All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sunderland are less than two months away from kicking off their first Championship season since the 2017/18 campaign. 

The Black Cats secured promotion via the play-offs and will now be looking to ensure that they do not head straight back down to League One at the first time of asking.

Alex Neil and Kristjaan Speakman will be plotting moves to improve the squad and one player who has been linked with a switch to the Stadium of Light is Josh Murphy.

Journalist Darren Witcoop Tweeted: “Sunderland have registered their interest in signing winger Josh Murphy, who is available on a free. Alex Neil worked with Murphy at Norwich and is a big fan. Interest in Wolves defender Dion Sanderson and keeper John Ruddy as reported elsewhere remains.”

New Aiden McGeady

By securing a deal to sign the attacker in the coming weeks, Speakman can land the club’s new Aiden McGeady out on the left wing.

Like the Irishman, Murphy is a tricky left winger who likes to cut inside onto his right foot and is adept at creating chances for his teammates.

McGeady created 25 ‘big chances’ and scored 11 goals in three League One campaigns as he consistently delivered in the final third for the club, which is what the ex-Norwich man can now replicate.

Former Cardiff boss Neil Warnock once tipped Murphy to become an “instrumental” player and that is exactly what he can be for the Black Cats in the second tier.

In his last two Championship campaigns for Norwich – one of which came under Neil – he provided 12 ‘big chances’ in 43 starts. He also scored 11 goals in that time as he showed that he has the quality to make a big impact at that level.

Whilst his chance creation numbers are not as high as McGeady’s, the attacker was playing at a higher level than the former Celtic man and has the relevant experience needed to shine in the second tier.

The winger has struggled for form of late, with no starts, goals, or assists for Preston last term, but his relationship with the Sunderland coach can spark his career back to life.

Neil clearly knows how to get the best out of the £25k-per-week wizard, given his form under the Scot for Norwich, and that is why he can be the club’s new McGeady next season as he can be the go-to creator from out wide.

AND in other news, Scott Wilson delivers big SAFC transfer development that’ll leave Speakman scrambling…

With Aston Villa’s reported interest in Luis Suarez set to come to nothing, Steven Gerrard should consider unleashing Keinan Davis in his first-team next season.

Villa have been widely touted as a potential destination for the legendary Uruguayan following his departure from Atletico Madrid, with Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho the obvious Liverpool connections, but it now seems as if he won’t be reuniting with his former teammates this summer.

Therefore, after a season which saw Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings manage just 18 Premier League goals between them in 65 appearances, Gerrard should give Davis an extended run in the side during the 2022/23 campaign.

The 24-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and he was a key member of Steve Cooper’s side as they earned promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs.

The striker would make 18 appearances in the Championship for the Reds, in which he contributed five goals and two assists, averaging an impressive 7.17 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Davis earned a lot of plaudits for his hold-up play and work rate in Cooper’s side and it is no surprise that they are linked with signing him permanently following their promotion.

Teammate Steve Cook sang his praises last season, saying:

“Keinan has been outstanding. He’s probably a bit of an unsung hero for us at the moment, because he’s doing the hard work. He’s bullying defenders and he’s connecting the play from back to front, without scoring the goals he probably would have liked so far.

“He’s looked such a threat.”

Neither of Watkins or Ings can be said to regularly bully defenders, and Davis could be the ideal man to hold the ball up for the likes of Emi Buendia, Coutinho and Jacob Ramsay who could play in behind him.

While he might lack the goalscoring prowess of Suarez, Davis represents a much cheaper, younger option for Gerrard next season, and his contributions on loan at Forest suggest he’s ready for a chance in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Romano delivers transfer update that’ll frustrate Villa fans

Manchester City journalist Sam Lee has dropped a behind-the-scenes claim regarding the possibility of the Premier League champions securing a deal for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips during the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the news?

In a recent report for The Athletic, Lee highlighted City’s reported interest in signing the Elland Road star and the current situation regarding a potential move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The journalist wrote: “No doubt, Phillips’ potential arrival has been complicated by Leeds’ Premier League survival. Avoiding relegation puts them in a stronger position financially, so City lost a fair bit of leverage.

“It is still very much on the cards, but a move is not as easy as was previously hoped within City’s offices.”

A product of Leeds’ youth academy, the 26-year-old has made 234 senior appearances for the Yorkshire club across all competitions. In that time, the England international has scored 14 goals and delivered 13 assists along the way.

Taking into account how Leeds only won three of the 18 league games in which Phillips didn’t feature this season and weren’t able to keep a clean sheet in any of those 18 matches, this highlights just how important he is to Jesse Marsch’s team and why they would be keen to keep hold of him for as long as possible.

Big worry for Guardiola

While Lee claimed that there is still some hope that a deal can be struck for the Leeds star this summer, it would be a worry for Pep Guardiola that it may not be as easy to complete as it could have been had the Whites been relegated at the end of the Premier League season.

Bearing in mind how City will be heading into next term without Fernandinho for the first time in almost 10 years, it will be an even bigger concern for the Spaniard to not see his side secure a suitable replacement for the Brazil veteran – such as Phillips – before the start of the campaign.

While the Citizens haven’t been shy in the past when it comes to splashing out big sums of money to bring players to the Etihad from other Premier League clubs, this could be another one of those scenarios where they may be forced to pay whatever Leeds may want for their midfield hero.

In other news: Guardiola can land his next Sane as Man City eye move for “glorious” £128m sensation

Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell is set to hold talks with Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta regarding his immediate future.

The Lowdown: Five league appearances

Cresswell was a regular in the matchday squad under Marcelo Bielsa and Marsch last season, making his full Premier League debut against West Ham last September.

The 19-year-old was described as ‘unbelievable’ by Joe Wainman following his display against the Hammers and went on to make four more appearances in the top flight.

The last of those came in the dramatic 3-2 win away at Wolves, with Cresswell helping the Whites turnaround a two-goal deficit after coming on just before half-time.

The Latest: Talks planned

LeedsLive relayed comments from Cresswell on Wednesday lunchtime, with the centre-back currently away on international duty with England U21s.

The centre-back was asked about his Whites future, to which he shared his plans to talk with Marsch and Orta ‘over the next few weeks’.

Cresswell added that a loan move away from Elland Road could be on the cards as he wants to ‘to play more football’.

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The Verdict: Summer rebuild?

Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Harrison have all been linked with moves away from Leeds in recent weeks, and it looks as if Cresswell could also be on the way out on a temporary basis.

Marsch inherited a small senior squad from Bielsa, so losing some key players and having a young star in Cresswell possibly wanting to leave in search of regular game time isn’t ideal.

It would leave the Whites needing plenty of senior signings, but you can understand Cresswell’s wish to play first-team football, and who knows, a loan spell away in the Championship could then help him break into Marsch’s first-team plans for the 2023/24 season.

In other news: After Kristensen: Radz & 49ers now ready to write Leeds cheque for ‘really exciting’ midfielder. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage must brutally sell Morgan Gibbs-White this summer and could get up to £20m for the player.

What’s the story?

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook spoke to GIVEMESPORT and said: “If he’s a player they can get £20m for they might see that as a good investment and a chance to rebuild.”

The 22-year-old had an exceptional loan spell with Sheffield United this past season, and helped them secure a play-off place before they lost out in the semi-final to eventual winners Nottingham Forest.

Wolves could sign him on a new contract, but with big clubs such as Serie A champions AC Milan interested, now is a good time to cash in.

He won’t make it at Molineux

Gibbs-White has risen through the ranks at Molineux and is one of the latest successes from their academy. He has had two loan spells with his most recent one at Sheffield United impressing the most.

He made 35 Championship appearances for The Blades and was directly involved in 20 goals during that time. Those are impressive numbers, and he’s been described as a “catalyst” in the EFL by journalist Laurie Whitwell. However, you have to put it into perspective.

They were one of the best teams in the division last season and it would be difficult for the Englishman to replicate that standard in a much tougher Premier League.

If he remained at Molinuex it would be hard to see where he would fit in. Wolves usually play a formation of three forward players so he would either have to be moved out wide or be put in a deeper position.

This would risk not getting the best out of him, as has been seen previously, particularly under Nuno Santo.

Gibbs-White isn’t necessarily a bad player, but if Wolves can get a good fee for him, then it makes more sense for them to use that to improve other areas of the team rather than keep a player who will likely be on the bench.

In the 86 appearances he has made for the Old Gold, he’s only scored three and assisted one, which ultimately proves that he isn’t good enough to stay at Molineux.

IN other news: Wolves now already heading for huge summer transfer disaster, Lage will be furious…

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur would be getting a ‘bargain’ if they managed to pull off the double permanent signings of both Dejan Kulusevski and Cristian Romero during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: New arrivals

Romero was the first of the duo to make the switch to the Premier League when he signed on a season-long loan from Atalanta last summer, with the option to make the deal permanent available for a fee believed to be £42.5m.

Kulusevski later followed in his footsteps, joining from Juventus in January on an initial 18-month loan, with the obligation to buy being completed based upon if the club are satisfied with his level of performance.

According to a new update from Fabrizio Romano earlier this week, the Lilywhites look set to make both players’ deals permanent at the end of the season for a combined fee of approximately £68m.

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The Latest: Absolute bargain for Spurs

When asked for his thoughts on Romano’s news of the pair putting pen to paper and remaining in north London, Campbell told Football Insider: “That’s a bargain.

“It is good business because they have tried before they buy.

“Both players have made a real difference to Spurs. They’re both at a good age as well. You’d expect them to get better.

“Listen, it will be interesting to see them sign and see how they go next season.”

The Verdict: Stars of the future

Both players have become a regular feature in Antonio Conte’s starting XI since making the move to N17 and have made a huge positive impact on the team’s displays.

Romero has made 22 league appearances and recorded five clean sheets during that time, as per the Premier League’s official website.

Kulusevski is someone who has been more influential at the opposite end of the pitch, however, having provided eight assists and scoring three goals in the top-flight so far this campaign, via Transfermarkt.

As Conte starts assembling his squad ahead of the new season, it sounds as though the boss has been very happy with what he’s seen from his duo, and once they do become a permanent fixture in the capital, they will no doubt both go on to enjoy plenty of success with Spurs in years to come.

In other news… Conte has reportedly made a behind-the-scenes exit decision.

Liverpool are among numerous clubs interested in making a move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Nketiah out of contract

The 22-year-old has been in a good run of form for the Gunners recently, scoring four goals in his last five Premier League appearances.

It has been an impressive spell for Nketiah, who has been described as an ‘extraordinary’ player in the past by his manager Mikel Arteta, having risen through the youth ranks at the Emirates Stadium.

The youngster is out of contract at the end of the season, though, and there is no guarantee that he will stay at Arsenal.

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The Latest: Liverpool linked with Nketiah move

Taking to Twitter on Friday night in sharing a corresponding article from 90min, Cudworth claimed that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Nketiah, although they aren’t alone in expressing an interest.

The reporter tweeted:

“It’s increasingly unlikely Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal – #WHUFC, #NUFC, #EFC and #CPFC  all chasing. Liverpool and Chelsea also monitoring situation – 22 y/o could provide attractive squad depth option.”

The Verdict: Is he good enough?

While Nketiah deserves undoubted praise for his recent form – he is also England under-21s’ all-time record goalscorer – Liverpool would still be a notable step up from Arsenal these days in terms of expectations and quality.

For that reason, it wouldn’t make much sense for the Reds to sign him, even on a free transfer, with a higher calibre of player required to keep them at the very top.

At 22, there is every chance that Nketiah could forge an excellent career for himself, but he hasn’t done enough at senior level to warrant joining Liverpool. Indeed, he arguably isn’t as exciting as Anfield youngster Kaide Gordon, whose path he could potentially block if he were to replicate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move from north London to Merseyside.

In other news, a Liverpool exit rumour has emerged regarding one player. Find out who it is here

Liam Kennedy has dropped a ‘big summer’ Newcastle United claim on Elliot Anderson after news of his ineligibility was confirmed.

The Lowdown: Not eligible

As per Newcastle World, Anderson is not eligible to play against Arsenal and Burnley in their remaining two Premier League fixtures.

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He has returned to St. James’ Park after his loan spell at Bristol Rovers, but guidance from the top flight has stated that while he is now able to train with the first team, he will not be allowed to feature for them, as only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ – like the early recall of a goalkeeper – should a player be able to return to first-team football outside of a transfer window.

The Latest: Kennedy reacts

Taking to Twitter, Newcastle World journalist Kennedy has given his reaction to the revelation, claiming that while it is a ‘shame’, there could still be a ‘big’ summer ahead for Anderson:

“It’s a shame, but not even sure Eddie Howe would use him, especially when you look back at his selection policy against Cambridge in the FA Cup earlier this season. Could be a big summer for the lad.”

The Verdict: Shame indeed

Indeed, it is a shame that the Toon Army will not be able to see Anderson play for them in their remaining two games.

The 19-year-old scored eight goals and made a further five assists in 21 matches in total in League Two, including three goal contributions on the final day which helped the Gas remarkably win promotion (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, with the North East club now comfortable in the table, it would have been a good time to see what Anderson can do as Eddie Howe ponders keeping him in his squad for the next campaign.

In other news, find out which ‘insane’ star NUFC could sign this summer here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers boast some serious talent courtesy of their youth sides.

The likes of Connor Ronan, Luke Cundle, and Dexter Lembikisa all look to have a bright future ahead of them. And joining them in that high potential category is five-cap Montenegro international Matija Sarkic, who – like Ronan – has spent the majority of his professional career on loan.

The 24-year-old, who had his performance dubbed “stunning”, arrived back from his loan at Championship side Birmingham City in January after suffering a shoulder injury that he is still nursing to this day.

The loan spell at the Blues was positive for the Montenegrin as he established himself as a first-team regular, conceding just 29 of the 75 goals that Birmingham conceded across the 46 game season. Along the way, Sarkic managed ten clean sheets and became a fan favourite at Birmingham City.

His impact was so great, that despite missing half of the season through injury, the Wolves loanee won the player of the season award, as per Tim Spiers who took to his Twitter page to state:

“Another Wolves loanee wins a player of the season award – Matija Sarkic at Birmingham after keeping 10 clean sheets in 23 games before dislocating his shoulder. GK coach Tony Roberts suggested last week Sarkic, aged 24, could be out on loan again next season.”

With number two goalkeeper and veteran of the game John Ruddy’s contract expiring in the summer, Sarkic must be wondering what more he has to do in order to deputise for Jose Sá.

The £1.6m-rated stopper’s impact in the division below has been sensational and even if Ruddy was to sign a contract extension, the 24-year-old would surely still rate himself above the 35-year-old who has been Lage’s go-to cup keeper this season.

If Ruddy is to depart at the end of the season, Lage lacks quality options in that position and would surely look to save millions by giving Aston Villa youth graduate Sarkic a fair chance in the side.

In other news: Lage can unearth Wolves’ new Jota in “magic” £2.2m-rated gem who has “explosiveness” 

It’s fair to say that Everton have had a horrendous season in the Premier League, with genuine fears that the Toffees could be playing in the Championship next term amid their presence in the relegation zone.

A campaign which started off with so much hope has spiralled into chaos, and only performances of the highest order will be enough to save their skin now.

Lampard hasn’t exactly been helped by the performances of some of his players, with a not-so-special mention going to Brazilian midfielder Allan, who has been poor all season.

Time to axe Allan

The 31-year-old has featured in 30 matches for Everton this term, contributing a measly three assists while receiving seven yellow cards. Add into this an average SofaScore rating of 6.64 and only 46% of his total duels won all season, and it’s clear to see Lampard must axe the “clumsy” Brazilian, as Garry Birtles called him.

Looking at SofaScore’s ratings, the midfielder comes in at a lowly 18th in the Toffees’ squad for overall performance, not exactly a glowing endorsement of what he has produced on the pitch over the past nine months.

With Allan’s market value currently sitting at £16.2m, the quicker Everton axe him the better. Lampard might not get that much for the player with his contract expiring at the end of next season, but any fee is better than none.

There are better options in the squad to utilise, such as Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who is out on loan at CSKA Moscow until the end of the season. The 26-year-old has registered one goal and three assists in all competitions this season between his current club and Everton whilst playing 14 fewer games, proving his effectiveness compared to Allan.

Lampard faces a crunch time at the end of the season if he keeps Everton in the top flight and there needs to be a clearout of some deadwood, with the £120k-p/w Brazilian arguably at the top of the list.

The Everton faithful face an anxious final few weeks of the campaign and Lampard needs to play the men that he thinks can bring the necessary fight to avoid relegation. Allan’s performances this term suggest that he isn’t an ideal candidate; frankly, he has bled the club dry having been so ineffective, and it’s time that the manager wields the axe on him, starting from the clash against Leicester on Sunday.

AND in other news, Everton given green light to sign “undefendable” £50m gem, it’s bye-bye Richarlison