All posts by h79snht.top

West Ham United are targeting Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque alongside Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye moves…

The Irons have been chasing deals all summer in a showcase of real ambition for manager David Moyes.

Indeed, they most recently landed a club record capture in Brazil international Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, complimenting their additions of Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer and Emerson Palmieri before him.

It is now believed that the east Londoners are chasing both a central defender and central midfielder on deadline day, but according to O’Rourke, Ajorque is also being eyed by West Ham.

The Latest: O’Rourke makes Ajorque claim…

Taking to social media, the reporter says that the Ligue 1 attacker is a target for the Hammers.

O’Rourke explained: “Nottingham Forest are making a last-gasp offer for Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque who is also a target for Crystal Palace and West Ham.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-4/” title=”West Ham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done?

We believe that Ajorque should be a West Ham target for future transfer windows if Forest don’t end up landing him with their offer.

The Hammers’ main focus should be on landing a central midfield and central defensive upgrade for the 2022/23 season, even if landing the Strasbourg predator would come with plenty of perks.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 5, the centre-forward is currently in the prime of his career at 28 years of age and he knows where the net is, having racked up a career total of 81 goals.

If Forest don’t succeed with their late bid for Ajorque, West Ham may well want to pounce in January or beyond.

Leeds United will be happy with their transfer window, especially now they are ninth in the Premier League table after six games played. However, it would now appear as if Victor Orta is already plotting to strengthen even further in January as a new update has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to LUFCFANZONE on Twitter, Leeds are “still speaking” with MLS star Kai Wagner.

They tweeted: “Our source also told us that Kai Wagner rejected multiple clubs, including Dinamo Zagreb, Stade Reims and Olympiacos in an attempt to complete a transfer to Leeds in January. ‘Leeds really like the player and we are still speaking about a winter transfer’.”

Just what Marsch needs

There is no doubt that Leeds United needed a left-back over the summer, and failing to snap up a player to cover the position is clearly something Orta is working to address.

Centre-back Pascal Struijk has been occupying the role on the left side of the back-line for most of this season following the injuries sustained by both Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas.

As a result, the signing of Wagner is exactly what Jesse Marsch needs to add depth to the position and would be a fantastic signing to give Firpo the competition needed over the season ahead.

Wagner has been a stand-out performer in the MLS, so it is no surprise that Leeds are keen on securing a deal for the 25-year-old in the winter transfer window.

Over his last 30 league appearances for Philadelphia Union, the German full-back has delivered six assists and created 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.6 key passes, 1.8 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 1.8 clearances per game – proving that he is an attacking-minded player with dominant defensive presence too.

The £2.5m Leeds target is also the highest-rated player in the Union squad with a rating of 7.47 according to SofaScore, so if the powers at Elland Road can strike up a deal it would very much look to be a great piece of business for such a minimal fee.

Wagner’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner hailing the left-back “special” in an interview with The Athletic:

“I’ve known Kai since he was a youth. I was checking so many left full-backs and it was always the question of what you could get and what you want to sign. It made him in a way so special, and I’m always looking out for players that can do that next stage in their development. And that’s the reason I went for Kai.”

Nevertheless, there is a silver lining for the Whites in the immediate instance as Firpo, who picked up an MCL injury, could be set to return to action sooner rather than later as he is now back in training, although he did not make the matchday squad against Brentford on Saturday.

The signing of Wagner in January will guarantee that Marsch has enough depth in his back-line to ensure that he can deploy a team of players that are all playing in their strongest positions over the second half of the Premier League season.

Club ‘insider’ John Wenham claims Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min is ‘hampering the team’ amid his poor run of form so far this season.

The Lowdown: Son struggles…

The South Korea superstar marked himself out as Antonio Conte’s player of the season last year, even sharing the Premier League golden boot with Liverpool big name Mohamed Salah after both men finished 2021/22 with 23 goals each.

However, Son hasn’t managed to replicate that imperious form over his first six league matches – having failed to find the net once whilst currently ranking as Spurs’ ninth-best performer overall (WhoScored).

If the north Londoners are to regain European qualification or clinch silverware by the end of this campaign, they’ll need their previously electric forward back to his best.

The Latest: Wenham makes ‘complacent’ Son claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham, who regularly breaks club news on his Lilywhite Rose social media accounts, claims the 30-year-old is ‘hampering’ Conte’s side.

He explained:

“Son just looks complacent and he is hampering the team at the moment because he and Kane are the main men.

“When it works, we score goals. It’s just not happening for them right now, it’s a bad run and he needs a rest.”

The Verdict: Rested for Leicester?

The Lilywhites take on struggling Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon, and if there is an opportunity for Son to get his season up and running, it’s against Brendan Rodgers’ out-of-form side.

Languishing at the foot of the table, only newly-promoted Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have conceded more goals than the Foxes who are currently very vulnerable.

Tottenham’s winger may well have a field day this afternoon and it’s arguable he is in dire need of an afternoon where he can run rampant and rediscover his ruthless streak.

The recent transfer window saw Wolverhampton Wanderers move on several previously crucial figures, with manager Bruno Lage seemingly clearing house as he attempts to put his stamp on a squad that still bears the hallmarks of his predecessor, Nuno Espirito Santo.

The defensive ranks, in particular, were somewhat decimated as the former Benfica boss plotted his move away from a back five system, with the likes of Willy Boly, Roman Saiss and captain Conor Coady all moving on to pastures new.

The latter man’s departure came as a notable surprise due to the impressive service that the Englishman had given to the club over the past seven years, having been integral in the rise from Championship outfit to European contenders since his arrival from Huddersfield Town back in 2015.

A bargain addition at just £2m, the former Liverpool youth product went on to rack up 317 appearances in all competitions for the Midlands outfit, proving himself a hugely influential presence at the base of a defensive trio.

The shift to a back four – and the arrival of former Burnley man Nathan Collins – seemingly culminated in an exit for the ten-cap colossus, as he was subsequently snapped up by Everton on a season-long loan deal.

It has left something of a void at Molineux such was the centre-back’s presence in the dressing room and on the pitch, with it a perhaps brave call from Lage to move on a player who racked up 3363 minutes in the Premier League last term – the second most in the division.

One potential positive to come from Coady’s departure could be the chance for a young, academy asset to take his place in the years to come, with 19-year-old Nigel Lonwijk one promising talent who is currently showcasing his quality.

The highly-rated teen has flourished since joining League One side Plymouth Argyle over the summer, racking up 11 appearances in all competitions so far this term for the table-topping outfit, including starting the last six league games.

That form has seen him lauded by manager Steven Schumacher earlier this week, with the 38-year-old stating: “How good has he been since he came in the team? He hasn’t really put a foot wrong. He’s so calm for someone so young. He’s 19-years-old and nothing fazes him. You tell him ‘Nigel you are going to play left-side centre-back this week’ and he says ‘Okay, no problem.’

“You tell him ‘Nigel, you need to step in there with (Conor) Chaplin’ and he says ‘Yeah, no problem, got it.’ He just takes on information brilliantly. He’s a real quality player and has got a bright future.”

That glowing assessment is a sign of just what a talent Wolves have on their books at present, with the Dutchman having also caught the eye while on loan at Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard last term, recording 25 appearances in all competitions to help aid his development.

An imposing figure at 6 foot 5, the youngster could well be someone who can marshall the backline at Molineux as impressively as Coady had previously, with Lage potentially needing to unleash the emerging ace once he returns from his temporary stint.

Reliable journalist for The Daily Telegraph John Percy has revealed that Everton’s option to buy Conor Coady from Wolves is just £4.5m.

The Lowdown: Everton want to buy

It was reported earlier this week that the Goodison Park outfit plan to buy Coady on a permanent deal after his loan spell ends.

The Old Gold’s decision to part ways with manager Bruno Lage will not affect their plans, and so they still intend to sign him regardless of who the new Molineux manager is.

The Latest: £4.5 option

Taking to Twitter, Percy has revealed that the option for the Merseyside club to buy Coady is just £4.5m, labelling it as ‘excellent business’:

“Everton’s option to sign England international Conor Coady on a permanent deal is just £4.5m. Heavy scrutiny on Everton’s transfers over the last few years, but this is excellent business.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-8/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Bargain

Considering that Coady is an England international, and that he is in his prime at 29 years of age, £4.5m for him is nothing short of an absolute bargain.

Hailed as a ‘massive, massive‘ player for Frank Lampard already by journalist Simon Phillips, Coady and James Tarkowski have formed a formidable centre-back partnership, conceding the fewest goals in the Premier League of any team so far.

Coady is ranking highly among his new teammates in terms of aerial duels won and average clearances and blocks per game in the top flight, and none of his teammates complete more passes than him (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, inserting an option to buy for just £4.5m is looking like a transfer masterclass from the Toffees, and quite frankly a disaster for the Wanderers.

Leeds United have as “good a chance as anyone” of bringing Mykhaylo Mudryk to the Premier League.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dean Jones, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with This Is Futbol that, following recent reports claiming that Leeds are one of a number of Premier League clubs keeping an eye on the 21-year-old, Victor Orta has as a good a chance as anyone of convincing the Shakhtar Donetsk winger of a move to England.

Regarding the Whites’ interest in the forward, Jones said: “Leeds have probably got as good a chance as anyone of convincing him that it’s a good place for him to land and show everybody what he’s capable of in the Premier League.”

Raphinha 2.0

Considering just how exciting a talent Mudryk undoubtedly is, the vast majority of the Elland Road faithful will likely accept that, should Leeds be successful in convincing the youngster of a move to LS11, he would almost certainly treat the Whites as a stepping stone in his quest for a move to a bigger club further down the line.

After bursting onto the Shakhtar scene over his 11 Premier Liga appearances – only seven of which came as starts – last season, scoring two goals and registering seven assists – averaging a direct goal involvement every 69.9 minutes – the winger has once again been in exceptional form so far in 2022/23.

Over his four league fixtures this term, the £13.5m-rated talent has already provided his teammates with a sensational four assists, however, it has undoubtedly been his remarkable displays in the Champions League that will have most caught the eye of eager-eyed onlookers.

Indeed, over his two appearances in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, Mudryk has scored two goals – one against RB Leipzig and one against Celtic – registered two assists and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of one key pass, taking one shot and completing two dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the €50m (£43.5m) 21-year-old average a simply breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.5, not only ranking him as Shakhtar’s second-best performer in the tournament but also as the joint 43rd-best player in the Champions League as a whole.

Furthermore, following his performance against Leipzig, journalist Jack Collins could not speak highly enough of the attacker, stating in a post on Twitter:

“Mykhaylo Mudryk is absolutely unreal. A goal and two assists, sure, but his explosiveness in small bursts is almost undefendable and his ability to keep the ball tethered to his foot, even at full speed, is Bernardo-esque. He’s going to be a star.”

However, while Collins compares the Ukraine international to Bernardo Silva, it could be argued that the journalist’s description of Mudryk better matches up to Raphinha – the Brazilian flanker who scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists over 67 appearances for Leeds following his £17m move from Stade Rennais in October 2020.

Indeed, with Barcelona’s £55m summer signing also being incredibly explosive, often undefendable and possessing exceptional close control of the ball when running at speed, should Orta manage to fight off the competition for the 21-year-old, Mudryk could well be the Spaniard’s next Raphina-esque signing – something that is sure to excite everyone involved with the club.

Former UEFA Champions League winners Inter Milan reportedly want to sign Yerry Mina from Everton in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

Mina’s contract at Goodison Park is expiring in the summer, with no signs of a renewal as of yet.

The Colombia international has been limited to just injury problems throughout his Merseyside career.

The Latest: Inter Milan interest

As per Calciomercato, Inter want Mina as a potential replacement for Milan Skriniar in January, should the central defender leave the San Siro.

The 28-year-old has been approached by other clubs in Italy, but Inter would like to sign him for €10m (£8.8m) in January, given his contract situation.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-8/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Sell

Given his contract situation and injury history, it would be wise for Frank Lampard’s side to move Mina on in January, should they be able to get a reasonably substantial fee for him.

They have found a new and trusted centre-back partnership now in Conor Coady and James Tarkowski, who have helped them concede the joint fewest goals in the Premier League so far this season with nine.

Nonetheless, the Toffees have a plethora of centre-halves to choose from anyway, and on £120,000-per-week, Mina would be one of the higher earners that they could swiftly get off of their wage bill, and then use the money to invest in other areas of the squad.

Celtic have been hit with two new injury blows ahead of their return to Premiership action against Hibernian this afternoon…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports News journalist Alison Conroy has revealed that David Turnbull and Stephen Welsh will both miss out after sustaining knocks this week.

Jota remains out injured and has now been joined by the duo, although Liel Abada – who suffered a blow in midweek against RB Leipzig – is in contention to play.

Conroy tweeted:

“Jota will miss Celtic’s game v Hibs, should be back in training next week. Ababa (Abada) is fit & available. Turnbull & Welsh also out after picking up knocks.”

Big blow

The news that Turnbull is unavailable is a big blow for Ange Postecoglou that should leave him gutted as the Scotland international could have come back into the starting XI for this match.

He was on the bench as Celtic lined up with a 4-2-3-1 in the Champions League during the week but they have alternated between that and a 4-3-3 in the Premiership, with the Scottish international previously thriving as one of the eights in the latter formation.

Postecoglou could have moved back to a 4-3-3 for this clash with Hibernian and slotted Turnbull in as one of the three in the middle of the park, alongside Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate, but he will now have to go with a different option for that position if he makes a change of shape.

The former Motherwell gem, who ex-Scotland international Michael Stewart once dubbed a “Rolls Royce”, enjoyed a terrific 2021/22 campaign in the Scottish top-flight as he consistently delivered quality in the final third whilst playing as a number eight.

Alan Hutton described his performances as “outstanding” and his numbers in the Premiership back that up. The above statistics show that he is capable of delivering sublime performances week-in-week-out, as no Celtic player with five or more appearances in the league averaged a higher rating than him.

This season, the £14k-per-week magician has only started four matches in an injury-disrupted campaign so far. In those games, he has produced one goal and two assists, whilst creating two ‘big chances’ and 1.8 key passes per game – as per SofaScore.

He has the quality to be a standout performer for the club with his ability in possession and that is why the head coach should be gutted by his latest injury blow, as Turnbull will not be available to provide his creativity from midfield in this game.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has mooted a potential new deal for Harry Kane after recent news out of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Kane exit links…

In recent weeks, it has been reliably reported that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich hold a serious interest in signing Spurs’ in-form striker and big name superstar.

Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has backed reports of Julian Nagelsmann’s side keeping tabs on Kane with his deal still set to expire in 2024.

Next summer, as things stand, he will be entering the final year of his contract and chairman Daniel Levy may have to try his upmost to get fresh terms signed by Kane or consider selling before he leaves for free.

Recently, some Tottenham news came to light on a possible new contract for Kane, with Football Insider claiming the 29-year-old agreeing terms will rest on manager Antonio Conte’s own stance over extending his stay in north London.

The Latest: Hutton moots possible Kane deal…

Speaking to FI, ex-Lilywhites defender Hutton has now mooted a possible new deal for the Englishman if Conte puts pen to paper on a new deal.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He explained:

“It doesn’t surprise me to hear that he’s waiting to see what Conte does – I’ve always said he’s an elite manager.

“Kane probably sees this as an opportunity for the club to finally go and win something. So if the manager’s tied down, why would he not want to be a part of that?

“That’s what he’s wanted his whole career with Tottenham. And with Conte, he can finally see that happening.

“If Conte signs a long-term deal then I’m pretty sure Kane will follow.”

The Verdict: Crucial few months…

These next few months will undoubtedly be crucial for the futures of both men.

Conte will want similar reassurances to Kane, that Spurs can compete for major silverware at the highest level and will be backed financially by club owners ENIC and Levy.

Starting with Newcastle today, the north Londoners must now put their recent loss to Man United behind them and gain some crucial momentum before the World Cup in Qatar.

Arsenal have reportedly entered pole position to sign a "powerful" defender who's keen to join them, which comes as a blow for Man United boss Erik ten Hag.

Who Arsenal are apparently looking to sign in 2024

Manager Mikel Arteta has overseen a fantastic start to the season, with his side now climbing to the Premier League summit and looking like solid contenders for their first title in nearly 20 years.

Winning four out of their last five league games, losing just once so far this campaign, Arsenal travel to face Aston Villa this afternoon in what will be a very tough test against an equally in-form side.

Related "Underrated" striker likened to Osimhen wants Arsenal transfer

He’s apparently keen on a move to north London.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Dec 8, 2023

However, despite their excellent form right now, there have been reports of sporting director Edu and Arteta plotting to strengthen certain areas of the squad in 2024.

Thomas Partey's injury problems this term, combined with the expiring contracts of Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny, have highlighted their need for another central midfield option.

Villa star Douglas Luiz is a reported target for Arsenal, but he could be hard to prise away from the Midlands in January given just how crucial he is for Unai Emery.

Meanwhile, Brentford star Ivan Toney is apparently keen on joining Arteta as the north Londoners set their sights on bringing in an experienced goalscorer next year.

According to Football Transfers this week, Arsenal are also eager to sign a new right-back as Arteta doesn't view Takehiro Tomiyasu or Ben White as viable long-term options for the position.

As per the same source, this has lead to real interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong.

Frimpong eyeing Arsenal move over Man United

The former Celtic star, who has dazzled for Xabi Alonso's table-topping Leverkusen team so far, is a mainstay for the Bundesliga side.

Starting 13 league games, Frimpong boasts four goals and five assists already this term as a seriously attack-minded full-back.

Arguably one of the most exciting players globally in his position, a view shared by Football Transfers, the same outlet reports that Frimpong is eyeing a move to Arsenal over Man United next year.

Ten Hag is apparently keen on bringing the 22-year-old to Old Trafford, but it's believed he much prefers the prospect of a switch to north London.

Arsenal, as a result, are in the "driving seat" to secure a deal for Frimpong when his enticing £34 million release clause becomes active next year.

Jeremie Frimpong strengths (via WhoScored)

Dribbling

Key passes

Defensive contribution

Ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon, commenting on the defender's meteoric rise in Germany, revealed how Frimpong blew everyone away in Glasgow when he first arrived (Glasgow World via Caught Offside).

"He came in and he just blew us all away with his pace and his quality – and his enthusiasm," said Lennon.

"He’s got a very infectious personality. He’s a lovely boy but he could be quite naughty at times too. He took the plunge to go to Germany and he has excelled and I’m really proud of him. He’s deceptive. He’s small but he’s so powerful, good on the ball and quite different from a lot of fullbacks out there."