All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea’s midfield is undergoing an exhaustive rebuild.

The long-serving triumvirate of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, and Mateo Kovacic has seemingly been disbanded.

In January, the Blues began their transition to a new midfield when Enzo Fernandez from Benfica was signed for a record-breaking fee.

Romeo Lavia has been tipped to be the next stage of Mauricio Pochettino’s process.

What’s the latest on Romeo Lavia to Chelsea?

According to football.london, the Blues have opened talks for the Southampton asset, and a fire sale is expected on the south coast following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship.

The 19-year-old only joined from Manchester City last summer for a modest fee of £10m and this outlet reported that Southampton could demand around £50m for his services.

Therefore, the west Londoners are set to reignite their interest in the Belgian, who they made a last-ditch attempt to pinch on deadline day last August.

Who can Romeo Lavia replicate at Chelsea?

The one-cap international has emerged as a combination of a competent ball carrier and a ruthless protector of the backline – as he ranks within the top 25% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion and successful take-ons per 90, as well as the top 29% for tackles, interceptions, and blocks per 90.

Furthermore, the youngster is one of only three U21 players in this same bracket who have won possession in the midfield third 100+ times (114).

Paul Scholes has heaped praise on the prodigy and said: “I think he is a player with so much potential, and he could potentially go back, but he has settled in so well.

“He has got a pass in his locker, and he is big and strong and likes to defend. He does not want to get forward too much and sits in front of the back four and sets the play in motion from there.

“He is a young player who can do both sides of the game, equally good defensively but also once he is one the ball he has tremendous feet and can pass it.”

Lavia’s profile, his ability to read the game, his importance to his current side, and the way he guards the defence are reminiscent of the role that Claude Makelele adopted at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman made 217 appearances for the Blues, notably winning two Premier League titles and an FA Cup. His talents were so widely recognised that the defensive midfielder position has been colloquially labelled as the “Makelele role.”

His combative, energetic style allowed him to constantly break up opposition attacks, anticipate his opponents' movements and effectively time his challenges.

His positional awareness and intelligence are two uncoachable traits that Lavia seems to invaluably possess.

Described as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, Lavia is destined for the top and a move could hugely elevate his career to the next level.

Leeds United are in the race to sign Burnley centre-back Nathan Collins during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Collins relegated with Burnley

The Republic of Ireland international suffered the heartbreak of relegation with the Clarets last season, as their time in the Premier League came to an end.

Collins did largely well and arguably enhanced his reputation, however, starting 18 league matches, scoring twice and being described as a future ‘top top player’ by Ireland Under-21s coach Jim Crawford.

It looks as though a Premier League club will snap him up this summer and Leeds are in the hunt to sign him.

The Latest: Leeds interested in move

That’s according to talkSPORT’s ‘insider’ Alex Crook, who states that the Whites are one of a number of top-flight clubs interested in signing Collins before the start of next season.

Aston Villa and Wolves are also eyeing up a move for the 21-year-old, in what looks set to be a real tussle for his signature.

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The Verdict: More much-needed defensive quality

Leeds’ defensive issues were well-publicised last season – they conceded 79 goals in 38 league games – so bringing in Collins would help alleviate that issue.

Granted, the Irishman was part of a Burnley defence that got relegated but his performances were strong and he is a player whose best years should still be way ahead of him, already breaking into the senior side at international level and thriving.

With Rasmus Kristensen already brought in to sure things up at the back, Collins could be another who makes the Whites more resolute under Jesse Marsch, having averaged 4.3 clearances and 3.1 aerial duel wins per game in 2021/22.

In other news, one player has been eyed up as a Kalvin Phillips replacement at Leeds. Find out who it is here.

Everton boss Frank Lampard could ‘use his contacts’ to send a ‘big message’ and bring Armando Broja to Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Interest in Broja

According to a report by GOAL, Premier League sides West Ham and Newcastle, along with Serie A clubs AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli, are all in the race to secure the Albania international’s signature.

The 20-year-old made 32 top-flight appearances whilst on loan at Southampton this season, and Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made it clear that he wanted to keep hold of the talented striker.

However, a recent farewell message on Instagram suggests that Broja will not be heading back to St Mary’s next season.

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The Latest: ‘Big message’

Whilst there has been other Premier League interest in Broja, transfer insider Dean Jones thinks Everton should be the club to go all out for the youngster, believing Lampard could send a ‘big message’.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“I’m not sure West Ham have got the interest that they had at one point, so I don’t think there’s the competition level there for Broja anymore.

“Lampard obviously can use his contacts to get into Broja early, speak to him himself, and just try and convince him that Everton is a club that’s going to be in transition but in a good way. That’s going to be the big message that they send out.”

The Verdict: Strong signing

With the ongoing financial fair play situation at Goodison, Lampard may be forced into selling one of Richarlison or Dominic Calvert-Lewin (via 90min).

If the England international were to go, Broja could be a strong replacement due to his similar profile. Coming in at 6 foot 3, the Albanian ranks in the 86th percentile for aerials won when compared with positional peers across Europe (via FB Ref).

Therefore, if Lampard can use his contacts at Chelsea to get a deal over the line, the man dubbed ‘athletic and powerful’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig could be a very good signing for Everton.

In other news: Everton: Oleksandr Zinchenko touted for Toffees move

West Ham United are reportedly looking to capitalise on Burnley’s recent relegation and economic woes with a move for England stopper, Nick Pope.

What’s the word?

As per talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, in his transfer notebook, the Hammers are keen to exploit the financial uncertainty at Turf Moor by making a bid for the 30-year-old this summer, with the eight-cap international one few ‘saleable assets’ that the Lancashire club can cash in on.

Mike Jackson’s side are facing a perilous period due to their failure to stave off the drop, with the report outlining that the club now need to pay off a significant loan due to a relegation clause, hence the potential need to part ways with their first-choice ‘keeper.

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Previous reports have suggested that they will still hold firm on their asking price, however, with the east Londoners set to have to fork out around £40m to secure his services.

One of the best

That figure may appear sizeable to those at the London Stadium, although it could prove a relative bargain for a player who has been a colossal figure since establishing himself as the Clarets’ undisputed number one back in 2017.

In 141 Premier League outings, the former Charlton Athletic man has registered an impressive 46 clean sheets, while the most recent campaign saw him finish joint-fourth in the division for saves made (121).

An imposing presence at 6 foot 3, the £13.5m-rated monster has already caught the eye of a notable West Ham figure, with Three Lions colleague Declan Rice dubbing him “one of the best in the world” when it comes to making saves near the top of the goal.

The praise doesn’t end there, however, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp having described him as “sensational” following a 1-1 draw at Anfield back in July 2020, as the £59k-per-week giant kept the then champions at bay.

Such displays have seeming become the norm for the dynamic shot-stopper, with it no surprise that GSB are eyeing a deal, particularly with current goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski having only recently turned 37 – heightening the need for a younger, long-term option.

Pope has also already proven his quality to David Moyes and co after producing a heroic display when the two sides met back in December to ensure a hard-fought point for Sean Dyche’s side, with that performance rubberstamping Rice’s claim that he is one of the very best in his position.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster is set to become a Tottenham Hotspur player ‘very soon’.

The Lowdown: Forster set to become a free agent

The now 34-year-old first arrived at St Mary’s eight years ago in a £10m move from Celtic, and he has since gone on to make 161 senior appearances for the south coast club.

The shot-stopper’s current contract with the Saints is set to expire at the end of June, making him a free agent for any potential suitors interested.

In the past he has been linked with a move away from Southampton after Premier League duo Chelsea and Arsenal registered interest in him, but it seems as though the Gunners’ north London rivals are now the club who look set to secure his signature over the summer.

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The Latest: Spurs move almost complete

Romano took to Twitter to state that the deal is almost complete and that the Lilywhites are set to make an official announcement imminently.

He stated: “Fraser Forster will be announced as new Tottenham player very soon. Paperworks ready as he’s gonna join Spurs on a free transfer, he was considered the best option on the market for a backup GK. First called by @mcgrathmike – deal almost completed.”

The Verdict: Perfect cover for Lloris

With second-choice goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini set to depart N17 and return to parent club Atalanta, Forster could be the perfect backup to Hugo Lloris and would provide some valuable cover for Spurs’ number one.

The 6 foot 7 netminder, who was once hailed an “unbelievable” player by his manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, already has plenty of experience in the Premier League, and in the Scottish Premiership with Celtic, with a total of 199 clean sheets throughout his career.

Antonio Conte is believed to have a new goalkeeper high up on his transfer wish list as he looks to rebuild his squad ahead of the start of next season, and it now looks likely that Forster will be the one to walk through the door at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming days.

In other news… a club insider has made a promising transfer claim involving one of Spurs’ summer targets

Newcastle United have been handed a big injury lift ahead of their clash with Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday…

What’s the latest?

New Zealand international Chris Wood may be in contention to return to the squad, as he has made his injury comeback at Darsley Park this week.

The striker missed out on the matchday squad as the Magpies beat Arsenal 2-0 at St. James’ Park earlier this week, but he could now be fit to face his former side.

Newcastle World reporter Jordan Cronin tweeted on Friday: “#NUFC INJURY NEWS Chris Wood will train today ahead of Burnley. United are following concussion protocols re Fabian Schar, so a late decision will be made. Ryan Fraser felt his hamstring again versus Arsenal and is unlikely to feature.”

Eddie Howe will be delighted

This update will surely leave the Toon head coach delighted, as Wood is a strong option for him to be able to use off the bench, particularly given Callum Wilson’s condition.

The ex-Bournemouth attacker has only played two matches since December and may not be able to handle another full 90 minutes in this game. Howe will not want to overwork the 30-year-old and send him into the summer with a fresh injury setback, which is why having another decent player to call upon in that position will be a big boost.

Dwight Gayle came off the bench against Arsenal but he has endured a horrific time on Tyneside in the last two years. He has zero goals or assists in eight Premier League appearances this term and managed only one goal and one assist in 18 outings in 2020/21.

The ex-Crystal Palace forward is just not good enough to lead the line for Newcastle, and that is why having Wood available is a big boost. Whilst he has only scored five goals in 33 games for the Toon and Burnley combined this season, he has won a whopping 6.2 aerial battles and created 0.6 chances per game while showcasing his strength in the air.

Meanwhile, Gayle won 0.6 aerial battles per game last term and 0.1 per match in the current campaign. This shows that, whilst neither of them has been prolific, Wood offers more at the top end of the pitch as he can be a focal point for the team. He has the quality and strength to be an outlet for his team-mates to use when they are under pressure.

This is why Howe will be buzzing to have him available this afternoon, as the New Zealander has the potential to play an important role, whether that is from the start or off the bench.

AND in other news, PIF eyeing NUFC swoop for “highly-rated” £30m phenomenon, he can be Howe’s “Benzema”…

Liverpool have not been shy when it comes to signing teenage talents in recent years with the likes of Harvey Elliott joining and Fabio Carvalho set to arrive.

Now that the next summer transfer window is around the corner, it seems as though the Reds have another young prospect in their sights to potentially add to their ranks.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Mirror, Liverpool are the early frontrunners to make a potential summer swoop for Birmingham City’s 16-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham.

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Following in the footsteps of his brother Jude, the teenager is a product of Birmingham’s youth academy and made his senior debut for the Championship club back in January this year.

With 26 appearances to his name across the club’s senior, U23 and U18 sides, the midfielder has scored five goals and delivered one assist along the way.

A scary talent inbound?

If Liverpool can secure a move for the 16-year-old this summer then they could well unearth the next version of his older brother.

After making his senior debut for Birmingham, Lee Bowyer reserved fine praise for Jobe, words that sum up why he’d be such an exciting signing at Anfield.

“Young Jobe coming on looked so comfortable. He’s earned that, he’s been training with us for two, three, four weeks now, you can just see him growing and improving every day.

“He played with a confidence and that’s because he’s improving every day and I thought it was the right time and I’d like to think that I was right.”

Should the teenage sensation find himself on the same trajectory as his brother, whose talent has been described as “scary” by Jack Grealish, then securing a move for the Blues starlet this summer should definitely be near the top of Liverpool’s priority list.

Currently valued at a massive £127m according to CIES, the Borussia Dortmund star has scored ten goals and provided 18 assists in 90 appearances for the German club across all competitions since he left Birmingham in the 2020 summer transfer window.

Having also been linked with the 18-year-old, Liverpool could possibly sign the next best thing by acquiring the younger Bellingham brother this summer, someone dubbed a “wonderkid” by TEAMtalk.

Talented footballers clearly run in the family and they could also save plenty of cash by opting for Jobe instead of Jude this summer. Should he progress at a similar rate then his transfer value, stock and potential will only increase as it has done for his elder sibling.

Therefore, if Liverpool are able to bring the Birmingham youth talent to Anfield this summer, they could find themselves with a long-term midfield option for their team and one of England’s top prospects.

In other news: “He’s gonna leave”: Romano drops Liverpool update that’ll have supporters gutted

Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on Antonio Conte’s future and transfer plans at Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

The Italian journalist revealed that the 52-year-old’s priority is to remain in charge of the north London outfit but he must be given reassurances over Harry Kane’s future and be backed to sign three to four new players in the summer window.

Writing in a column for Caught Offside, he said:

‘Conte wants at least three or four high-level signings in the summer and then definitive clarity on the Spurs project, including keeping Harry Kane at the club. This is his priority to remain Tottenham manager, but the decision will be made in a meeting at the end of the current season.’

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Huge news

This latest claim should leave many around N17 absolutely buzzing about what the future may entail because, despite many inconsistencies on the pitch, the Italian – who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017 – wants to stay at the club.

He has got Nuno Santo’s struggling outfit contending for a place in next season’s Champions League, which is no mean feat, so you can only imagine what sort of magic he could do with a full pre-season and backing in the transfer window.

Conte and his coaching team could really make up the ground on some of the division’s current heavyweights, namely defending champions Manchester City, their nearest challengers Liverpool and Champions League holders Chelsea.

Whilst chairman Daniel Levy has never been one to completely splash the cash, he will surely understand that it’s a must this off-season. He’s finally got a world-class manager in the dugout, one capable of bringing that elusive silverware to their 62,850-seater stadium.

Arguably, the Italian is in need of solid backups to both Kane upfront and skipper Hugo Lloris between the sticks, whilst a left-footed central defender will surely be among the priorities with full-back Ben Davies the current first-choice alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

Making the Argentine’s loan move from Atalanta permanent will be another key deal to keep an eye on, with Conte also on the lookout for a right wing-back, having failed to secure one during the winter.

There may be some doubt over whether or not he will be backed, but the signings of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kuluseveski on deadline day in January certainly show that the club is prepared to back him.

As such, Levy and co must be absolutely thrilled by Conte’s desire to stay at the helm heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Pau Torres-Spurs transfer update…

Sunderland now face a big dilemma as a consortium fronted by William Storey has reportedly now submitted a £42m offer to buy the Wearside club.

The Lowdown: Storey tries again

Storey tried to buy the Stadium of Light faithful back in 2020, but failed in his bid, which leaves Kyril Louis-Dreyfus as the majority shareholder with a 41% stake.

Stewart Donald retains a 34% share, while Juan Sartori holds 20% and Charlie Methven the remaining 5% (The Daily Mail).Nonetheless, it now looks as if Storey is going to try his luck once more, and you’d have to say his timing is impeccably inconvenient given the importance of Friday’s play-off first leg against Sheffield Wednesday.The Latest: Offer madeAs per The Daily Mail, Storey and his consortium are now proposing to take up 100% of the shares, and are ‘keen’ to push through the deal if Alex Neil’s team do not win promotion up to the Championship.They welcome the Owls to Wearside in the first leg of the semi-final tonight, and sources close to the bid insist that there is ‘interest’ from some of the current owners to accept the offer, although there is none from majority shareholder Louis-Dreyfus.The Verdict: Accept it?After the confusion over the details of the ownership structure that came to light back in February, which left supporters feeling misled, now is the time to allow Storey and his consortium to own 100% of the shares, so long as they are committed to the club.It seems as if some of the owners are not at the moment, given the hectic nature of the shares split, and so their takes need to be sold to help the Black Cats move forward in unison.Nonetheless, it looks like Louis-Dreyfus is the one that needs persuading to hand over to Storey, in what is a big dilemma for both him and the club.In other news, find out which injured SAFC star could now make the Wednesday game here!

Alan Hutton has been left buzzing over what he has now heard from a Glasgow Rangers source.

The Lowdown: Lowry deal close

As per Football Insider’s RFC sources, the Ibrox faithful are now close to tying Alex Lowry down to a new deal, amid strong interest from a number of clubs in the Premier League.

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The youngster had rejected an initial contract offer back in February, but now it looks as if the club have persuaded him to stay at Ibrox.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Teddy Bears defender now Rangers TV pundit Hutton has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that it is ‘brilliant’ both for Lowry and his old team:

“I think it’s brilliant for both sides. We know what he’s all about. He’s definitely one for the future.

“He needs to know there’s a pathway into the first team. I think that’s the biggest thing to come out of this. The flip side is that the grass isn’t always greener.

“Yes, there’s an opportunity to go down south but he’s very young. You can also get lost down there. It’s difficult to break into a Liverpool team or a Man City team. That’s got its own challenges.

“So to stay where you are, you know what it’s all about to play with Rangers. There are opportunities that are going to arise. If you work hard, he has seen that the pathway is there.

“He can find the first team, he has done it in the past. I think it’s good for him moving forward to be where he is. Be comfortable and see how he develops from there.”

The Verdict: Right call

It is easy to forget that Lowry is still just 18 years of age, and so he has his whole career ahead of him.

The pathway has been there for him, as he has already managed a total of four senior appearances in a Light Blues shirt this season, and more opportunities are sure to come for him next term under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Nonetheless, he is highly thought of at the club, as former manager Graeme Murty even went as far as to call him ‘remarkable‘, and so staying at the Gers seems like the right thing to do for now, until he makes more of a name for himself outside Scottish football.

In other news, find out which ‘really exciting’ attacker RFC could now lose this summer here!