All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos, with the player’s agent approaching those at Villa Park.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news involving Ramos?

Villa have already made a start on their summer transfer plans by reaching an agreement with Youri Tielemans, who will officially become a Villa player on July 1 when his Leicester City contract expires.

The club have now brought in former Sevilla sporting director Monchi as Villa’s president of football operations and he will work closely with manager Unai Emery.

A new attacker was previously the club’s top transfer priority, and it looks as if a new striker could arrive over the coming months to rival or possibly partner Ollie Watkins during Emery’s first full season in charge which will include Europa Conference League football.

According to The Sun, Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes is working hard to get Ramos a Premier League move, with Manchester United offered the striker’s services.

However, Mendes has also approached Aston Villa, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham, with Benfica set to demand £80m for Ramos, a figure which would smash the transfer record at Villa Park.

Who is Goncalo Ramos?

Ramos is just 21 years of age and is an out-and-out centre-forward who has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket from €8m to a career-high €50m over the past two years.

Sponsored by Nike and under contract until 2026, the Portugal international progressed through Benfica’s academy and has now made over 100 senior appearances for the club. He has scored 41 goals and provided 16 assists during that time, with 19 of his goals coming in Liga Portugal last season.

Ramos, dubbed a "monster" in the media, has also starred on the international stage, scoring a hat-trick in last year’s World Cup in Qatar after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI.

You can see why a move for Ramos could appeal to those in the Midlands, especially with Watkins linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days. Villa enjoyed a brilliant resurgence under Emery but scored just 51 goals in their 38 Premier League games in 2022/23, the fewest out of the top 10 sides.

Therefore, bringing in someone like Ramos to bolster the club’s attacking ranks could be an extremely shrewd move, however, should a move materialise over the coming months, you’d expect he would arrive at a big cost, with many expecting immediate results.

Arsenal legend and BBC pundit Ian Wright has had to deny allegations of being arrested after scammers used AI to create false images of him.

Was Ian Wright arrested?

The Match of the Day presenter has become a well-loved TV personality within the world of football since retiring – having been an adored player, too.

After all, he netted a whopping 185 goals in 288 appearances for the Gunners which was a club record until it was eventually beaten by Thierry Henry.

He also spent time in his career with other former clubs such as Crystal Palace, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Celtic and Burnley.

In recent times, he’s cemented his status as an all-round lovely guy by showing his class as a strong and vocal advocate for women’s football, and recently slammed the broadcasting issues ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – with Fifa threatening a blackout because of low offers for the broadcast rights from the biggest European footballing countries.

With all that in mind, it must have come as a shock to some when images emerged online of him supposedly being arrested. Some friends of Wright’s were so stunned, he has since revealed people were calling him about it.

Well, in a new video shared on his Twitter account, he’s now clarified that it’s all a strange scam where people “superimposed” him into an odd situation.

Wright explained: “Listen, I’m getting so many calls. People think I’ve been arrested. They’ve superimposed me with handcuffs. Look at me [laughs] this is a scam! People are scamming you.

“I ain’t been arrested. I’ve not done anything to get arrested. Foolishness! Watch these people scamming you!”

He also shared some of the fake photos.

It’s certainly a bizarre story and perhaps a little worrying that some of his friends did seem to be convinced by AI that these images were actually real.

However, it’s good to see that Wright has responded in typical style, laughing it all off with a smile on his face.

The presenter recently made history with Shaun Wright-Phillips, becoming the first father and son punditry team to appear on Match of the Day.

So don’t worry, we’re far more likely to see him appear on TV in the future than in a prison cell.

"They go around the world buying up the best young players and they're going to carry on doing that,” reflected Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol during Todd Boehly's excessive January spending at Chelsea.

The latest addition to enforce this strategy is Kendry Paez, who has joined the Blues from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle for £17m.

The 16-year-old will join his new club in the summer of 2025 when he reaches his 18th birthday.

Although given Chelsea’s mind-boggling and horrendous slump into mid-table mediocrity, the signing of a relatively unknown South-American entity may not provide the excitement that many fans are currently craving, but the youngster is an extraordinary talent, with a huge future ahead of him.

Who is Kendry Paez?

The teen is a record breaker and the new, up-and-coming jewel of Ecuadorian football. He is the youngster debutant and goalscorer of his nation’s top flight when he netted on this joyous occasion in a 3-1 victory in February.

Internationally, the playmaker has also excelled – at the 2023 South American U17 Championship in March 2023, he was captain of his side, scoring twice and assisting six. Due to his string of impressive performances, he was named the top talent at the Next Generation Trophy last year.

The teen was promoted to a higher age group and he recorded four goal involvements at this summer’s U20 World Cup.

His current manager Martin Anselmi has heaped praise upon the generational gift and said: “In Kendry we find someone daring. A boy who asks for it. He doesn’t care who is in front of him.

“He is a different type of player. It is not normal for a 15-year-old boy in the first division to have earned the respect of the soccer world in such a short time.

“He runs, recovers, interprets the game, he is very intelligent. All his movements are trained, he carries them out perfectly, understands the game very well.”

Is Kendry Paez shades of Jamal Musiala?

A mesmeric dribbler with impudent vision and magical close-control, as well as a youth career in West London – the two prodigies share an abundance of similar traits, but the minor difference is that Musiala left Chelsea at the age of 16, whilst his positional peer is joining at the same age.

The German has expertly displayed his incredible skill over the past two seasons and in a World Cup match against Costa Rica, he was at his untameable, hypnotic best.

The sensation recorded a ridiculous 13 successful dribbles, the second-most ever recorded in the tournament’s history and this type of raw ability is something that Chelsea have painfully lacked in forward areas and will hugely benefit Mauricio Pochettino.

Paez will have another two years to develop in his homeland and when he returns he is likely to be an unstoppable force.

To summarise his similarities to Musiala, the teen boasts "incredible class" – as lauded by scout Jacek Kulig – with an innate skill for unlocking a defence.

Like the German, Kulig notes Paez's strongest attributes as his technique, dribbling and ball control, all qualities that set Chelsea's former academy product apart in the current day.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of a new manager as they seek to swiftly move on from their Arne Slot disappointment.

What's the latest on Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to The Mirror, which offered an update on a potential move to appoint Ange Postecoglou.

Whilst Slot seemed to have emerged as the frontrunner, with the Dutchman having since been ruled out of contention, it will be music to Daniel Levy's ears to hear that the Celtic boss is reportedly open to a switch should the Lilywhites come calling.

The highly ambitious nature of the Australian means such an opportunity would be hard to turn down, especially after he has arguably achieved all he can in Scotland.

As Slot has since tied himself down in Feyenoord for the foreseeable, this marks an outstanding alternative that could leave fans questioning why he was not top of the list in the first place.

Is Ange Postecoglou a good manager?

Whilst it might have been appealing to snag the title-winning Slot, it is easy to forget the fine work that Postecoglou has done in reinstating Celtic's dominance over Scottish football.

When he came in, Rangers had just ended their monopoly over the SPFL in embarrassing fashion, and they needed someone to immediately take them back to the top. However, few would have envisioned the 57-year-old would do it in such an emphatic way.

His side would lose three games in his first season, scoring 92 goals in 38 games whilst conceding just 22. This season has been arguably more impressive as they retained the trophy at a canter.

His 4-3-3 system worked wonders, and a possession-based style with high-octane pressing may be something the Spurs faithful would enjoy based on the grievances some had during Antonio Conte's reign.

Former Wales international John Hartson was quick to laud such a swift transition as they went on to reclaim the title from Rangers, suggesting that the experienced coach had been "outstanding" having "united the club". Levy will see the latter as an absolute must for his next appointment.

Even though Slot may have guided his team to silverware, they are neither the top scorers nor the best defence in their division. Both boast title pedigree, but only one had a philosophy that truly dominated.

To further emphasise this gulf in class, Postecoglou has maintained a 2.30 points-per-game average across his 111 games at the helm of Celtic. Despite being in charge of his team for just 100 games, Slot's average is 2.15 in comparison.

Whilst the Lilywhites fanbase was quick to lambast the hierarchy for their failures in securing the Feyenoord boss, and deservedly so, it has since become clear that he was merely using their interest to spur on a new contract.

They need someone wholly committed to the cause, willing to take their time and transform this sinking club back into a force to be reckoned with. Given his work in doing so at Celtic, and his reported desire to make the move happen, Postecoglou surely marks a far better alternative to Slot anyway.

According to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham could ‘definitely’ make a move for Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Cornet’s release clause activated

The 25-year-old first made the switch from Ligue 1 to the Premier League when he put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Clarets last summer, and despite being the Turf Moor outfit’s top goalscorer this season, he was unable to prevent his side from relegation.

According to The Telegraph, David Moyes is considering a deal for the versatile striker in the coming weeks, but could be set to face some serious competition in the race for his signature, with fellow top-flight rivals Everton registering interest in the Ivorian.

The report also states that a £17.5m release clause has been activated due to Burnley dropping into the Championship.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s West Ham transfer admission

O’Rourke says he can definitely see West Ham attempting to sign Cornet, but feels like there will be multiple clubs chasing his signature. He told GiveMeSport:

“I could definitely see West Ham making a move for Cornet. This relegation release clause makes Cornet very attractive to a number of clubs, not just in the Premier League but probably abroad as well.

“I think Cornet had a good debut season in the Premier League for Burnley; he was one of their better players.”

The Verdict: Ideal attacking alternative for Moyes

The 25-cap international, once dubbed a “fantastic” player by former teammate Chris Wood, originally started out playing in the left-back position with former side Lyon, and has racked up game time in a whopping seven different positions during his career.

He proved to be an effective option up top in his first full campaign for the Clarets, scoring nine goals and registering two assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s been reported that Moyes is planning a significant overhaul this summer, with a new striker believed to be very high up on his transfer wish-list to provide backup for Michail Antonio.

As the Scot prepares to revamp his squad ahead of the start of the new season, Cornet might well be the perfect option to bolster his attacking ranks, as his versatility means he will not be wasted on the bench when Antonio is fit and firing.

In other news… a reliable journalist has revealed an interesting conversation he’s had with one of West Ham’s summer transfer targets.

Liverpool are believed to be ready to make a move to sign Barcelona wonderkid Gavi this summer, according to a report from Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

The 17-year-old midfielder has taken a rapid rise to prominence in Spain having joined the famous La Masia academy in 2015 from Real Betis.

Despite his tender years, Gavi has already amassed 46 appearances for the Catalan giants’ first team and has become a fully-fledged senior Spain international.

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Out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), Barcelona have been desperately attempting to secure the future of the latest top talent in a long production line, but currently to no avail.

The latest: Liverpool ‘willing’ to splash the cash

As per Sport, translated by SW, Liverpool are believed to pose a ‘big threat’ to Barcelona’s plans to offer the teenage sensation a renewal.

It’s claimed that Anfield chiefs FSG are now ‘willing’ to match the €50million (£42.5m) release clause currently in the six-cap starlet’s contract and can offer a deal that is ‘very superior’ to the one on the table at the Camp Nou.

The report also states however that Gavi  – who was heralded as ‘spectacular’ by manager Xavi following a 3-2 La Liga victory over Elche in December – is ‘happy’ in Barcelona.

The verdict: Building for the future

As Jurgen Klopp attempts to put the heartbreak of losing out to Real Madrid in the Champions Final behind him, both he and new Sporting Director Julian Ward will soon be setting their minds to work on the summer transfer targets.

Recently, the Reds’ recruitment has shown a penchant for snapping up the hottest young talent in Europe, adding the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Harvey Elliott, Kaide Gordon and Fabio Carvalho to the squad.

Signing Gavi, who scored twice and provided six assists during a breakout 2021/22 campaign, would be another signal of intent by the club as the Reds look to refresh an ageing midfield department in the here and now whilst also protecting the future.

Albeit undoubtedly a potential capture with a nod towards the next generation, boasting similar stylistic traits to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, RB Leipzig ace Konrad Laimer and the much talked about Borussia Dortmund revelation Jude Bellingham (Fbref), the talented Spaniard would add immediate strength in depth to the Liverpool midfield.

In other news, one Liverpool player has hinted at a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur will activate the buy clause for Cristian Romero in the coming days, claims transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: One signing in the bag?

News broke on Monday evening of Spurs’ potential first signing of the summer as Antonio Conte moves to lock up a deputy for Hugo Lloris.

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Southampton man Fraser Forster is set for a medical this week as his contract at St. Mary’s is due to expire this summer.

McGrath says the deal for the England international will be completed imminently, and it looks like Fabio Paratici is not messing around as news has now broken on the second capture of the summer…

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The Latest: Romano’s update

According to Twitter’s favourite transfer market expert, Tottenham will activate the buy clause in Romero’s deal, making his loan move from Atalanta permanent.

Taking to social media, Romano said: “Tottenham will activate £40m obligation to buy clause in the coming days for Cristian Romero. ‘Signing of the season’ according to Jamie Carragher.

“Fabio Paratici wanted him as key player and Romero will be part of the project – he has already signed until June 2026.”

The Verdict: Fantastic player

The defender penning a permanent deal with the north London club will come as a huge sigh of relief to Paratici and Conte, as they have made the Argentine a focal point in their long-term build.

Having arrived at Hotspur Way on an initial loan deal last summer from Italian side Atalanta, the Argentina international has gone on to establish himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old made 22 appearances in the English top-flight this campaign, unfortunately missing out on parts of the season with a hamstring injury and hip problems.

 According to FB Ref, Romero ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, in the 97th percentile for pressures and the 94th percentile for blocks across positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

With the agreements for both Romero and Forster now seemingly set to be completed ‘in the coming days’, this could mark the start of Conte’s summer spending spree at Tottenham.

In other news: Tottenham: Journalist shares promising Eriksen update

Liverpool could well end up extending the contract of midfielder James Milner for another season, a move which could please many Reds supporters.

What’s the word?

Pete O’Rourke has dropped that massive claim on the 36-year-old’s future and said that Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the player.

When asked whether he understands why the manager is keen to retain the veteran’s services, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “He’s such a great servant to the club. Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of James Milner as well, not just because of what he does on the pitch but also off the pitch.

“He can probably see James Milner as being a future manager because of the way he is. I think a lot of people have said that because he’s just so absorbed with football and he’s always been available for Liverpool whenever needed.”

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A one-year contract extension would take Milner to 37 years of age, and then it’s likely that he would retire from professional football.

Kopites will be delighted

Klopp has led Liverpool to the brink of a trophy quadruple this season, with the Carabao Cup already in the bag, FA Cup and Champions League finals still to come and the mathematical possibility of winning the Premier League, so it could end up as one of the most successful seasons in the club’s illustrious history.

Milner has featured for the Reds 36 times in all competitions this term, contributing three assists as Klopp has utilised his squad to the best effect.

His versatility across the midfield and even the defence has been extremely useful during the campaign, and it’s no wonder that the manager reportedly wants to extend the veteran’s contract.

The Englishman has been a key component of the German’s Liverpool team ever since signing for the club in the summer of 2015 and has played 286 times for the Reds during this spell, winning every major club honour during his playing career.

Whilst Klopp is aiming to continue his fine form in the transfer market, with moves for Aurelien Tchouameni and Calvin Ramsey being touted, it’s a sign of praise that the manager still wants to keep the 36-year-old at the club in a playing capacity.

His experience and maturity could well be vital next season as Klopp aims to reduce the average age of his team slightly, and there’s perhaps nobody better in the squad than Milner to pass on advice to young talents.

This development will surely please not only the Liverpool manager but also the supporters, many of whom regard the 36-year-old as a Kop idol.

AND in other news, Klopp faces Liverpool disaster on “sensational” £85k-p/w gem, supporters will be livid

Celtic will do all they can to complete the permanent signing of loan hero Jota this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Jota shines for Celtic

The 23-year-old arrived at Parkhead on loan from Benfica last summer with an option to buy, with Ange Postecoglou seeing him as someone who could add firepower to his squad.

Jota has done just that, scoring nine goals and registering 10 assists in the Premiership, doing his bit in their relentless title charge.

While the attacker is set to return to Benfica at the end of the season, Celtic appear very keen to sign him outright.

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The Latest: Journalist talks up permanent Jota move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that a permanent move for Jota is one of the Hoops’ main transfer priorities this summer. He outlined:

“Obviously they have got that option to buy in there, so the fee is all agreed, Celtic just need to stump it up and I’m sure personal terms won’t be an issue.

“Postecoglou will be calling on the Celtic hierarchy to get this deal done so he can start preparing for next season with Jota in his plans.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Celtic

Some loan signings can be good but ultimately not worth making permanent, but Jota looks like a superb long-term option for Postecoglou, with the 56-year-old describing him as ‘unbelievable’ earlier in the season.

He has brought so much quality and output from his wide attacking role, and at 23, he should only improve even more as a player in the coming years.

For that reason, the idea of him signing permanently for Celtic is hugely exciting, and we also know that he can cut it in the Scottish top flight. The main factor now is whether or not Benfica are willing to part ways with him completely.

In other news, one player has been tipped to finish his career at Celtic. Find out who it is here.

Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard could be granted one last chance to rescue their Manchester United careers with the appointment of Erik ten Hag.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun who claim that Rashford has received assurances that he will get his chance to perform under Ten Hag next season.

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Whilst Lingard could also stay if Ten Hag is able to convince him that he has a future at Manchester United.

Saved or Axed?

24-year-old Rashford has endured the worst season of his career this year, with the out-of-favour England international having just four goals and two assists to show for his 25 appearances for United this season.

It goes without saying that Lingard has also suffered this season, but more so for game-time rather than form, with the 29-year-old accumulating just 355 minutes this campaign from 16 cameo appearances that have seen him grab two goals.

Lingard, who has been dubbed “awful” by Journalist Rob Blanchette, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with his deal expiring this summer.

Rashford’s situation on the other hand is slightly more intricate, with the winger still holding value amidst his contract expiry in 2023, of which the club have an option to extend by a year.

The 24-year-old – who was labelled “absolutely terrible” by Chris Waddle for his performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – does have something going for him though. And that is the fact that this is his first blip at Man United with the club massively underachieving as a collective this season.

Though, quite simply, the pair have not been good enough this season and with Ten Hag looking to rebuild the Red Devils, the saving in wages on Lingard and the sale of £45m-rated Rashford could help United to build on their transfer war chest.

Ten Hag’s stance on the £275k-per-week pair will make or break their future at Old Trafford, though with on-going links to the likes of Sebastien Haller, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Antony, it does not bode well for the duo and it should well see them axed.

In other news: Ten Hag could unearth a new Berbatov for Man United by signing 152-goal “hero”…