All posts by h79snht.top

Glasgow Rangers are yet to make their first senior addition to their squad during Michael Beale’s first transfer window in charge of the Ibrox giants.

The English head coach replaced Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the break for the 2022 World Cup break and this month is his first opportunity to bring in his own players.

Sky Sports recently reported that the Light Blues are ‘leading’ the race to sign attacking midfielder Todd Cantwell on a permanent deal from Championship side Norwich and he could be Beale’s first addition.

However, the Canaries gem may not be the only signing of the month for the Gers as they are also reportedly one of a number of teams in Europe interested in a deal to sign Romanian youth international Alexi Pitu from FCV Farul.

Beale could now form an exciting pairing at the top end of the pitch by signing the 20-year-old gem and pairing him with his fellow countryman Ianis Hagi.

The pair trained, and played once, together when they were at Viitorul Constanta and Pitu recently responded to a question asking if reuniting with the Gers gem would interest him by saying:

“Yes I would very much love to play with Ianis again, but first I want to win the title with Farul Constanta.

“I focus on football, I do my training and in the matches, I try to give my best.

“I understand the interest in playing with Ianis at Rangers and of course, it would be very nice.”

Rangers must now convince Pitu to ditch his current club in favour of a move to Ibrox as his form this season indicates that he could be an excellent signing for the Gers.

The gem, who has been described as a “playmaker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has produced five goals and five assists in 19 league starts for Constanta, which means that the forward has contributed with a goal contribution more than once in every two matches.

Hagi, meanwhile, is due to return from injury this month and has already proven himself in a Light Blues shirt, with 15 goals and 21 assists in 85 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Both players can play anywhere across the attack and this means that Beale could pair them together in a multitude of ways, with one out wide and the other in the number 10 role, or both of them lining up on the flanks to run at teams and cause them problems.

Therefore, the head coach could seal an exciting, Romanian, duo for the Gers in the second half of the season by signing Pitu to play alongside Hagi and deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

Barry Ferguson believes Rangers manager Michael Beale has been left “impressed” by Todd Cantwell following reported talks over a potential move to Ibrox.

Lowdown: Cantwell on the move

Following new Norwich City manager David Wagner’s appointment, Cantwell has been told he can leave Carrow Road this month, with the 24-year-old considering an offer from Rangers to move to the SPFL (via Sky Sports).

Cantwell is set to be out of contract in Norfolk at the end of the season and has therefore attracted interest from a number of Championship clubs, the Sky Sports article claims, but it appears the Gers are leading the chase.

Indeed, Beale recently suggested that incomings could be announced next week following talks with targets, having stressed that any new recruits “have got to be the right people” as he aims to claw back Celtic’s lead in the Scottish Premiership.

Meanwhile, he also claimed he was “pleased” with how things were progressing in terms of their interest in the Norwich ace.

The Latest: Ferguson’s comments

After discussions took place between Beale and the player alongside his representatives, Ferguson claimed on The Go Radio Football Show, that he believes the pair have been left very pleased with the direction the deal is moving in.

He said: “Listening to Michael Beale, he sounds confident, so that tells me that it’s not far away.

“Obviously, he sat face-to-face with him, I quite like, what he said was he wants to sit and look into their eyes and see if they’re for him and vice-versa with the player, and obviously the player’s been impressed; Michael Beale has been impressed.

“There’s no doubt he’s a talented guy, his career has kind of stalled at Norwich and maybe Rangers is a club to get him back on track.”

The Verdict: Point to prove

We think Rangers will be picking up a talented player who will be hungry to reach the levels he was producing a couple of years ago at Norwich if they can finalise the deal.

The former England youth international has become surplus to requirements at Carrow Road despite the Canaries’ severe struggles in the Championship, which ultimately led to Wagner’s appointment.

Without a goal or an assist to his name in 18 appearances in the league this season, Cantwell hasn’t featured since the resumption following the World Cup.

However, he previously showcased his ability in the Premier League with Norwich, where he provided eight goal involvements in the doomed Canaries side that were relegated with 10 straight defeats at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

On a cut-price deal, Cantwell would prove good depth as well as the chance to kickstart his stuttering career and push his way into the first-team picture, hoping to rekindle the form that saw him linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City only last season.

Wolves are reportedly ‘plotting’ a raid of their Black Country rivals West Brom for their right-back Ethan Ingram.

The Lowdown: Busy window

The Old Gold have already made four signings in the January transfer window so far, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Craig Dawson.

Their spending spree shows no sign of stopping, as they have also been linked with moves for Atletico Madrid’s Felipe and Flamengo’s Joao Gomes in recent days.

The Latest: Ingram raid

As per Football Insider, the Wanderers, as well as QPR, are ‘plotting’ a move for Ingram before the window shuts.

The 19-year-old is in the final 18 months of his deal, and his future is thought to be ‘up in the air’.

The Molineux outfit are in the market for a new right-back, and they regard Ingram as a player with ‘huge potential’ for the future.

The Verdict: Semedo competition needed

Nelson Semedo is the only recognised senior right-back in the squad at the moment, and so Julien Lopetegui could do with another to compete with the Portuguese.

At 19, Ingram could understudy the 29-year-old, with the thought of replacing him as first choice in the future.

He has experienced men’s football before with two senior appearances for West Brom, but has mainly featured for them at youth level, with 71 games played, recording an impressive two goals and 10 assists from right-back (Transfermarkt).

Ingram has also been capped at youth level for England, and so is clearly a highly-rated prospect.

Nonetheless, this would be a smart signing for Wolves.

Newcastle United are close to striking an agreement with Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to DAZN journalist Orazio Accomando.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s De Vrij interest

Newcastle have been named as potential suitors for the Netherlands international since last May, as reported by Football Insider, with the centre-back showing no signs of wanting to extend his deal at the San Siro beyond June 2023, when his current contract expires.

It has been documented that the Magpies were one of the clubs believed to be interested in signing the 30-year-old on a pre-contract agreement this month, with Tottenham Hotspur also named as potential suitors.

The Latest: Accomando’s update

According to Accomando, who works for DAZN Italy, Newcastle are ‘close’ to an agreement for the Dutchman, having submitted an ‘important offer’ in recent days.

The journalist infers that Eddie Howe’s side are leading the race ahead of Tottenham and AC Milan, who have also made their interest clear.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Make it happen

The Newcastle defence has been unbelievable this season, conceding just 11 goals in the Premier League (five fewer than any other team in the top flight), but Howe will want more strength in depth, and the 30-year-old has a proven track record of performing at the top level, making 27 appearances in the Champions League.

Hailed as a ‘monster’ by former Lazio team-mate Mauricio, the 6 foot 3 colossus ranks in the 85th percentile for interceptions per 90  in the past year among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues with 1.89, displaying his knack for being able to read the game and cut out opposition attacks.

De Vrij has also averaged more tackles and won more aerial duels than Fabian Schar and Sven Botman in the same timeframe, indicating that he could be a real upgrade to Howe’s already robust defence.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale will be approaching the final few days of the window desperate to secure a couple more signings in order to improve his options at the Ibrox side.

A deal for midfielder Todd Cantwell has already been secured, however, with bids for Nicolas Raskin and Morgan Whittaker being rejected recently, the next few days could prove to be extremely crucial with regard to any further January incomings.

Reports state that Raskin has secured a pre-contract agreement with the club, however, despite a £2m bid for the winger, Beale is no further closer in a deal for Whittaker and it could be a big blow if he misses out.

Whittaker could be an upgrade on Sakala

Beale has begun life at Rangers in solid fashion, failing to win just one match – a credible 2-2 draw against Celtic in the Premiership – and despite failing to make up any ground on their Old Firm rivals, the signs have been positive that the 42-year-old can take the club into a new era with a renowned focus.

The Englishman has managed to rejuvenate a few players in the process, with Alfredo Morelos rediscovering his goalscoring boots, netting four times in seven matches since December, while Fashion Sakala has also improved his attacking output, registering seven goal contributions under Beale so far, having grabbed just two under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the opening stages of the season.

Despite this improvement, Whittaker would no doubt prove to be a major upgrade on the Light Blues’ unpredictable forward, especially considering his form at League One side Plymouth during the first half of the campaign.

The 22-year-old netted nine times while registering seven assists, both better totals than Sakala this season and also making more key passes per game (1.3 to 1.1), creating more big chances (seven to four), and has more shots on target per match (1.1 to 0.7), suggesting the Englishman could be a bigger attacking threat if he joined the Gers.

Retired winger Jobi McAnuff praised Whittaker recently while speaking on Sky Sports News (via Wales Online) saying: “He’s a top, top young player. He’s been out on loan at Plymouth where’s he got nine goals and seven assists.

“He can play wide right or just behind the striker. He scores important goals, he’s a great dribbler, and carries the ball well. He’s a fluid player who links into the attack very well and he’s got a fantastic left foot.”

These impressive feats so far this season clearly prove Beale has got to make sure he succeeds in his pursuit of the youngster and the whiz could become a big part of the new direction he is taking Rangers in.

Man City are lining up a summer bid for Fulham defender Antonee Robinson as Pep Guardiola already ‘finds’ his heir to Joao Cancelo.

The Lowdown: Cancelo departs…

In perhaps one of the shocks of the January transfer window, Cancelo, a Sky Blue mainstay and star player of the last two years left Eastlands – joined Bayern Munich on loan with a €70 million (£62m) option to buy.

Reports suggest that the Portugal international had a fall-out with Guardiola behind-the-scenes though this is categorically denied by the player himself.

Cancelo had been used sparingly since returning from the World Cup in Qatar, perhaps owing to the brilliant form of rising star Rico Lewis and versatile ace Nathan Ake.

The Latest: Man City line up Robinson bid…

City supporters have been left surprised and disappointed by Cancelo’s exit given his importance and status in Guardiola’s first team since 2020/2021.

The 28-year-old’s technical ability and flair out wide will be sorely missed, but according to The Sun, club chiefs are already lining up a summer bid for his possible heir.

The outlet states City ‘will’ make a bid for USA international Robinson in the summer as Guardiola already ‘finds’ his replacement for Cancelo.

The Verdict: Good option?

The 25-year-old, who won stellar praise for his performances at last year’s World Cup, could prove to be a good option to succeed the departed Cancelo.

As per WhoScored, Robinson has become a key player under Marco Silva in the Premier League – starting 18 league matches as one of their most-selected men.

He also averages Fulham’s second-highest rate of crosses per 90 from out wide and ranks third in their squad for completed take-ons.

Robinson is also highly versatile, able to play at both left-back and further forward on the wing.

Members of the press have called the defender ‘magnificent’ after seeing him shine in Qatar and City have apparently been quoted a reasonable £20m fee.

His status as an English top flight regular with international pedigree could make £20m seem like a bargain.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to hold talks with Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio over a potential move in the summer as a free agent.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The 27-year-old’s contract in Madrid is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

With the January transfer window now concluded, clubs can start laying the groundwork for moves that they would like to make in the summer, and Asensio is sure to be a player in demand given his contract situation.

The Latest: Talks ready for Asensio

As per The Daily Mirror, the Spaniard’s agents are flying into London this week to feel out interest from the Premier League in the player, with Real Madrid holding off talks over a potential new contract until March or April.

Asensio wants to sign a four-year deal with a new club worth more than what he is earning at the Santiago Bernabeu (£118,000 per week), and Mikel Arteta is thought to be a big admirer of his as Arsenal look to plot a potential free transfer.

The Verdict: Saka competition needed

With Marquinhos leaving on loan for Norwich City in January, and Reiss Nelson currently injured, Bukayo Saka has not had much competition for his right-wing berth in the Gunners’ squad.

He has played in every single game bar one at the Emirates Stadium so far this season and is in need of more rotation at the risk of picking up an injury and not burning out.

Lauded as “spectacular” by his former agent Horacio Gaggioli, Asensio has had an illustrious career at the age of just 27, winning no fewer than three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, along with a host of other major accolades.

The Spain international is a player from whom 21-year-old Saka can learn and grow with if he joins Arsenal, and on a free transfer, this is a deal which would make a lot of sense for the Gunners.

West Ham United are set for contract talks with right-back Ben Johnson, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Talks stalling

The 23-year-old’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024, and the Hammers are keen to tie him down to new terms, offering a six-and-a-half year deal a little under a year ago, which the right-back rejected.

Talks have proven to be difficult, with ExWHUEmployee revealing on the West Ham Way Podcast in December that discussions had been postponed, but the club now appear willing to come back to the negotiating table.

The Latest: Fresh discussions planned

As per Football Insider, the Irons are set to make a new attempt to agree a contract renewal with the defender, who attracted interest from Everton during the January transfer window.

It is claimed that the 23-year-old is highly regarded by David Moyes, so the manager will not want to risk losing him on a free transfer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-6/” title=”West Ham latest news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-david-moyes-premier-league-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Good news

Hailed as ‘brilliant’ in the past by former West Ham midfielder Trevor Sinclair, Johnson has been a dependable backup option for the Irons this season, making ten appearances in the Premier League, with Vladimir Coufal starting the majority of the games.

However, the latter’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and with no new deal appearing to be on the horizon, Moyes cannot risk allowing another right-back to leave.

The Hammers have been linked with a summer move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a deal which could amount to £22m, and given that the Manchester United defender has averaged more tackles (3.32 v 2.07) and interceptions per 90 (2.32 v 0.93) than Johnson over the past year, he should be the first choice if a deal is completed.

That said, the West Ham academy graduate would be a decent rotation option, and at his age he still has plenty of time to develop further, so the aim should be to agree a new deal as soon as possible.

The Merseyside derby on Monday is likely to come ‘too soon’ for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk to return from injury, according to expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Van Dijk injured

After being forced off at half-time in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat away at Brentford at the beginning of January, Jurgen Klopp confirmed Van Dijk would be out for at least ‘a few weeks’.

The centre-back has recently taken to Instagram to share an update on his progress, posting stats of a fitness session he was involved in, after what transpired to be a hamstring injury ended up being worse than first feared.

The Latest: Dinnery’s update

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Dinnery claimed that next week’s Merseyside derby against Everton will be too early for the Dutchman to make a return.

The injury expert said: “I would suggest that the Merseyside derby on Monday is probably going to come a little bit too soon for him.

“I think, realistically, Jurgen Klopp would want more time on the training pitches for him, so it could be the game after that where he makes his return.”

The Verdict: Disappointing news

Hailed as ‘outrageous’ by Jonathan Woodgate (via The Mirror), it is no secret how important the 31-year-old is for Klopp’s side, ranked by Sofascore as their best-performing centre-back in the Premier League this season, averaging a 7.01 match rating.

In the absence of the 6 foot 5 titan, the Reds have looked shaky defensively, going two goals down inside 12 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, with Joel Matip being rated as the worst player on the pitch.

While Liverpool should not need Van Dijk to beat Everton, given the disparity between the teams in the league table, Klopp will still be disappointed that one of his best players is not back to full fitness yet, and the hope will be that he can return for the tough trip to Newcastle United a week on Saturday.

Leeds United are looking at up to three more manager candidates after a move for Alfred Schreuder failed to materialise, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Lowdown: Schreuder move

Schreuder appeared to be Leeds’ man after travelling to Elland Road on Sunday to watch the club’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. The former Ajax boss was under serious consideration to replace Jesse Marsch, however, Phil Hay has since said that a move won’t be happening, with Schreuder travelling back to the Netherlands as a result.

The club’s search for a new manager has now taken over a week, with Romano sharing the latest in a column for CaughtOffside.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano shared an update on Tuesday on what he has heard from Leeds on their managerial search. The transfer expert said that the club still have ‘two or three managerial candidates still being considered’ after a move for Schreuder collapsed.

He added that those at Elland Road want to keep it a ‘secret’ and wouldn’t go into details on rumours linking Steven Gerrard with the vacancy, with conversations now into ‘key stages’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-copy-2/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates (Copy)” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Next 48 hours crucial?

Leeds will surely look to have a new manager, even if it is on an interim basis, in the next 48 hours, which will give them a short period of time with the squad ahead of a crucial relegation battle with Everton on Saturday.

The trip to Goodison Park is then followed by a home clash with bottom side Southampton, so the next 11 days appear to be vital in regards to how the season pans out. Gerrard and Nuno Espirito Santo have been two names mentioned after a failed move for Schreuder, so they could be ones to watch.