All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Manchester City youngster Tommy Doyle, as the club eye a silver lining amid the summer chaos.

Julen Lopetegui left the club on Tuesday night and had been vocal over his thoughts on the club’s financial issues, as he admitted that he was “worried” about his squad’s chances in the upcoming Premier League season.

With added financial pressures and doubts in the dugout, Wolves need a ray of light to shed some clarity on the dull outlook at Molineux at present.

Could Wolves sign Tommy Doyle?

As reported by Alan Nixon of The Sun, the Midlands outfit are named as potential competitors to Celtic in the bid to obtain Doyle.

The coveted 21-year-old starlet is set to be the subject of another loan spell away from the treble winners, after excelling in the Championship last term at Sheffield United.

A loan move could be a viable option for the Old Gold with their economic situation in consideration, in a swoop that could land them a talented prospect to bolster their midfield.

How good is Tommy Doyle?

Highlighted as one of the “fantastic talents” in City’s academy by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Englishman could be the added bit of quality essential to Wolves’ current squad.

The side has lost a significant number of players due to sales and contract expirations, with little evidence to suggest that replacements can be made to increase depth and replenish departed quality in the side.

Deployed primarily in central midfield, Doyle enjoyed an impressive individual campaign with the Blades on the road to the promotion to the top-flight.

In 33 Championship appearances, the 21-year-old gem showcased the complete feel to his game in the engine room, showing strengths in both offensive and defensive roles in the middle of the park.

As per FBref, the Manchester-born star averaged 1.51 tackles and won 51% of his total duels, averaging 2.3 per game to communicate his ability to protect the defence and be considered an assured presence in midfield.

Ending the season with seven goal contributions, coming in three goals and four assists, Doyle has attacking strengths in his game, highlighted best through his precision in getting the ball forward through his distribution.

Averaging 5.68 progressive passes, 1.12 progressive carries and a dominating 1.70 key passes per 90 for Sheffield United in the Championship, the youngster showed why he is in demand this summer for another spell away from the Etihad.

For Wolves, the Old Gold could restore the aura of a former departed youth prospect, who also shone at Bramall Lane on a loan spell.

Morgan Gibbs-White departed Molineux last summer on a permanent basis after working his way through the club’s academy.

The midfielder flourished at Sheffield United during a season on loan in the Championship in the 2021/22 season, before he left Wolves on his return to sign for Nottingham Forest after being given only slim chances to show his worth in the Midlands.

Like Doyle, the Englishman showed the second-tier his ability in releasing the ball, averaging 5.97 progressive passes and 1.73 key passes per 90 for the Blades that campaign, via FBref.

With similar strengths to their game relayed by their averages at mirrored stages in their careers, Wolves could snatch up a talent that could give them a similar calibre of talent to their departed academy graduate.

Fabinho will undoubtedly go down as a Liverpool legend after winning everything there is to win at the club in the last five years. He leaves in somewhat of an abrupt manner, though, with a move to Al-Ittihad set to be completed, according to Fabrizio Romano.

After struggling for form last season, a move away has arguably come at the perfect time for all involved, with Liverpool cashing in, and potentially using the money to welcome reinforcements.

According to Romano, the Reds are looking to sign Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia this summer, in order to boost their midfield, with a £45m bid set to be submitted – while Khephren Thuram's name has also been touted in the media.

Fabinho's pending £40m departure, however, hasn't left everyone recalling what an excellent presence he's been around the club in recent years, with former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant taking aim at the Brazilian in an unexpected fashion.

What did Jermaine Pennant say?

Speaking to Lord Ping, Pennant said: "Fabinho’s performances over the last two years suggest that either his legs have gone or he doesn’t really want to be there anymore. Rumour has it that he’s a troublemaker in the changing room, that’s what I’ve heard from people close to the club.

"I’ve heard he’s a bad egg. I don’t know the ins and outs, but I hear he’s a nuisance to management in terms of professionalism. In his performances and in training, he’s not giving his all. You can see it."And his performances suggest he’s on the cliff of his peak.

"Some players can go on for a long time, but his body and his style makes it look like he’s not athletic. He’s 29, he’s one of the older 29-year-olds. He’s not mobile or agile, so it looks like he’s coming to the end of his prime. So £40m for him would be perfect.

"There’s still hope it might go through and Liverpool can invest that in a younger, fitter and stronger player."

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Pennant also revealed that he believes Liverpool should sign Thuram to bolster their midfield after the departure of Jordan Henderson and the pending exit of Fabinho.

Speaking again via Lord Ping, he said: "I’d like to see Liverpool sign Khephren Thuram, he plays for Nice and he’s a box-to-box midfielder. I think he would be perfect, he’s skilful and he can tackle too. He’s like a young Gerrard, basically.

"He’s a Jude Bellingham-type player and he’d be your Fabinho replacement and he could play with Alexis Mac Allister. He could cover the whole of midfield like a better Henderson."

So far this summer, Jurgen Klopp has welcomed both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominic Szoboszlai, significantly improving his midfield. With Henderson leaving, and Fabinho set to follow, beyond Thuram, the Reds could also reportedly bring in Lavia.

It certainly seems as though they could do with at least one more midfielder this summer, if they don't want to be left short of options in the coming campaign.

Meanwhile, a sensational report in The Mirror has suggested that the Premier League giants are ready to offer Kylian Mbappe a one-year loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain before he joins Real Madrid next summer.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can pull off what would be an incredible deal.

Manchester United will focus on "new midfielders" in the coming weeks, and Fiorentina's Morroco star Sofyan Amrabat is "one of the big names on the list", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Sofyan Amrabat joining Manchester United?

The transfer window is in full swing at Old Trafford following a sluggish start that was dominated more by takeover talk than it was transfer talk.

The first name Erik ten Hag welcomed through the doors was former Chelsea academy star and full England international Mason Mount, who joined the side for just £55m after a protracted back and forth saga that felt like it would never end.

Just two weeks later, the club welcomed their new number one to the Northwest, Inter Milans highly rated goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Cameroon international was already a priority target for the Red Devils, but after David de Gea left the club on July 1st, his signing went from important to essential.

The next name that looks to be on the way to the Theater of Dreams following Onana is Atalanta's Danish prodigy, Rasmus Hojlund. According to the Daily Mail, the three-time European champions are 'poised' to make their opening offer to the Bergamo side.

However, even with these three new starters coming into the side, ten Hag will look to add at least one more body to his midfield before the new season gets underway, especially once the club have completed the sales of Fred and Scott McTominay.

The name most touted to fill that gap in midfield has been Fiorentina and Morocco star Amrabat, who had a brilliant campaign last year and, according to transfers expert, Fabrizio Romano is definitely on the club's list.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"Once they complete the outgoings, Man United will focus on new midfielders and Sofyan Amrabat, for sure, is one of the big names on the list."

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

The last 12 months might've been Amrabat's best as a professional footballer thus far. He excelled for I Viola on the domestic scene and was an instrumental player in Morocco's run to the World Cup semi-final in December.

So good were his performances for the Atlas Lions that journalist Nigel Adderley declared him Morocco's "player of the tournament."

His performances also won plaudits from Sky Sports, who placed him at the heart of their Team of the Tournament.

His underlying numbers are interesting as they demonstrate that he shines in certain areas, like his passing, whereas in others, like his defensive contribution, he somewhat flatters to deceive. However, systematic changes around him could potentially mitigate any of his shortcomings.

According to FBref, who compare players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the 26-year-old "monster" sits in the top 5% for pass completion, the top 8% for progressive passes, the top 11% for passes attempted and the top 33% for progressive carries, all per 90.

However, he also finds himself in the bottom 42% for interceptions, the bottom 34% for clearances, the bottom 32% for tackles, and the bottom 30% for blocks, also all per 90.

While a few elements of his game could potentially be worked on, Amrabat has more than proven his quality over the last year and would be a brilliant signing for United.

Arsenal have now registered their interest in signing Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise, who is believed to have a £35m release clause included in his contract, according to a recent report from 90min.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have been fairly busy in the summer transfer window, having already spent €231.6m (£200m) on new players, however Mikel Arteta is yet to bring in a back-up option for Bukayo Saka, which may be needed ahead of next season.

With his side set to return to the Champions League, it is important that Arteta has plenty of strength in depth to ensure they can compete on all fronts, and Saka may need resting at times, having played in every Premier League game for the past two seasons.

According to journalist Charles Watts, Arsenal "like" Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus, who is able to play on the right-wing, while he is also versatile enough to slot in at central midfield, and at striker, which could make him the perfect signing.

Fabrizio Romano has made it clear he believes the Gunners could add one more player at right-wing in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, and they have now identified Olise as a potential target.

That is according to a report from 90min, which claims that Arsenal have now made contact to register their interest in signing the Crystal Palace forward, who is believed to have a £35m release clause included in his contract, but there may be fierce competition for his signature.

Manchester City and Chelsea have also expressed an interest in the Englishman, and the latter club are most confident about being able to get a deal over the line, due to the existing relationship they have with the player's family.

Michael's younger brother, Richard Olise, is currently on the books at Stamford Bridge, which could help the Blues win the race for his signature.

Outside the Premier League, French champions Paris Saint-Germain also retain an interest in signing the 21-year-old.

How good is Michael Olise?

The Crystal Palace star is extremely versatile, having featured on the left-wing and in a central midfield role throughout his career so far, but he has most commonly been utilised at right-wing, to great effect.

After making his breakthrough in the Premier League during the 2021-22 campaign, the winger really kicked on last season, registering two goals and 11 assists in 37 league appearances.

As mentioned in the 90min report, the London-born attacker broke the record to become the youngest player ever to register three assists in a single Premier League game, achieving the feat in a 5-1 victory against Leeds United last season.

Lauded as "sensational" by members of the media, the starlet is also more than happy to pitch in with the defensive side of the game, ranking in the 85th percentile for tackles and the 86th percentile for interceptions per 90 in the past year.

Olise could be the perfect back-up option for Saka next season, and £35m seems like it would be a fair price, considering his performances last season.

Aston Villa are believed to be interested in signing Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour from Italy.

How many goals has Nicolo Zaniolo scored?

The 24-year-old has been a highly-rated footballer for some time now, but unfortunately, injuries have tended to define his promising career to date. Cruelly, a cruciate ligament problem in 2020/21 saw him miss a huge chunk of action and he has been dogged by various other fitness issues over the years, too.

On the plus side, Zaniolo has continued to perform at a good level when fit, and he scored five goals in ten Turkish Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray last season – he only joined during the January transfer window.

The attacking midfielder is also a 13-cap Italy international, further highlighting the ability that he possesses, and while his current deal in Turkey lasts until 2027, that doesn't mean that an exit this summer is out of the question.

Villa are enjoying a superb transfer window to date, bringing in the likes of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres, while Moussa Diaby also looks set to join the club imminently. It could be that Zaniolo is another summer target for the Villans, following the emergence of a new transfer rumour.

Could Aston Villa sign Nicolo Zaniolo?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via The Boot Room], the Italian is wanted by Villa this summer, seeing him as someone who can bolster their options in the middle of the park, especially if other midfield targets end up being unattainable, such as Thiago Almada.

There is a clear risk element when it comes to the club potentially signing Zaniolo, with his aforementioned injury problems standing out as an obvious issue.

If Villa believe that he has overcome the worst of those issues, however, he could be an exciting signing, having been described as "incredible" by none other than Roma legend Daniele De Rossi in the past.

He tasted UEFA Europa Conference League glory with the Giallorossi in 2021/22 – a competition that Villa are of course in next season, which is an added bonus in terms of his winning mentality in it – and he also won the title with Galatasaray last term.

Whether Zaniolo's current club are willing to sell so soon after signing him remains to be seen, with a hefty offer potentially having to be table to get him, but he should certainly be viewed as an intriguing target by Villa.

His natural ability is undeniable, with 24 goals and 18 assists coming his way for Roma, and he could almost be seen as a luxury midfield option for Unai Emery – someone who may not always be available, but who can be an influential when he is fit and firing, providing something more exciting and unpredictable in midfield.

If the Villans were ultimately to decide against signing Zaniolo this summer, it would make plenty of sense because of his fitness concerns, but there would be a level of intrigue to the signing if he did come in, being seen as something of a wildcard addition that could pay off handsomely.

Leeds United could finally be set to kickstart their significant summer spending, as they close in on a man capable of ushering in Daniel Farke's new era.

Is Ethan Ampadu still a Chelsea player?

That's according to journalist Phil Hay, who took to Twitter to confirm Nizaar Kinsella's earlier claim that they will make Ethan Ampadu their first senior signing of the summer.

He would write:

"Leeds United and Chelsea reach agreement over a deal for Ethan Ampadu. Initial fee of around £7m with add-ons attached. Clears the way for a medical and for Ampadu to become the club's first signing of the summer."

With the 22-year-old having failed to establish himself as a first-team member since joining the Blues in 2017, this move could finally mark an opportunity for the defender to reignite a career that once promised much.

The 6 foot 1 ace has just one year left on his £37k-per-week deal.

What position is Ethan Ampadu?

One of the outstanding qualities of the Wales international is his impeccable versatility, given his ability to star in a number of roles.

Across a tumultuous career, where he has ventured out on four separate loan moves since moving to Stamford Bridge, he has featured at right-back, defensive midfield and his preferred centre-back.

Of those spells, whilst the two in Italy did allow him to impress, his year at Sheffield United will likely be of most interest to fans seeking to get a taste of his qualities within English football.

Featuring 25 times in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, in which the Blades finished rock bottom, he would maintain a 6.95 average rating massively boosted through his two interceptions, 2.3 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore. This made him their highest-rated player that year.

Even before this, Ryan Giggs had sought to praise him by claiming: "He’s a future leader and it’s great to see him get minutes on the pitch. It’s my hope that he’ll get more games and he’ll get better."

To pair such imperious solidity with the equally staunch Max Wober, it could pose a frightening prospect for the rest of the Championship.

Few strikers would relish facing a pairing boasting this much quality.

After all, the Austria international, who only moved to Elland Road in January, took no time at all to acclimatise to the physicality of English football.

His 6.84 average rating made him the club's third-best performer of those who started five or more games, as he too would record 1.7 interceptions and four clearances per game, via Sofascore.

From conceding the most goals in the division last term, such a signing would go a long way towards rectifying the fragility that has plagued the club for some time.

With Ampadu yet to realise the immense potential that he commanded when bursting onto the Premier League scene as a 17-year-old, perhaps the alleviated pressure that a permanent move down the football pyramid would bring could prove vital in revitalising a career still very much in its infancy.

After all, former professional football Paul McVeigh had noted back in 2016: "Footballing world, take note of this young player. Ethan Ampadu. He's going to be very special."

His experience is vast compared to most others of his age, and under the stewardship of promotion-specialist Farke and alongside Wober, all the facets are in place for him to finally start playing the way many know he can at a consistent level.

Manchester United have now held first talks over a move for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, and they are currently monitoring the midfielder "very closely", according to the latest update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Man United remain interested in signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, and they are currently waiting to confirm some outgoings before pursuing a move for the 19-year-old, who is also being targeted by the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Another midfielder who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford is Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, amid the Frenchman's uncertain future at the Bernabeu, owing to the recent arrival of England international Jude Bellingham.

Erik ten Hag believes the Real Madrid man would be the ideal candidate to slot into his midfield, but the deal would not be cheap, with the president of the La Liga club, Florentino Perez, not willing to settle for a fee of less than €80m (£69m).

Amrabat could be a low-cost alternative to Tchouameni, with it recently being reported that Ten Hag has made the Fiorentina star his top target, and a deal is now on the cards for the low fee of around just £20m.

Plettenberg has since offered another update on United's pursuit of the midfielder on Twitter, claiming they are monitoring him "very closely" with a view to getting a deal done this summer, and the move could become a "hot topic" later in the window.

The move is not advanced at the moment, but first talks have already taken place, with Bayern Munich also being named as potential suitors, however, there is no "concrete" interest from the Bundesliga champions at this stage.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

The 26-year-old made a name for himself out in Qatar at last year's World Cup, with journalist Amine El Amri heaping praise on the Morocco star for some of his performances, saying:

"Sofyan Amrabat is a great footballer in addition to being a raging bull. I’m trying to be as objective as I can, but I think he’s been the best midfielder in this World Cup.

“I have nothing but respect for guys like Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Rodrigo De Paul and many others, but I think he’s been absolutely the best player in midfield in this World Cup.”

It was a fantastic tournament for Morocco, who made it all the way to the semi-finals, with their central midfielder particularly impressing against Spain in the round of 16, making four tackles and winning all seven of the ground duels he contested.

However, the Morocco international has not been quite as impressive for Fiorentina, recording an average WhoScored match rating of just 6.46 in the Serie A last season, only the 23rd-highest figure in the squad.

As such, you could say there are doubts over whether Amrabat would improve Manchester United's midfield, so even though he will be available for the low fee of just £20m, Ten Hag should probably look at pursuing other options this summer after already bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea.

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is on the verge of finalising a new deal at the club, according to an exciting update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

When is Marcus Rashford out of contract?

The 25-year-old was arguably United's best player in 2022/23, hitting a sensational run of form in the early part of 2023, following a good 2022 World Cup campaign with England. He scored 17 goals in the Premier League in total, as well as chipping in with five assists, playing a massive role in the Red Devils eventually finishing third in the table.

There have been concerns over Rashford's long-term future at Old Trafford, however, with his current contract expiring in the summer of 2024, and an extension not yet agreed ahead of the new campaign.

To lose the £200,000-a-week Englishman at the peak of his powers would be an enormous blow, especially with many great years still ahead of him. Thankfully, it looks as though there may be some good news regarding Rashford, though, following a significant update over his future.

Is Rashford set to sign new Man Utd deal?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano claimed that Rashford is now closing in on an extension at Old Trafford, as he commits his long-term future to the club:

"I can confirm that Marcus Rashford is really close to signing new long term deal at United, though when it’ll be announced is up to the club.

"It’s technically not done yet, some details have to be clarified soon but talks are very advanced. Man United believe this is like a new signing because Rashford was out of contract in 2024 and many top clubs including PSG were keeping close eye on Marcus’ situation."

This is huge news for anyone of a United persuasion, with Rashford an integral part of the club's future, being hailed as "world-class" by teammate Luke Shaw.

At just 25, he has already scored 123 goals and registered 68 assists in a United shirt, and there is no reason why he can't go on to at least double those tallies as the years pass.

In many ways, tying down Rashford to a new deal feels as important as any new signing during the summer transfer window, with the 53-cap and 16-goal England international one of the Premier League's outstanding attacking players currently, and a poster boy for United in general, given all the outstanding off-field work he has done.

Manchester United looking to be closing in on a £43m deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to Corriere del Ticino, via The Faithful MUFC.

Manchester United transfer news – could they sign Andre Onana?

Given David De Gea's unresolved contract issue, which doesn't seem to be going away any time soon, Man United are in need of a number one as things stand. And, as reports in Italy suggest, Onana could be that new shot-stopper.

The Inter Milan man would be Erik ten Hag's first signing this summer as the Red Devils look to take things up a level or two at Old Trafford.

After De Gea's season to forget in the last campaign, too, it comes as little surprise that United have their sights set on finding a new number one – a move which signals a sign of intent.

Indeed, the report states that Inter may well be willing to cash in on the stopper after the Red Devils lodged a bid of £43m.

A deal to sign Onana would, therefore, eat away at Ten Hag's budget who has reportedly been told that he has £120m to spend unless he moves players on this summer.

Would Andre Onana make Lisandro Martinez look better?

The best goalkeepers in the world can make even the most unreliable defenders look far better than they are, and vice-versa – see De Gea last season, for example.

Onana would reverse the roles at United by making the backline look even better than they already look after a solid season together last time out – conceding just 43 league goals and helping De Gea secure the Golden Glove.

The Inter shot-stopper would help show off a trait that Lisandro Martinez hasn't been able to express as much during his United career so far. And that's his ability on the ball.

De Gea's poor distribution often leaves United forced to scrap any thoughts of playing from the back and to play over the press, rather than through it.

Last season, the Spaniard attempted 11.8 passes per game, completing just 3.71 – a completion rate of 31.4%. By comparison, Onana attempted 11.3 per game, completed 4.38, with a completion rate of 38.9%, as per FBref.

For context of Onana's quality, Alisson Becker had a 41% completion rate last season, meaning that the United target isn't far off one of the best goalkeepers in the world in terms of passing ability.

Meanwhile, Martinez's stats show that, when given the chance, he can comfortably progress from the back. As per FBref, in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, he completed more passes per 90 than Declan Rice. Simply give him the chance and Martinez will play a key role in bypassing a press.

When at Ajax together in the 2019/20 season, Onana had an impressive 45.04% pass completion rate, completing over four passes per game. Martinez, with the goalkeeper supplying the passes, made 9.24 progressive passes per 90.

However, last season, with De Gea behind him, the Argentina international made just 3.53 per game in a frustrating drop-off.

Onana's quality is recognised by the best in the world, too, with Pep Guardiola full of praise for the shot-stopper prior to Manchester City's Champions League final victory over Inter.

The Manchester City boss said, via Manchester Evening News: "They [Inter] have a real good process, starting from Onana, an exceptional goalkeeper in the build-up – one of the best in the world right now."

With that said, it's clear that if United sign Onana, he would take them and particularly Martinez up another level.

Potential Manchester United target Dusan Vlahovic could be available for £70m this summer, according to Dean Jones.

Are Man United interested in Vlahovic?

It is no secret that Man United are eager to sign a top-quality striker this summer – someone who can fire the Red Devils even further up the table.

For a long time, it had been assumed that the striker in question might be Harry Kane, a man for whom finding the net is all too simple. However, recent reports have suggested that United have pulled out of a deal for the English marksman, largely because of the asking price of the 29-year-old.

Links to Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund have been ever-present, but it is a different Serie A star who could find himself at Old Trafford according to Dean Jones.

Talking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones claimed: "I have had an indication that it is possible to sign Vlahovic in this window and I’m intrigued to see if anyone goes to check on Juventus' resistance around that. It seems like an opportunity too good to miss."