All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United could land themselves an ideal heir to Mark Noble for nothing this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Sport1, the Irons are interested in signing Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dor Peretz, who is out of contract at the end of the current season.

However, it is claimed that the Premier League side face stiff competition from Russian giants CSKA Moscow and that they are leading the race to secure his signature, having offered him a €1m-per-year (£865k) deal.

The Israeli outfit still have a few matches to play in their season, so no decision on his future is expected anytime soon.

Noble heir?

The Hammers’ club captain is due to play one final season next term after he confirmed back in March that he would be bringing the curtain down on an 18-year career in East London.

Whilst the 33-year-old has been restricted to a lack of game time on the pitch, featuring in only 704 minutes this league campaign, his presence off it is still of huge importance.

‘He is still one of the leaders in the dressing room and is a helpful conduit between the owners and the squad,’ wrote The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas earlier in the year.

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This sort of void is really irreplaceable but David Moyes could help himself and the club by finding a viable replacement, and perhaps he has done exactly that with the Maccabi vice-captain.

The 26-year-old is primarily a defensive midfielder but has chipped in with plenty of goals, finding the net ten times in all competitions this term. On top of providing nine assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Peretz has also played a whopping 50 matches, both domestically and in Europe, proving to be the sort of player that you can trust to not get injured and always be fit and firing – something that Noble has been for a long part of his career.

Furthermore, the 6 foot 1 powerhouse has picked up 20 caps for Israel, which makes him an even more attractive prospect as he’s available for nothing.

His former national team boss Andi Herzog has tipped him for big things in the past, too – speaking to Walla! he claimed the Maccabi star “belongs at the top” as he can play either the no.6 or no.8 role.

He also suggested that had Peretz been playing in the Bundesliga, then he’d be “worth €20m (£18m).”

The Hammers have had success with Israeli players before; Yossi Benayoun and Eyal Berkovic, to name just two.

Whilst it’ll take an impressive character to take the place of Noble, it would be a low-risk move to take a punt on the 26-year-old this summer.

AND in other news, Soucek 2.0: Moyes can deliver West Ham another bargain in £14m gem who “can do it all”…

There has been mounting speculation on the future of Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Matt Clarke at West Bromwich Albion, and there has now been an update on the situation.

What’s the latest?

According to West Brom reporter Steve Madeley (via The Athletic), the 25-year-old centre-back “would be keen” to stay at The Hawthorns this summer.

Madeley wrote:

“Clarke would be keen on a permanent move to The Hawthorns and there are reasons for which a deal would appeal to West Brom as it is likely that any deal would include a low up-front fee and would be weighted towards performance-related add-ons and sell-on clauses.”

Bruce will be buzzing

There is no doubt that Steve Bruce would be buzzing at the idea of the defender wanting to stay at the club after his comments about Clarke in an interview a few weeks ago.

Bruce told Express and Star:

“He has been, arguably, since I’ve walked through the door – he’s been our best player so I’m really, really, happy for him.

“All those conversations – it’s all about the future. What is going to happen in the future is the big thing and we’ll have those talks.”

The Baggies centre-back has featured 32 times in the Championship this season, with his effectiveness and influence in the backline a clear indicator as to why Bruce holds him in such high regard.

Clarke has made 1.9 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and 1.5 tackles on average per game, kept ten clean sheets, won the majority of his duels combined (63%) and has been successful in the majority of his dribbles (63%), proving to be a consistent force for West Brom throughout the season.

West Brom have now squandered their chances of picking up a playoff spot in the Championship this season, but will now need to focus on rebuilding and reflecting on the issues that have presented themselves this season to improve and hit the ground running to earn a place back in the Premier League next season.

Permanently signing Clarke could be a great step in their pursuit to return to top-flight football as he has proven he has what it takes to offer reliability and good fitness in the Championship for them, something many players in the team have struggled with throughout the current campaign.

AND in other news: In talks: WBA must brutally axe “powerful” £720k-rated gem after “important” update

As Manchester City sweat over the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne following their 1-0 FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday evening, many Sky Blues fans have erupted over the latest update from manager Pep Guardiola.

De Bruyne was hooked just after half-time following a collision with opposition midfielder N’Golo Kante as the Belgian appeared to land awkwardly on his own ankle.

The 29-year-old was immediately withdrawn from the contest after going down and was replaced by Phil Foden, but even the youngster’s introduction couldn’t propel City to a win as they bowed out of the FA Cup and surrendered hopes of an unprecedented quadruple.

Following the match, Guardiola provided an update on De Bruyne in what appears to be a negative outlook, with the Spaniard claiming that it ‘doesn’t look good’ for the Belgian (via Manchester Evening News).

Guardiola also said that De Bruyne ‘has pain’, with City now sweating on an official recovery estimate and waiting to see the full extent of the problem.

Flocking to the manager’s post-match update, many Sky Blues supporters feared the worst, with one unsurprisingly calling it “really bad news”:

Man City fans erupt over De Bruyne injury update

“We are done”

Credit: @Citizenani06

“Worst day of the season”

Credit: @WillHoskins16

“This pain just got worse”

Credit: @tonyychris

“Oh God please no”

Credit: @zamozamora34

“This day just gets even worse”

Credit: @mcfc_dylan_05

“This is really bad news, wishing him a speedy recovery. May he be back soon”

Credit: @Jkmburu17

“Season over”

Credit: @DonLuigi_

“Oh no”

Credit: @Drewski248

In other news: City fans also flocked to a Fabrizio Romano claim, find out more here.

Manchester United have been linked with a surprising move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.

What’s the story?

According to French journalist Frances Aguilar, the Red Devils are in advanced negotiations with Atletico for the services of the 26-year-old dynamo, making them favourites for his signature.

The Spanish giants have been negotiating a swap deal with Barcelona for Saul, one which would see Antoine Griezmann return to the Wanda Metropolitano, but that could now be in jeopardy.

Fans will be buzzing

After finishing second in the Premier League standings last term, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has wasted no time strengthening his first-team squad this summer.

The long-awaited signing of Jadon Sancho is set to be announced imminently, while Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane appears to be edging closer towards the Old Trafford outfit.

And the duo could be joined by a surprise acquisition following the recent revelation regarding Saul’s future.

The Spain international had been heavily linked with a move to United’s bitter rivals Liverpool in recent weeks, but news that the club’s hierarchy are reportedly in talks for the £36m-rated ace will have the supporters buzzing.

With Paul Pogba’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2022, his future is far from clear, and Saul would be a capable replacement, significantly softening the blow of his potential departure.

Over the last years, Saul has established himself as one of the sports top midfielders, scoring 43 goals and providing 19 assists in 337 appearances for his boyhood club, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and two Europa Leagues along the way.

However, after only starting 22 top-flight fixtures last term and missing out on Luis Enrique’s 24-man squad for the European Championship, the midfield conductor is keen to seek pastures new.

His arrival on English shores would be a significant coup for Solskjaer, and the Norwegian tactician would suddenly have substantial strength in depth in the middle of the park.

Saul’s acquisition would add to the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Pogba, Donny van de Beek, Fred and Scott McTominay, providing United with an enviable array of talent.

Whether the Red Devils follow up their negotiations with a concrete offer remains to be seen, but it’s set to be an exciting time for fans of the 20-time English champions as the club’s hierarchy look to be serious about strengthening their side.

And, in other news…Journalist reveals exciting Man Utd transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is an admirer of Manchester United defender Phil Jones but would prefer to take him on a free transfer rather than a loan, according to 90min. 

The lowdown

Jones last played a Premier League match a full 18 months ago, having been sidelined for the entirety of the 2020/21 season with a knee injury, but he is a vastly experienced defender with exactly 200 top-flight games under his belt.

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh reported earlier in July that signing a centre-back was one of Newcastle’s priorities this summer, and the prospective signing of Raphael Varane may well push Jones further down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The latest

According to 90min, Manchester United are said to be ‘particularly eager’ to find a new club for Jones this summer, so they could waive their right to a transfer fee. Newcastle are one of ‘a number of clubs’ interested in the 29-year-old, with Bruce ‘convinced’ that the player can still deliver at the highest level.

The Toon would be reluctant to allocate one of their two domestic loan slots to Jones, and even if the 20-time champions are indeed ‘prepared to let… [him] leave on a free transfer’ the Red Devils may have to pay a portion of his £110,000-a-week wages.

The verdict

To what extent would this deal be viewed as a risk? On the one hand, Newcastle may end up investing relatively little money in Jones.

On the other, if he is their only addition at centre-back, it’s a clear gamble. He will need to build back up to full match fitness, and even then there will be question marks over whether he can recapture his pre-injury levels given his record in that regard during his career.

The Magpies would be better off pursuing Jones’ team-mate Axel Tuanzebe, who Newcastle also like, if the money involved is reasonable.

In other news, this defensive midfielder wants to join Newcastle.

Writing on Patreon, disclosing exactly why Mark Noble missed West Ham United’s 2-1 win at Burnley, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has lifted the lid on details surrounding the club legend’s absence – with the Englishman looking set to be out for two weeks after picking up a calf injury.

Noble has been a regular under manager David Moyes since star man Declan Rice picked up his own knock, and the 33-year-old being sidelined comes as another injury blow for the Hammers as their Champions League qualification dream remains alive.

ExWHUemployee sheds light on Noble injury

West Ham have had no shortage of fitness issues recently with the likes of Rice, Arthur Masuaku, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio having been sidelined for a period of time over the last few weeks.

The latter pair returned to action at Turf Moor on Monday evening in a big boost for Moyes and Antonio even bagged two goals and put in a man of the match performance.

However, ExWHUemployee has shed light on Noble’s absence in another injury blow for West Ham and reveals that he will be sidelined for a fortnight after picking up a calf problem.

Angelo Ogbonna also missed the match with a hamstring strain, but ExWHUemployee later provided some good news on the Italian and claimed it should not be too serious (Patreon).

Transfer Tavern take

Possibly losing Noble for the next two weeks does come as a blow for Moyes given his influence in the dressing room and the notion he has arguably performed when required in place of Rice.

Hammers first team coach Stuart Pearce, for example, recently heralded the midfielder for his displays this season, calling him ‘outstanding’ and ‘fantastic’ when called upon (talkSPORT via West Ham Zone).

Luckily, however, it should only be a matter of time before crucial asset Rice returns to the side and counteracts the loss of Noble.

In other news: West Ham fans shocked by this stat, find out more here.

Newcastle United have held talks with Liverpool youngster Remi Savage, Chronicle Live correspondent Lee Ryder has confirmed.

The lowdown

Savage, 19, is predominantly a centre-back but can also play on the left of a four.

He made 19 appearances for Reds’ Under-23s in Premier League 2 last season, helping them to a seventh-place finish.

The Liverpool-born defender also has an FA Youth Cup triumph on his CV, having won the competition in 2019.

Savage’s contract is due to expire this month, but he’s been given the opportunity to extend his stay.

Barry Lewtas, who’s overseen Savage at both Under-18 and Under-23 level, hailed him as ‘excellent’ and picked out his ability to head the ball as well as ‘marshall the backline’, implying the youngster has the makings of a real leader at the back.

The latest

Ryder delivered a positive update, with ‘NUFC sources confirming’ that discussions have taken place with the out-of-contract teenager.

The Magpies have rivalled Liverpool by presenting him with a three-year deal, and the move could be confirmed ‘soon’.

According to a separate report from The Athletic, Newcastle will have to pay compensation of around £250,000 to the Reds if they make the signing.

The verdict

This is an intelligent move from Newcastle. Savage is clearly a very talented youngster, hence his significant involvement for Liverpool’s Under-23s and the club’s desire to keep him.

On top of that, they’ll only have to pay a very small fee, one which could easily be seen as a bargain a few years down the line, even if they end up selling him on for profit.

You’d expect Savage to remain at Under-23 level for the moment, but don’t be surprised to see him handed one or two cup run-outs for the senior team in 2021/22 if he hits the ground running.

Indeed, Newcastle will surely have offered him a clearer and swifter path to first-team football than Liverpool could.

In other news, Ryder also dropped this intriguing insight on the takeover case.

Former Celtic striker Jorge Cadete believes that the Hoops could end up landing loanee Jota in a cut-price transfer, as reported by The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Jota clause

Ange Postecoglou made three signings on deadline day over the summer, one of which was Jota, who shares the same agency as Cristiano Ronaldo. He arrived from Benfica on a season-long loan with an option to buy, with the fee required to make a move permanent thought to be just over £6m.

The 22-year-old has been a regular in green and white in recent weeks, scoring the winner against Aberdeen prior to the international break.

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The Latest: Cadete’s comments

In a report from The Daily Record, Cadete had his say on whether or not Celtic will make a permanent move for Jota, hinting that the reported fee could well drop over the coming months for the ‘exciting’ winger. The 53-year-old said:

“It’s too early to talk about the value of Jota if Celtic want to buy him. It’s normal for clubs when they loan a young player abroad, they fix the buy clause at a high price.

“Jota has been mentioned at six or seven million Euros.

“But after the season, this figure is normally not the same as it was before. It might well be lower than that by then.

“I’d like Jota to stay at Celtic in the long-term because I think it can be good for both parties. The Celtic supporters have an exciting player so it keeps them happy.”

The Verdict: Looking good so far…

Postecoglou has used Jota on a regular basis over recent weeks, with the majority of his starts coming from the left wing.

The 22-year-old also showed his versatility by playing off the right against Real Betis, and at £6m in today’s market, a permanent deal for that figure could prove to be a snip.

The Hoops have had a habit of making profits on players over the past decade, most notably Moussa Dembele, so maybe Jota could be the next in line to reap Celtic an eye-catching profit in the future if a clause of £6m or less is activated.

In other news: Sky Sports pundit thinks Celtic may land seven-figure fee as transfer news emerges

Leeds United continued their poor start to the Premier League season as they lost 1-0 to Southampton at St. Mary’s, leaving them 17th in the table.

One team enduring a worse campaign, however, is newly-promoted Norwich. The Canaries are rooted to the bottom of the league and held Brighton to a 0-0 draw on Saturday.

Interestingly, though, a Leeds transfer target was involved in a slight controversy, as Todd Cantwell was omitted from the matchday squad despite being available for selection after time out due to personal reasons.

Norwich manager Daniel Farke insisted that his lack of involvement was purely down to Kieran Dowell’s form in training, although the ex-Everton man was then an unused substitute. He said:

“It was not a decision against Todd. It was more about Kieran, who was always available during this period. He trains unbelievably hard and in an outstanding way.

“Todd missed many weeks and was only back in team training at the start of the week. For each and every player who comes back after missing a period of training they have to show consistency in how they train to be picked ahead of a different player.”

With Cantwell’s contract expiring at the end of the season, this potential friction at Carrow Road could allow Leeds to swoop in and secure a deal in the January transfer window. Norwich have the option to extend his terms for another year, which means that it is unlikely Leeds will be able to sign him for nothing, but the next window could represent their best chance to rake in a large fee for the attacker.

If the Canaries wait until next summer to cash in then he will only have 12 months left on his contract and could be forced to sell for a minimal fee. Therefore, Leeds could tempt them into selling him in January for a deal that would suit all parties involved, with the Whites not overpaying for his services and Norwich not losing him for next to nothing.

His former Norwich youth team coach, Gary Cockaday, hailed his talents in an eye-catching way. He told The Athletic: 

“He did things every week that were just special. It was God-given. No one taught it. I always believed if you had someone like that, don’t change them or make them conform.”

Orta must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for the midfielder as he could forge an exciting partnership with current first-team star Raphinha.

The Brazilian loves to get fans off their seats at Elland Road, with nine goals and nine assists in the top-flight since the start of last season. Cantwell was directly involved in 12 goals in the Championship last term and managed six strikes and two assists in the Premier League the year before.

This shows that, like Raphinha, the Englishman has the ability to score and create goals from an attacking midfield position. Therefore, they could form a deadly attack for Leeds by linking up together to open up chances for themselves to score, weaving inside and out of opposition defenders.

Imagine Cantwell and Raphinha playing one-twos on the edge of the box to work room for a shot or to feed the ball to Patrick Bamford for him to score…tantalising!

AND in other news, Concerning injury update emerges on £35k-p/w Leeds powerhouse, fans surely devastated…

Aston Villa are adamant that they do not want to let Jack Grealish go this summer amid interest from Manchester City, journalist Luke Hatfield has told The Transfer Tavern.

Reports broke at the end of last month claiming that City are looking to bring Grealish to the Etihad, with Sky Sports reporting that they plan to make a formal offer after the Euros.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT have suggested that a £100m deal is already on the verge of being agreed, so there is some confusion right now.

One thing that is for certain, however, is the reluctance on Villa’s part to sell their captain in the current transfer window, which Hatfield of the Express & Star discussed in an interview with TT:

“£100m obviously, you know, it’d be a British transfer record for him. Villa, though, they are adamant they don’t want to let him go.

“At the moment, they’re looking at it and saying, ‘Look, you can come in and you can have interest.’ It’d be wrong not to expect interest, but interest is just interest until money is put on the table.”

While some reports have suggested that a deal is close, you still get the feeling that this is going to rumble on for some time.

England’s involvement in the Euros, which looks like it is going to be long for once, complicates things, while Villa are almost certain to play hardball throughout the summer as they understandably try to keep hold of their star man.