Tag Futebol

Manchester City have joined the race to sign Youssoufa Moukoko as the Sky Blues ‘set sights on beating Liverpool’ to his signature.

The Lowdown: City eye new additions…

The Sky Blues have enjoyed a brilliant start to this 2022/2023 Premier League campaign as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to retain their domestic crown for the third successive season.

No top flight side has scored more goals than City with their only loss coming against arch rivals Liverpool at Anfield, with summer signing Erling Haaland taking England by storm.

However, it has been reported that the Blues could still be in the market for fresh additions, with links emerging to the likes of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham among others.

The Latest: Man City join Moukoko transfer race…

According to Football Insider, City have now ‘set sights on beating Liverpool’ to a new target as an update comes to light involving another Dortmund sensation.

It is believed club chiefs and the City recruitment team are eyeing a move for Moukoko as they join the race for his signature.

Guardiola’s side are now ‘targeting the forward’ who has earned rave reviews from their star striker Haaland in the past.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Called an ‘incredible’ talent by reporter Ed Aarons, Moukoko has indeed also attracted praise from Haaland in recent years with the Norway international once calling him the ‘biggest talent in the world’.

Over his 11 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund this season, the scintillating 17-year-old has netted four goals whilst assisting three others – totalling a brilliant seven goal contributions in total (WhoScored).

Going by the numbers, Haaland’s verdict certainly still adds up, leaving little wonder City have taken a serious interest.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of landing Mykhaylo Mudryk in one of the upcoming transfer windows…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Shakhtar Donetsk winger is open to making a move to St. James’ Park as the Magpies are currently tracking his progress.

The report claims that the gem is interested in moving to the Premier League and Newcastle, who sent scouts to watch him in action against Celtic earlier this week, are a club he would be willing to join.

It is also stated that Eddie Howe is a fan of the Ukraine international and has already given the higher-ups at the club the green light to pursue the forward.

Huge coup

Signing Mudryk, whether that is in January or next summer, would be a huge coup for Howe as the gem is an immensely talented young player who is attracting interest from a number of clubs.

Liverpool and Arsenal are both reportedly keen on the winger and Brentford had an offer of £26m turned down in the summer transfer window.

This shows that he is not short of potential suitors in the upcoming market and that is why the forward being open to signing for Newcastle is a big boost for the club – as it indicates that other teams, who are in European competitions, eyeing him up has not put him off of the idea of arriving at St. James’ Park.

The attacker has been in fantastic form in the Champions League this season and is showing, at the age of 21, that he has the quality to stand out at the very top level of club football.

These statistics prove that he can be a difference-maker in the final third, and his displays at league level for Shakhtar are also eye-catching. He has scored three goals and provided five assists in six Premier League for the Ukrainian giants, which suggests that his performances in the Champions League are no fluke.

Journalist Josh Bunting claimed that the gem has a “frightening turn of pace” and talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as being “on fire” earlier this season, which is backed up by his goal contributions in all competitions.

The 21-year-old, who has been capped eight times by Ukraine, could make an immediate impact for Newcastle – as he has already proven himself in the Champions League – whilst also holding the potential to grow and develop in the years to come.

Therefore, signing Mudryk would be a huge coup for Howe given the interest in the youngster’s services and his impressive form this season.

Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly one of the frontrunners to become the new Wolves manager but he could be a repeat of Bruno Lage should he make the move to Molineux.

According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, Lopetegui and Bo Svensson have emerged as “top targets” to replace Lage, who was sacked at the weekend after his side lost out 2-0 against West Ham.

The Old Gold currently sit 18th in the Premier League with just three goals in the top flight to their name, with a combination of negative tactics and injuries in the final third seeing Wolves’ goalscoring issues from last season continue to haunt them in the current campaign.

Any new manager in the dugout will have to change the way Wolves are set up if he wants to solve the problem of putting the ball in the back of the net, so a move for Lopetegui makes little sense when you consider Sevilla’s less than impressive start to the season.

The Spanish side currently sit 17th in La Liga after winning just one of their opening seven matches, with seven goals to their name.

They are also bottom of their Champions League group after losing 4-0 to Manchester City and drawing 0-0 with Copenhagen, with another tough game to come on Wednesday when they face Borussia Dortmund.

Therefore, despite possessing one of the top sides in La Liga, goalscoring is clearly an issue for Lopetegui’s side at the moment and there is little to suggest that he could turn Wolves’ current situation around.

The former Spain boss averaged a shocking 1.43 points per game during his time at Real Madrid, which is nearly as bad as the 1.29 points per game averaged by Lage at Wolves, despite possessing what was undoubtedly one of the top squads in world football during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A 5-1 defeat against Barcelona also led the Spanish media to describe Lopetegui’s time in charge as “awful” and while they would qualify for the Champions League last season, the 56-year-old’s current form makes it hard to make a case for him being a success at Wolves.

It seems clear, therefore, that Wolves should avoid appointing Lopetegui unless they want a repeat of Lage’s underwhelming spell at Molineux. Just like the Portuguese coach, he has been incapable of driving out any inspiration in the final third from his players. It seems like a recipe for disaster.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has revealed a possible inclusion for winger Bryan Gil in tonight’s Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Lowdown: Lack of game time

Having joined Spurs on a permanent deal last summer, the Spaniard was sent out on loan to Valencia for the second half of last season, where he made 13 appearances in La Liga.

The 21-year-old was seemingly set to return to Spain again this season, but a deal fell through at the last minute.

Consequently, stuck at Hotspur Way, the winger is yet to play a single minute of football for Tottenham thus far this season.

The Latest: Conte’s news

Ahead of Spurs’ Champions League clash against Frankfurt, Conte took to his press conference to give his assessment of Gil, revealing he may play a part in the fixture.

As quoted by football.london, the Italian admitted:

“Still in the squad, Bryan Gil. Tomorrow he is the first option for our attack. Kulusevski is out. Moura is out. Moura will be out for a long time. It was the same for Kulusevski. We are talking about a young player a good prospect. We wanted to send him on loan to Valencia but the situation has changed. I trust in him, he is working very well. If we need the possibility to give him time, I trust him. He could play.”

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The Verdict: Good prospect for the future

When looking at Gil’s underlying stats for the past year, it is fair to say the youngster has shown glimpses of promise for the future.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe, the winger ranks in the 94th percentile for pressures per 90 and in the 88th percentile for dribbles completed, implying he is finally adding the physicality and directness Conte wants alongside his obvious technical skills.

With statistical comparisons to the likes of AC Milan’s Brahim Diaz and Everton’s Anthony Gordon, the 21-year-old certainly has the attacking flair to make it at the top level of European football.

Therefore, if Conte does end up giving him minutes against Frankfurt this evening, this will be a huge opportunity for the youngster to show Tottenham fans what he can do.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon this summer and his arrival could see the Reds rectify their failed attempt to sign Alex Moreno from Real Betis.

Despite the summer additions of Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards, Steve Cooper is clearly keen to sign another left-back before the transfer window shuts later this month after the latter suffered a leg fracture in pre-season.

Cooper looked to have found his man when the Reds were in pole position to sign Moreno recently, but the 29-year-old rejected Forest to remain with Betis.

The Reds boss has since turned his attention to Reguilon, who looks surplus to requirements at Spurs after he was left out of the pre-season squad by Antonio Conte, who has Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon available as his first-choice left-back options.

Reports have suggested that Forest could look to bring the former Sevilla man in on loan as competition for Toffolo, the only natural left-back option in Cooper’s squad, with the manager seemingly unlikely to trust Jack Colback in that position in the top flight.

Reguilon was a regular for Spurs last season, making 25 appearances in the Premier League, in which he contributed two goals and three assists, averaging an impressive 6.95 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This was an improvement on the average ratings of both Toffolo (6.81) and Richards (6.54), despite Reguilon playing in a tougher league, and considering his experience in the top-flight, he could definitely be a solid addition to Cooper’s squad.

The Spanish full-back excels in an attacking aspect, as evidenced by his statistics from FbRef, which emphasise that he loves to get forward, as he scores above the 90th percentile for full-backs in expected goals, expected assists and progressive passes received.

Reguilon, who earns £53k per week at Spurs, was praised by Football.London correspondent Alasdair Gold when he first joined the club.

He said: “You don’t want to overshadow Sergio Reguilon, who I think is going to be one of the best left-backs in Europe – probably almost is. With Sevilla, he was phenomenal: had a great season, won the Europa League. He’s got incredible confidence. He’s come straight into the group and everyone loves him.”

At 25, Reguilon still has plenty of potential to improve, and regular football at the City Ground could see him rediscover the form that made him such a hit at Sevilla, where he excelled in the 2019/20 season, in particular, averaging a superb 7.10 rating from WhoScored.

Therefore, this deal makes sense for both parties, and Cooper will be hoping that Forest can put the Moreno disappointment behind them by bringing a fellow Spaniard in Reguilon this month.

West Bromwich Albion have missed out on securing a deal for Manchester City striker and reported Baggies target Liam Delap.

What’s the news?

In a Twitter post, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Stoke City had agreed a deal to sign the player on loan for the remainder of the season.

He said: “Stoke City have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Liam Delap on loan. Deal until summer 2023, no buy option. Medical taking place today [Wednesday]. Huge interest in 19yo England youth international but SCFC have won race.”

Indeed, the news was then confirmed by Stoke’s official channels on Thursday lunchtime.

Baggies manager Steve Bruce recently spoke about his eagerness to sign the Englishman and had this to say on the matter.

“Who wouldn’t be [interested]? We’ll see. Me and everybody else too [are interested]. He’s an outstanding talent. We’ve got huge competition.

“He’s a young player that everybody up and down the country would love to have in their team.”

This shows just how much of a hot prospect the player is and how much of an asset Bruce thinks he would be for his team at the top of the pitch.

A big blow for West Brom

With 68 appearances to his name for the Manchester club across their senior and youth teams, the 19-year-old has 48 goals and 16 assists under his belt, highlighting the clear potential he has in terms of being a regular goalscorer.

The Baggies have recently lost Daryl Dike to injury and failed to manage even one shot on target during their recent 0-0 draw against Cardiff City so there is clearly a need to bring in a new striker before the transfer window closes on September 1st. It also shows why missing out on Delap is such a big setback for the Baggies.

Having also missed out on securing a loan deal for Keinan Davis, who joined Watford after being linked with a move to the Hawthorns, this latest blow regarding Delap will leave another bitter taste in the mouths of everyone at West Brom.

With deadline day fast approaching, the Midlands club will have to move on from the City youngster and focus on other potential targets they could look to bring in before then.

If Albion end up not being able to bring a new forward in over the next couple of weeks, this would surely have a negative impact on the club’s chances of securing promotion back to the Premier League, especially if they keep being as ineffective in front of goal as they were in midweek.

Thus, Delap would have been an outstanding acquisition with his goal record providing evidence of a player who will surely take to Championship football like a duck to water.

Everton have reportedly made an offer to sign former Manchester United man Adnan Januzaj, and the Belgium international could be an excellent addition to Frank Lampard’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain, both West Ham and Everton have made offers for the 27-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Real Sociedad.

They report that he is currently training in Malaga as he aims to find a new club, and is desperately hoping to be part of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad for the World Cup later this year.

The Toffees will also face competition from the likes of Napoli and Sevilla, with the report suggesting that he wants European football, which suggests that Farhad Moshiri will have to make him an excellent offer if he is to make the move to Merseyside this summer.

Lampard would love him

Januzaj is no longer the young inexperienced player we saw at Manchester United nearly 10 years ago.

The winger, who reportedly earned £76k-per-week at Sociedad, is now 27 and has more than 100 La Liga appearances under his belt. During his time at Sociedad, he has made 166 appearances in total, contributing 23 goals and 21 assists.

Therefore, for Kevin Thelwell to potentially sign him on a free transfer would represent excellent business by the Toffees, and would be a step in the right direction after several years of over-paying in transfer fees.

Following the departure of Richarlison, Lampard needs to add some quality to his attack and would undoubtedly be getting a talented player in Januzaj.

Considering Everton’s lack of goals last season, the Toffees need some creativity in their side if they are going to have a better campaign this time around. Januzaj would contribute 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 last season, which emphasises his ability to find teammates in promising situations.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was full of praise for the Belgian forward in 2021 after he impressed in a Europa League game, saying:

“He’s been brilliant tonight. I never understood why it didn’t work out for him because he had such talent, but it didn’t.

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“He’s gone on to good things and tonight he’s been excellent.

“I knew this kid had ability and he’s showing it.”

Therefore, if Lampard can get some consistent form out of him, he could be a quality addition, so the former Chelsea boss will be hoping that Moshiri can secure a deal for him.

AND, in other news: “Close to agreement..”: Ornstein drops big update, Everton supporters will be gutted

Celtic are ‘in talks’ with free agent Aaron Mooy over a move to Parkhead in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Mooy without a club

The 31-year-old made a name for himself at Huddersfield Town, helping them to reach the Premier League, before moving to Shanghai Port in 2020 after playing for Brighton in between.

Mooy’s contract has ended at the Chinese club, though, and he is currently unattached, having recently helped Australia to qualify for the World Cup later this year.

It appears as though Celtic are the strong favourites to sign the midfielder, following an update from a respected source.

The Latest: Celtic ‘in talks’ over move for Mooy

Taking to Twitter on Sunday evening, Sky Sports reporter Joseph claimed that the Hoops are edging towards the signing of Mooy.

He tweeted:

“Celtic are in talks with Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy. He’s a free agent after leaving Shanghai Port and discussions with the Scottish champions are said to be progressing well. He’s also held talks with EFL Championship clubs, including Norwich, Middlesbrough & Swansea.”

The Verdict: Worthy Rogic successor

Midfield is an area which needs reinforcement at Celtic this summer, with Tom Rogic’s departure leaving a void after nearly 10 years of serving the club with distinction.

Mooy is someone who could be an ideal replacement for his compatriot, possessing similar levels of experience and technical quality in the middle of the park, while he has previously been hailed as “top class” by his former Huddersfield boss David Wagner.

A haul of 53 caps for Australia is a testament to his quality and durability – in comparison, Rogic has 51 – and the fact that the 31-year-old scored nine goals and registered six assists in the Premier League shows that he can make and impact at a very high level.

Rangers will have the ‘perfect replacement’ lined up for Alfredo Morelos, according to one talkSPORT pundit.

The Lowdown: Morelos exit links

According to a report by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, one La Liga club are said to have submitted an €8m (£7m) bid for the Colombian attacker.

With less than a year left on his Ibrox contract, Rangers could end up seeing the 26-year-old departing on a free transfer next summer. As a result, the Premiership outfit may be forced into accepting a bid lower than his £11.7m Transfermarkt value.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim

Gabriel Agbonlahor, who works as a pundit for talkSPORT, has now weighed in on Morelos’ future with Rangers.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker claimed: “I think Alfredo Morelos will want to go, he’ll want to test himself in another league.

“He’s a very exciting player. I think teams will love the aggressiveness about him. The naughtiness about him is what I like and he will show his passion on the pitch.

“He’s been a good servant to Rangers and I think if they can get they money they deserve and feel that they want for him it’s something that they will let happen.

“And Rangers are going to be OK. They’re a team that attracts a lot of good players. They’ve got a good setup there with Giovanni van Bronckhorst and they’ve got a lot of players in there with experience of the Europa League so Rangers will be fine even if Morelos goes.

“I’m sure van Bronckhorst will have his eye on a perfect replacement.”

The Verdict: He’d be a big loss

Regardless of who the Light Blues bring in as his replacement, Morelos’ departure would come as a big loss to Rangers.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s major leagues over the past year, it is easy to see why this will be the case. As per FBRef, the Colombian ranks in the 96th percentile for dribbles completed, the 90th percentile for passes attempted and the 89th percentile for shots and assists.

Former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard was clearly a huge fan of the 26-year-old, having previously hailed him as an ‘outstanding’ player, a claim which is backed up by the aforementioned figures and the striker’s fine record of 113 goals in 224 Gers appearances.

Therefore, if Rangers do accept a bid for Morelos this summer, he will be seriously missed at Ibrox this season.

Aston Villa are believed to have made an offer for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, with the Englishman the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Midlands outfit – as well as West Ham United – have submitted offers for the 26-year-old in the current window, although the player seemingly ‘has his heart set’ on joining champions, Manchester City.

The report suggests that the 23-cap gem will complete his move to the Etihad in the ‘coming weeks’, with the fee expected to be in the region of around £50m.

That follows recent speculation that Pep Guardiola’s side view the Yorkshire-born ace as a potential long-term replacement to Fernandinho, with the veteran Brazilian set to depart the club this summer.

McGinn replacement

Although the indications are that Phillips is on his way to the title winners, Steven Gerrard and co will no doubt retain hope that they can swoop in if the situation changes, with the £38k-per-week warrior seemingly the solution in their hunt to land a new midfielder this summer.

That search for an additional midfield recruit – having already signed highly-rated Frenchman, Boubacar Kamara – comes amid suggestions that Gerrard could be willing to cash in on regular starter John McGinn, with the Liverpool legend said to be ‘not totally convinced’ by the Scotland international.

Should the 27-year-old – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur – be on his way this summer, Gerrard will be in need of another dynamic, midfield presence to fill the void, with the Leeds ace seemingly the man for the job.

Dubbed a “machine” by current Everton boss Frank Lampard, the £45m-rated man put himself firmly on the map at last summer’s European Championship, earning praise from former Three Lions manager Fabio Capello who dubbed him “the best modern midfielder” that he has seen.

That breakthrough tournament – which saw the defensive-minded talent feature in all seven games for Gareth Southgate’s side in the surge to the final – has been followed by a frustrating, injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, yet the Whites’ academy product has still impressed when he has featured.

Such has been his strong form in recent times, he compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 2% for pressures, the top 3% for tackles and the top 4% for blocks made, showcasing just what an all-action gem he really is.

Were McGinn to face the axe this summer, Phillips would no doubt be an ideal replacement and even a possible upgrade in the eyes of the Villa boss and Johan Lange, with the hope being that they can try and rival City’s significant interest.

IN other news, “Gerrard wants…” Preece drops exciting AVFC transfer update that supporters will love