All posts by n8rngtd.top

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a move for Oleksandr Zinchenko as a potential alternative to Harry Winks.

The Lowdown: Contact made

The Goodison Park outfit have reportedly made contact over the potential signing of Winks, who is expected to cost them around £20m to arrive from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, if that deal falls through, then they will have to look at other targets to strengthen the central midfield position given the inconsistency of players like Andre Gomes, who could well leave this summer.

The Latest: Zinchenko eyed

Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Christopher Beesley has revealed that Zinchenko, who has also been linked with a move to the Merseyside club, ‘remains a transfer option’ for Frank Lampard as a potential alternative to Winks:

“Oleksandr Zinchenko remains a transfer option for Everton with the Manchester City player offering Frank Lampard a potential alternative to Harry Winks.”

The Verdict: Zinchenko is better

If the Toffees were to sign one, they should be signing Zinchenko over Winks.

A player who thrives in many different positions across the pitch, including in midfield, his teammate Kyle Walker has even gone as far as to claim that he is ‘more gifted’ than Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne.

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Having seen him feature at left-back for City in the Premier League, Blues supporters would have caught a glimpse of what he can do in midfield when he impressed for Ukraine in their FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final win against Scotland, as The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope dubbed him ‘superhuman‘.

Zinchenko would also bring an added winning mentality as a multiple title-winner with City.

West Ham United insider and reliable club source ExWHUemployee has made a claim as the east Londoners eye a move for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

The Lowdown: Irons in hunt…

The Saints midfielder, after a personal best campaign in the Premier League over 2021/2022, is said to be of serious interest to manager David Moyes.

The Daily Mirror recently backed that Moyes is personally keen on signing Ward-Prowse at West Ham with former club coach Stuart Pearce even claiming the England international had the best season of his career.

However, the player could also cost big, big money, with popular insider Ex now sharing what he knows on Twitter.

The Latest: Ex makes Ward-Prowse claim…

As per the reliable Hammers in-the-know, while West Ham are indeed interested, Ward-Prowse’s valuation may well be too high.

When asked about the situation, Ex explained:

“Gonna be a struggle I would say. So even though I keep being told we want him, his valuation is going to be very high.”

The Verdict: Worth the investment?

As per WhoScored, Ward-Prowse certainly enjoyed a fine season at St. Mary’s.

He finished 21/22 as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s best-performing player by average match rating, all while racking up their most goals, highest number of assists and key passes completed per 90.

It’s little surprise the 27-year-old has been called ‘sensational’ by Darren Bent and is a sought-after commodity at West Ham with reports suggesting he could cost around £75 million.

The Irons may have to considerably smash their transfer record to get a deal done.

In other news: ‘In negotiations’ – Journalist says club are ‘considering’ West Ham offer for their ‘superb’ striker! Find out more here.

Wolves could opt to sign Braga midfielder Al-Musrati if they miss out on Joao Palhinha this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: New midfielder expected

Bruno Lage will likely be working on a number of new signings in the summer transfer window, with midfield arguably the most important area to strengthen in.

It looks highly likely that Ruben Neves will move on to pastures new, meaning a new top-class midfielder will be needed to plug the gap, especially with no new deal agreed yet for Joao Moutinho.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Al-Musrati in the recent past and now a new update is doing the rounds.

The Latest: Al-Musrati to come in?

According to O Jogo, Wolves could now sign the 26-year-old if they are unable to get a deal for Palhinha over the line.

Al-Musrati stood as a key man for Braga last season, starting 30 Primeira Liga matches and 11 Europa League games, with his current deal expiring in 2024.

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The Verdict: Strong midfield addition

The importance of a new midfield signing for Wolves this summer cannot be underestimated and Al-Musrati could be a great signing for Wanderers.

At 26, the 40-time capped Libya international is at an ideal age to provide plenty of experience but also still have years left in him at the top level.

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Al-Musrati averaged 2 tackles and 2 aerial wins per game across all competitions last term, so he could be a dominant defensive presence, while he also completes six long passes per game, a number identical to Neves’ Premier League average.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a Wolves transfer update. Read more here.

Borna Barisic is being linked with a move away from Rangers this summer and it could prove to be a disastrous move by Giovanni van Bronckhorst to let him leave Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, Trabzonspor are set to up their interest in the Croatia international after securing the Super Lig title last season, while an unnamed Serie A side are also said to be keen on the left-back.

The report suggests that while claims from Turkey that an official bid has been made are wide of the mark, it is only a matter of time before the newly-crowned Champions make their move for Barisic.

Van Bronckhorst heading for disaster?

While some Rangers fans might have been consigned to losing a left-back this summer, they probably would have expected to see Calvin Bassey depart after his impressive performances last season, with the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham linked with the young defender.

Therefore, it could be something of a disaster if Van Bronckhorst were to lose both Bassey and Barisic this early in the window, especially with Champions League playoff fixtures to come next month, and supporters will surely be worried that they could start the season without a recognised left-back.

To make matters worse, promising left-back James Maxwell has already announced his departure from the club, with Rangers unable to convince him to extend his stay at Ibrox after a lack of first-team opportunities.

Although he lost his starting spot to Bassey on occasion last season, Barisic was still a regular for Rangers last season, making 19 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, in which he contributed three assists and averaged an impressive 7.24 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

While previous reports have suggested that Van Bronckhorst is yet to be convinced by the Croatian, the statistics suggest he was one of the top performers domestically last season, so it would perhaps be unwise to let him leave with Bassey’s future still in doubt.

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Barisic has been a consistent performer for the Teddy Bears during his time at the club, contributing seven goals and 35 assists in 155 appearances, so while he may have lost his place at times last season, it would be a mistake to let him leave this summer when Van Bronckhorst could potentially be left with no options at left-back.

And, in other news… GvB can land Rangers’ ideal Morelos heir with move for £5.4m-rated “goal machine”…

Morgan Sanson has failed to win over Aston Villa fans since his switch from Marseille and it seems as if he could be on his way out of Villa Park this summer.

What’s the word?

Reports from earlier this year tipped Sanson for an exit after a disappointing spell in England, which has seen him make just 20 appearances in all competitions, in which he has failed to score or assist.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Josh Holland said:

“I think Tyrone Mings will be given another chance at Villa; I don’t think he’s been that bad to be sold. But Sanson, I think he’s more or less done.”

Villa supporters will be buzzing

Given Sanson’s less than impressive performances, Villa fans will surely be glad to see the back of Sanson and will be hoping that the club can recuperate a good portion of the £16m they paid Marseille to sign him in 2021.

The 27-year-old is contracted at Villa Park until 2025, so fans will be desperate to see him leave for a fee before then, otherwise, the club will continue to pay him for sitting on the bench.

With Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara having already joined Villa on permanent deals so far this summer, playing time will perhaps be even harder for Sanson to come by next season, and it will surely be best for all parties if he departs.

Last season saw the Frenchman make just ten appearances in the top-flight, seven of which came from the bench, as he averaged a disappointing 6.34 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranked him as the second-worst player in Villa’s squad of those to make at least ten appearances, which shows just how poor he has been for the Villans in his time at the club.

Fans will be hoping that Holland’s claim is true and that Sanson is on the brink of leaving the club as unfortunately it simply hasn’t worked out for the former Marseille man in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Gerrard can unleash Villa’s next Grealish in teenage sensation

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is set for a busy few months working alongside Ross Wilson in his first summer transfer window in charge of the Glasgow giants.

The Dutchman joined after the end of last summer’s market and was backed in the January window as Aaron Ramsey, Amad Diallo, James Sands and Mateusz Zukowski all came in.

One of the first pieces of business he may need to worry about is the possible departure of defender Calvin Bassey.

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has backed the Nigeria international to reunite with his former manager Steven Gerrard. He recently told GIVEMESPORT: “Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it’s clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it’s just a no-brainer.

“The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that’s just naturally ready to step up and perform.”

Unearth Bassey 2.0

If the defender does end up at Villa, Rangers could unearth Bassey 2.0 in a deal for left-back Matthew Sorinola, who was touted with a move to Ibrox last year.

Like the current Gers man, who came through the ranks at Leicester, he is eligible to play for England or Nigeria at international level and can come in as a full-back option for van Bronckhorst, which is why the club must now return for his services and agree a deal.

He spent the 2020/21 campaign in the first team at MK Dons in League One and caught the eye with a string of impressive displays.

In 34 appearances, he registered four assists and created an eye-catching eight ‘big chances’ as he showcased his ability to provide an attacking threat from left wing-back.

This shows that he has the ability to burst forward down the left flank in attack, which is something Gers fans have been able to watch with their own English/Nigerian defender this year as Bassey registered three assists in the Premiership.

Former Dons manager Russell Martin once took the time to hail the gem’s talent, saying: “He’s technically right up there with anyone in the squad – he wants to play. I love his calmness too – for a young lad, he’s so composed.

“He defended really well. People may question his size but when you’re as brave as he is to play with the ball and get in people’s faces and shut them down, he has so much ability and potential.”

At the age of 21, he has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and he can join with a view to him improving over time, rather than being expected to be the finished article straight away.

Rangers have already enjoyed success in bringing Bassey over as a young left-back from an English club in a similar deal and they can now repeat that trick by signing Sorinola, albeit he would be arriving from Belgian side Royale Union Saint Gilloise after joining them from MK Dons.

Van Bronckhorst can take his time with Sorinola and help him to fulfil his potential and become a first-team regular at Ibrox, with the gem potentially following in Bassey’s footsteps at left-back.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Weston: Rangers can form deadly future duo in deal for highly-rated teen…

West Ham United are believed to be leading the transfer race for New York City striker Valentin Castellanos, according to a report by The Mirror.

The Lowdown: West Ham register interest in Castellanos

The 23-year-old joined the MLS club on a season-long loan from Atletico Torque four years ago before making the switch permanently in 2019. He has since gone on to make 126 appearances at the Yankee Stadium, with 76 goal contributions during that time.

The Argentine’s contract with his current club isn’t set to expire until 2025, but after previously admitting that he wanted to leave New York in a bid to boost his chances of playing for his country, his future is very much up in the air.

It now appears that there is some Premier League interest in the 5 foot 10 predator in the form of West Ham.

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The Latest: West Ham in ‘pole position’ for Castellanos

The Mirror reported that West Ham are now in ‘pole position’ to secure Castellanos’ signature, with competitors River Plate ‘struggling’ to meet the £12.8m valuation that Ronny Deila’s side have put on the 23-year-old.

The report added that the asking price ‘won’t be any problem’ for the Irons, who believe that the attacker is a ‘gamble worth taking’ for the fee that New York City are demanding.

The Verdict: Competition for Antonio

Despite a healthy seventh-place league finish and securing European football for next season, David Moyes is in desperate need of a new striker considering that Michail Antonio is the only natural centre-forward at West Ham.

With the Jamaica international now 32 and rather injury-prone, Castellanos could be the perfect candidate to provide some serious competition for the Hammers’ number nine.

The Mendoza-born talent, who was once hailed as a “top class” player by his manager Deila, has been in prolific form in the MLS this season, having scored seven goals and registered one assist in just ten league appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The forward won the MLS Golden Boot award last year and was even voted the league’s Most Valuable Player, which sounds like exactly the profile of striker that Moyes would want to have at the London Stadiun ahead of the 2022/23 season.

In other news… a transfer insider has claimed that West Ham are set to make an official ‘offer’ for one of their summer targets

Leeds United could have their sights set on a ready-made Raphinha replacement…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, writing for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool outcast Takumi Minamino could emerge as a potential option for the Yorkshire giants as he is expected to leave Anfield this summer.

Current Whites boss Jesse Marsch coached him at RB Salzburg and knows him very, very well.

If the Japan international does indeed depart the Champions League finalists, it remains to be seen exactly how much he’d command, with Transfermarkt valuing him at just £10.8m having cost £7.25m in December 2019.

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Raphinha replacement

In Austria, it was arguably Marsch who got the best out of the 27-year-old winger. Minamino’s fluid attacking role allowed him to ‘unlock doors, pick a pass, and move with an elegant gait.’

Such form led to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp praising the wide man, prior to his switch to England, claiming to reporters: “I’d like to have Minamino in Liverpool. He’s classy. The best talent.”

Minamino has been used sparingly since his move, even being forced out on loan to Southampton at the back end of the 2020/21 campaign, where he delivered two goals across ten appearances.

The arrivals of Diogo Jota and more recently, Luis Diaz, have effectively pushed the Japanese dynamo out the door, though that said, he still managed 11 direct goal contributions this season, including eight in domestic cup competitions, where he regularly started.

It would make sense for Marsch to target his former sensation as Raphinha appears to be on the verge of sealing a move to FC Barcelona, who have been linked with interest all season.

Once lauded as “frightening” by one journalist, Minamino could easily refind his best form under the American after delivering 20 goal contributions in 22 appearances together.

“He is not a purely explosive player like Sadio Mane or Mo Salah – he has physical qualities, but he is a really intelligent footballer. It may take time for everyone to fully appreciate his qualities, but it will come,” Marsch once claimed to the ECHO.

If Leeds want to seal a perfect replacement for Raphinha, then they should look no further than the Liverpool man. He’ll need little time to adapt to the Premier League.

AND in other news, “I think they will..”: Journo drops big 49ers claim, Leeds supporters will be buzzing…

West Bromwich Albion could be set for a busy summer transfer window as Steve Bruce aims to take the Baggies back into the Premier League after their uninspiring campaign in the Championship.

The 61-year-old spoke previously about the number of changes to the squad that he wants to see happen in the coming months to give his team the best possible chance of reaching their objective.

However, it seems as though a big update has emerged behind the scenes regarding some players who have been mentioned with potential moves to The Hawthorns in recent weeks.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Joe Masi in the Express & Star, after being linked with moves for Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane and Newcastle United duo Karl Darlow and Elliot Anderson, these three players are reportedly not targets for the Baggies this summer.

Good news for Albion fans

With Hourihane, while he would be available on a free transfer as a result of his Villa contract expiring, his 2021/22 season on loan with Sheffield United suggests that, even for free, he may not be the right player to come in and elevate West Brom to where they need to be.

He recorded a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.57, which put him 21st among Paul Heckingbottom’s squad, far from a glowing testament to the Irishman’s performances.

As for Darlow, having conceded 15 goals in eight Premier League appearances this season, the 31-year-old may not be the right figure for the Baggies either, especially with Sam Johnstone likely to leave in the coming weeks and a suitable replacement needed for him.

Finally, with Anderson only having regular senior football at League Two level under his belt, adding the 19-year-old to Bruce’s ranks could be a risk for Albion given his inexperience.

Taking all this into account, seeing these three players scratched off the list for potential summer transfer targets should be great news for West Brom fans.

With this Premier League trio out of the frame, it will presumably now give the Baggies the chance to move on and potentially look at other players who they feel will be the right options to come in and improve their squad.

In our view, with the Midlands club scoring fewer goals than the likes of Reading, Bristol City and Blackpool among others, adding a player who can find the net on a regular basis should be the first port of call for West Brom and their recruitment staff.

In other news: WBA can unearth ideal Sawyers replacement with 20 y/o gem who has “a lot of quality”

Baseball, like all sports, puts a premium on instinct. The consensus best fielders in the game are the ones who can make difficult plays look effortless.

Sometimes, however, instinctual self-preservation turns into something more. Take a play in the sixth inning of the Houston Astros' game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.

With one out in the top half of the inning and a runner on first, Astros right fielder Cam Smith sent a screaming liner directly toward the head of Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde. Fedde, ducking, threw out his glove to catch the ball—and immediately rose to double off the runner at first.

The play earned Fedde a standing ovation from fans and left a shocked Smith with his head in his hands.

Fedde departed at the inning's conclusion having given up six hits, three walks and an earned run while striking out five. His most significant contribution to an offensively challenged night for St. Louis, however, might've been his glove heroics here.