All posts by n8rngtd.top

Everton have received a boost in their pursuit of Chelsea striker Armando Broja this summer, according to a report from Albanian outlet Ora (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Wanted man

Broja has become among the most sought-after commodities in the Premier League following a stellar loan spell at Southampton last season.

The 20-year-old fully-fledged Albania international spent the entire campaign on the South Coast and has since attracted strong interest from West Ham, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Despite the admiration, a move is yet to materialise and as Chelsea prepare to head to the United States for a pre-season tour, previously linked Everton have now been offered encouragement to sign the powerful frontman…

The latest: ‘Entered the race’

As per Ora, translated by SW, Everton are believed to have ‘entered the race’ to sign Broja during the ongoing transfer window.

It’s claimed that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel ‘has not planned’ to include the 14-cap Albania ace in the squad to travel this month, casting doubt over his inclusion in the setup next season.

The report, therefore, states that Broja – who was described as a ‘dangerous forward’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has ‘imposed an ultimatum’ on the London club due to the ‘numerous worshippers’ for the player in the Premier League.

The verdict: Make a move

Following the departure of Richarlison to Tottenham, Blues boss Frank Lampard is somewhat bereft of genuine attacking options within the Goodison Park ranks with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon at his disposal, and attempting to sign the Albanian powerhouse could certainly resolve the problem area.

Standing at 6 foot 1, Broja possesses strong aerial ability that would allow the Blues to continue to implement their direct crossing style, a method implemented at times under Lampard and one that the existing strikeforce in situ, as well as the departed Brazilian, are all superb exponents at carrying out.

Last term Broja scored nine times and provided one assist in 38 appearances across all competitions, earning a 6.69 Sofascore rating whilst winning an impressive 5.0 duels and taking 1.4 shots on average per outing – showcasing a willingness to work for the side as well as influence games in the final third, something that will need replicating having lost the unwavering work ethic of Richarlison.

Available for a previously reported lofty £57.8million, the Toffees hierarchy and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell should make their intentions known and attempt to sign the dynamic attacker with a lower bid amidst the apparent fresh uncertainty.

Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has insisted that Richarlison will get plenty of game-time next season thanks to the Premier League reintroducing the five-substitute rule.

The Lowdown: Five subs reintroduced

Spurs announced the signing of the Brazilian from Everton at the start of the month after he put pen to paper on a five-year deal in north London, becoming the club’s marquee signing of the summer so far.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that all teams in the English top flight would be allowed to make five substitutions per game as of next season, a rule which officials have decided to reintroduce since reverting back to three following the effects of the pandemic during the summer of 2020.

The Latest: Wenham’s Richarlison prediction

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham admitted that he is confident of Richarlison getting plenty of minutes under his belt at Tottenham as a result of the new rule, regardless of the strength of the forwards already at the club.

He said: “I think the important thing is next season we will have five subs allowed in every game.

“You take the goalkeeper out and you are looking at changing half of your team, it’s a massive change. I think the idea of a set starting XI is going to go out of the window.

“You will now see a reliable 17 or 18 who are coming on in every single game at every club. I expect Richarlison will get plenty of game time.

“He will be coming in from a position of strength. Usually, when we sign someone like this we are replacing another player.

“What we have done is strengthen our strongest position. He got 10 league goals last year and has over 150 Premier League appearances.

“I’m delighted with the signing and it doesn’t matter if he isn’t better than Kane, Son or Kulusevski.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Promising future ahead

Since Richarlison’s arrival at Tottenham, it has been confirmed that he will be wearing the number nine shirt for Spurs next season.

Whilst he might not be guaranteed to start every game, it gives a strong indicator that he will play a huge part in Antonio Conte’s plans moving forward.

The 25-year-old was the standout performer in a struggling Toffees side last season as their top scorer and highest-rated player as per WhoScored. He racked up 16 goal contributions across all competitions, showing the positive impact he can have on a starting XI.

The Brazil international should be able to link up well with his attacking team-mates Harry Kane and Son Heung-min and make a real impression in the final third under Conte. As Wenham says, the reintroduction of five substitutions in the Premier League could be of huge benefit to Richarlison, and possibly to Spurs.

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge has delivered the latest transfer news regarding Tottenham’s pursuit of Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Deal close?

The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs ever since he helped Nottingham Forest gain promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season, with Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder even admitting that the right-back wanted out on Teesside.

Speculation that a move to N17 was imminent increased after it was revealed on Monday that he hadn’t been included in Boro’s squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal, but it sounds as though there is still plenty of work for the Lilywhites to do before securing the services of their long-time target.

The Latest: Bridge contradicts done deal reports

Speaking live on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily), Bridge claimed that reports of a move being close last week were false, but stated that all parties are still very much keen on the switch. He said:

“Djed Spence is something that’s gone on all summer, it’s a player Spurs have wanted for quite some time, they’ve liked him for a long time as well.

“Talks are still continuing and I know there were reports last week that a deal is extremely close, my understanding is it wasn’t.

“I know that both clubs would like to get this done as soon as possible, I think the player would like to join Tottenham, he’s made that very clear to his representatives and Middlesbrough that he wants to join Tottenham, but a fee is still being discussed and we’re not yet at the end of this transfer.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Perfect fit for Conte

Whilst the valuation still remains an issue, the fact that Spence has shown his desire to join Spurs will be appreciated by Antonio Conte, and Fabio Paratici needs to get this deal wrapped up as soon as possible.

The England U21 international significantly contributed to Forest’s promotion last term, clocking up five assists and getting on the scoresheet twice himself in the Championship, via Transfermarkt, all from that wing-back position, a role vitally important to the Italian’s attacking formation.

It yet remains to be seen how long this will take to get completed, but it’s important that Spence has enough time to link up with the rest of the squad and get a good pre-season under his belt before the start of the new campaign.

Josh Holland has voiced his surprise over Wolverhampton Wanderer’s decision to sign central defender Nathan Collins on a five-year deal from Burnley.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “I think it’s a very different signing to what Wolves have been used to for the past few years.

“They’re not a club renowned for going into the domestic market and bringing in players who, obviously, he’s from a lower division but played in the Premier League last season, so it’s a bit of a shock.”

The £20.5m deal goes against trends recently set by Wolves, but they must rate him highly if they were willing to spend a decent fee and tie him down to a long-term contract.

He has been brought in to replace Romain Saiss who has joined Besiktas on a free transfer.

Lage could’ve made a huge mistake

Collins may only be 21 years old, but the fee paid seems a lot for a player who has only one year’s experience at Premier League level. He made 19 appearances in the top-flight last season but was unable to help the Clarets avoid relegation.

He helped his side keep just five clean sheets in that time and committed two fouls which led to penalties being given against his team. Whilst his overall statistics aren’t the worst, they should be a cause for concern if Lage expects him to come straight in as a key defender in the squad.

Collins also ranks in the bottom 20% amongst positional peers in the Premier League last season for the number of times he was dribbled past by an opposing player – he’ll need to improve if he wants to be ahead in the pecking order.

If you compare him directly to Conor Coady, Max Kilman, and Willy Boly, he also ranks last in many categories. He has the lowest successful press percentage (34%) and the worst pass completion percentage (72%).

Whilst time is on his side compared to the others who are ageing, he doesn’t look like the answer for Wolves straight away so Lage shouldn’t rely on him.

It’s likely Lage will give Collins a big role given the fee paid, but he’ll need to up his performances if he’s to merit a place in the team ahead of the other options.

Time will tell how much of a success the move is, but, from all mentioned above, Lage could have made a huge mistake in spending so much of his summer transfer budget on the defender.

AND in other news: Shi can sign Wolves a huge Jimenez upgrade in bid for “extraordinary” £153k-p/w target

Reliable journalist Phil Hay wants Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt to be given lots of minutes by Jesse Marsch this season, given his potential.

The Lowdown: Gelhardt coming of age

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season at Elland Road in 2021/22, making some key contributions as the Whites sealed Premier League safety.

Gelhardt registered two goals and two assists in the league and he was often a vibrant presence during a campaign when others struggled and injuries hampered the squad.

The youngster is now doing his best to impress during pre-season as he eyes up more first-team minutes in 2022/23.

The Latest: Hay wants regular action next season

Hay is certainly hoping that the 20-year-old is let off the leash even more regularly next term, taking to Twitter to call for Gelhardt to earn more playing time next season.

The journalist has urged Jesse Marsch to trust in the ex-Wigan starlet during 2022/23, saying:

“Would definitely be letting Gelhardt loose this season. It’s all there.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-47/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Biggest prospect at Elland Road?

This does feel like it could be Gelhardt’s time to go up another level, with arguably no other youngster at Elland Road possessing as much long-term potential.

He has been described as ‘unreal’ by Alan Hutton in the recent past, following his stunning assist for Pascal Struijk’s goal against Brighton last season, a moment which summed up his quality.

Patrick Bamford will again look to be first-choice striker after injury, while other attackers could still come in, but there is no reason why Gelhardt can’t make the jump from young hopeful to key player under Marsch sooner rather than later.

Journalist Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato has shared some new information for Tottenham supporters involving Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs chase Zaniolo…

The Lilywhites are believed to be chasing the 23-year-old as sporting director Fabio Paratici gears up for Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in the dugout in N17.

Deals have already been done for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence this summer as the north Londoners remain very busy in the transfer market.

Paratici is apparently still in the market for a creative midfielder and potentially a new centre-back, with Aouna sharing the latest on Tottenham’s pursuit of Zaniolo.

The Latest: Aouna shares Zaniolo ‘info’…

Taking to social media on Monday morning, the Foot Mercato reporter shared ‘info’ involving Spurs and Zaniolo. Indeed, he claims the north London club are set for imminent fresh talks to sign the nine-cap Italy international.

Aouna explained (via Twitter): “Info: New discussions planned this week between Roma and Tottenham for Zaniolo.”

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

The Verdict: Get it done…

As per WhoScored, Zaniolo finished 2021/22 as one of Roma’s best attacking threats, completing more take-ons per 90 minutes than any of his team-mates, whilst also attracting the most fouls in that time.

The starlet also possesses a physicality which seems tailor-made for English football, standing at a lofty 6 foot 3, an aspect of his game which could be attractive to both Paratici and Conte.

A concern for Spurs could well be Zaniolo’s injury history at the Stadio Olimpico, yet the player’s aforementioned quality could make him a worthy punt depending on the asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon will imminently join Ligue 1 side Rennes on loan, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Rodon’s lack of minutes

Since arriving at Hotspur Way in 2020, the 24-year-old’s Premier League career hasn’t panned out the way he would have hoped for.

To date, the Wales international has made just 24 appearances for the North London club, with a total 195 minutes on the pitch under manager Antonio Conte.

As a result, a number of rumours linking Rodon with an exit emerged in January, but any potential move failed to materialise, keeping him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the remainder of the season.

The Latest: Romano’s news

Romano has shared the latest update on Rodon’s future at Tottenham, revealing that an agreement has been made allowing the Welshman to leave the club on loan.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Full agreement completed, Joe Rodon will join Rennes. Deal in place with Tottenham on loan with option to buy clause worth €20m, as revealed yesterday – just waiting to sign paperworks.

“All parties working on final details. Rodon follows Theate as new Rennes player.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Hasn’t worked out

Having joined the club from Swansea in a deal worth £11m, the defender has not hit the heights expected of him upon his N17 arrival.

During his reign as Spurs manager, Jose Mourinho was very complimentary of the 24-year-old, having claimed: “He’s perfect, works very hard, young guy, wants to learn, very enthusiastic.”

Following the loan arrival of Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet at Hotspur Way though, Rodon has fallen even further down Conte’s pecking order.

Therefore, to re-establish his career at the top level ahead of the World Cup later this year, a move away from Tottenham appears to be the best option for the Wales international.

Newcastle United could still be in line to land Chelsea’s Armando Broja this summer, despite suggestions that the striker is set to stay at Stamford Bridge.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who revealed that the Magpies could potentially move for the 20-year-old before the window closes on 1 September, having been linked with the Albania international in recent months.

The transfer insider stated: “Let’s see what happens with Armando Broja because Chelsea turned down the proposals from West Ham and they signed Scamacca. But let’s see if Newcastle will try for him.”

Recent reports have suggested that the 14-cap colossus – who spent last season on loan at Southampton – could be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans this season, with the Blues believed to have rebuffed a £30m offer from West Ham United.

Solve Howe’s problem

That claim from Romano will spark renewed hope among those at St James’ Park that the 6 foot 3 menace can still join the northeast side, with the current squad seemingly crying out for a new centre-forward addition.

Manager Eddie Howe has recently admitted his frustration at the ongoing failure to bring in an attacking recruit with the new Premier League season just a matter of days away, with all three of the club’s summer arrivals having been defensive-minded.

It has proven something of a saga trying to recruit a new forward in the window thus far, having been forced to walk away from deals for both Moussa Diaby and Alexander Isak due to the hefty transfer fees mooted, while the Tynesiders also saw long-term target Hugo Ekitike join Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain.

That fact has left the former Bournemouth boss with the same forward line as last season, leaving the 44-year-old to rely on an injury-prone Callum Wilson and former Burnley man Chris Wood to lead the line – the latter man netting just twice following his £25m arrival from Turf Moor in January.

Providing additional depth in the form of Broja would certainly be a welcome boost for the new season, with the youngster having blossomed during his temporary stint at St Mary’s last term, netting nine goals in all competitions for the Saints.

The £19.8m-rated ace – who scored 11 goals on loan at Vitesse Arnhem the year prior – impressed many with his mature displays in leading the line for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, terrorising defenders with his sheer power and speed.

The departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan has opened the door for increased game time back in west London for the £8.5k-per-week starlet – where he has made just one senior outing thus far – although he could well take on a far more prominent role were he to make the switch to Newcastle this summer.

Should he do so, he could well prove to be the solution that Howe has been quite literally crying out for.

Arsenal could be in line to reward William Saliba for his impressive start to the new season by handing him a bumper new deal.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Paul Brown – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who revealed that sporting director Edu Gaspar could be in line to hand the 21-year-old a new contract to tie the Frenchman to the club for the foreseeable future, such has been his early impact at the Emirates so far this season.

He stated: “To put him at centre-back and move Ben White to right back was quite a big vote of confidence so I think we can assume that Arsenal do see a big future for Saliba and they would like him to sign a long-term contract.”

The former Saint-Etienne man – who signed for the Gunners on a £27m deal back in 2019 – currently has just two years remaining on his existing deal, ensuring that an extension will be high on the priority list for the north London outfit.

Huge potential

The new Premier League season may still be in its infancy, yet the early signs are that young Saliba could have a major role to play under manager Mikel Arteta, having been finally handed the first-team chance after three years out in the wilderness.

The towering centre-back had spent the past three seasons out on loan in Ligue 1, notably winning the division’s Young Player of the Year award last term while at Marseille, with Gunners supporters having been left somewhat perplexed over his lack of action back in England.

The £27m-rated man is certainly making up for lost time, however, having looked imperious in his opening two competitive outings for the club thus far, notably being dubbed “one hell of a centre-back” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville following his man of the match display against Crystal Palace last week.

Having previously been labelled a player of “huge potential” by Arteta during pre-season, the 6 foot 4 titan is already beginning to showcase that talent to both fans and media alike across the division.

While he suffered a rare blip against Leicester City at the weekend after heading into his own net, the five-cap brute still impressed regardless, recording five clearances and two interceptions during that 4-2 thriller, while also enjoying an impressive 87% pass accuracy rate.

As Brown alluded to, it is also telling that the Arsenal boss has opted to shunt £50m man Ben White out to right-back in order to find Saliba a place in the team, with the “outrageous” starlet – as dubbed by Connor Humm – clearly having made a stellar impression since returning to the fold in recent months.

Although it is still early days, it is a hugely exciting thought as to just what he can go on to achieve both this season and beyond, with it no doubt imperative to ensure that his long-term future does lie at the Emirates.

Rangers had to settle for a draw in their Premiership clash this afternoon in a match which saw two red cards and a late equaliser.

The Ibrox side came into the match having won their opening three league games, whereas Hibernian only had four points from a possible nine. A slow start from both teams was no indication of what was to come in a frantic second half, with James Tavernier’s penalty giving the visitors the lead.

Martin Boyle equalised from poor Rangers defending and Tom Lawrence quickly headed Van Bronckhorst’s side back in front before two incidents totally changed the nature of the game.

Firstly, John Lundstram was sent off for a poor lunge on Boyle, who was attempting to start a counterattack. Less than ten minutes later, Alfredo Morelos was also giving his marching orders following a wild swing of his arm into the face of Marijan Cabraja.

Rather inevitably, Hibs equalised in the final few minutes with a nice half-volley from Josh Campbell, who ensured that the points were shared at Easter Road.

Tavernier was Rangers’ brightest spark

The Rangers “legend” was arguably the best player for the Ibrox side, coolly slotting a first-half penalty to give Van Bronckhorst’s men a half-time lead.

His SofaScore rating of 7.3 was the joint-highest in the Rangers team alongside Lawrence and Borna Barisic, while his 87 touches during the game were the most among the visitors’ line-up, showing his urgency to get on the ball and begin attacks from the back.

The Gers captain also made three tackles and three interceptions and succeeded with both his attempted dribbles. He was again the leader that the Light Blues needed, despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser.

The Dutchman will be delighted that his captain has signed a new extension to his contract at the club, as today it was evident that his cool head, especially when his team are under pressure, will be absolutely crucial going forward.

Despite the costly equaliser, Rangers can head into the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven in a confident mood. If Tavernier can replicate his performance from today in the Netherlands in midweek, the Gers could be sampling group stage football in Europe’s premier club competition.