All posts by z3u9t.icu

Southampton’s transformation under Ralph Hasenhuttl has seen a clear shift towards a high-press philosophy with Shane Long and Nathan Redmond preferred to press from the front, leaving Charlie Austin surplus to requirements and edging towards the January exit door. 

There was a point when Austin was regarded as the club’s most potent goal scoring threat, but Hasenhuttl seemingly prefers the presence of a quick and diligent centre-forward rather than a natural goal scorer.

The arrival of Danny Ings in the summer had already placed Austin’s place in the team under serious threat, and developments in recent weeks suggest he would be wise to leave before the deadline passes on Thursday.

But Austin’s exit may not leave Hasenhuttl short of an extra option in attack, as Sky Sports journalist Pete Hall has suggested Southampton are hoping to sign Birmingham City’s Che Adams this week.

Recent reports have linked the Saints with a move for Adams and Hall’s comments while speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast added a further weight of legitimacy to those reports.

“Southampton are in talks with Birmingham’s Che Adams, who’s scored 14 goals this season, a number of Premier League clubs are interested, so they’re lining up a replacement.

“It certainly makes sense for Austin to go and, while his stock is still high, there are clubs who could do with a striker like Charlie Austin.”

Birmingham signed Adams from Sheffield United for a measly fee of just £2 million in 2016 and he has blossomed into a fine goal scoring talent in the Championship ever since.

Now 22-years-old, Adams has already bagged 15 times and provided three assists in the Championship this season from 29 appearances.

With his prolific record in mind and his scope for potential at just 22, it is absolutely no surprise that Southampton are in talks over a potential deal.

It’s unlikely that Birmingham will be anything other than incredibly reluctant to let him leave midway through the season, especially while they sit just six points behind Derby in the final playoff position.

But if Southampton are able to pull off a deal which would allow them to replace Austin with Adams it would represent another fantastic progressive step forward under Hasenhuttl,

Southampton fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Mateusz Klich, Illan Meslier and Liam Cooper all suffered poor days at the office in Leeds United’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.

The Whites made the trip to north London looking to continue their improved recent form but they ended up with nothing to show for their efforts.

Dan James fired Leeds in front just before half-time but goals from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilon turned the game on its head after the interval.

According to Sofascore, Klich, Meslier and Cooper were the Whites’ three worst players on the day among those who featured for at least 45 minutes.

Mateusz Kilch – 6.3

Klich was given an attacking midfield role by Marcelo Bielsa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but he failed to have a positive impact overall.

He lost all five of his duels and didn’t manage a single shot in the match, suggesting that his attacking output was rather limited.

No tackles and interceptions from Klich also highlighted a lack of defensive work in what was an ineffective all-round showing from the Poland international.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

Illan Meslier – 6.5

Although Meslier was hoping to impress on the opposite side to French goalkeeping compatriot Hugo Lloris, he ended up failing to produce his best form.

The 21-year-old only completed 63% of his passes against Spurs, a disappointing return given his quality on the ball (his seasonal average is 76%).

Only three of Meslier’s 16 long balls were accurate and it played a part in Leeds running out of attacking threat in the latter stages of the match when they were seeking an equaliser. At least he had a 100% duels record, winning both battles that he contested.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-25/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liam Cooper – 6.6

Cooper was deployed at the heart of Leeds’ defence as usual, but he was given a tough examination by Harry Kane.

The Scot only managed to win half of his six aerial duels and lost five of 12 battles altogether, despite his 6 foot 2 frame, and he played no key passes from his deep-lying position.

Cooper was also dribbled past once and only played one out of five accurate long balls on an off-day for the centre-back.

In other news, one Leeds player has suffered a potentially serious injury. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has ruled Joachim Andersen out of Tuesday night’s clash with Leeds United. 

The Eagles boss told reporters that the 25-year-old ‘is not going to travel’ to Elland Road because he’s not ‘100%’ following a recent hamstring injury.

Andersen injury a real blow for Palace

The Dane, a £20m summer signing from Lyon, had featured in all of Palace’s Premier League games this season prior to last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

James Tomkins was called upon to replace him in the heart of defence, slotting in alongside Marc Guehi, but the 32-year-old was partly culpable for Villa’s opener as he failed to deal with Ashley Young’s corner before it fell to eventual scorer Matt Targett.

An attacking weapon

Andersen’s importance to the Eagles extends beyond his defensive contribution.

He frequently launches attacks through his passing, averaging a squad-high 6.3 accurate long balls per 90 (via WhoScored). In the Premier League as a whole, only one outfielder – Wolves’ Ruben Neves – can better that figure.

Fan feed CPFC Transfers HQ relayed Vieira’s update, and here’s how these Palace supporters reacted.

Palace fans flock to Andersen injury update

“Announce Leeds win”

Credit: @cpfcadam_

“Pain”

Credit: @callum_cpfc_

“Tomkins vs Leeds it is”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

“Inshallah he is not out for five months”

Credit: @cpfctristan

“Not surprised and it sucks but hopefully this means it’s not too serious and he can be back for the weekend”

Credit: @phillyconcarne

“We struggled without him last week, I honestly think we should play Riedewald at the back to advance the play forward even though defensively he may not be as safe as Tonks”

Credit: @nikolimorgan

In other news, lots of Palace fans reacted to this contract news. 

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Lucas Digne.

As per Goal, the Goodison Park faithful are now offering the France international to various teams ahead of the January transfer window, with Chelsea thought to be one of those clubs interested in his signature.

They are trying to convince the Merseyside club to loan Digne to them until the end of the season, following the news of Ben Chilwell’s ACL injury.

After a reported row with Rafa Benitez, Digne has now missed the Toffees’ last three matches in the Premier League, and so speculation over his future remains, while Chilwell will be out for the remainder of the season due to surgery required on his knee.

However, given that Digne still remains the Toffees’ only senior left-back in the squad, it would seem silly to loan him out next month, especially without at least a couple of replacements lined up.

Everton fans on Digne transfer news

These Blues fumed as the exit claim was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘crazy’:

“If that’s true it’s crazy”

Credit: @RyLondon

“WHY?!?!?!?”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“Jesus Christ. Rafa out”

Credit: @Robbdoogan1

“If Everton are open to loaning Digne, France’s left-back, experienced player and always top statistically in his position, we are being more inept and brainless than first thought.”

Credit: @followeverton

“The stupidest idea I’ve ever heard, sick of Rafa now”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“This really would be such an Everton thing to do.. letting Digne go is ridiculous as it is but to let him go out on loan in January is insanity”

Credit: @DeanOverton

In other news, find out who has now been backed to join Everton here!

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Aleksandr Golovin from AS Monaco in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to Russian outlet MetaRatings, the Magpies are set to join Everton and West Ham in the race to land the 25-year-old’s services this month.

The report claims that the player is keen on a switch to St James’ Park, which could give them an advantage in their efforts to bring him in during the January window.

Cabaye 2.0

Eddie Howe must secure Golovin’s services, as he could find Yohan Cabaye 2.0 for Newcastle with a deal for the playmaker this month. The 25-year-old is a midfielder who can have a telling impact on games with his ability to make things happen in the final third.

The Russia international has enjoyed a strong spell in Ligue 1 and proven his quality at the top level in recent years. Since joining Monaco in 2018, he has produced 13 goals and 18 assists from a midfield position in the French league, with Golovin capable of playing in a number of roles across the middle of the park.

Last season, he managed five goals and nine assists in 21 Ligue 1 appearances (12 starts), averaging a goal contribution every 1.5 games. He averaged 1.7 key passes per match as he showed off his creative quality from midfield, regularly providing his team-mates with chances to score.

Niko Kovac, his former manager at Monaco, previously heaped praise on the talented Russian, saying: “Golovin is a fantastic player. For his first start since August, he’s scored three goals. He’s a world-class player. He delivers delicious passes. I know the quality of his passing. That’s why I asked him to take the free-kick that led to the third goal.”

In 93 games for Newcastle, Cabaye managed 18 goals and 14 assists for the Magpies, which shows that – like Golovin is for Monaco – the Frenchman was a midfielder who could score and create goals in the Premier League. He was also known to score some sublime free kicks from time to time, and Golovin has shown that he too can be a threat from a dead ball situation.

Therefore, the 25-year-old could be a terrific signing for Newcastle, as he has shades of Cabaye to his game and could be Howe’s midfield maestro for years to come, which is why the Magpies boss must try to get a deal over the line for him in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Newcastle transfer update, fans will be buzzing…

Crystal Palace could continue their overhaul of the first-team squad in January after being linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Aït Nouri.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), both the Eagles and fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United are eager to prise the promising 20-year-old away from Molineux over the coming months.

The report claims that it’s Palace who are ‘especially’ interested, though, with manager Patrick Vieira keen to bring in some cover and competition for Tyrick Mitchell at left-back.

It’s claimed that the French tactician has already informed his recruitment team that he wants to land Aït Nouri, although chairman Steve Parish will need to open his chequebook, with Wolves set to demand in the region of €25-30m (£21-26m) for their young star.

Crystal Palace must make their move

Following the departure of Patrick van Aanholt in the summer, Palace have been left with only one natural left-sided full-back in their first-team squad.

As a result, academy graduate Mitchell has played every minute of their Premier League campaign to date, something which is not sustainable in the long term.

Therefore, the capital club’s hierarchy must make their move for Aït Nouri over the winter window, and the £33,000-per-week ace could prove to be an exceptional piece of business.

The France U21 international arrived at Wolves on an initial season-long loan from Ligue 1 side SCO Angers in October 2020 before making the move permanent 12 months later.

In that time, Aït Nouri has racked up 34 appearances for the Midlands outfit, putting in several eye-catching displays along the way.

Following a particularly impressive performance last term – ironically against Palace – The Athletic’s Tim Spiers lauded his ‘phenomenal’ showing.

“Ait-Nouri was phenomenal,” said Spiers (as relayed by This is Futbol). “I know it’s only one game and he’s a kid, and he got a lot of space at times, but he played with such enthusiasm and really helped stretch that game out on the left.”

And The Express & Stars journalist Liam Keen was also effusive in his praise for Aït Nouri as Wolves saw off Everton in the opening weeks of the current campaign.

“I thought he was very good today, defensively good; going forward, he offers something very, very different to Marcal, who’s not great going forward, let’s be honest. He gets the crowd on their feet, and that’s what you need,” Keen said.

With Palace in need of defensive cover and Aït Nouri showing bags of potential, it’s a deal that makes sense for many reasons for the south London side.

And, in other news…Palace must seal bargain deal for “intelligent” £5.4m-rated maestro who has “no fear”

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have gone wild over an update on the future of midfield star Declan Rice.

The England international was at the centre of rumours linking him with a move away over the summer after he rejected two contract offers, as per reliable reports from The Evening Standard and The Guardian.

Rice has also been attracting attention from some of the Premier League’s top clubs, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all linked (90min).

Putting his future to one side, the 22-year-old continues to dazzle in claret and blue this season and has been an untouchable in manager David Moyes starting XI, featuring in every English top flight match so far in 2021/22 (WhoScored).

He has also averaged a higher pass accuracy (91.7%) than any Irons player with more than one league start, whilst making the most interceptions per 90 in that time (WhoScored).

A colossal presence, it’s little wonder that so many fans are eager to keep hold of him, and there has been an encouraging development.

According to The Sun, West Ham ‘want to build their future’ around Rice and see him as a key symbol of what the club represents. Their determination to do so means that they’re not interested in any sale, even if a bid came in for as much as £100m.

Even though the West Ham star has rejected two new contract offers this year, neither the Hammers nor Rice are in any rush to tie up fresh terms, and talks are apparently ongoing.

Flocking to this news, it’s safe to say that many Irons supporters have gone wild with delight, with one even calling it the ‘best possible’ development.

Check out some of their best Twitter verdicts below.

West Ham fans go wild over Rice update…

“WE ARE MASSIVE!”

Credit: @SweeneyWestHam

“We are so so so big”

Credit: @Ginger_nols

“This is the best possible news to come out of West Ham recently. Build your team around Rice, invest correctly, and we’ll be a consistent CL team within 3 years”

Credit: @WhuJosh

“YES Yes yes yes”

Credit: @BalaBaiulus

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @DDavis1612

“My fingers are so crossed they could be breaking!!”

Credit: @EdwardPearman

“I’m really hoping that he signs a new deal because WE NEED HIM AND LOVE HIM, HE IS MR.WEST HAM UNITED”

Credit: @PaulMcL66874576

“It’s the sun but my word that is what I like to hear”

Credit: @_ghzst

“Absolutely buzzing!!”

Credit: @robpatterson24

In other news: ‘Huge’…Sky Sports pundit thrilled as West Ham eye ‘massive signing’ for Moyes, find out more here.

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has dropped an exciting five-word transfer hint as he makes a claim on Tottenham Hotspur’s activity in January.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye moves…

As reported elsewhere, it appears manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have their eyes on strengthening key areas of the squad this month.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, for example, says the Lilywhites wish to bolster central midfield, the right-wing-back area, the left-side of central defence and further forward.

There have been no shortage of links to some big name players, either, with claims varying from lucrative pre-contract offers to big bids being made.

Thomas, dropping a transfer hint on Twitter, has now told Spurs fans to expect activity out of N17.

The Latest: Thomas drops transfer hint…

Sending a five-word message to Lilywhites supporters when asked for the latest updates out of their club, the Sky journalist stated that Paratici and Conte will definitely make moves this month.

Taking to social media, he explained: “Will do business, almost certainly.”

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

Over recent seasons, it’s safe to say the January transfer window hasn’t exactly been a busy one for Spurs – so news that they will indeed be active this month should come as music to the ears of Lilywhites supporters.

Conte needs backing in the transfer market if he is to make a success of his tenure in charge with managing director Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy tasked to do just that.

The latter man has apparently met with Tottenham owner Joe Lewis in the Bahamas to discuss transfer strategy in what could be a key factor to Conte’s plans this month.

Adding Thomas’ transfer hint on top of that news, it’s safe to to say this is shaping up to be the most interesting Lilywhites winter window in some time.

In other news: Tottenham ‘working strongly’ for ‘phenomenal signing’ as reporter drops Twitter message, find out more here.

Liverpool are plotting a move for Swedish star striker Alexander Isak this summer and he would be a perfect partner to Diogo Jota.

What’s the story?

Manager Jurgen Klopp is said to be willing to break the club’s transfer record in order to land the striker from Real Sociedad for a whopping £77m, according to reports in Spain, via Liverpool.com

The player is highly rated having been linked with a number of moves in recent transfer windows, including Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.

He could partner Jota perfectly

While Liverpool usually play Jota in the middle of a front three, they have many talents to choose from with Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino also available.

Isak could also easily slot into that central role and link up with Jota out wide, or Klopp could opt to play a more traditional partnership of just the two of them.

Jota has proven he can excel when working with a strike partner, before he made the move to Anfield the Portuguese striker had an ‘amazing’ partnership at Wolves with Raul Jimenez.

In their final season together they had a combined average of just over three shot-creating actions per 90 minutes played.

Isak is great on the ball and his stats when it comes to goal and shot creation are on par with Jota – both players rank in the 90th percentile in Europe’s top five leagues this season for dribbles that lead to a shot attempt.

On that evidence, it’s clear to see why he’s been described as a “special talent” by ESPN FC.

At only 22-years old he still has a lot of time to develop, and with Jota 25 years of age, they could forge a long-lasting partnership that could naturally succeed the Reds’ pairing of Salah and Mane.

Currently playing his trade in La Liga for Real Sociedad Isak moved to Spain from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 for £13.5m.

However, Liverpool need to be willing to pay much more than that to land him. His contract doesn’t run out until the summer of 2026 so Sociedad have the bargaining power here.

His goal scoring form has been good at all of his clubs and so far he’s scored 41 times in 122 appearances for the Spanish club.

Isak also stands at 6 foot 4 which means he would be a threat in the air as well, something which Liverpool currently lack in their attacking line.

All three of Jota, Mane and Salah are no taller than 5 foot 8 so he’d certainly provide a different but exciting new dimension to the forward areas.

IN other news: Another blow: Liverpool suffer huge injury setback, Klopp surely gutted – opinion…

Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker is not expected to leave the club at the end of the season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Dendoncker continues to shine for Wolves

Dendoncker has been a strong performer at Molineux over a sustained period. The Belgian has made 148 appearances for Wolves, starting 15 Premier League games this season and being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by team-mate Max Kilman.

However, the 26-year-old’s current contract expires at the end of next season, so this summer could be the last opportunity for Wanderers to receive a fee for him unless he signs a new deal.

[freshpress-poll id=“388780″]

The Latest: Journalist discusses Dendoncker’s future

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has backed the midfielder to stay put at Molineux, admitting that it would be a surprise if Wolves were to entertain letting him leave, despite some reports to the contrary.

The journalist stated: “I’d be surprised if Wolves listen to offers for Dendoncker.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“388797″]

The Verdict: Important squad figure

Dendoncker may not be one of the leading cast members in this Wolves side – he is ranked outside their top 10 performers as per WhoScored and has only started half of his team’s league matches so far this term – but he is still an influential figure who is well worth retaining.

He is often a strong foil for more creative midfielders such as Neves and Joao Moutinho, with his 95.8% pass completion rate in the Carabao Cup this season highlighting his ball retention skills.

At 26, Dendoncker is also in and around his peak years, so it would make sense to extend his stay at Wolves eventually before they potential risk losing him on a free transfer in 2023.

In other news, a journalist has hinted at one Wolves player leaving this summer. Find out who it is here.