also on their radar.

The Scot seems to be a future star with a glowing reference and the size of the clubs interested, so hopefully, the Celtic man will follow in the footsteps of Leo Hjelde by swapping Celtic Park for Elland Road.

In other news – £34m release clause: Leeds now interested in move for ‘special talent’ who Marsch loves

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move to bring Alessandro Bastoni to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Antonio Conte has made movements in the last few hours regarding a deal for the Inter Milan centre-back, with an official offer for the 23-year-old set to be made at any time.

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The report added that the Nerazzurri would be willing to part with the Italy international in order to ease their financial concerns, with a bid of around €70m (£60m) expected to be enough for the Serie A runners-up to sanction the defender’s sale this summer.

Spurs’ own Steph Curry

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Bastoni quite clearly possesses, and with the signing of a left-footed centre-back reported to be one of Conte’s priorities in the summer, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old would be keen on a move to bring the youngster to north London.

Indeed, over his 31 Serie A appearances this season, the £60m-rated talent was imperious in Simone Inzaghi’s backline, helping his side to keep eight clean sheets, in addition to making 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.8 clearances and winning 4.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per game.

The £122k-per-week defender also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his team-mates, along with averaging 50.5 passes, four long balls and 0.5 key passes per match.

These returns saw the player who Muhammad Butt dubbed a “special talent” average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Inter’s eighth-best performer in the league.

Aside from his defensive solidity, it is perhaps Bastoni’s creative output which is the most eye-catching of his statistics. It’s something which looks as if it is a conscious effort made by the 23-year-old, as the Italian himself revealed in April that he draws inspiration from Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry.

In comments cited by Italian Football TV, Bastoni said: “One of my idols is Steph Curry, my dream is to watch him play. He changed the rules of how you defend in basketball and I want to do the same in football. I don’t like to just defend, I like to attack as well.”

As such, considering his undoubted talent, his suitability to Conte’s style of football and his potential for future growth, it would seem an extremely wise move for Fabio Paratici to do everything he can to try and land the centre-back for Spurs this summer, as Bastoni could well go on to become Tottenham’s very own Curry.

AND in other news – Deal agreed: Paratici set to seal “big signing” for Spurs, he’s “ready-made” for Conte

A major Rangers development has emerged as Ibrox defender Borna Barisic has made a key decision heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Scotland, the left-back has decided that he wants to remain at Rangers and continue to fight for his place in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team next season.

The report claims that the Gers are not pushing to sell him in the coming months but would be willing to consider a sale if the right offer came in for his services.

It is stated that the club rejected two offers for Barisic during the January transfer window, including one worth around £2m from Premier League side Watford as they attempted to snap him up.

Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing

The Ibrox head coach will be buzzing with this news as Barisic has been a big member of the squad throughout the campaign for the Dutchman.

Van Bronckhorst placed his faith in the Croatian throughout the impressive Europa League run. The defender played 14 times in the competition and started 12 matches – including the final – as the Gers lost on penalties to Frankfurt in Seville.

He made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 63% of his duels at left-back as he seemingly earned the manager’s trust. Instead of moving Calvin Bassey out to full-back, the head coach selected the 29-year-old on a regular basis in Europe and this highlights how much he values the gem.

Meanwhile, he played 23 matches in the Premiership as he found minutes harder to come by in competition with Bassey at times. When he did play, though, he caught the eye with some impressive displays as he averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.29.

In the Scottish top-flight, Barisic created an eye-catching 1.9 chances per game as he provided an attacking threat from left-back. He also won 67% of his duels as he stood up to the physical tests thrown his way throughout the campaign.

Therefore, van Bronckhorst will be delighted to learn that the player is committed to Rangers and wants to stay and fight for his place in the XI. The defender played a key role domestically and in Europe and, unless a big offer that allows the club to bring a replacement comes in, keeping hold of him will be a boost to the head coach this summer.

AND in other news, Rangers can land dream Kent heir in deal for £1.5m “asset” who can “affect the game”…

Crystal Palace have been handed a major boost ahead of their clash against Manchester United today.

What’s the latest?

As per a report from Football.London, the Red Devils will be without the Portuguese talisman that is Cristiano Ronaldo.

It is said that the 37-year-old has sustained a hip flexor injury ahead of today’s game, consequently ruling him out.

United will also be without France midfielder Paul Pogba, in what is a double blow for Manchester United and a double boost for Crystal Palace. Pogba looks to have played his final game for the club and will not get the opportunity to sign off in style in a United shirt.

A double boost for Vieira

Whilst the two injuries represent a big blow for United, the news comes as a major boost for a Palace side who are looking to secure a top-half Premier League finish.

Vieira needs a win against United, who were thrashed by top half battlers Brighton last time out.

With the likes of Ronaldo out, who has scored an incredible 18 goals in his first season back in England, Palace will have one less focal point to worry about.

Whilst Pogba’s absence will also harm United’s creative prospects in possession.

Rangnick’s side have registered 65 big chances this season, and the combination of Ronaldo and Pogba are responsible for 13 of those this season, despite missing games.

Vieira’s side will consequently have the luxury of aiming most of their concentration on the transitional aspects of the game, rather than spending resources trying to mark the likes of Ronaldo and Pogba out of the game.

With the lack of quality depth at United this season, they should not have to worry too much about the Red Devils’ threat and will feel confident out-of-possession, having conceded just 46 goals this season in what makes them the seventh-best defence in the league.

In other news: Crystal Palace to bid farewell to £3m “natural leader”, Vieira surely gutted 

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made an exciting claim regarding Leeds United and a possible pursuit of Wolves winger Adama Traore. 

The lowdown: Traore’s troubles

In January, the 26-year-old joined Barcelona on loan until the end of the season, with a £29m permanent option included in the deal.

However, since arriving in Spain, the powerful ace has made just 10 La Liga appearances for the Catalan giants, completing 90 minutes on only one occasion.

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Traore is now expected to return to Molineux at the end of the season, where his future remains in the balance.

The latest: Traore ‘open’ to Leeds move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has suggested that Leeds will likely be among the leading contenders to land the Spain winger in the summer.

The journalist explained: “He knows they want him. I think he’s been open to it in the past. If there’s no future for him at Wolves, or Barcelona, then he will have to consider it.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Traore was once dubbed ‘undefendable’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp due to his frightening pace, power and direct running style, possessing all the raw attributes to succeed at a high level, but he has often flattered to deceive in the final third.

Despite the eight-cap Spain international’s frightening physicality, he has just 24 direct goal contributions in 160 Premier League appearances and has earned a lowly 6.94 Sofascore rating in the Spanish top flight this term – taking only 23 touches per game – in a disappointing 2021/22 campaign.

However, with the long term future of Raphinha at Elland Road in doubt and fellow winger Dan James failing to hit the ground running in Yorkshire, Whites manager Jesse Marsch would indeed be wise to keep Traore in mind if the price is right this summer as Wolves potentially look to cut their losses on the 26-year-old.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has given his reaction to the news that Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has returned to fitness this week. 

The lowdown: Back in contention

The 30-year-old returned to the matchday squad for the first time in four Premier League games for the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in midweek but remained an unused substitute.

Following a foot injury that kept the Brazilian forward out for six games, Firmino appears likely to now be in contention to feature in the FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, unlike his compatriot Fabinho who is ruled out with a hamstring strain.

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Despite the firepower now at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, such is the continued importance of Firmino that his comeback has been heralded by at least one invested onlooker…

The latest: ‘Absolutely massive’

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT pundit Campbell explained why news of the false nine’s availability is so crucial.

He said: “It’s a massive boost. It is absolutely massive for them. They have the FA Cup final coming up. His experience will count for a lot during this run-in.

“Liverpool are going for the quadruple, even though the league is in City’s hands. I don’t think they’ll mess up. To get one of your mainstays back at this stage of the season is really important for Jurgen Klopp.

“Even though they only have a few games left they will need to rotate. There will be some tired legs in that dressing room. Let’s not forget, Firmino, [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane are electric together.”

The verdict: Plenty left to offer…

Albeit the arrival and subsequent impact of both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz has seen Firmino fall down the pecking order somewhat this season, there can be no underestimating the 55-cap ace’s continued importance in the eyes of Jurgen Klopp.

So often the man to turn to in order to change the pattern of a game – coming from the bench nine times in the league alone this term – the skilful Samba star who was hailed as ‘special’ by Klopp in 2020 has still managed 11 goals and four assists this term in just 31 outings across all competitions.

Overall, Firmino has earned a 6.96 Sofascore rating in the Premier League, winning 2.9 of his total duels, making 1.2 tackles and completing 80% of his passes on average per game.

Given the lack of recent game time, it seems unlikely that Klopp will turn to his trusted forward from the outset at Wembley, however, don’t rule out an influence from the bench or indeed a starting spot in Paris against Real Madrid.

In other news, French newspaper cites Liverpool interest in ‘unstoppable’ speedster. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Noi Biancocelesti (via Sport Witness), who claim that Antonio Conte would love to bring the Lazio midfielder to north London this summer, with the 52-year-old said to have been incredibly impressed by the 27-year-old after facing him on numerous occasions during his time at Inter Milan.

However, the report goes on to state that the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester United are also interested in the Serbia international, with the latter even believed to have submitted a £68m offer.

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On Lazio’s part, it is said that club president Claudio Lotito is willing to listen to all offers for the midfielder, in the hope that something of a bidding auction is launched for the former KRC Genk starlet.

The next Dembele

While Milinkovic-Savic has been an extremely consistent performer for Lazio ever since his €9m (£7.5m) move to the Stadio Olimpico back in the summer of 2015, the box-to-box midfielder has undoubtedly taken his game to another level this season.

Indeed, over his 34 Serie A appearances this term, the £63m-rated Serbian has been in breathtaking form, scoring ten goals, registering 11 assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

The £95k-per-week talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 49.7 passes, 1.2 clearances and winning 7.1 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who David Amoyal dubbed “unreal” average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.29, not only ranking him as Maurizio Sarri’s best performer in the Italian top flight but also the fifth-best midfielder and the tenth-best player overall in Serie A as a whole.

As such, being a player who is deadly in the final third, accomplished with the ball at his feet and extremely strong in the tackle, should Fabio Paratici and Conte go on to secure a deal for Milinkovic-Savic, they could well have landed Tottenham’s next Mousa Dembele – a player who possessed an extremely similar skill-set to that of the Lazio dynamo.

Indeed, it would certainly appear as if the 27-year-old would make a fantastic addition to Conte’s current options in the middle of the park, however, with United, Madrid, Munich, PSG and Juve all believed to be keen on the 30-time capped international, Paratici will certainly have his work cut out if he is to land Milinkovic-Savic this summer.

AND in other news: Conte now plotting THFC bid for “refreshing” £34m-rated gem, he’d be a “great signing”