All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton could sign their ideal heir to James Rodriguez over the coming months after being linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco.

What’s the story?

The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract with the La Liga giants, meaning a January exit is on the cards.

And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Goodison Park is a potential destination for Isco as he searches for regular game time away from the Bernabeu.

Deportivo’s report states that there are several sides contemplating making a move for the Spaniard’s services over the winter window, although Everton are leading the race for his signature.

“One that is more likely to do so is the Everton of Rafa Benitez. The Liverpool team, which also just let James Rodríguez go to Qatar, could be reinforced this winter with the figure of the Malaga player as long as the player is satisfied with leaving Real Madrid,” the report reads.

“Especially since his contract ends in 2022 and the option to sell him this coming January is the only one of the scenarios in which Real Madrid would receive some money for the transaction.”

Heir to James Rodriguez

Everton manager Rafa Benitez knows Isco’s qualities well, having worked with the creative talent at Madrid when he was manager of the capital club between 2015 and 2016.

And it’s no wonder the 61-year-old tactician is reportedly keen to bring his compatriot to Merseyside in January. Isco has played a pivotal part in Los Blancos’ success over the last few years, scoring 51 goals and providing 56 assists in 366 appearances for the club.

His impressive exploits helped Real Madrid claim four Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey during his time at the club, earning praise from several impressed onlookers, including former international teammate Andres Iniesta.

“He is a fantastic player, with an incredible talent,” Iniesta told reporters back in 2017. “For many years, he has been doing things very well, and he is playing for one of the best teams in the world.

“He is an important player not just in the national team but in his club. He is young and has many years to grow and improve.”

However, Isco has struggled to live up to his early promise in recent years. After starting just 25 league fixtures since the start of 2019/20, the £16.2m-rated gem appears to be surplus to requirements in Madrid, and Everton could offer him an ideal escape route from his ordeal at present.

Famed for his incredible dribbling ability, eye for a pass and outstanding technical ability, Isco could prove to be the perfect replacement for the recently departed Rodriguez, bringing a sense of imagination back into Benitez’s pragmatic setup.

And, in other news…Benitez plots swoop for “scary” £27m-rated magician, Everton fans will be buzzing 

2021 was an extremely unkind year to Celtic Football Club and the Hoops’ supporters.

It was a year that saw Neil Lennon lose his job as the Bhoys surrendered their dominance of Scottish football, handing over the title to their fiercest rivals.

Ange Postecoglou did arrive and sealed a League Cup victory but 2022 hasn’t exactly started out perfectly.

The Australian coach has added the likes of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi to his ranks but there is a feeling that more transfer business could be concluded.

That’s because Celtic may already be working with a depleted squad just two matches it into the calendar year.

Callum McGregor suffered a severe facial injury in the win over Alloa Athletic on Saturday while Liel Abada had to hobble and Ideguchi also sustained some sort of injury too.

Couple that with Maeda’s international call up for Japan just in time for the Old Firm and it doesn’t paint a vibrant picture of availability in Postecoglou’s ranks.

Thus, the window could be exploited once again before it slams shut next week.

In order to combat injury blows to McGregor and Ideguchi in the middle of the park, the Glaswegian outfit must try their best to force through a late move for Ahmed Kendouci.

Also touted with Rangers, it’s thought the Celtic-linked midfielder handed in a transfer request earlier this week. That’s a situation Postecoglou simply has to take advantage of in the coming days, luring what would be another exciting signing to Parkhead.

The Algerian is just 22 years of age but has a plethora of qualities and attributes that would benefit Celtic.

First and foremost, the youngster is capable of playing all across the midfield, whether it’s in a holding role or more advanced. That has seen him score an impressive three strikes from a deep-lying role for ES Setif in the top tier of Algerian football this term.

Furthermore, stats first shared in September demonstrate how he’s not just effective in the final third, but also supremely combative in physical battles. He had made 96 recoveries and 46 interceptions, showing his ability to win back possession. With that in mind, he’d have loved the contest against Alloa just a few days ago.

Bullish in defensive duels, Kendouci is also a graceful midfield player. Known as a risk-taking ball carrier who can play defence-spitting passes, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed his mesmerising feet last summer, saying that his left foot is “made of gold.”

With that in mind, Kendouci very much appears to be a sensible signing for Celtic this winter, especially when you consider the long-term blow to McGregor.

AND in other news, Celtic can finally axe the “new Ryan Christie” by signing £3.5m “Jota-type trickster”…

A number of Sheffield Wednesday supporters have been hailing goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, following his penalty save for Northern Ireland.

The Owls have made a positive start to their League One campaign, even though losing away to Morecambe last weekend was disappointing.

There has been much to admire about Darren Moore’s side and Peacock-Farrell has undoubtedly been one of the brightest additions to the squad.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

He arrived on loan from Burnley during the summer transfer window and immediately impressed, making one spectacular penalty save in the win at Rotherham United.

It appears as though Peacock-Farrell is equally influential at international level, however, with the 24-year-old also keeping out a spot-kick in Northern Ireland’s 4-1 win away to Lithuania on Thursday night.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Sheff Wed fans laud Peacock Farrell

Wednesday’s official Twitter account alerted Owls supporters to the save and these fans responded in delighted fashion, heaping praise on their new hero.

“My keeper”

Credit: @DaleWhite92

“Get the cheque book out now”

Credit: @JackDagnallV

“He’s the goat man”

Credit: @SantanBef

“What a boy”

Credit: @helloitsabbey_

“Unreal”

Credit: @TheSherlocks

“Boys can we sign him please, I’m begging”

Credit: @Haleb_4_ever

In other news, some Sheff Wed fans were critical of one Owls player’s performance last weekend. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Everton target Andreas Pereira, regarding his thoughts on a move to Goodison Park.

What’s the talk?

According to TNT Sports, via Sport Witness, Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has decided to snub Everton in favour of a return to his home country to sign for Flamengo.

The report claims the Toffees made an offer to sign the Brazilian this month, but he has decided that playing for Flamengo is his best chance of making the Brazil squad for the World Cup next year.

Benitez will be gutted

This update comes as a killer blow for Everton as it seemingly rules them out of the running for the central midfielder as it stands. Of course, never say never in football as Flamengo are yet to agree a deal with United and he has not officially signed for the Brazilian outfit, but it is not looking promising at the time of writing.

Rafa Benitez will be gutted that he is now unlikely to get the chance to work with Pereira at Goodison Park next season. The issue for Everton is that he has made this decision based on his chances to make the national team, given he would be back in his home country, and this is not something the Toffees can change. It is not as ‘simple’ as Marcel Brands offering him more money to come to the club, so it is out of their control.

The Spaniard, Benitez, will be disappointed as he could have been a fine addition to his Premier League squad for this season. Upon sanctioning his loan move to Lazio, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed that the midfielder is developing and only the signing of Bruno Fernandes stopped him from being a regular for the Red Devils. He said:

“They’re a big club, Lazio. Andreas needs to play regularly.

“He started last season really well and played loads of games. You could see the confidence growing and see him developing but, after we signed Bruno, that position that Andy played in was taken because Bruno came in and had such an impact. We decided this is what was best for Andreas.”

The £49k-per-week gem played 25 times for United in the league last season, scoring once and providing three assists. He also averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.78 in six Europa League appearances for the English giants, highlighting the quality he is able to produce when given regular minutes.

At the age of 25, the £7.2m-rated ace is heading into the peak years of his career and Benitez could have enjoyed getting the best out of him in the next few years. Instead, he appears set to return to Brazil and not to Goodison Park, and that will leave the Toffees boss gutted.

AND in other news, Everton make contact for “tremendous” 6 ft 3 machine, Benitez would love him…

Everton fans want to sign Sean Longstaff after they were linked with a move to capture the Newcastle United midfielder in January.

The Toffees have started the Premier League season well. As it stands, the Merseyside outfit are fifth in the Premier League with 14 points, just two behind leaders Chelsea (Sky Sports). Rafael Benitez has had a positive impact on the club since replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who returned to Real Madrid in the summer.

The arrivals of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have helped Everton rise up the table, and now it seems Benitez could dip into the market once more. According to The Independent, the Toffees are looking to sign Longstaff from Newcastle, where the midfielder previously played under Benitez.

The news has been doing the rounds of Twitter, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the £13.5m-rated ace (Transfermarkt).

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Longstaff links below

“That’s it mate. It’s no good having players like Gomes or Davies as backups to the current two as they are both completely different players. Signing players who are similar mould e.g Longstaff makes a lot of sense.”

Credit: @TacticallyEv

“Just the fact he would be on half of them others mentioned in wages makes it worthy. Oh and he can run a bit, that’s two plusses.”

Credit: @spuddy1878

“Yeah works with me As you said if you get rid of Delph and get Longstaff in for next to nothing who will be on less money, it’s a squad upgrade.”

Credit: @Danny_EFC6

“Sean Longstaff’s contract is set to expire in the summer. Everton should get in his ear about offering a contract in January. Get him on a free or take him off Newcastle for less than £5mil. Would be decent cheap depth for Rafa”

Credit: @bobbyhillplays

“you can see why Rafa wants Longstaff”

Credit: @___MC88

“Looked into Allan & Longstaff stats compared this season. Certain area pressures & some passing stats Allan slightly on top. Overall Longstaff is outperforming Allan. Understand why Everton want 23yr old on free transfer who performing at level of first team midfielder”

Credit: @TLong_91

In other news, Everton are leading the race to sign this Champions League winner.

Tottenham Hotspur aren’t finished bolstering Nuno Santo’s backline, it appears…

What’s the word?

According to The Times, Spurs are ready to launch a bid for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres, who featured in Spain’s Euro 2020 and Olympics squads this summer, where they made the semi-final and final respectively.

The left-footed 24-year-old has also been scouted by some of the Premier League’s big dogs, including defending champions Manchester City, their local rivals United, and Liverpool.

His release clause has risen to €65m (£55m) after he reached a certain number of caps for the Spanish national side. However, the Lilywhites are hoping that they can secure him for a much lower fee.

Imagine him and Romero

Torres played an integral role in the Yellow Submarine’s Europa League run, where they defeated Manchester United in the final. It’s no wonder he was called up to both of Spain’s squads throughout the summer.

As per WhoScored, the 6 foot 4 colossus rated as Unai Emery’s fourth-best player (6.76) in La Liga last season. Across 33 starts, he proved his ball-playing ability by averaging an 87.8% passing accuracy and 0.8 dribbles per game.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-team-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

Furthermore, despite his towering presence, he was clocked as one of the top ten fastest players in the Spanish top-flight. It potentially suggests that he would have no problem in adapting to the speed of the Premier League, where he could cope with the demands of some of Europe’s best and most prolific goalscorers.

Torres’ playing style has been likened to Gerard Pique, which only adds weight to why Nuno may be keen on signing him, whilst Spurs legend Graham Roberts is a big fan of his, making a bold claim to Twitter this week.

“Absolutely brilliant player,” he said. “I think him and Romero would be [the] strongest pair in [the] Prem[ier League].”

Indeed, Torres and new summer signing Cristian Romero could be a force to be reckoned with in the top-flight. It’s certainly a more mouthwatering and formidable partnership than Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez, the latter of whom is thought to be available for transfer.

Former Villarreal midfielder Javi Calleja, who coached the 24-year-old in his rise up through the youth system, once described him as an “extraordinary talent” as well as being a “sensational kid” – largely due to his attitude and willingness to improve.

He and Romero could be exactly what Nuno needs to transform Spurs’ problematic backline. Torres may well cost a fair chunk of money at £55m but, on the above evidence, he would surely be worth every bit of it.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal Spurs transfer masterclass in bargain swoop for “dangerous” £18m-rated beast…

Flocking to Twitter, these West Ham United fans have erupted over a fresh transfer claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

David Moyes has set his sights on signing a centre-half in January as emergency cover for injured duo Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma with West Ham facing a congested fixture calendar.

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

The January transfer window could be a fruitful avenue to strengthen West Ham sufficiently whilst providing a real injection of quality into the side.

Having dropped out of the top four after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal recently, Irons supporters have been left thrilled after a fresh update involving Phillips.

According to The Sun, as West Ham and recruitment chief Rob Newman eye a move, it is believed that Liverpool are now ‘willing to sell’ their defender for just £15 million next month.

The 24-year-old, by his own admission, is also open to leaving in January and the Reds apparently won’t stand on his way if a £15m bid is put on the table.

West Ham fans erupt…

Given this price tag and Phillips’ ability, it’s little wonder some supporters see this as an ‘absolute bargain’.

The central defender averaged more clearances per 90 in the Premier League than any Liverpool player last season (WhoScored), a sure indication of his dependability at the back.

Still a fairly young player, these Irons supporters believe snapping him up for £15m is a no-brainer.

Find all of their best verdicts down below:

“Yes please”

Credit: @WestHamXtra

“Absolute bargain, Give them Diop for free as well”

Credit: @iDUNKbiscuits

“He would be a great addition!”

Credit: @dhramijo

“Would be buzzing to pull this off would rather him over ake or tarkowski”

Credit: @StephenCochrane

“@WestHam starter for ten let’s go irons don’t leave it too late the teams slipping”

Credit: @nubaka

“can be good for a proven pl player caleta car never played in pl so we don’t know if he have what’s needed + when ogbonna gonna retire we have a good cb pairing with zouma 15M is a steal”

Credit: @krays2208

In other news: ‘We are back’, ‘What I wanted to hear’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘best news’ has these West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Antonio Conte has been dealt bad injury news ahead of their clash with Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites in form…

In recent weeks, Spurs have managed to build a consistent run of form under Conte following a mediocre start to the New Year.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Lilywhites have won five out of their last six Premier League games, including impressive wins against the likes of Man City, Newcastle and Everton.

Tottenham are aiming to qualify for the Champions League ahead of 2022/2023, a feat which could majorly boost Conte’s chances of staying in north London and increase their pull in this summer’s transfer market.

As they take on Aston Villa today, though, it appears Conte and co will remain without a key midfield in Oliver Skipp despite reports earlier this week he was set to return to the grass.

The Latest: BBC relay team news…

As relayed by the BBC and confirmed by Tottenham’s head coach, the English capital giants have been dealt some bad news as Skipp suffers a setback in his recovery from a hip problem.

The relapsed physical issue extends his spell on the sidelines with Spurs’ academy starlet now missing Villa today alongside Japhet Tanganga – who is out for the season.

The Verdict: Blow for Conte…

While both Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have proved a capable partnership in Skipp’s absence, his unavailability remains a blow for Conte.

The 21-year-old hasn’t featured since a defeat to Chelsea in late January and Spurs must surely be getting worried given the long-delayed return to full fitness.

Former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke described his 2020/2021 loanee as a ‘perfect’ player and it’s safe to say Tottenham could really use his presence in the final run of crunch matches.

According to WhoScored, he’s averaged a higher pass accuracy than any Spurs starter in the English top flight this season, backing his real composure and class at such a young age.

Indeed, a setback in his recovery may come as a big blow for Conte.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder! Find out more here.

Reliable Celtic reporter Kieran Devlin has recently answered a question on Hoops left-back Boli Bolingoli.

The Lowdown: Bolingoli in 2021…

Bolingoli has made just eight appearances during the calendar year, loan with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.

A permanent move away from Celtic Park failed to materialise over the summer, despite links of a return to Turkey with Altay SK.

He’s since made two sporadic Celtic appearances under Ange Postecoglou, who decided to start the Belgian in a defeat to Livingston in September and a win over Motherwell earlier this month.

Aside from those fixtures, Bolingoli hasn’t featured in a Scottish Premiership matchday squad, leaving many wondering what’s next for the defender, who is still under contract until 2023.

The Latest: Devlin’s response…

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic on Wednesday prior to the Hoops’ 3-1 win over Hibernian.

He was asked by one Celtic supporter about Bolingoli’s situation, to which he described it as ‘incredibly odd’.

“People I speak to around the club were as surprised – on both occasions – as we all were from afar. Just an incredibly odd situation.”

The Verdict: Ange needs to make a call…

You’d have expected if Postecoglou saw Bolingoli in his Parkhead plans, he would have been a regular in the league following Greg Taylor’s shoulder injury back in September.

However, the Hoops boss has used youngster Adam Montgomery and right-back Josip Juranovic at left-back, with Bolingoli making a couple of appearances in between.

On that basis, it might be wise for Postecoglou to resolve the situation for good by giving the club the green light to move Bolingoli on for good.

Not only would it put to bed the end of his Celtic career, but it would also free up the wage bill, with Bolingoli currently on £15,000-a-week.

In other news: ‘Difficult’ – Injury expert reacts as ‘excellent’ Celtic ace may miss 3 more games. 

Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has bemoaned the hamstring injuries picked up by Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips, describing it as ‘really bad news’ for the club.

The Lowdown: Leeds pair out injured

The Whites have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, which has no doubt played a part in what has been a disappointing campaign to date.

Cooper and Phillips are two of the most high-profile current absentees and, as revealed by Marcelo Bielsa on Friday, the duo are not expected to be back in action until March, which comes as a huge blow to Leeds.

While relegation should still be avoided, not having those two key figures available could make life difficult, and results must start improving in the coming weeks if they are to avoid an uncomfortable run-in to the campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Whelan reacts to news

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan couldn’t hide his frustration at the news that Cooper and Phillips face another couple of months on the sidelines. He rued:

“The injuries looked so innocuous. Usually with a hamstring if you’re not jumping in the air and hitting the clouds, it could just be a tiny tear which could take as little as four weeks.

“But this is really bad news for Leeds United because they are two big players. Phillips, who is one of the best defensive midfield players in the Premier League and is vitally important to how we play. He’s irreplaceable in there.

“And then Cooper is the club captain, and that presence will be missed sorely in the dressing room. You can’t take away the importance of what he gives you in there. It’s like Jordan Henderson at Liverpool – you miss those types of voices.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-29/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Big battle without them

This is a massive couple of months for Leeds, with fringe players simply having to step up to the plate without Cooper and Phillips around. The former has been the Whites’ second-best performer this term as per WhoScored, while the latter boasts one of the highest tackling averages (2.3 per game) within the squad.

Phillips is going to be a particular miss, considering the sparsity of midfield alternatives and the fact that he is England’s reigning Player of the Year, highlighting how talented player he has become.

A new midfielder may well be needed to be brought in this month to help fill the void, whereas fit-again Diego Llorente and Robin Koch will hopefully forge a strong centre-back pairing without club captain Cooper around. For now, it’s easy to see why Whelan is so worried.

In other news, one Leeds player is set to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.