All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to The Sun, Tottenham’s on-loan midfielder Josh Onomah has been linked with a move to the Bundesliga. 

Both Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach are interested in the 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday.

It appears to be the new phenomena in European football currently for German clubs to snap up young English players that are not getting a look in for their clubs. This has been on show this season with the immense success of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, as well as players like Ademola Lookman last season.

This is a system that suits both the English and the German club. The Bundesliga outfit will get a high-quality player on loan or permanently for a cheap price, and the Premier League team get to send their players out to one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, where the standard is usually higher than the Championship.

Therefore, from Tottenham’s perspective, this deal seems to make wonderful sense, and should be one that they pursue if they have any ambition of Onomah making it at Spurs. A move to the Championship rarely sharpens a player enough for them to be ready for the top flight, whereas the Bundesliga will do just that.

Furthermore, Onomah has only played 11 games for The Owls this season, scoring three goals. He is not seen as a valuable asset at Hillsborough, and is not getting the game time or experience that Spurs will want to see. If these Bundesliga outfits are interested, Spurs should snap up the opportunity.

Taking to Twitter with an exciting update, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has shared what managing director Fabio Paratici is ‘currently’ doing at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Paratici era in full flow…

The Italian transfer chief’s arrival at N17 over the summer was met with promise as chairman Daniel Levy heralded the ‘tough negotiator’ and what he could bring to Spurs.

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Paratici’s already overseen his first Tottenham transfer window, managing to shift some players off the wage bill in permanent departures for the likes of Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth and Moussa Sissoko while Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga left on free transfers (Transfermarkt).

Meanwhile, the 49-year-old orchestrated deals to bring in Pierluigi Gollini, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil, Cristian Romero and Pape Matar Sarr (Transfermarkt) – the latter of whom will officially link up with Spurs following another season at FC Metz.

While Paratici failed to bring in some of his transfer targets, like Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic for instance, it was a fairly solid window but senior transfers aren’t his sole responsibility.

The Latest: Gold shares exciting Paratici update…

In an exciting Twitter update, Gold has explained what Paratici ‘currently undertaking’ right now at Spurs.

Indeed, the former Juventus sporting director is apparently orchestrating a behind-the-scenes shake up at Tottenham as he overhauls the club’s scouting set up alongside fellow official Steve Hitchen.

According to the reliable journalist, Paratici plans to ‘bring it in line with Europe’s top clubs’ among ‘other departments’ as he aims to ensure Spurs snap up the best young players in world football (football.london).

The Verdict: Paratici cooking…

As the Lilywhites continue to nurture, arguably, some of their brightest starlets in Oliver Skipp, Dane Scarlett and Dilan Markanday, to name a few, supporters may be optimistic Paratici also has eyes on bringing in some talent from the outside.

He is set to play a major role in the Tottenham project and has perhaps excited fans the most with his addition of new boss Antonio Conte, a serial winner with trophies galore at the highest level.

Conte will need backing to ensure his vision is realised, and this may not necessarily mean splashing the cash on a plethora of incoming senior stars.

As evident by Spurs success stories like Harry Kane in recent years, their academy and scouting could play a major role as Paratici aims to lead their assent back to the summit of European football.

If they’re to hit the heights previously met under former boss Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s scouting infrastructure could come as an underestimated key cog.

In other news: Conte gifted January boost in race to sign ‘explosive’ playmaker for Spurs, he wants to leave…find out more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently in the top six in the Premier League and will be hoping to continue their fantastic run of form that could see the club challenging for Europa League football next season.

Bruno Lage’s side have taken six wins and one draw from their first twelve games in the Premier League, which has put them clear of the likes of Manchester United.

One player who has had an impact on Wolves’ impressive progress this season is winger, Daniel Podence, who has been challenging Adama Traore and Barcelona loan player, Francisco Trincao for a place in the team.

The 26-year-old has impressed many with his recent performances, including Alan Shearer who was full of praise for the Wolves player hailing him a “bright spark” after a win against West Ham last weekend;

“He was a real bright spark. He forced a couple of good saves from the goalkeeper but at least Podence is getting his shots away.

“He has a really good understanding with Jimenez and this (goal) sums it up perfectly. Give, go… but it’s clever from Podence because he has a little look where Jimenez is.

“That’s a really good finish and it won them the game in the end. It’s really good play from both of them.”

Shearer’s insight on the connection and link up in play between Jimenez and Podence is something Lage should consider when picking his team for the upcoming fixtures ahead, where Wolves will need to pick up points to stay in the conversation for European football.

That’s because his attacking qualities could truly transform the Molineux outfit with both Traore and Trincao struggling to find the net in 2021/22.

The Portuguese winger has two goals and two assists in eleven appearances so far this season for his team and will be hoping to establish himself as a first-team regular as he continues to prove how well he can link play and seek out goal scoring opportunities.

Podence and Jimenez can form a valuable partnership that could be a real attacking asset to the side, making sure that connection and bond are built, especially with Trincao only on loan and Traore continuously linked with a move away from the club.

It makes sense to build a team that is committed to the club and the vision going forward, to ensure that the team can rely on each other to provide performances that enable Wolves to compete at the highest level.

Lage will be hoping the side can put in another perfect performance to take maximum points from a vulnerable Norwich side away from home at Carrow Road this weekend.

In other news: Hwang edging closer to a permanent deal with the club

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly now showing ‘much interest’ in signing super versatile midfielder Andrea Cambiaso before the January transfer window shuts.

The Lowdown: Time running out

Spurs targets seem to be falling like flies, with both Adama Traore and Luis Diaz looking like they are going to move to FC Barcelona and Liverpool respectively.

Thus, with just a few days left until the window closes, Daniel Levy and the board need to get on with bringing some new faces in, and may now have to settle for players who can play in a number of different positions as the time to bring in multiple top signings ticks down.

The Latest: Cambiaso interest

As per journalist and transfer expert Gianluigi Longari, there is now ‘much interest’ from the North London club, as well as Juventus, Inter Milan, Atalanta and Napoli in signing Cambiaso.

His current deal at Genoa expires in 2023, but the Serie A team ideally want to keep him until the summer.

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The Verdict: Just do it

Lilywhites fans have surely grown tired of how many targets that they are missing out on, and so this is a case of just making sure Antonio Conte is not left completely empty-handed now.

There is no doubt that Cambiaso is a good player too, as Italian media have pointed out that he has ‘showed his qualities’ in his debut season in Serie A, in which he has managed to score one goal and make four assists in 22 games in total (Transfermarkt).

As an Italian himself, Cambiaso could work well under Conte, and would save the manager a headache as he can play in a wide number of different positions on the pitch, including at right wing-back and in the centre of midfield.

Nonetheless, with the clock ticking, this is a deal that Levy needs to get done as soon as possible, adding some versatile depth to his manager’s squad.

In other news, find out which ‘extraordinary’ ace THFC could now sign here!

Leeds United could sign a big upgrade on Adam Forshaw in Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez amid suggestions that the club could reignite their move for the midfielder.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer window had claimed that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were eyeing up a swoop for the 26-year-old, with Italian publication La Nuova Sardegna even suggesting that the Whites were ready to pay the €36m (£31m) release clause in order to bring him to Elland Road.

Ciclo Deportivo have now claimed (via FC Inter News) that the Whites could return to the table for Nandez, although it’s suggested that it could well be a ploy to get Serie A giants Inter to bid themselves.

Upgrade on Forshaw

With Kalvin Phillips out injured, it’s been up to Forshaw to bring some calm and experience to the Leeds midfield this season; and while the 30-year-old has tried to hold things down, Nandez would represent a real upgrade on him.

Speaking to This Is Futbol, Serie A football expert Conor Clancy said of the Uruguayan: “Anywhere Bielsa wants to play him, he’d do a job. I like him a lot. I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

As per SofaScore, he averaged 1.8 tackles and won 6.1 duels per game in Serie A last term, which favours quite well when you compare him to Phillips – the Whites powerhouse averaged 2.6 tackles and won 5.3 duels per match in the Premier League.

Nandez’s performances for Cagliari even led journalist Mina Rzouki to say: “Cagliari’s Nandez is one of the most underrated players. God he’s been so amazing, especially in Cagliari’s last 3 games. He scored the equaliser against Napoli. Man of the match in the win against Udinese. Against Roma – just wow. Unstoppable.”

The £18m-rated Nandez appears to be the ideal solution to Bielsa’s lack of real midfield cover at Elland Road right now, with his combination of work rate and technique making him a perfect fit for the notoriously demanding Leeds manager.

This season, the Uruguayan has averaged far more duels won per game than Forshaw, while also offering a more consistent goal threat too, averaging more shots per match.

At four years his junior, and with plenty of experience in the Italian top flight, Nandez could seamlessly replace Forshaw in the starting line-up at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta must ensure that he does this one crucial thing…

An update has emerged on Real Madrid gem Isco, regarding a potential move to Newcastle United…

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Florentino Perez has offered the Magpies the chance to sign the ex-Malaga man in January.

The report claims that he is surplus to requirements at The Bernabeu and he could now be on his way to St. James’ Park next month, with his contract up at the end of the season.

Ben Arfa 2.0

PIF could land Newcastle’s new Hatem Ben Arfa with a deal for Isco as the Spanish playmaker has the ability to provide a similar spark in the final third.

The 29-year-old, who has won four Champions League titles in his career, has only made seven appearances in all competitions this season and could arrive on Tyneside with a point to prove.

Last term, he failed to score a single goal in 25 La Liga outings and his recent failures in Madrid could spur him on to be a difference-maker for the Magpies.

However, he does have 108 goals and assists for the Spanish giants overall and has scored 12 goals in 38 caps for his country. This shows that the quality is there for him to produce end product in the final third, but he has lost his way over the last 18 months and a move to Newcastle could kickstart his career.

Former Arsenal player Denis Suarez once claimed that Isco has “incredible talent” and ex-Real boss Zinedine Zidane previously likened the way he plays to having a kick-about on the park. He said:

“He’s looking very confident. He knows how important he is to Real Madrid.

“He plays as if it’s a kick-about and I like that. He keeps going and if things don’t come off for him, he’s patient and he doesn’t panic. He’s comfortable out on the pitch, with his team-mates, and I’m thrilled that we’re seeing the best of Isco more and more.”

These comments from Zidane explain how he could be the new Ben Arfa for Newcastle, as the Frenchman had a similar playstyle in England. He was willing to try skills and flicks, regardless of his success rate, and it led to some special moments – including a sensational individual goal against Bolton in the Premier League.

Isco has proven multiple times for Real in the past that he is capable of delivering special goals with his quality on the ball and he could come in and score sublime individual strikes to win matches for the Magpies in the top-flight if he is able to get back to his best.

Therefore, Ben Arfa 2.0 could be coming to Tyneside if PIF are able to get a deal over the line.

AND in other news, Forget Joelinton: NUFC must seal record-breaking swoop for “world-class” £42.7m beast…

Newcastle United are lining up a move for rumoured Wolves transfer target Lorenzo Insigne as they look to make the most of their new-found fortune.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Insigne

The 30-year-old has been a legendary figure for Napoli, scoring 114 goals in 411 appearances for the Serie A giants and being hailed as ‘crucial’ by former Azzurri manager Rafa Benitez in the past.

Wolves have been linked with an audacious move for Insigne over the autumn, with the Italy international’s current deal expiring at the end of this season. That could allow Bruno Lage to snap him up on a free transfer, either in advance in January or next summer instead.

The Latest: Newcastle emerge as suitors

Wolves have been handed a potential blow in their efforts to sign Insigne, though, with Rai radio claiming [via Sport Witness] that Newcastle are front-runners for his signature.

The Magpies are thought to be ‘ready to shower him with gold’, which suggests that they could blow competitors out of the water by offering him huge wages after their recent takeover.

The Verdict: Seems unlikely

Insigne could be an ideal signing for Wolves with Pedro Neto injured, doubts remaining over Adama Traore’s future and Francisco Trincao only on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season, but it still feels unlikely.

The Italy winger could demand huge weekly wages – something Wolves are unlikely to guarantee, with Joao Moutinho the current highest earner on £100,000 per week, compared to the Italian’s weekly wage of £140,000.

It is far easier to envisage Insigne in a Newcastle shirt than an Old Gold one as the Magpies look to bring in high-profile signings and begin their climb up the Premier League placings over the next few years.

In other news, an in-form midfielder has been linked with a move to Wolves. Find out who it is here.

A number of Manchester City fans have flocked to the transfer news that AC Milan are interested in defender Nathan Ake.

According to a report by MilanNews.it (as relayed by City Xtra), the potential transfer of Ake to Milan is proving to be ‘difficult to achieve’, and sources close to Man City have stated that the centre-back will not be leaving the club in the January window.

The Dutchman has struggled for Premier League playing time this season, having made just eight top flight appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.

However, lately Ake has been utilised in the various cup competitions that City are still in the running for, including the club’s recent 4-1 FA Cup victory against Swindon Town.

It would certainly be a surprise were he to leave, given he is just now beginning to stamp his mark after joining 18 months ago (BBC), particularly impressing against Brentford and Leeds in recent weeks.

These Man City fans flock to the Ake transfer news

Manchester City Twitter source City Xtra shared the news to fans, with many flocking to the comments to share their joy for Ake, who looks set to remain at the club. Supporters were reluctant to see the Netherlands international exit due to a number of fantastic recent performances.

Here’s what some of these fans said…

“Ake is getting better & better at City, top player, at CB or LB, hope he stays and sure he will”

Credit: @MCFCTone

“He’s absolute class and isn’t going anywhere. I was so wrong about him”

Credit: @ManCityKD

“You think Pep will let our defensive depth and stability go now that we finally have it again? In JANUARY? In such a crucial part of the season? Lmaooooooo”

Credit: @mvx_mcfc

“Def don’t give up Aké. That save against Arsenal should keep him a blue for quite a while.”

Credit: @NathanDean904

“AC Milan is one of my favorite clubs in Europe, but Ake needs to stay because he’s actually been very solid when starting.”

Credit: @SoraPalmer

“Tell those Italians to go shop somewhere else, Ake ain’t leaving, no chance”

Credit: @mxnxl_

Newcastle United supporters came into the January window expecting big things from their new mega-rich owners but sadly, reality has hit them hard.

The Magpies have still only won a solitary game all season and with now under two weeks to go in the transfer market, have just Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood to show for their troubles.

What’s the word?

This has been a topsy-turvy month for the Toon so far but there is an expectation that a number of deals will be wrapped up before the deadline on January 31st.

One of the biggest priorities for Newcastle in the window has been bringing in one or two central defenders.

Sadly, Sven Botman is now unlikely to join the northeast side this month but they are now also facing significant difficulties in their plans to bring Sevilla defender, Diego Carlos, to St James’ Park.

This is a deal that has been in the offing for a number of days now with the player even believed to have handed in a transfer request at his Spanish employers.

However, there has been a big twist to the tale. Despite Newcastle initially appearing to be the frontrunner, they are now facing competition for his signature.

The news was revealed by Kaveh Solhekol on a live edition of Sky Sports News’ Transfer Show on Wednesday evening.

He said: “We’ve been told another Premier League club is trying to sign Diego Carlos and they have made a bid for him.”

The Sky Sports reporter continued: “Our information is that the player would like to leave Sevilla and to come and play for Newcastle, so much so he handed in a transfer request yesterday (Tuesday).

“So it looked like there were positive signs that he could be going to Newcastle. Then another Premier League club came in for him today, they have matched Newcastle’s £30m bid. That has complicated the situation.”

Fans surely scared

After already missing out on their number one target in Botman, this is news that will severely deflate and scare not only the Toon Army but also the club’s recruitment team and hierarchy.

A deal to bring Carlos to the club was far from plane sailing in the first place but it did look as though Newcastle were making important breakthroughs in a bid to land his services this week.

However, that has now been thrown into disarray by one of their divisional rivals and if it was someone in the Premier League who stole him away from them, it would only make matters even worse.

This is a devastating blow to the club’s transfer plans and although they do have a number of other options at centre-back, including Benoit Badiashile of Monaco, Gleison Bremer at Torino, and Felix Uduokhai at Augsburg, Carlos was right at the top of their list.

His addition would and could still be a significant one for many reasons. Not only would it prove that Newcastle have the ability to pull players from top clubs in European football, but also because their defence has been diabolical this term.

They have kept just one clean sheet this season – against Burnley – and have shipped 43 top-flight strikes throughout 2021/22. For context, only fellow relegation rivals Norwich have a worse record than them.

As a result, signing Carlos was vital this month and if another Premier League side prises him away instead, it will leave the fanbase demoralised and frightened about their prospects for the rest of the campaign.

AND in other news, “I’m told”: Craig Hope issues major NUFC transfer claim that’ll get fans excited…

Celtic were pretty busy during the previous summer transfer window in terms of bringing new Bhoys to Parkhead and moving some out in the other direction under Ange Postecoglou.

With the next summer window on the horizon, it seems as though one Hoops player, in particular, that was involved in last summer’s busy period could be on the move again.

What’s the news?

According to a Celtic source relaying information to Football Insider, defender Osaze Urhoghide is likely to be on the move again during the upcoming summer transfer window.

That’s if a permanent deal to Oostende, where he’s currently on loan, can’t be agreed.

Repeating Lennon’s mistake

Celtic signed the centre-back, who is currently valued at £270k according to Transfermarkt, during the 2021 summer transfer window from English League One side Sheffield Wednesday on a four-year deal after he agreed a pre-contract agreement with the Hoops in March.

Since then, the defender has only made one senior appearance for the Parkhead club, which came during their 3-2 win over Real Betis in the Europa League where he played the full 90 minutes in the right-back position.

During his time in Belgium, the 21-year-old has been using his time and opportunity there to show Postecoglou what he’s capable of by racking up an average of 2.2 interceptions per game, the highest of any other player at the club, as well as 1.8 tackles and two clearances per game.

If the Englishman ends up joining the Belgian side, or even another club, on a permanent basis in the summer, this could potentially end up being a similar sort of mistake for Postecoglou as it was for Neil Lennon to sell Virgil van Dijk to Southampton back in 2015 for a fee of £13m.

He has since gone on to be a superstar with Liverpool having won the Premier League and Champions League.

Labelled as an “immense” talent by Wednesday manager Darren Moore, Urhoghide certainly has enough time ahead of him to really become a standout first-team figure for the Hoops, if given the chance to do so and gradually become more intrinsic to Postecoglou’s side.

With all of that in mind, if the Hoops do want to move the defender on again in the summer, they should make sure it’s on another loan deal at a club where he’d be getting regular game time and enough of a challenge to show his parent club what he’s made of.

In other news: Daily Record drop big 11-word Celtic claim, unforgivable error could be inbound