Tag Futebol

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs who are interested in signing Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison, with the Englishman looking set for a summer exit from the King Power Stadium.

What's the latest on James Maddison's future?

According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils – as well as both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be keen on signing the 26-year-old, with the report suggesting that it is now looking 'inevitable' that the former Norwich City man will move on at the end of the season.

The piece adds that the two-cap ace 'is set to be sold' even if the struggling Foxes are able to stave off relegation, with any potential suitor needing to cough up between £45m and £60m if they are to secure his services, with just over a year left to run on the player's current deal.

The Coventry-born gem does appear to have been a long-term target for those at Old Trafford, with Manchester Evening News reporting back in February 2020 that Maddison was the club's 'prime playmaker target' for that forthcoming summer, with the player himself said to have been keen to make the switch.

How would Maddison fit in at Man United?

While the highly-coveted talent is part of a Leicester side that has been desperately underwhelming this season – with a return to the second tier potentially on the cards for the Midlands side – the midfield maestro has still been something of a shining light, with nine goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League games so far this term.

That follows what was a standout 2021/22 campaign for the clinical "magician" – as hailed by Statman Dave – as he contributed 30 goals and assists in 53 games across all fronts, including 20 goal involvements in the top flight alone.

Although Maddison has done much of his damage off the flanks of late, the versatile asset could also slot into Erik ten Hag's side in a creative, midfield berth, ensuring he could represent a potential upgrade on experienced ace, Christian Eriksen.

There's no denying that the latter man has been an astute capture since his free transfer arrival last summer – having racked up two goals and nine assists in 38 appearances to date – although there may be concerns over the 31-year-old's ability to be a long-term solution in midfield, particularly amid his recent, difficult return from injury.

The Denmark international was notably replaced on the hour mark in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after being restricted to just 26 touches on the day, while having also 'shook his head in frustration at his own performance' against Aston Villa on Sunday, according to MEN's Samuel Luckhurst.

As such, turning to Maddison could potentially represent something of a long-term, midfield upgrade, with the England international's dynamic quality showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 12% among his European peers for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons, while Eriksen, by contrast, ranks in just the top 35% and the bottom 19% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Equally, Maddison's innate creativity is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received – further rubberstamping his forward-thinking and probing approach – while the current United man ranks in just the top 33% in that regard.

The Leicester sensation also potentially offers more in a defensive sense having averaged 1.6 tackles per game in the league this season, while Eriksen has averaged just 0.6 for that same metric, further proving what a potential upgrade Maddison could be for Ten Hag.

Aston Villa have reportedly been in contact over a potential move for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries.

What’s the latest transfer news on Villa and Dumfries?

Dumfries, who shares the same agency as Villa defender Tyrone Mings, turned 27 today and is seemingly at the top of his game with a career-high €28m Transfermarkt valuation.

The Netherlands international joined Inter from PSV Eindhoven back in 2021 and has gone on to make 83 appearances in Italy, contributing to 20 goals in the process.

Capable of playing as a right-back or further forward in a right midfield role, the 27-year-old could well be on the move again over the coming months, with interest from the Midlands.

TEAMtalk relayed an update from Tuttomercatoweb regarding Villa and Dumfries in the last 48 hours. They said that those from Villa Park have been in touch over a possible deal and is one of the main right-back options under consideration in the Midlands.

There is also interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, but Villa’s interest is thought to be more serious.

What would Dumfries bring to Villa Park?

You could say that Unai Emery is in need of a right-back addition this summer. The Villa boss has Matty Cash and Ashley Young as his current senior options, although, the latter of the two will turn 38 in a few months and is out of contract at the end of the season.

Therefore, bringing in someone like Dumfries to rival Cash could be a wise move, especially as the Poland international has been out through injury in recent weeks.

Dumfries, described as a “monster” by journalist Alan Rzepa, has outperformed Cash during the current campaign, as per WhoScored. The Inter man has averaged more shots and key passes per game than Cash, while also registering more assists and crosses than the Villa man, so could offer a greater attacking threat.

Capable of also turning out further forward, Dumfries would bring plenty of versatility to Emery’s side and has proven experience of playing in either the Champions League or Europa League over the past five seasons.

Villa are currently involved in a late push for European football next season after winning their last five Premier League games, and should they achieve that, it could help persuade Dumfries to move to England, making this one to watch heading into Emery's first full season in charge.

Everton have found themselves yet again struggling to retain their Premier League status this season and Sean Dyche has been tasked with the challenge of damage control at Goodison Park by securing survival over the remaining fixtures.

The Toffees are currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone as only goal difference is saving them from being in the bottom three and with just eight games left to play, there is no room for error going forward until the end of the season.

Indeed, if the former Burnley boss can save the Merseysiders this season, there is no doubt that he will be keen to make his own mark on the squad to prompt improvement and resolve the disastrous decisions of those who preceded him.

One player who has been sparking media attention for all the wrong reasons yet again this week is Frank Lampard's signing Dele Alli, with the player banished from his loan club Besiktas this season and now suffering an injury that has left him unavailable to play for the remainder of the campaign.

Will Everton cut ties with Dele Alli?

Despite paying no transfer fee to sign him, there is no doubt that Alli has been one of the worst signings secured on the blue side of Merseyside in a while which is some achievement considering the club is renowned for their transfer disasters over the years.

The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker made the move to Goodison Park on the same day that Lampard became the new permanent manager, back in January 2022.

After tallying up just 13 appearances over six months and averaging just 27 minutes per game with only three yellow cards to show for it, talkSPORT's Simon Jordan blasted Everton for signing Alli last summer:

"An awful transfer! This was how it was always going to end," he began. “Dele Alli’s career is going one way and I don’t think he can get it back.”

At first, a season-long loan move to Turkey for the troubled £100k-per-week talent looked promising with three goals scored in 17 appearances, however, it wasn't long before the Besiktas boss Senol Gunes became the latest manager to grow frustrated with him and delivered a scathing assessment on the player:

"Dele Alli has had a good career. But he doesn't deserve to play at the moment. The current situation has not met our expectations as a team,

"We expect him to contribute to the team, but we think he cannot contribute at the moment. We will evaluate it with him and the club."

Since then, the England international has seemingly not returned to Turkey after coming back to the UK with a knee injury and it has been reported in the last few days that Everton are considering their options to cut ties with the player once and for all.

With that being said, considering Everton's financial concerns, it would be wise for them to finally end Lampard's transfer disaster by letting go of the 27-year-old as soon as possible, in order to eliminate one of their many problems heading into the summer.

Crystal Palace are still thought to be serious about signing Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi this summer and are readying a £20m offer.

The Lowdown: Furuhashi at Parkhead

Furuhashi made the move to Scotland back in 2021 from Vissel Kobe and has proven to be an excellent signing by Ange Postecoglou, with his Transfermarkt valuation rising to a career-high €6m during his time at the club.

The 28-year-old has contributed to an impressive 31 goals in 39 games this season, taking his total Hoops tally to 46 goals and 10 assists in 72 games.

He has already won three major honours in Glasgow and is under contract until 2025, but it looks as if one Premier League side are extremely keen on luring him south in the summer.

The Latest: Transfer update

Calciomercato provided an update on Furuhashi and Palace in the last 48 hours, claiming that the Premier League side are still keen on his services despite sacking Patrick Vieira.

They said that it is ‘getting serious’ for the Japanese striker, with those at Selhurst Park readying a £20m bid.

The Verdict: Decision to make

Furuhashi is clearly a player Postecoglou loves, with the Hoops boss saying this about the forward after he scored twice in the League Cup final against Rangers last month.

‘It’s not just about his goals. They are the most important thing, but he works so hard. He’s another that, whatever rewards he gets, they are hard earned.

‘He’s not floating about just waiting for a chance. He’s running his socks off to do things other strikers won’t do because he knows it’s the right thing for the team.

‘Players at this club are often measured by how they perform on the biggest of stages — and he delivers again. You look at him, the size he is and the players he is against, and he doesn’t shirk any of it. He puts the opposition under pressure, he’s so clever with movement and he wants to be front and centre when the opportunities are there. He was outstanding and has been from the moment he joined this club.’

Therefore, the club look set to have a big decision on their hands later this year, as selling Furuhashi for £20m would see him become one of the club’s most expensive departures.

The Hoops also have recent history when it comes to selling a star striker to Palace in Odsonne Edouard, and it looks as if a bid will be made over the coming months, making this one to watch.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Miguel Almiron signing a new contract is a ‘big boost’ for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Almiron signs

As confirmed by Newcastle on Friday, Almiron has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract that will keep him at St. James’ Park until 2026.

They note that the Paraguay international is the club’s leading scorer with 10 goals so far in this campaign, and has won the Premier League Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards for October.

The Latest: ‘Big boost’

Taking to Twitter on Friday morning, Bailey says that Almiron’s new deal is a ‘big boost’ for the Magpies ahead of their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon:

“Big boost for Newcastle on the eve of the League Cup final.

“Miguel Almiron, enjoying his best season in England, is rewarded with a new three-and-a-half year deal.”

[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: Deserved

Almiron’s new contract is thoroughly deserved off the back of the wonderful season that he is having.

His goals have ensured that the Tynesiders are challenging for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot for next season, while he also ranks highly among his team-mates for average tackles, shots, dribbles and pass success rate per game in the top flight (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, announcing his new deal will only give the team and its supporters a lift going into the final on Sunday, where Almiron will be hoping that he can make the difference and bring the silverware back to the North East.

Southampton have touched base with D.C. United boss Wayne Rooney, who is interested in replacing Nathan Jones as manager, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Manager search underway

After parting ways with Jones on Sunday morning, Southampton have started the search for a new manager, with Jesse Marsch and first team coach Ruben Seles said to be in line for the job.

While Seles is highly thought of by the hierarchy at St Mary’s, there is some concern about his lack of experience, and so the club are continuing to assess their options.

The Latest: Rooney interested

According to a report from 90min, intermediaries from Rooney’s camp have touched base with Southampton, as he is interested in taking over as manager.

The 37-year-old is not the only person eyeing up the job, however, with Steven Gerrard said to be keen, while Marsch is very much under consideration by Sport Republic.

The Verdict: Right man for the job?

West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan hailed the Englishman for doing a ‘fantastic job’ with Derby County, during which time he received plaudits for his loyalty to the club, despite the Rams’ uncertain financial situation.

The Manchester United icon has not fared as well during his time in America, however, averaging just 0.64 points per match in the 14 games that he has managed so far.

That, combined with the fact he has never managed in the Premier League, indicates there are better options available for the Saints, and they may be better off sticking by Seles, given that he already knows the players, who he is said to be ‘highly regarded’ by.

Lewis Cox of The Express & Star has claimed that the recent language used by West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan suggests a ‘long term’ plan.

The Lowdown: Here to stay

The Spaniard agreed to sign a new contract with the Championship side until 2027, after his initial deal that he signed in October only saw him through until 2025.

West Brom are currently sixth in the league table and have won five of their last seven Championship matches.

Prior to his appointment, the Baggies had only won two league matches all season under former manager Steve Bruce.

The Latest: Corberan’s plan

Cox claimed that Corberan had his mind set on a long future at the Hawthorns when analysing his wording on the Express & Star’s YouTube channel.

He stated (8:17), “He spoke about a project today and I thought that was quite telling, he used that word project quite a bit. Both speaking with the broadcast and to us in the written press and the word project to me means long term it doesn’t mean a quick go promotional or go bust.

“We’re talking about promotion being successful here with the project. Promotion is sort of the first big part and then for many reasons on and off the pitch, can the next part of the project be can it be stay there?

“Can it be rather than come straight back down like last time, can such a talented young head coach, work something so Albion can survive?”

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

The Verdict: Corberan seems keen

We believe that Corberan seems keen on seeing where he can take West Brom in the near future, and he’s certainly leading them in the right direction so far.

The standings in the Championship are pretty tight, but their recent form suggests they’ll be in and amongst the battle for a play-off position, despite the blip last night.

Our feeling is the Baggies board need to do is back Corberan in upcoming windows, there’s a lot of animosity between a portion of the fans and the ownership at the moment due to broken transfer promises.

Near the end of the January window, they were able to sign Nathaniel Chalobah on a permanent deal and bring in Marc Albrighton on loan.

Our view is that the duo will bring in a lot of experience into the Baggies squad and could well be some good business.

But backing the boss won’t only please the fans, but it gives Corberan a chance to shape West Brom into the vision he wants from our standpoint.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Mason Mount over the last few weeks and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an insight into Liverpool’s reported interest in the Chelsea midfielder.

Romano claimed in his Caught Offside daily briefing on Sunday:

“On Mason Mount rumours – at the moment, I’m told that Liverpool’s top priority remains Jude Bellingham and they also follow Matheus Nunes.

“Let’s see what’s going to happen with Mount, at the moment his new contract situation has to be clarified as talks with Chelsea have been ongoing for months.”

Imagine & Bajcetic

There is no doubt that Liverpool are in need of a refresh in the centre of the pitch in 2023 with a number of players either coming to the end of their contracts or entering the latter stages of their career.

Jurgen Klopp and the powers at Anfield are already working hard to identify potential targets that could transform Liverpool’s performances and get the side back where they belong in the Premier League with the current team turning from successful to stale in just a short period of time after competing for a quadruple less than a year ago.

A double swoop for Matheus Nunes and Jude Bellingham is set to be the top priority in the club’s midfield youthful revolution set to take place this summer, however, it would be a no-brainer to snap up the services of Mount should the opportunity arise in the coming months ahead.

Over 19 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old – who was dubbed “unbelievable” by Joe Cole – has scored three goals and registered two assists, showcasing his immense attacking prowess.

Furthermore, he has averaged 1.5 key passes, 1.5 shots on goal, 1.5 tackles and has won 3.9 duels per game, numbers that indicate his all-round ability across the pitch,

As result, the Liverpool boss could form a deadly midfield partnership between Mount and breakthrough star Stefan Bajcetic with the 18-year-old defensive midfielder becoming a regular feature in the senior team since capturing the attention of Klopp in the youth academy.

Whilst Mount is prolific in progressing the ball into the final third to provide his attacking teammates with golden opportunities in front of goal, Bajcetic can provide the connection with his defensive yet progressive play in the middle third.

Thus, combining the energetic pair could cause chaos for opponents.

Mount won’t come without incredible investment as the London-based club are not keen on parting ways with their golden boy and are working to convince the player to stay at Stamford Bridge – according to CIES Football Observatory he is currently rated at €80m (£70m).

With that being said, the signing of Mount seems farfetched when considering the way that FSG operate in the transfer market, however, if they cannot sign Bellingham, they should certainly capture the player’s services this summer. Indeed, given he’d arrive from divisional rivals, it would be a major coup for the Reds.

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch will be without two experienced squad members for their FA Cup clash with Cardiff City this afternoon, according to Phil Hay…

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s ever-reliable reporter claimed that the Whites would be without the “usual suspects” when they make the trip to Wales, where they will begin their latest cup campaign in the third round.

He revealed:

“It was quite telling, I thought, that Jesse Marsch said on Friday that Leeds (or Angus Kinnear) had told him that they want a cup run. That’s clearly removed the scope for Marsch to weaken his line-up drastically this afternoon.

“The usual suspects are likely to be missing again – [Patrick] Bamford, [Adam] Forshaw etc – but Cardiff are not having a great season and Leeds should be confident of making this tie theirs.”

A big blow to Marsch

Given the recent comments from Kinnear to Marsch, it will come as a frustrating blow and bad news that he will not be able to call upon two of the club’s most experienced stars – and more – in a competition that has been a cause for concern in recent times.

Indeed, the Yorkshire giants have a diabolical record in the FA Cup, having been knocked out at this very stage in each of their last five attempts and that includes embarrassing defeats to lower league opposition like Newport County and Crawley Town, both of whom are in League Two right now.

Patrick Bamford has endured a rough time with injuries since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and recent surgery has ruled him out of action thus far in 2023. Leeds could certainly do with the man who bagged 17 goals in their first season back in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Marsch’s current first-choice engine room are all signings from the summer transfer window, with Mateusz Klich departing for pastures new.

Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, with all respect, will not understand what this competition means to fans in England, at least in comparison to Forshaw, who has made an FA Cup appearance for four different teams.

The Whites have also struggled massively in the league, finding themselves languishing down in 14th place, just two points above the relegation zone and with only two wins in their last 15 in the top-flight.

Game-changers such as Luis Sinisterra are also likely to be missing in the Welsh capital, only further adding to Marsch’s frustrations, with the Elland Road hierarchy clearly looking for a run in this competition to offer supporters some respite from their league woes.

As such, the American has got to be frustrated to have the likes of Bamford, Forshaw and Sinisterra unavailable, not just because they are all valuable in their own right but because their involvement could have also handed valuable rest to those that have been playing in their place each week.

AND in other news, Marsch has unearthed “an absolute star” at Leeds after he gave West Ham “nightmares”…

An update has emerged on Liverpool and their interest in Teun Koopmeiners at the start of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to i News, the Reds have been tracking the central midfielder in recent months as they eye up potential reinforcements in that area of the pitch.

Jude Bellingham is named as another player in their crosshairs but it is stated that the finances involved mean that they may only be able to bring him in at the end of the season.

The report adds that the growing Dutch influence in the club’s recruitment could be down to the prominence of assistant manager Pep Lijnders in discussions, with Koopmeiners potentially joining Cody Gakpo in arriving at Anfield this month.

Harvey Elliott upgrade

Due to a lack of signings in midfield last summer and a number of injury issues to some of the senior professionals at the club, Jurgen Klopp has been forced to rely upon young Harvey Elliott at times in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old has started 12 matches in the top flight, featuring in 17 games in total, and the left-footed midfielder has often been deployed on the right side of a midfield three for Liverpool.

However, he has struggled to truly impress and an average Sofascore rating of 6.80, which places him 16th in the squad, does not suggest that he stepped up to the mark with his added responsibility in the side.

Koopmeiners, however, is more experienced at the top level, at the age of 24, and has been in fine form for Atalanta in the Serie A this season.

The Netherlands international has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.05 across 15 appearances in the Italian top flight. He has scored four goals and created 1.3 chances per match, whilst making 2.2 tackles and interceptions per outing and winning 50% of his physical duels.

Elliott, on the other hand, has created 0.9 chances and made just 1.0 tackles and interceptions per game in comparison, whilst losing 56% of his individual battles and scoring once.

Koopmeiners was once described as being “underrated” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also dubbed the €60m (£53m-rated) midfield general as being “elite” and an “orchestrator” with his statistics very much indicating that he could be an excellent signing for the Reds.

He could offer more than Elliott both in terms of his attacking contributions and the defensive work that he puts in out of positions, whilst also performing to a higher level week-in-week-out, which is why he would be a big upgrade on his fellow left-footed central midfielder.