All posts by z3u9t.icu

Huddersfield midfielder Juninho Bacuna only signed fresh terms with the club in May, but Football FanCast’s EFL spy reckons has suggested that Fulham sign him this summer.

The Dutchman was out of contract at the end of last season but exercised the option to extend his deal for an additional 12 months.

Bacuna has been with the Yorkshire outfit since joining in January 2019, the campaign when they were relegated back to the Championship.

And the tough-tackling midfielder man has returned impressive numbers in the second-tier – scoring 11 times and adding nine assists in 81 appearances having been a regular for Huddersfield across the last two years.

The 23-year-old is predominantly a central midfielder, but offers more versatility than most, having played in a crazy number of different positions last season, including right-back and centre-forward.

With that in mind, when asked whether he could be a potential addition for Marco Silva’s Fulham outfit, the EFL insider exclusively told FFC:

“He’s an industrious midfielder who was one of Huddersfield’s better players last year.

“He’s a tackler when needed but gets into good positions also, and helps set up breaks and counters.”

When it comes to Everton and their recent history with Dutch footballers and coaches, things haven’t tended to turn out very well.

You only need to look at their spell under Ronald Koeman who failed to steer them back towards European football.

When it comes to the field of play, things were hardly any better. The Toffees have had the likes of Johnny Heitinga, Martin Stekelenburg, Royston Drenthe and Davy Klaasen, all of whom never really set the world alight.

Therefore, the idea of signing more Dutch players may be a worry for Everton fans. History dictates that it won’t go well but this is a new Everton side under Rafa Benitez.

They have been linked with Denzel Dumfries on a relentless basis throughout the summer and judging by his form at Euro 2020, he’d be an excellent recruit.

However, they could unite him with his international colleague, Stefan de Vrij.

The centre-back was touted with a move to Goodison Park last week and if they both sign on the dotted line in Merseyside, Benitez could have a scary duo on his hands.

The pair haven’t played much together but they have both established a relationship while playing for the Netherlands.

De Vrij featured in four matches during the European Championships, earning a place in the starting line-up following an impressive campaign in Italy with Inter Milan.

The £45m-rated defender completed a whopping 93.8% of his passes and won two aerial duels per game. In the process, ESPN reporter Van Rijswijk said: “Let‘s face it: great defender when he was at Feyenoord. But one of the best defenders in the world and the best defender of Serie A. Nobody saw that in him.”

Former Lazio defender Mauricio once hailed him as a “monster” which just goes to show the impressive nature of De Vrij’s power.

Combine that with a rampant player of Dumfries’ quality and you’d have quite the Dutch duo in Everton’s defence.

He scored twice at the Euros and was relentless in his desire to bustle opponents to one side and get forward.

Everton’s defence wasn’t the most consistent of components last season so adding these two players to their ranks would be impressive work.

AND in other news, Everton handed ideal chance to sign “exceptional” £150k-p/w brute, Rafa must take it…

Manchester United have reportedly ended their lengthy pursuit of Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with the 30-year-old defender in recent weeks, although they were unwilling to match the £34 million buyout clause inserted into his contract, a figure Atleti were unwilling to compromise on.

Now, according to The Times, United are set to end their interest in Trippier and will instead allow Diogo Dalot to challenge Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the first-choice right-back position this season.

Dalot is believed to have impressed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the pre-season and is now expected to stay with the first-team squad for the upcoming campaign.

The Portuguese international had himself been linked with an Old Trafford exit, as Italian giants AC Milan were keen to take the 22-year-old on loan for a second successive season.

Solsjkaer could save the Glazers millions

Dalot has struggled for game time since arriving on English shores from boyhood club Porto back in 2018, making just 35 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils during his three-year stay.

The arrival of Wan-Bissaka in a whopping £50m deal saw the youngster fall even further down United’s pecking order, and he was forced to go out on loan last term in search of regular minutes.

However, after joining Milan for the entire 2020/21 campaign, Dalot thrived. The versatile full-back discovered his best form at the San Siro, helping Stefano Pioli’s side to a second-place finish in the Serie A standings.

Throughout his 12-month spell with the Rossoneri, Dalot made 33 appearances, achieving a highly respectable 6.76 WhoScored rating along the way.

And his contribution to the success of Stefano Pioli’s side was sizeable, recording an average of 1.5 tackles per league game, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 clearances, placing him in the top six compared to his teammates for each metric, as per WhoScored.

Dalot’s standout displays earned praise from Milan manager Pioli, who claimed the United gem “will become a complete player” in the future.

The former Porto prodigy was rewarded for his improved form with a late call-up to Portugal’s squad for Euro 2020 after Joao Cancelo tested positive for Covid-19, and the right-back ended up making his senior debut for the national side as a late substitute against France.

By placing his trust in Dalot, Solskjaer could save United’s owners, the Glazer family, millions. The need to spend a substantial sum on Trippier has now been eradicated, allowing the club’s hierarchy to focus their resources on a new defensive midfielder instead.

And, in other news…Murtough must avoid MUFC transfer nightmare over £40.5m-rated gem, Ole would be fuming 

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge insists that Harry Kane does not have time to wait for Tottenham Hotspur to rebuild their squad.

Spurs are currently in the midst of squad building, under the stewardship of new Director of Football Fabio Paratici.

They have secured the signings of winger Bryan Gil on a permanent basis, with Erik Lamela moving to Sevilla in exchange and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta on an initial loan.

Spurs are also reported to be in talks over a deal to sign Cristian Romero from Atalanta in the coming days, while a number of first-team players have moved on, along with Lamela.

Toby Alderweireld has moved to Qatari club Al-Duhail SC, Juan Foyth has moved to Villarreal, and Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga have moved to Watford and Fulham respectively on free transfers.

Kane has failed to report to training this week as he attempts to force through a move to Manchester City that would cost in excess of £100m.

And Bridge does not think he has any more time to wait for Spurs to build their squad.

He said: “He has got no time for another rebuild. Tottenham are rebuilding right now. Tottenham have still got to sell a lot of players and they’ve got to sign a lot of players, and this is what we’re discussing now.

“Harry will be looking at this and saying ‘hang on a second, I was 28 last week, I have no time for this, I’ve given my all, give me that opportunity.”

According to journalist Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard (via Twitter), there has been a twist in West Ham’s hunt for a new centre-back as GSB go back into talks over a possible deal for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The Lowdown: Zouma talks flounder…

Soon after the Hammers entered negotiations for Zouma, as backed by Sky Sports, the move seemed to be all but over after the defender reportedly refused to join them (The Guardian).

This propelled GSB and West Ham to prioritise a move for Fiorentina powerhouse Nikola Milenkovic, and while Rosser backs that the club are now closing in on his services, he details a twist as Zouma also re-enters the frame.

The Latest: West Ham re-open Zouma talks…

As per The Evening Standard reporter, writing on Twitter, West Ham have ‘gone back into talks’ over Zouma to see if there is any way a move for him can be salvaged.

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Indeed, as also explained in his piece, ‘tentative negotiations’ have re-emerged over the 26-year-old despite his transfer to east London collapsing earlier this window.

As GSB eye a move for the Premier League colossus, it is also claimed that West Ham are ‘hopeful of a breakthrough this week’ in regards to Milenkovic.

The Verdict: Hopeful update?

Depending on developments, West Ham could add very capable defensive additions in either Milenkovic or Zouma – but the latter man certainly stands out as a target worth the trouble.

He averaged a very cool and composed 90.9% pass accuracy out from the back over 2020/2021 domestically, more than any West Ham regular by comparison, whilst even proving to be a threat going forward with five goals in that time (WhoScored).

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan is certainly one of his many admirers, explaining to Football Insider how Zouma is ‘very big, powerful, strong, quick and a threat in the air’.

As West Ham re-open talks in a summer transfer twist, there is reason to believe he would be a brilliant signing if there is hope of salvaging a move.

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Incredible’, ‘We are blessed’…West Ham fans flock to official club announcement, find out more here.

According to a report by Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici has now made an offer to sign Cagliari star Nahitan Nandez.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter Nandez chase…

As backed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have taken an interest in signing the Uruguay international – coming amid reports of unrest surrounding Tanguy Ndombele.

Daily Star reporter Paul Brown claimed last week that the Frenchman is now considering his options after being frozen out by Lilywhites boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Spurs are also apparently targeting new midfielders as a result, with Joao Palhinha, Denis Zakaria and Corentin Tolisso among the names being considered (Daily Star).

Now, Calciomercato bring an update on yet another midfield target for Tottenham.

The Latest: Paratici makes Nandez offer…

As per the Italian news source, Spurs are now ‘trying’ to sign the 25-year-old and managing director Paratici has personally made Cagliari an offer.

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Indeed, the Tottenham transfer chief, who is in charge of developing on-field sporting operations, has tabled an ‘onerous loan’ bid with an obligation to buy – with the ‘total operation’ amounting to €30 million (£25.5m).

This comes after Serie A giants Inter Milan abandoned their pursuit of the 41-cap dynamo as Paratici aims to take full advantage.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Out of all Spurs’ midfield targets, we believe Nandez has emerged as the biggest potential bargain of them all.

If Paratici can secure him by offering that loan with an obligation to buy deal, a total cost of around £25.5m looks like pocket change when taking into account his plaudits from the press.

Pundit Mina Rzouki of BT Sports and ESPN waxed lyrical over Nandez and called him ‘one of the most underrated players’ and ‘unstoppable’ on Twitter.

He is just nine international caps short of half a century at just 25, telling you all you need to know about Nandez’ standout performances for both Uruguay and at club level.

Tottenham should certainly bring him in as midfield reinforcement and it will be interesting to see how this link develops before August 31.

In other news: ‘I beg’, ‘Yessss’, ‘Omg’…Many Tottenham fans erupt as ‘perfect’ news emerges, find out more here.

Ange Postecoglou wants to bring up to three more players to Celtic before the window shuts, according to The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s summer business

Celtic have already been extremely busy when it comes to incomings and outgoings in recent months.

The Hoops have spent over £17m on eight additions, with Kyogo Furuhashi’s £4.86m deal the most expensive and Josip Juranovic’s £2.7m move the latest.

Celtic have brought in just shy of £17m in departures, with Kristoffer Ajer’s move to Brentford the most high-profile Parkhead exit.

It seems as if the club may not be done just yet, though, according to two reliable reporters.

The Latest: Not done yet?

Michael Gannon and Scott Burns posted a story on The Daily Record on Sunday evening, mainly on Ryan Christie’s future.

Within their report, they suggested that Postecoglou is looking to bring in a central defender, ideally on loan, a versatile midfielder and a forward, should Odsonne Edouard leave.

That could be three more additions Dominic McKay would need to get done in the space of seven days, potentially taking the Hoops’ summer tally to 11 first-team signings.

The Verdict: Time is ticking

McKay has seven days remaining of his first window as CEO. If he is to grant Postecoglou’s wish with three more signings and a potential Edouard exit, you’d expect it could go down to the wire.

Both McKay and Postecoglou’s first summer in Glasgow has been positive with multiple summer signings impressing in recent weeks and a spot in the Europa League group stages in touching distance, and if he can produce a brilliant final week in the window, it could set the club up for an extremely positive season.

After the early stages of the summer showed the Hoops plunging towards a chaotic campaign, 11 new arrivals with a minimal net spend and a place in European football to boot would be some turnaround from McKay and co.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano is talking Celtic transfers again, find out what it’s about here.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign Jeremy Doku, according to reports…

What’s the word?

French outlet Jeunes Footeux claim that Spurs have set their sights on a potential move for the Rennes winger and he is of great interest to Nuno Santo.

The 19-year-old gem has regularly been linked to Premier League rivals Liverpool, where manager Jurgen Klopp sees him as the perfect heir to Sadio Mane.

It remains to be seen whether the Ligue 1 outfit will let a key player leave so close to the end of the transfer window, though it’s thought they could be tempted into a sale for a fee of around €50m (£43m).

Nuno’s next Traore?

As evident in the report, Doku’s profile has clearly caught the attention of the Portuguese in north London and with Lucas Moura his only true right-sided option in attack, it’s no surprise that Spurs could make a move for him.

It’s a role that is crucial to Nuno’s system, as seen up at Wolves, where he had the powerful, explosive exploits of Adama Traore. He’s another player that has been linked to Spurs in recent days, so perhaps a new attacker is now on the agenda.

However, according to the Telegraph, the Spaniard is not for sale this window.

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If the Lilywhites were to switch their attention to the emerging Belgian sensation, then Nuno may well find his next Traore anyway.

Doku possesses the exact same qualities as the Molineux star.

As per WhoScored, the £60m-rated dynamo completed 3.7 dribbles per outing last season, on top of 1.4 key passes, whilst his league rival, Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, lauded his speed to France Football.

“Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is (Jeremy) Doku, at Rennes. In 5 years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power.”

Last season under Nuno, Traore managed more dribbles per game (4.1) than any other player and was lauded as a “machine” by BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand (via the Birmingham Mail) as he’s “powerful and quick” and can scare defenders.

The similarities between the two players are quite clear. Spurs’ sporting director Fabio Paratici could well secure Nuno his new Traore by launching a bid for the Rennes hotshot.

Doku has also received praise from one of the Premier League’s best players, Kevin De Bruyne, who described his fellow countryman as a “diamond in the rough.”

Spurs must look to secure the Belgian before Tuesday’s deadline.

AND in other news, Deal agreed: Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Spurs transfer update, fans surely buzzing…

Declan Rice has been named in the England squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Hungary, Andorra and Poland [West Ham United FC Official].

Of course, the 22-year-old midfielder is fresh from a summer of epic proportion with the Three Lions, after playing a key part in their run to the EURO 2020 final against Italy, where they agonisingly lost on penalties [BBC].

Within this tournament run, Rice made 28 ball recoveries and ten tackles, cultivating his reputation as one of the best young midfielders in Europe [UEFA EURO 2020].

Now, he looks set to make an impact on the international stage again after being selected in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad, where he could potentially make his 25th England appearance [West Ham United FC Official].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to congratulate their player on his latest feat.

West Ham United FC fans react:

Replying to the West Ham United official Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the call-up, with one supporter hailing the youngster as a ‘machine’.

“England’s best player in my book”

Credit: @coyioscar”So happy for him. He was a machine in the Euro final. Until he got took off…”Credit: @East02End”Well of course he has! NICE ONE DECLAN”Credit: @_samhowell”Never in doubt”Credit: @HammerStu76″Warra player”Credit: @WestHam_egg”Deserved”Credit: @JerryBuzzKillIn other news, West Ham United fans react to their EFL Cup draw. Find out who they got here.

Reliable reporter Kieran Devlin has revealed Celtic didn’t make an enquiry over former St Johnstone man Ali McCann this summer.

The Lowdown: Hoops links, Preston move

McCann was linked with a late switch to Parkhead, however, a £3m asking price for the 21-year-old seemingly put the Hoops off.

The central midfielder was on the move on deadline day, though, joining Championship side Preston North End on a four-year deal.

Reports suggested a £1.2m fee was agreed on between Dominic McKay and the Saints, and it appears as if Celtic were never in for McCann after all.

The Latest: Devlin claim

Devlin, Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, shared a story on Wednesday looking at the Hoops’ summer business.

He replied to a subscriber in the comments section who labelled it ‘bizarre’ for Celtic not to move for McCann, with Devlin making a 10-word claim, believing the Hoops and CEO McKay never asked the question.

“Club didn’t enquire about him as far as I know.”

The Verdict: A missed opportunity?

McCann made close to 100 appearances for St Johnstone, and at the age of 21, could have been a shrewd signing by the Hoops for a relatively low fee.

He picked up The Athletic’s SPFL Young Player of the Year Award last season and helped his side win both cup competitions during the 2020/21 campaign.

Celtic have had success in picking up a young Scottish midfielder in David Turnbull, so they may have missed a trick when it comes to McCann, especially with James McCarthy and youngster Liam Shaw being the club’s only additions in that department this summer.

In other news: Another Celtic summer signing, as well as Urhoghide, isn’t impressing under Ange, says Devlin.