All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham are open to offers for Andriy Yarmolenko in January, according to a very reliable source…

What’s the word?

Irons insider ExWHUemployee believes David Moyes will not offer the 32-year-old forward a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

He has also claimed that the Hammers would be willing to offload him this winter should they receive a decent offer for him.

“There’s a few other contracts that are up. Yarmolenko is one, I don’t think we’ll renew that,” Ex explained to his ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast earlier this week.

“In terms of player departures in January. I mean, I think if an offer came in for Yarmolenko, you could probably expect that to happen.”

Bye-bye Yarmolenko?

The vastly-experienced 106-capped Ukraine international has hardly been a hit since joining from Borussia Dortmund nearly four years ago.

He cost around £17.5m, as per Sky Sports, and is supposedly one of their highest-earners on around £115k-per-week at the London Stadium. However, across only 66 appearances, he has only provided ten goals and six assists.

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Yarmolenko’s last top-flight goal came nearly two seasons ago in 2019/20 and he made just one league start last term, as per Transfermarkt.

The 6 foot 2 winger, who can also play up top, is struggling for game time once again this campaign, having featured for just 358 minutes across all competitions, which is rather telling with the Hammers competing in the Europa League.

Now valued at just £3.6m by Transfermarkt, it’s evident that the 32-year-old veteran has overstayed his welcome in east London. He’s not offering Moyes anything right now, so it’s hardly a surprise that Ex believes he could be moved on at the turn of the year.

In a poll conducted by Football FanCast, 90% of fans agreed that Yarmolenko should have been sold in the summer transfer window, so this latest update should leave them excited heading into the winter.

If the Irons can get him off the wage bill, then it could give them a nice little boost to bring in further additions, another encouraging factor to why many will be thrilled by this news.

AND in other news, West Ham eye Jesse Lingard alternative in “god-given” Premier League talent…

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a move for Andrea Belotti this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), who claim that manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici will attempt to bring the 28-year-old to north London upon the expiry of his contract at Torino.

It’s believed that he wouldn’t be signed as a starter due to Harry Kane’s role at the club. However, he’d be considered as a solid backup to the England talisman.

Napoli are also keen on the Italy international, though the player is less sold on that potential move.

Belotti bargain

Bringing the 5 foot 11 marksman to Hotspur Way would be something of a bargain for Paratici and Conte as they desperately need reinforcements in attack, where Kane is the only senior centre-forward option.

It would be a low-risk signing given that they wouldn’t have to pay a fee for the European champion, one valued at £25.2m – often, the club have had to splash out on backups in this regard. Roberto Soldado cost £26m, Vincent Janssen cost £17m and Fernando Llorente cost £12m.

Belotti has proven to be quite the prolific goalscorer during his time in Turin, with 109 goals in 244 appearances. He has bagged double figures in every season barring the current one, as he has been blighted by injury worries, and that includes a career-best of 28 goals in 2016/17, via Transfermarkt.

Former Spurs goalkeeper Joe Hart has previously lauded his former teammate and his ability to lead the line. He told Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio during a loan stint at Torino:

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special. He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

The 41-cap striker may have struggled this season but that has largely been down to injuries keeping him out of the Torino side. However, now back fit, he has scored two goals in his last five starts, so a comeback may be on the horizon at just the right time.

As Kane badly needs a backup, Spurs could do little wrong in sealing Belotti for absolutely nothing. It would be quite the bargain indeed.

AND in other news, Spurs leading race to sign £42m-rated “special talent”, could be Conte’s next Martinez…

With a loan deal in place and a reported medical completed for Philippe Coutinho with apparent negotiations set to begin for the potential signing of Everton left-back Lucas Digne, Aston Villa have been very busy in the 2022 January transfer window so far.

Looking ahead to the rest of the window, it seems as though Villa have their eyes on signing yet another player this month that also has experience of playing in the Premier League which some Villa fans will be pleased to hear.

What’s the news?

According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Villa are “in talks” to sign a back-up ‘keeper during the winter window.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News on Monday, he said: “We’re told they’re in talks to sign the West Ham United goalkeeper, Darren Randolph.”

Sheth also revealed that if a deal can be struck for Randolph this month, Villa could then allow current goalkeeper Jed Steer to leave on loan so he can get regular game time.

Randolph originally joined West Ham back in the 2015 summer window from Birmingham City on a free transfer. The Hammers then sold him to Middlesbrough in the summer of 2017 before buying him back in the 2020 January window.

Smart work from Villa

Overall, the 34-year-old, who is currently valued at £900k according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 52 appearances for the east London club, keeping 15 clean sheets in the process.

With 34 Premier League appearances under his belt, it would be smart work from Villa to have a back-up option for Emi Martinez, who has played in all but one of their 19 league games so far this season. And when considering the experience of the top-flight that Randolph possesses, he very much fits the bill.

He’s made no appearances in any competition for David Moyes’ side so far this season with Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola ahead of him in the pecking order, but a move to Villa could give Randolph more of a chance to get some games under his belt should anything happen to Martinez.

If Villa do manage to secure a deal for the Irons stopper and then manage to get Steer, who filled in for Martinez in Villa’s 3-0 defeat against Chelsea back in September, out on loan and get some regular minutes, this could end up being a solid and fairly low-risk deal for the Midlands club to make.

In other news: Imagine him & McGinn: Gerrard could form deadly AVFC duo with “intelligent” 91 G/A ace – opinion

With Steven Gerrard succeeding in turning things around at Aston Villa, his attentions will already be turning towards the January transfer window and the kinds of new signings that he could make to strengthen his squad.

And while the former Liverpool skipper would be right to cast his eye far and wide for those potentially game-changing additions, he might want to look closer to home to see someone who could really get Villa Park rocking: Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

The 19-year-old was in fine form last year for the club’s U23s, scoring five goals in just 14 games at Premier League 2 level, as well as providing three assists – that’s not to mention the superb hat-trick he scored on his England under-19 debut last November either.

His former coach Ahmed Abdulla has raved about his ability as an out-and-out winger, and judging by the coach’s comments, he seems perfectly ready to grab his opportunity in senior football.

Abdulla said: “He can come inside or go on the outside. The model winger. He hugs the touchline and can beat his man. (He’s) Very confident and very light on his feet and skips past tackles, not one of them that gets hit and goes down. He bounces off tackles. He’s very strong and outstanding in one-v-ones.”

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece recently indicated back when Dean Smith was in charge that while the winger is highly-rated, a January loan move could be on the horizon.

He said: “It’s crystal-clear that Philogene-Bidace remains highly thought of at Bodymoor Heath, his challenge now now is to stay patient and be ready when called upon.

“A Championship loan move could well be in the offing in January but, as it stands, Villa have a serious talent on their hands, one who’s primed and ready to make his mark in the Premier League.”

But with injuries and other issues no doubt taking its effect, handing an opportunity to one of the club’s brightest young prospects from the academy could be a sure-fire way to save a lot of money and get the fans excited too.

While much of the talk at Villa has been around Carney Chukwuemeka – which is understandable given his superb performances in the FA Youth Cup last season and recent game-time too – Philogene-Bidace could well be the academy starlet to become the club’s secret weapon heading into the new year.

Meanwhile, Villa have made this man their main target…

Newcastle United have made an enquiry for Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett.

That’s according to 90min, and their update has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

Targett has been a regular for Steven Gerrard in recent months, missing just two games under the Villa boss. The 26-year-old signed a new Villa Park contract last year through to 2025 but could now be second choice following Lucas Digne’s arrival.

Targett dropped to the bench against Manchester United last weekend for Digne to make his debut after his move from Everton, and it seems as if Newcastle are keen on the Englishman as a result.

90min revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have approached Villa over a possible move for Targett, who could now be available to leave the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Both The AVFC Faithful and Total Villa shared the news regarding Targett on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one wanting Allan Saint-Maximin in any deal.

“I’ll drive him up to Scotland myself”

Credit: @BenevolentBarry

“Saint-Max swap deal”

Credit: @charliepowellm1

“No way does Targett get sold. You don’t solve a problem then unsolve it immediately. Summer may be a different matter”

Credit: @TheHolte1874

“Crazy to sell him as we can’t just have Ash. Matt is great backup and would hope he wants to fight for his place rather than go elsewhere!”

Credit: @k1eranw

“No. Targett is ahead of Young on the pecking order for LB by a long shot. It would be silly for him to be sold.”

Credit: @AvfcUncut

“We want a squad now. So he has to stay unless he wants to go.”

Credit: @ch1992_ch

In other news: ‘Give them what they want’ – Many Villa fans flock to transfer update on potential ‘superstar’. 

A Rangers transfer claim has emerged on the future of Ibrox winger Ryan Kent and whether Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be able to keep him.

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the winger has a release clause in his contract with the Glasgow giants and that he remains a long-term target for a club in England.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “The Ryan Kent one’s interesting; he’s been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League, there was links with Ryan Kent.

“He’s had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract.”

Bad news for van Bronckhorst

This update spells bad news for Gio van Bronckhorst as it means that he will be helpless to stop Kent from leaving if a club comes in with an offer that triggers the release clause.

Without that contract stipulation, the Dutch head coach could urge Ross Wilson to reject any offers for Kent’s services unless an eye-catching amount of money was placed on the table. Instead, he will be forced to suffer in silence if Leeds, or any other team, stumps up the required fee.

This means that it may be a summer full of anxiety for the ex-Feyenoord boss as he hopes that no team decides to come in for him at the required price, with July and August allowing teams to swoop for him.

He will be desperate to keep hold of the Englishman as he has been a key player for the club throughout the campaign, domestically and in Europe. The forward has produced three goals and 17 assists for the Gers, including 11 assists in 24 Premiership outings and four in nine Europa League matches.

These statistics illustrate his importance to the team as he has been a regular source of creativity for the side. He has proven that he can do it in the Scottish top-flight and in European competition, which is why the head coach will be eager to retain him heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Therefore, it is incredibly bad news for the Ibrox boss that Kent has a release clause that can be triggered in the coming months, especially with him being a long-term target for Leeds. Hopefully, they decide to look elsewhere and Rangers will be able to enjoy his talents for another year, at least.

AND in other news, Big blow: Rangers dealt worrying injury setback that’ll leave Van Bronckhorst gutted…

Wolves are confident are sealing a permanent move for in-form Wanderers striker Hwang Hee-chan, according to journalist Danny Rust.

The Lowdown: Hwang linked with Premier League duo

The South Korean has made a flying start to life at Molineux, having moved there on loan from RB Leipzig in the summer.

Hwang has scored four times in his first eight Premier League appearances – only six of those have been starts – and has struck up a good relationship with Raul Jimenez.

According to a recent report, however, Liverpool and Manchester City are eyeing up a move for the striker, highlighting the importance of Wolves securing his services permanently.

The Latest: Journalist gives positive update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Rust has provided a positive update from a Wolves perspective, though, claiming the club believe a deal can be struck:

“It’s important for them to try and get that deal done.

“But, likewise, this is one where you have to question whether Liverpool or Manchester City are going to be able to offer him the game time that he can get at Wolves? Almost certainly not.

“We’ll see what happens, but I’m sure Wolves are still confident they can get a deal done.”

The Verdict: Vital deal to secure

Hwang has taken to English football seamlessly and if Wolves could sign him permanently it could feel like a major piece of business considering the giants of the division are seemingly circling.

At 25, he should be about to enter the peak years of his career and 45 goals in 126 RB Salzburg appearances, not to mention winning 43 caps for South Korea, speaks for itself.

Hwang has been lauded as a ‘top player’ by Bruno Lage, and assuming his current form continues, tying him down permanently is a no-brainer for Wolves.

In other news, some Wolves fans have gushed over an official club post. Read more here.

Leeds United are expected to “go back for” RB Salzburg starlet Brenden Aaronson in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Phil Hay.

What’s the story?

Reports back in the January transfer window had suggested that Jesse Marsch’ side had a bid rejected for the USA international, but it appears their interest has not gone away ahead of the summer.

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And, in responding to a question from a fan about whether Leeds should potentially pursue Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse instead of the Salzburg man, Hay said: “JWP is a cracking player. I always assumed that he’d be a target for someone further up the league (and maybe he will be in this next window). I’d take him for sure but I do expect Leeds to go back for Aaronson.”

Exciting signing for Leeds

Having seemingly missed out on him in January, Aaronson’s name is once again the main topic of conversation when it comes to potential incomings at Elland Road.

And, when you look at some of the rave reviews he has earned – both for his on-pitch ability and off-the-pitch nature – it’s clear to see why Leeds have felt both under Marsch, and predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, that Aaronson would be a good fit for the club.

Indeed, his former head coach at Philadelphia Union, John Curtin, waxed lyrical about the kind of personality he has, even revealing a little tidbit about the way current Leeds boss Marsch took to him at Salzburg.

He said: “He looks like he should be in a boy band rather than a Champions League game. But when he steps on the field and the whistle blows, he’s ruthless, man. He is a killer and he’s relentless. It’s important too, his teammates freaking love him. I can’t stress that enough. There’s so many great young talents that know they’re great, and maybe don’t fit in in the locker room.

“But the kid is a sweetheart. Instantly, Jesse was like, ‘The whole team has fallen in love with Brenden. They root for him like he’s a mascot, almost.’ And now he’s like one of their best players. He just has such a good way about him.”

Furthermore, the £18m-rated star has also drawn praise from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who watched him first-hand during his time in the MLS, and saw him deliver a fine performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League recently.

The Frenchman said: “I came across him when I was a coach with Montreal, and he killed us with Philadelphia Union. His activity, the way he sees the game. I’ve always been a big fan of him and I’m not surprised to see what he’s doing right now with Salzburg.

“He’s contagious. The way he plays, his energy. His intensity is second to none. He supports the team. He’s a good player. I always thought he was going to be a player. He’s still learning.”

Hay’s update on Leeds going back in for the midfielder is sure to have fans buzzing.

AND in other news: Orta can now axe “awful” £55k-p/w flop as Leeds eye “underrated” £12.5m-rated “threat”

Taking to Twitter, journalist Rudy Galetti of Sportitalia TV has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan shot stopper Samir Handanovic.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing new keepers?

Even though it seems as if Tottenham number one Hugo Lloris is likely to pen a one-year extension at the club, the future of number two Pierluigi Gollini is up in the air.

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Reports even claim the Lilywhites could decide to cut short his loan spell and send him back to Atalanta despite having the option to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of 2021/2022 (L’Eco di Bergamo via The Spurs Web).

This comes amid ‘concerns’ those within Tottenham have over Gollini’s fitness as they weigh up making his move a permanent one (The Athletic), but it appears Spurs may also have their eye on alternative options already.

The Latest: Galetti makes Handanovic claim…

Taking to Twitter, reporter Galetti has shared news on a brand new target for Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici as news emerges on Handanovic.

The 37-year-old’s contract at the San Siro expires this year, meaning he is now free to negotiate pre-contract summer moves with overseas clubs.

Tottenham have apparently taken an interest in doing this and Handanovic now ‘could arrive’ in England as a free agent later in 2022.

It is also believed that Conte has personally ‘asked for’ his former keeper as Spurs keep tabs.

The Verdict: Right call?

Arguably solid for a quick-fix, the 81-cap Slovenia international is a player Conte certainly knows well and played regularly during his time at Inter Milan.

Over the last two seasons, Handanovic has been a mainstay in the Nerazzurri starting line up but came under-fire for some of his unreliable performances near the end of 2021.

He has, however, stood out with brilliant performances as well since then and his experience working under Conte could be of real benefit to Tottenham.

A seasoned and experienced shot stopper with plenty of time at the top level, he has also been called a ‘monster’ by his goalkeeping teammate Michele Di Gregorio, currently on loan at Serie B side Monza.

On a free deal, Handanovic certainly shouldn’t be dismissed as an option should Gollini leave.

In other news: ‘I’ve been told this morning’…Sky journalist shares ‘breaking’ Spurs transfer news on live TV, find out more here.

Celtic have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that the injuries picked up by Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston during Celtic’s 1-0 win over Hearts on Thursday evening do not appear to be anything serious, despite both players being substituted in the fixture.

Speaking about the current condition of the duo, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss said: “Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston doesn’t look like anything serious.”

Postecoglou will be elated

Considering just how unlucky Postecoglou has been with injuries in his short tenure as Celtic’s manager thus far, the news that both Welsh and Ralston do not look as if they will be required to spend an extended spell on the sidelines is sure to have left the Greek-Australian coach elated.

Indeed, Ralston has been one of the surprises of the season so far, as, over his 13 Premiership appearances, the £270k-rated right-back has helped his side keep five clean sheets, scored three goals, provided five assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.8 key passes, 2.1 tackles and winning 7.1 duels per game.

These returns have seen the 23-year-old average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.72, ranking him as the third-best player in the Scottish top flight.

Meanwhile, over Welsh’s seven league fixtures, the £1.08m-rated centre-back has helped keep two clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.7 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and winning 5.6 duels per fixture – with these metrics seeing the 21-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 7.16.

As such, while there is nothing left to play for in Thursday evening’s Europa League fixture, the news that both Ralston and Welsh look as if they will be available for selection is undoubtedly a huge boost for Celtic – with fans sure to be delighted after finally hearing some positive injury news out of Parkhead.

In other news: Ange can save millions with “Roy of the Rovers” who’s got a “big future at Celtic”