Tag Futebol

Everton completed some impressive business over the summer window, with the Toffees being in the market right up until the final hours of deadline day.

The Toffees got permanent deals for Paris Saint Germain’s Idrissa Gana Gueye and Manchester United’s James Garner over the line before the transfer window slammed shut on Thursday, making it eight new addition for Frank Lampard this summer.

Now, the 44-year-old has the job of determining who will become his first-team regulars at Goodison Park, and one player who looks as if could make a huge impact is 21-year-old Garner.

The former Manchester United starlet – who was hailed a “raw talent” by journalist Rich Fay – was signed up to Lampard’s project for £15m and, when you consider his influence in the centre of the pitch for Nottingham Forest in the Championship last season, this could prove a major coup for the Toffees.

Over 41 appearances for Forest last season, the youngster scored four goals, delivered eight assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of two key passes, 1.8 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and winning the majority of his duels (53%) per game – proving that he is a complete midfielder who offers almost everything.

In fact, the Everton boss could form an imperious young duo by teaming up Garner with fellow newcomer Amadou Onana, who was extremely impressive in the team’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

Onana is an incredibly solid defensive midfielder, making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and winning 3.9 duels over five appearances so far. As such, giving him a midfield partner who can not only work alongside him to win the ball in the midfield but also progress it further would be an absolute nightmare for their opponents.

With that being said, the signing of Garner should not be one that is wasted and Lampard must find a place for him in the team as soon as possible, as his talents could be a huge boost for the team in their challenge to have a much more comfortable and improved season in the top flight.

Newcastle United are reportedly stepping up their interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, after agreeing a deal to sign Real Sociedad striker, Alexander Isak.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, who wrote on Twitter that a loan move could be in the works: “Told #nufc pushing hard for Gallagher on loan from Chelsea after landing Isak from Real Sociedad.”

Reports earlier this month had suggested that the Magpies were one of a handful of Premier League clubs to have enquired about the England international, following his impressive, breakout campaign on loan at Crystal Palace.

Although the 22-year-old has since been welcomed back into the first-team fold at Stamford Bridge, manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that there will be no guarantee of minutes for the youngster amid intense competition for places.

Manager’s dream

It looks set to be a hectic end to the window for those at St James’ Park, with the club all-but set to confirm the arrival of Isak on a £60m deal, having previously walked away from negotiations due to the hefty financial package.

That change of heart – potentially influenced by a fresh injury concern regarding first-choice forward Callum Wilson – will see the Tynesiders finally end their search for a new attacking recruit, with manager Eddie Howe having previously admitted his frustration at the inability to bolster his forward line.

The former Bournemouth boss now appears to have set his sights on another promising talent in the form of Gallagher, with the one-time West Bromwich Albion loanee currently on a real upward curve following his meteoric rise over the last 12 months.

Snapped up by those at Selhurst Park last summer, the £22.5m-rated sensation went on to score eight goals and provide three assists in the top-flight alone, while also impressing with his relentless, all-action style in the centre of the park.

Something of an old fashioned “box-to-box midfielder”, in the words of Zach Lowy, the £32k-per-week menace proved himself a real “manager’s dream” during his time with the Eagles – according to manager Patrick Vieira – such is his capability to impact the game in both boxes.

His impressive attacking output is no doubt influenced by his willingness to form part of the forward line when his side are in possession, as he notably ranks in the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

A man to also spark an attack with a surging run from deep – as he ranks in the top 8% for dribbles completed – the Epsom-born playmaker possesses a real desire to get on the front foot and influence the game, with that risk-tasking, aggressive style no doubt to Howe’s liking.

As too will be his strength defensively, as he ranks in the top 7% for pressures made, as per FBref, having previously been lauded as a “pressing machine” by Mark Duffy.

That approach will seemingly mirror the current style that is adopted by the Tynesiders, with the likes of Miguel Almiron (top 8%), Bruno Guimaraes (top 10%) and Joe Willock (top 13%) also ranking highly for the same metric.

It may prove difficult to secure the services of a player who has featured in all three league games for the Blues so far this season, although it is easy to see why Howe and co are so intent on pursuing him, with the four-cap maestro a true ‘manager’s dream’.

Sheffield Wednesday are the front-runners to sign Swansea City youngster Kyle Joseph this summer.

The Lowdown: Owls keen on new signings

The Owls’ League One season is underway but that doesn’t mean Darren Moore’s business in the transfer window is necessarily done yet.

The manager himself has publicly admitted he’s still keen on making additions in the attacking third of the pitch, in order for Wednesday to have enough firepower throughout the squad.

And a new update suggests an exciting young player could be heading to Hillsborough before deadline day ends on September 1.

The Latest: Wednesday linked with Joseph move

According to Wales Online, the Owls are ‘battling it out’ with Oxford United for the signing of Joseph.

The 20-year-old will be allowed to leave on loan, and the two sides name-checked are the ‘front-runners’ for a deal.

The striker scored four times and added two assists in 13 League One starts on loan at Cheltenham last season.

The Verdict: Strong squad option

Joseph could be an ideal signing for Wednesday this season, coming in as someone who can provide strong competition for the likes of Lee Gregory and Michael Smith.

His form at Cheltenham last season is proof that he can shine in England’s third tier, and he could give the Owls that extra piece of class in attack as he looks to prove to his permanent employers he has what it takes to be a serious player in the senior game.

The bonus of a loan move is that if Joseph proves to be out of his depth at Hillsborough, Wednesday won’t have wasted too much money on him, and perhaps they can even negotiate a permanent deal if the opposite happens and the youngster thrives.

Journalist Mark Hendry, sharing news in the last 48 hours, has an update for Celtic supporters on the club’s transfer plans for the rest of this summer window.

The Lowdown: Ange backed…

The Hoops, after sealing a 2021/2022 SPFL crown over an impressive debut campaign in charge for Ange Postecoglou, have seriously backed their boss in this summer window so far.

Indeed, the Scottish champions have made seven major signings in total, most recently sealing deals for both Aaron Mooy and Moritz Jenz to complete a brilliant double capture.

Next campaign will represent an interesting one for Celtic as they look to defend their crown and fend off arch Glasgow rivals Rangers all while competing back in the big time of the Champions League.

The Latest: Hendry shares Celtic transfer plans…

Following the acquisitions of Mooy and Jenz, reporter Hendry has taken to Twitter with a last 48 hour update on the club’s summer plans.

According to his information, Celtic chiefs are ‘happy’ with their conducted business, and as things stand, they won’t be making any more signings.

He explained:

“For now I’m hearing business is finished. Obviously Matt O’Riley in January is proof that things can change but Celtic happy with what they’ve done right now.”

The Verdict: Right call?

While some supporters could arguably want to see more come through the door at Parkhead, it is also debatable that Celtic have re-enforced in the right areas and just enough not to upset the applecart.

It is imperative that Ange and Hoops chiefs don’t disrupt the harmony of a tight-knit, title-winning squad too much whilst adding that degree of quality to freshen things up.

That being said, you can certainly see why those within Celtic have made the decision to not make more approaches, yet Hendry also hints this could change depending on developments.

Indeed, if the right player becomes available, club officials may want to consider their next move carefully and it will be interesting to see if they do in fact pull a U-turn on their current stance.

Aston Villa’s 2022/23 campaign will see Steven Gerrard take charge for his first full term at Villa Park, and he will be well aware of just how important pre-season is. It gives him the chance to decide his strongest 11, whilst also handing new signings the chance to fully integrate themselves into the squad.

A good pre-season can lead to an excellent Premier League campaign – something that those at Villa Park will be desperate for after an underwhelming 14th-place finish last season. As they prepare for the new Premier League season, the Midlands club will have five games to get up to speed.

Aston Villa’s pre-season schedule

Saturday 9 July 1pm BST: Walsall vs Aston Villa 

Aston Villa kick off their pre-season with a trip to the Poundland Bescot Stadium, where they will face League Two outfit Walsall, with kick off taking place at 1pm BST.

Monday 17 July 5:35am BST: Aston Villa vs Leeds United

Next up for Gerrard’s side in pre-season is a game against fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United. And it’ll be an early start for Villa fans, with kick off scheduled for 5:35am. The game is set to take place at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

Wednesday 20 July 10:45am BST: Brisbane Roar vs Aston Villa 

Three days after playing Leeds, Aston Villa take on Brisbane Roar at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with the kick off set for 10:45am BST as Gerrard’s side continue their tour of Australia. 

Saturday 23 July 10:45am BST: Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Whether it’s a friendly or competitive game, Steven Gerrard vs Manchester United in some capacity is always entertaining. In this instance, it is a friendly with Aston Villa taking on Manchester United at the Optus Stadium in Perth to close their trip to Australia. 

Saturday 30 July 5pm BST: Rennes vs Aston Villa 

To end their pre-season, Villa take a trip to France to face Rennes at Roazhon Park, with the kick off time set for 5pm BST. Fans will be hoping that, by this point, the players are back to full fitness and sharpness ahead of the start of the Premier League season. 

How to watch Aston Villa’s pre-season fixtures online

On Villa TV, fans have the option to buy a five-match package, which will come with 12 months of access to VillaTV+ for £44.99. Meanwhile, a match pass for the one Walsall game is £4.99. Or you can buy an Australia match pack, which comes with 12 months of VillaTV+, for £27.99. There’s also the option of a four-match pack for £36.99. You can subscribe to Villa TV here.

Manchester United have taken ‘concrete steps’ to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to Calciomercato.

The Lowdown: De Ligt at Juventus

The Netherlands international has been on the books in Turin since 2019 after leaving Ajax in a deal worth £76.95m. Still just 22 years of age, the centre-back has made 117 appearances for Juventus, winning three trophies.

Italian football expert Carlo Garganese described De Ligt as an ‘absolute monster’, and as the centre-back enters the final two years of his contract, it looks as if a summer exit could be on the cards.

The Latest: Talks held

Calciomercato shared an update on Tuesday afternoon regarding De Ligt.

They claimed that both United and their rivals Manchester City have taken ‘concrete steps with the player’s entourage’ but are yet to make an official offer. Juventus would want at least €70m (£60m) to part ways with the centre-back.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-3/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Help with De Jong move?

United’s priority target is still Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is close friends with De Ligt, especially during their time at Ajax.

A move for De Ligt could well help United in their pursuit of De Jong, and signing the duo could be a masterstroke by Erik ten Hag.

He knows how to get the best out of the pair, and with former Red Devils goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar likening De Ligt to Cristiano Ronaldo for his mentality and application in the gym, a move for the defender could be just as important as any potential swoop for his midfield compatriot.

Considering that United conceded 57 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, strenghtening at the back is a must for Ten Hag this summer.

Aston Villa have reportedly exited the race to sign Rangers defender Calvin Bassey following the signing of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos.

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claim that Villa are likely to be out of the race for the Nigerian, who can play at both left-back and centre-back, having signed the Brazilian for £26m.

It is believed that Rangers value the 22-year-old at a figure in excess of £25m, having been a vital cog in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side this term with the Glasgow outfit winning the Scottish Cup and reaching the final of the Europa League.

Even though the West Midlands outfit have already made an exciting signing at the back in Carlos, that shouldn’t halt their pursuit of Bassey.

Villa must stay in the race for Bassey

It’s no secret that Villa boss Steven Gerrard is planning an overhaul of his squad this summer with the upcoming transfer window the 41-year-old’s first summer window in charge at Villa Park.

Having managed Bassey at Rangers, the Englishman is reportedly keen on a reunion with the former Leicester City youth product, who BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves claimed to be “astonishing.”

The Villans proved inconsistent throughout the campaign, with the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season a good example of how the entire campaign has gone for Aston Villa.

Having been 2-0 up with 15 minutes to go after an excellent display, a capitulation saw Gerrard’s men concede three goals in five minutes to lose the match.

Finishing 14th, NSWE will be planning for their side to enjoy a more successful campaign next term with the Villans finishing 17th, 11th and now 14th since returning to the Premier League.

It’s been 11 years since Villa last secured finished a top-half finish in the top flight and that will undoubtedly be the minimum requirement next season.

However, in order to achieve that feat, Gerrard must improve his defence with both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa proving unreliable at times.

Bassey could provide a further solution to those problems, on top of bringing in the Sevilla colossus. He averaged 1.6 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and an 85.2% passing accuracy across the SPFL and the Europa League, as per WhoScored.

None of Villa’s current first-choice central defensive options registered more than 0.9 tackles per game, whilst only Mings bettered his interception rate and Konsa his accuracy rate.

The West Midlands club have done excellently to recruit Carlos, but their efforts to improve the defence mustn’t stop there, with Bassey an exciting prospect and one that would undoubtedly improve a Villa side that conceded 54 goals in the league.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals “official talks” have started, Villa supporters will be gutted 

Tottenham Hotspur have an unmissable chance to bring back former fan favourite and Premier League playmaker Christian Eriksen this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Times, sharing news out of Spurs in the last few days, believe that there could be a real summer of change at Hotspur Way as manager Antonio Conte sets his sights on a major overhaul.

[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”]

They claim as many as eight players could be offloaded by Conte, a contingent including Sergio Reguilón, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.

Meanwhile, the Lilywhites head coach is thought to be targeting six major signings in three defenders, a midfielder and a forward.

The likes of Eriksen and Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans are thought to be on the radar but much could hinder on their final push for a Champions League qualification place.

The Latest: Jones makes claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Jones say Spurs have an unmissable chance to sign Eriksen this summer given his soon-to-be free agent status.

He explained:

“There’s a general rule in football that is don’t go back, but in this sense Eriksen can be a rule break because he’s ridiculous and this isn’t your normal situation that has opened up.

“Eriksen being available as a free agent is an opportunity you simply can’t turn down.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 30-year-old’s fairy-tale return to the grass after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 has been nothing short of sublime.

According to WhoScored, he has stood out as Thomas Frank’s main man since joining in January – averaging the most key passes in the final third and best match rating per 90.

Sealing a sensational return for Eriksen could be a brilliant move by Spurs and one which would gift Conte more creativity in his starting eleven.

Already hailed as a ‘superstar’ by teammate Pontus Jansson, this move could certainly be on to watch for supporters.

In other news: Tottenham push for ‘statement’ signing as ESPN man makes five-word claim! Find out more here.

Antonio Conte has dropped an update on the current condition of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Spurs’ meeting with Leicester City on Sunday afternoon (via football.london), the Italian manager revealed that the 21-year-old’s surgery on his pubis injury went well, and that the England U21 international will be returning to first-team training this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-levy-conte-paratici-thfc” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Regarding Skipp’s injury, the 52-year-old said: “I have spoken with the doctors and they said to me that the surgery was OK, it went well. For sure, Oliver will be ready for pre-season, for next season.

“It’s a pity because don’t forget that we lost two players in Skipp and Tanganga from January. We don’t have two reliable players like them and for sure it’s not good for me to manage the situation. This squad is not so deep so to lose two players that for us we’re talking about important players; it’s not good news.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the sheer amount of potential Skipp quite clearly possesses, the news that the midfielder’s surgery appears to have gone well is undoubtedly fantastic for everyone involved with Tottenham, not to mention being something that will leave supporters buzzing.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the £18m-rated talent has already made 51 appearances for the first-team, with the youngster looking to have been a particularly important part of Conte’s long-term plans in north London – featuring in all but one of the 14 fixtures in which he was available for selection following the Italian’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As such, while it is undoubtedly a huge blow to have lost the services of the £50k-per-week starlet for the remainder of their 2021/22 campaign, with it looking as if Skipp is in line to make a full recovery well before next season kick-offs, Conte and supporters can look forward to seeing the continued development of one of their most exciting young talents in the not too distant future.

AND in other news: “Eyeing move…”: Journo drops big Spurs transfer claim, he’s a “young Paul Gascoigne”

England have won two successive away Tests for the first time in six years to complete a rare series win in Sri Lanka.

Shiva Jayaraman18-Nov-2018 England end their away woes 2000-01 The last time England won a Test series in Sri Lanka. The visitors had won the three-match series 2-1. Since then, this is England’s first win in the country in four attempts. While the hosts had won in 2003-04 and 2007-08, the two-match series in 2011-12 was drawn 1-1. This is England’s third series win in Sri Lanka: they had won their first series – a one-off Test – back in 1981-82. 4 Number of times in 20 attempts before this series that teams from outside the subcontinent had managed to beat Sri Lanka in a Test series in Sri Lanka. Apart from England in 2000-01, Australia had managed to beat the hosts in 2003-04 and in 2010-11. More recently, Sri Lanka lost to South Africa in 2014. 10 Number of Test series won by England in the subcontinent excluding one-off Tests. Their previous win here had come against India in 2012-13, when they had won the four-match series 2-1. Since 2000, they have won six out of the 17 series they have played in Asia involving two or more Test matches. 2012-13 The last time before this tour in which England had won two successive away Tests. They beat India in Mumbai and Kolkata in the 2012-13 series. The two wins in this series have come after a poor recent run for England in away Tests. Their last away win before this series had come against Bangladesh at Chittagong, after which they had lost ten matches out of the 13 that they played outside England. England spinners – 19, pacers – 0Thirty-eight wickets fell to spin in the Pallekele Test, the most ever in Test history•ESPNcricinfo Ltd 0 Wickets taken by England pacers in this match. This is only the third time that England have won a Test match when their quick bowlers have not taken a single wicket. The last such instance had come in the 1956 Ashes Test at Old Trafford when Jim Laker took 19 wickets in the match. The first such instance had come against India in 1951-52 at Kanpur. 38 Number of wickets taken by spinners in this Test – the most in a Test match ever. The previous highest were the 37 wickets which fell to spinners in the Nagpur Test in 1969-70 between India and New Zealand. 5 Number of times England spinners have taken 19 or more wickets in a match including this. The last such instance was against India at Mumbai in 2012-13 when Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann combined to bowl their team to a famous win.