All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa saw a £25million bid for Yves Bissouma rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy. 

The journalist tweeted that Villa are now prioritising a deal for Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur after Brighton batted away their offer for the 25-year-old.

Steven Gerrard seems intent on signing another midfielder before the January transfer window closes in a week’s time.

Villa bid was only half of Brighton’s valuation

The Athletic’s Brighton correspondent Andy Naylor wrote earlier in January that it would take a bid of £50m for the Seagulls to consider parting with Bissouma this month. They don’t see any need to sell, even though the Mali international is into the final 18 months of his contract and has apparently given no indication that he will sign an extension at the Amex Stadium.

Bissouma has previously been ‘linked’ with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal, who all may now hope to beat Villa to his signature.

The Midlands outfit have spent £27m so far in Gerrard’s first transfer window, signing Lucas Digne permanently from Everton and loaning in Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen.

Here’s what Villa fans made of Percy’s revelation about the rejected bid for Bissouma, with many believing that sporting director Johan Lange has foolishly low-balled on the midfielder’s true value.

Villa supporters baffled by Bissouma bid

“25 mil? That’s embarrassing”

Credit: @_ali_mans

“Villa’s ‘bids’ for JWP, Smith-Rowe and Bissouma have been laughable. Significantly undervalued talent with bids that were never in a million years going to be accepted”

Credit: @military_villan

“Bidding 25m for Bissouma was kind of wild tbh”

Credit: @obeball_

“Lange are you ok? 25m you know”

Credit: @WazeUTV

“£25m, they were never gonna accept that”

Credit: @DaleAC93

“£25m is embarrassing”

Credit: @villavisionben

In other news, another midfield target has emerged for Villa

With the recent news that Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh picked up an injury while on international duty with Scotland U21s on Tuesday, in addition to the fact that fellow centre-back Carl Starfelt is also a doubt for the Bhoys’ upcoming Scottish League Cup semi-final, Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly be starting to get something of a selection headache ahead of the weekend.

Indeed, should both Welsh and Starfelt be unavailable for the fixture against St. Johnstone, the 56-year-old Hoops manager will only have the options of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Osaze Urhoghide to pick from in the heart of his defence, with the latter two yet to feature in a single league fixture for Celtic this season.

However, despite the magnitude of Saturday’s clash, the fixture would nevertheless appear to be the perfect opportunity for Postecoglou to finally unleash the 21-year-old Urhoghide, as the defender very much appears to possess the potential to become a first-team regular at Parkhead before too long.

Urhoghide is more than ready

Indeed, the £270k-rated centre-back has already more than proven he is ready for professional football, as, prior to his switch to Celtic, the 21-year-old made 16 Championship appearances in his final campaign with Sheffield Wednesday, helping his side keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 2.7 clearances and winning 5.8 duels per game.

These returns saw the defender who Darren Moore dub an “immense” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 6.63, a highly impressive feat considering his tender age and his club’s ultimate relegation to League One.

As such, despite Postecoglou’s recent suggestion that, due to a lack of opportunity, he may look to send Urhoghide out on loan in the January transfer window, the 56-year-old simply must unleash the centre-back this weekend, as, with a solid performance against St. Johnstone, the 21-year-old could well convince his manager he is worthy of his starting spot in the Celtic XI.

In other news: Out with the old: Ange can revolutionise Celtic with attention-grabbing 16 y/o prodigy

Writing for 90min, reporter Graeme Bailey has shared an update on Declan Rice and his future at West Ham United as clubs eye a move for the 22-year-old.

The Lowdown: Rice thriving…

After an impressive Euro 2020 campaign with England, the Irons midfielder has continued to thrive at club level under David Moyes.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, according to WhoScored, no West Ham regular with more than one start has averaged a higher passing accuracy than the 22-year-old (92%), with Rice also making the joint-highest interceptions per 90 in midfield.

This has prompted clubs to sit up and take notice, especially after he rejected two offers of a new deal at the London Stadium over the summer transfer window (The Guardian).

Rice has been a key part of Moyes’ high-flying West Ham side, who currently sit in the top four and are well in contention for a Champions League place, but news has now emerged on his future in the capital.

The Latest: Bailey drops Rice exit claim…

Writing for 90min, Bailey has now claimed that the Three Lions ace is ‘prepared to leave West Ham’ in the ‘summer of 2022’ – regardless of whether they seal a place in the European Cup next season.

Indeed, as written in their headline, West Ham and Moyes ‘could lose’ the player, with their report going on to mention that Premier League champions Manchester City are currently frontrunners for his signature.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested and it is believed that GSB ‘will not stand in Rice’s way’ if their £120m valuation is met.

The Verdict: Crunch time?

This news could come as a blow for Moyes and West Ham supporters given Rice’s importance to the team, but much will hinder on the east London club, who are still in full control.

Rice’s current contract runs until 2024 and the Hammers have an option to extend his stay by a further year (Transfermarkt), so GSB have no urgent need to accept an incoming bid for his services.

However, if an interested party comes in with a £120m offer, it would be difficult for West Ham not to at least contemplate selling if the player’s desire to leave escalates between now and then.

Young, homegrown and a standout Premier League performer – the Irons have plenty of reason to demand as much money as possible for their prize asset.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, as transcribed by The Boot Room, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins even called Rice ‘massively underrated’ and ‘like a Rolls-Royce’, highlighting his obvious quality.

In other news: ‘Talks have taken place’…Journalist shares news as powerhouse now open to joining West Ham, find out more here.

On the pitch, Newcastle haven’t had the best start to the season after just winning one of their 15 games of the campaign so far.

Off the pitch, however, it seems as though Newcastle’s new owners are working behind the scenes to appoint a director of football ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

That said, it seems as though the club could be heading in a direction on the matter that would not have a lot of Newcastle fans happy.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail by journalist Craig Hope, Nick Hammond, the former head of football operations at Celtic, has been spoken to by the Newcastle hierarchy about potentially becoming their new director.

Forget about him

With a report from The Scottish Sun evaluating the 20 players that Hammond helped Celtic sign during his time at the Parkhead club for a total fee of £35m and coming away with an overall negative summary, perhaps it wouldn’t be in Newcastle’s best interest if they hire him as their new director given his track record of poor recruitment at Celtic.

He signed former West Ham striker Albian Ajeti for £4.5m but he has only found the net on nine occasions in 47 outings for the Hoops while adding Polish forward Patrky Klimala to their ranks for £3.5m. The end result of his move was even worse with just three strikes in 28 appearances.

There was also the addition of goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas at £5m in the summer of 2020 but just a year and a half on, he looks set to be heading to pastures new after only 23 games for Celtic.

Thus, taking into account how Newcastle are still in the relegation zone of the Premier League table despite winning their previous league game against Burnley, the Tyneside club will have to make sure they sign find right person to help them sign the correct players in January.

On the evidence provided, it doesn’t look like Hammond possesses the tools to be able to turn their season around and avoid the drop down to the Championship by the end of the campaign.

With the same report from Hope claiming that Newcastle have hired an external recruitment firm to help in their search for a director of football, this should give the fans some confidence that the hierarchy are doing their best at making sure they get the right person for the job in and push the club forward.

Looking ahead to the rest of this month and January, it’s safe to say that this will be an important period for Newcastle on and off the pitch for the right people to come in behind the scenes and for Eddie Howe and his players to keep getting points on the board and escape the relegation zone.

Yet, if they opt for Hammond, it would surely leave a number of the Toon Army fuming with the decision. His track record of signing players, especially in recent times, is not desirable whatsoever.

In other news: NUFC could land the next Xavi with £31.5m-rated gem who “always finds the best escape” – opinion

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, via City Xtra, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero would be ‘happy’ to sign for Barcelona – and the Argentine’s agent has already informed the Catalans’ president Joan Laporta of his client’s willingness to play in La Liga. 

Aguero, who has often been left largely unused by manager Pep Guardiola since his return to full fitness, failing to come on during City’s 2-0 derby defeat to Man United at the Etihad, is now at the centre of speculation surrounding his future once more.

The 32-year-old’s current contract expires at the end of the season alongside fellow club favourite Fernandinho, and Mundo Deportivo claim that the forward would be ‘happy’ to sign for Barcelona.

Indeed, as per this report, Aguero is aware that he would have to lower his salary expectation but has requested a signing bonus as compromise.

Responding to this news, City supporters had their say on social media – with many appearing unhappy over the situation surrounding Aguero.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

Man City fans erupt over Aguero news

“I cant believe we are giving this club a world class striker for free..”

Credit: @Mcfc_king

“All our fault”

Credit: @joaocxncelo

“and then there was none”

Credit: @jassi_47

“I hate this club”

Credit: @CallMeColin

“The way we’ve treated Aguero is actually embarrassing and disgraceful tbh”

Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“This is it though isn’t it, it’s the end”

Credit: @SophieAtk

“Oh no”

Credit: @fussball_purist

“Nooo”

Credit: @kbillz9

In other news: Man City fans were also baffled by these comments, find out more here.

The last few weeks have been a triumphant affair for Sunderland. Lee Johnson’s team are now fourth in the League One table and are unbeaten in their last eight matches, winning seven in that time frame.

It would seem that promotion could finally be on the cards for the Black Cats this season.

Before they prepare for the run-in, however, they face Tranmere in the Papa John’s Trophy final. The Mackems travel to the capital and Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon to face the League Two opposition in what should be a comfortable win on paper.

That being said, all form goes out the window when you play in a final. Sunderland have been at this stage before but tasted defeat to Portsmouth in 2019; they know they cannot afford any slip-ups.

With such a crucial match ahead, Johnson will have plenty of dilemmas to mull over in terms of his team selection. Here’s the XI we’re predicting him to pick.

Life at the Stadium of Light is never simple and that has been evident this week.

Sunderland defeated Portsmouth but, as the week drew to a close, it became apparent that injuries were going to bite them once again.

They are already missing a number of players including Denver Hume and Bailey Wright, but Jordan Jones is now a major doubt to play after suffering a minor injury. Both he and Aiden O’Brien are set to face late fitness tests but Johnson claims O’Brien is far more likely than Jones to play.

That being said, we suggest both could miss out. Consequently, Sunderland may make as many as four changes from the Pompey clash. Chris Maguire comes into the side for O’Brien while Conor McLaughlin, fit again after hernia surgery, is in for Jones.

He shifts into a central area in defence, with Max Power preferred at right wing-back in a five-man backline.

Wright is set to miss out while Dion Sanderson is cup-tied, having already played for Wolves under-21s in this competition. Fortunately, they have Tom Flanagan back, who can take the place of Sanderson.

The final replacement is in the middle of the park, where Carl Winchester has to sit out. The midfielder has already played for Forest Green in this year’s competition so, like Sanderson, he is cup-tied.

Johnson revealed that Grant Leadbitter is set to return from a dislocated shoulder, so he slots in for Winchester.

AND in other news, Dreyfus may be on the verge of repeating one of Donald’s biggest SAFC mistakes already…

Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has dropped a major update on Philippe Coutinho’s Villa Park future.

The Lowdown: Coutinho’s loan spell

Coutinho was Steven Gerrard’s first signing as Villa boss back in January, with the playmaker penning a loan deal until the end of the season from Barcelona.

Villa managed to negotiate an option to make a move permanent in the summer, which is thought to be in the region of £33.4m.

The 29-year-old has made 13 appearances in a Villa shirt, contributing to seven goals while playing on both wings and as an attacking midfielder.

The Latest: Preece’s reveal

Preece dropped a Birmingham Live Q&A in a story on Thursday morning, discussing a variety of Villa topics.

One of those was on Coutinho, with a fan asking Preece how likely a permanent deal was. This is what he had to say in reply, sharing a positive update.

“Coutinho deal is, I’m told, likely to go through. Just a case of dotting Is and crossing Ts.”

The Verdict: A relief

Coutinho has impressed since making the move to the Midlands, which has resulted in interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Arsenal and West Ham.

Villa may have been slightly worried over a permanent move despite having an option to buy at the end of the season due to the growing interest.

Therefore, Preece’s update is a relief heading into Gerrard’s first full season, and the Villa boss will more than likely be delighted, as he confirmed he wanted to make a move permanent last month.

In other news: Gerrard now happy for ace to leave Villa Park; he’s ‘central to a lot of the problems’. 

Southampton have been handed a transfer blow as reported target Nemanja Radonjic has seemingly confirmed that he will stay with Marseille this month.

What’s the word?

Southampton were first linked with the winger in December in the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (06/12, p63), with West Ham and the Saints reportedly keen on taking the Serbian on loan.

However, he has now quashed any rumours of him potentially leaving the Ligue 1 side on loan or permanently this month, as he confirmed earlier this week in an interview with Tutto Mercato Web that:

“I have no intention of leaving Olympique Marseille. I have not had contact with other clubs and I am sure I will stay here. I want to stay at least until the summer and I am happy that the coach has given me more space in the last few races.”

A blow for Hasenhuttl?

This could certainly be considered a blow for Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, especially as Moussa Djenepo now looks set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury against Liverpool recently.

Nathan Redmond has also struggled for fitness and form this season, so adding a winger such as Radonjic could have given the Austrian some much-needed squad depth on the wing.

He would also have surely increased the Saints’ attacking potential, as he has caught the eye with his pace during his time with Marseille, with captain Steve Mandanda saying:

“He has incredible speed and technique skills.”

The 24-year-old has struggled for game time with Les Olympiens so far this season, making just 11 appearances in all competitions, in which he has managed one goal and one assist, as a thigh injury kept him out of the side for much of November and December.

Radonjic averages 0.6 key passes per game for Marseille in Ligue 1, whilst Djenepo and Redmond average 0.4 and 0.2 respectively per game in the Premier League, so it definitely seems as if he would have been a worthwhile addition to Hasenhuttl’s side.

The Serbian international seems determined to stay with Marseille this month, however, which is a shame for Southampton. Despite their impressive start to the season, Radonjic would definitely have added something different to Hasenhuttl’s side and would have been useful to have considering the Austrian’s lack of available options on the left-wing at the moment.

And, in other news, Forget Ings: Semmens must seal Southampton deal which seemed impossible six months ago…

Newcastle United could sign a major upgrade in Miguel Almiron in former Chelsea starlet Gael Kakuta.

What’s the story?

The 29-year-old is a familiar name in English football after his early high-profile move to Stamford Bridge in the late 2000s, with FIFA finding the Blues in contravention of their rules and banning them from signing any new players for a couple of years.

Now, Kakuta is plying his trade for Ligue 1 side Amiens, but has spent this season on loan at fellow French outfit Lens where he has played a starring role, scoring 11 times in the league alone.

And, according to Foot Mercato, Steve Bruce’s side have already contacted his representatives over a potential move in the summer, although it is suggested Kakuta himself is intent on finishing the season before making his decision.

An upgrade on Almiron

Dubbed as being “phenomenal” by French football journalist Zach Lowy, Kakuta’s form at Lens this campaign even saw him named into L’Equipe’s team of the season for the first-half of the year back in January.

With 11 goals and five assists in 33 league games for Lens, the attacking midfielder appears to be among the best form of his career, and the Magpies could do with that kind of production from someone other than Callum Wilson.

In fact, when you compare Kakuta to Almiron, Bruce could land a real upgrade on the Paraguay international.

Not only does Kakuta comprehensively outdo Almiron in terms of goal contributions – the Magpies ace has just five goals and three assists this season – he’s also been far more influential in terms of the key underlying numbers too.

As per Whoscored, the Lens attacker averages more shots, key passes and dribbles per game than the 27-year-old, while he also averages more than double the amount of crosses too – the kind of all-around influence that has seen Lens punching above their weight and lying in sixth in Ligue 1.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-steve-bruce-premier-league-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-st-james-park-joelinton-shelvey-max-aarons” title=”Read the latest Newcastle transfer rumours and news!”]

The £7.2m-rated Kakuta is the kind of attacking midfielder the Magpies desperately need, and one they surely thought they were getting from when they signed Almiron.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must land this “absolute tank” this summer…

Mick McCarthy’s Cardiff City side have set their stall out regarding the Bluebirds’ centre-forward Kieffer Moore ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Wales Online, who claim that Cardiff will not accept an offer of anything less than £15m for the 28-year-old centre-forward this summer, in a desperate attempt to keep hold of the 15-time capped Wales international.

Fans will be buzzing

Having only moved from Wigan Athletic to Cardiff in what was a £1.98m deal last summer, Moore has already proven during his short time at the Cardiff City Stadium that he can play a huge role in Mick McCarthy’s side putting together a push for promotion next term.

In the season just past, the £6k-per-week striker highly impressed over his 42 Championship appearances for the Bluebirds, scoring a whopping 20 goals and registering one assist, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game, culminating in a remarkable average SofaScore match rating of 7.28 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the second tier.

As a result of these impressive displays, it would hardly be surprising if a number of the Championship heavyweights, or even a couple of Premier League sides, were tempted into making an offer for the former Rotherham United forward this summer.

However, after Cardiff confirmed that they will accept nothing less than a £15m bid for the 28-year-old this summer, this is highly likely to put a number of clubs off of a move for the hitman, which, in turn, provides Cardiff’s promotion ambitions ahead of next season with a rather substantial boost.

As such, with Moore looking extremely likely to still be playing his football in the blue of Cardiff next term, things very much seem to be on the up for the Welsh side, something that will undoubtedly leave fans of the club buzzing.

In other news: Tan must seal Cardiff deal for “outstanding” £15k-p/w star, he’s crucial to McCarthy – opinion