All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to still be monitoring Ajax sensation, Mohammed Kudus, having previously been linked with the Ghanaian during the summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have been named as one of the 22-year-old’s ‘admirers’ ahead of the January transfer window, with the report suggesting that the forward could potentially ‘force a move’ away from Amsterdam next month following the club’s Champions League elimination.

Reports in the player’s homeland back in August had suggested that the youngster was a target for the northeast side, having also been linked with the dynamic gem back in 2020 during his stint at Danish outfit, FC Nordsjaelland.

Should the Tynesiders step up their interest in what appears to be a long-term target in the New Year it certainly won’t come cheap, with The Sun recently stating that the Eredivisie giants will demand a fee of around £40m if they are to sanction a sale.

‘Superstar’

The fleet-footed ace – who has also been tipped for a reunion with former boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United – would certainly add a real sprinkling of quality to Newcastle’s ranks were Ashworth able to tie up a deal, with the playmaker having dazzled in Holland in recent times.

The Accra-born “star boy” – as lauded by one source – already has ten goals and two assists to his name in just 21 games in all competitions this term, having proven particularly impressive during the club’s European campaign.

That group stage run saw the 5 foot 9 gem score four goals and register two assists in just six outings, memorably lashing home a stunning effort in the opening game win over Rangers at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

That moment of quality illustrated the emerging asset’s lethal finishing prowess and breathtaking running power, having since also showcased such talent on the World Cup stage after scoring twice in the 3-2 win over South Korea in Qatar.

That clinical double saw the versatile ace – who can feature in the forward line or in a midfield role – take his total tally for his national side to seven goals in just 21 games, having proven himself a real “superstar” for both club and country of late, according to journalist Thierry Nyann.

Managing to secure such a highly-coveted figure would represent a real coup for both Ashworth and manager Eddie Howe, with St James’ Park seemingly awaiting the arrival of its next ‘superstar’ addition.

Celtic have reportedly made an approach to sign South Korean midfielder, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to strengthen his squad ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Barry Anderson, with the transfer insider writing on Twitter:

“Celtic have made an offer to sign Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu (21) according to reports in East Asia. He is a South Korea U23 internationalist and one of the country’s bright prospects due to his high-tempo play, technique and physique.”

The respected source was relaying information from Korean outlet Sports Chuson, with the Old Firm outfit seemingly keen on prising the 21-year-old from his current club, Busan IPark, next month.

It would appear that the Parkhead giants are keeping a close eye on the K-League market at present, having also been linked with a move for Jeonbuk striker Cho Gue-sung in recent weeks.

Bye-bye Ideguchi

The addition of Kwon would seemingly add some real steel to the Glasgow side’s midfield, with the emerging starlet offering a real commanding presence in the centre of the park as a result of his towering 6 foot 3 frame.

The evidence would suggest that the South Korea U23 international – who was recently loaned out to Gimcheon Sangmu in order to carry out his military service – puts his imposing physique to good use, having won 77% of his aerial duels in the most recent campaign, while also averaging 1.6 interceptions and 1.0 tackles per game.

Should Postecoglou bring the youngster – who has 60 club career appearances to his name thus far, scoring once – to Celtic Park any time soon it could well help to hasten the departure of forgotten man Yosuke Ideguchi, with the Japanese international having been linked with an exit in recent times.

The suggestion is that the one-time Leeds United man is in line to make a return to his homeland in the New Year, having only joined the Bhoys as part of a triple J-League swoop alongside Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate back in January.

While the latter duo have established themselves as regular fixtures at Paradise since then, Ideguchi has only featured six times in all competitions in 2022 thus far, having been hampered by injury during his time in Scotland.

The defensive-minded midfielder has endured a particularly gruelling start to the current campaign after failing to make a single appearance, having only been named in the matchday squad on three occasions this term.

Pundit Alex McLeish had suggested over the summer that the 26-year-old was in need of a “minor miracle” in order to save his Celtic career, although the situation appears to have only gotten worse since then, with it hard to see a way back for the £6k-per-week dud under Postecoglou.

Should the title-winning coach snap up another holding midfielder in Kwon next month, it should well allow the Scottish champions the opportunity to say bye-bye to the anonymous, Ideguchi.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in completing the signing of Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio this winter, amid uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club…

What’s the word?

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is looking to continue stamping his mark on the Theatre of Dreams, having spent a lucrative £213m on a host of star-studded names this summer, and Spanish winger Asensio has been distinguished as a shrewd acquisition to lure to the club in the near future.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, United are set to advance interest in the 26-year-old with his contract set for expiry with Los Blancos at the conclusion of the current season and no initiation regarding talks for renewal in sight.

With the Glazer family – long-time, despised owners of Man United – putting the club up for sale in November, technical director John Murtough is not quite able to throw cash around with reckless abandon, but a move for Asensio could be both affordable and viable for Old Trafford.

“Magical”

United could wait until the summer and snap him up on a free transfer, but they will likely face competition from a host of top European competitors, and with the Daily Mail reporting that Arsenal and Liverpool were eyeing the player in a deal worth less than £25m this summer, Ten Hag might be successful in prising him away from the Santiago Bernabeu for a fee well below his market value.

Real Madrid snapped Asensio up from Spanish Segunda division side Mallorca for a paltry £3.3m, when he was just 18 years old; he has since made 250 appearances, scoring 52 goals and registering 27 assists.

And with a wealth of major honours, including three La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies, there is a winning mentality woven into his core – a trait that United could certainly benefit from, having failed to clinch silverware since 2017.

An ACL injury ruled Asensio out for 39 fixtures during the 19/20 campaign, hampering his progress and derailing his journey as a Madrid mainstay, and despite still playing a part at the prestigious club, he now looks set to depart at the end of the campaign.

The 35-cap phenom would certainly bring a sweet blend of skills to Old Trafford, with FBref ranking him within the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals, the top 7% for total shots and the top 10% for pass completion per 90 over the past year – setting his clinical prowess and slick passing play among the very best of the globe’s forward sensations.

This season, the £118k-per-week dynamo has got three goals and assists apiece despite starting just three times across all competitions, and given a platform to earn regular minutes at the Theatre of Dreams, he may well flourish, utilising his pace and direct, peppering approach to devastating effect.

And with current Red Devil – and former Real teammate – Casemiro once lauding the player for possessing something “magical” about his game, United could soon unleash the player to wreak his wizardry on the Premier League.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has slammed the Reds after their 3-1 defeat at Brentford, ripping into the change in style Jurgen Klopp has introduced this season.

The Lowdown: Liverpool woeful at Brentford

Klopp’s side produced a grim performance on Monday evening, falling to another poor loss in the Premier League and seeing their top-four chances hampered significantly.

Once again, Liverpool’s defending and all-round system left a lot to be desired and Brentford deservedly took home all three points in west London, creating far too many chances far too easily.

This is a shadow of the Reds teams that has been so dominant in recent years, and Carragher can hardly believe what he is watching.

The Latest: Carragher lambasts Reds

Taking to Twitter, the Sky Sports pundit made an unflattering comparison with Wenger’s Arsenal, in terms of the way they changed from physical beasts to a more technical team who were easier to bully:

“I’ve not been watching a Klopp team for a lot of this season, it’s a team now that cannot cope with the intensity of the opposition. It reminds me of Wenger’s Arsenal, going from a powerful & pacy team to a technical one. Defensively it’s a shambles.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-36/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Liverpool legend spot on

Carragher is spot on in his assessment and his Arsenal comparison is perfect, and worrying, with Liverpool a million miles away from the side that used to press the life out of teams and bully them physically.

[freshpress-quiz id=“419074″]

Now, the Reds are being out-run and out-fought in far too many matches and the intensity seems to have disappeared completely, not helped by ageing legs.

It once again highlights the lack of recruitment last summer, especially in midfield, and if more new faces don’t arrive soon, things could get even worse for Klopp’s men.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has already made notable moves in the winter transfer market – with three new signings having been wrapped up – although the 57-year-old will likely be looking to strike gold again with the addition of a new centre-forward recruit this month.

With the future of Giorgos Giakoumakis still yet to be resolved, following reports that the Greek marksman is ‘unhappy’ with his current wage at Parkhead, the Scottish champions appear to have turned their attention towards signing a possible replacement.

One figure who has emerged as a potential option is Rosenborg striker, Casper Tengsedt, with Football Scotland reporting in the final week of 2022 that the Danish hotshot has caught the eye of the Old Firm outfit, as well as clubs across Europe.

The report suggested that the Norwegian outfit could demand in excess of £3.5m if they are to part ways with the 22-year-old any time soon, with the prolific asset still having three and a half years left to run on his existing deal at the club.

Transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided his verdict on that potential deal, with the respected journalist revealing that the Bhoys are keeping tabs on the forward, alongside other interested parties.

Jones stated: “I think he’s one of the names in the frame, but again, he’s someone that’s been talked about in terms of having potential in other countries too with some big clubs.

“So, the feeling is here that a lot is going to depend on the type of environment he sees himself fitting into for the next stage of his career. So, that might be key.”

The youngster has warranted such interest as a result of his “ridiculous” form in recent times – as per journalist Jacek Kulig – having scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in only 14 games for his current side to date.

That hot streak comes following what was a particularly fruitful spell for AC Horsens in his homeland, with Tengstedt scoring 20 goals and laying on ten assists in 57 games in all competitions.

Such ruthlessness in front of goal has seen the one-time Midtjylland man notably lauded by Portuguese coach Frederico Pereira Morais, who described him as a “born finisher” to illustrate his clinical nature.

A player who likes to “get the opponent out of the way” and is also “strong in the air” – according to Morais – Tengstedt appears to have a quality reminiscent of a fellow Nordic forward, Erling Haaland, with the Manchester City machine also a commanding focal point in attack and a lethal figure in the final third.

The 6 foot 5 monster – who has 27 goals in just 22 games for the Etihad outfit this season – also initially made his mark in Norwegian football, having scored 20 goals and laid on six assists in 50 games for Molde, after previously failing to fire in 16 games for Byrne.

Interestingly, however, the aforementioned Kulig has suggested that Tengstedt’s record in the Eliteserien is “way better” than that of Haaland, having provided 24 goal contributions in only 14 games thus far.

That no doubt bodes well as far as Postecoglou is concerned, with the manager set to strike gold if Celtic can secure a Haaland-esque talent before the end of the window.

Manchester United have been named in a transfer update involving Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries.

The Lowdown: Dumfries speculation

The Dutchman is primarily a right-back but can also line out as a right-sided midfielder, as per Transfermarkt. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months, with rumours suggesting that the Red Devils were plotting an offer for Dumfries’ services.

He appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €28m (£24.8m) Transfermarkt valuation, with a transfer update emerging this week.

The Latest: United still keen on Dumfries

On Wednesday, Sport Witness relayed an update from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport regarding Dumfries. They claimed that the Netherlands ace is ‘already for sale’, with Inter asking for €60m (£53.1m).

The report named both United and Chelsea as ‘the most interested Premier League big names’, adding that either of the two ‘could bring the operation forward to January’.

The Verdict: Needed?

Dumfries has been called a ‘very exciting’ and ‘effective’ player by members of the Italian media and lined out alongside fellow Old Trafford transfer target Wout Weghorst at the 2022 World Cup.

He could be a shrewd prospective addition under Erik ten Hag due to his versatility, experience at the highest level and seemingly at the peak of his powers.

United are discussing a number of right-back targets, including Celtic’s Josip Juranovic, although any possible right-back arrival will depend on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future, so this could be one to watch.

Manchester United winger Antony has been slammed for his midweek performance by TalkSport pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor.

What’s the word?

United dropped crucial points as they attempted to go into second place in the Premier League, as Michael Olise’s stunning late free-kick meant Crystal Palace snatched a draw at Selhurst Park.

Midfielder Casemiro picked up a yellow card, meaning he is suspended for United’s game away at league leaders Arsenal this weekend, adding insult to injury.

United were below-par in attack and Brazil winger Antony was singled out for his display.

Speaking on TalkSport, Agbonlahor claimed the £86m signing has not been doing enough and compared him to Gunners flop Nicolas Pepe.

He said: “Watching him last night, he wasn’t happy when he got dragged [off]. He doesn’t do enough, for me. He’s giving me [Nicolas] Pepe vibes.

“[He does] tricks, he doesn’t really beat a player, and they need, for me, Garnacho to start against Arsenal.

“They need more options on the wing because Antony is not at it at the moment. Maybe he will [be] with time, but at the moment, he’s not doing enough.”

An anonymous display

The 22-year-old was almost completely ineffective against Palace, failing to create a single key pass or complete a single dribble, while he was dispossessed eight times, as per Sofascore.

He has had a mixed start to life at United, scoring five times in 18 appearances, but clearly needs more time to adapt to life in the Premier League.

United parted with a substantial fee to bring him to the club at the request of Erik ten Hag, and whilst he is yet to justify his fee, he has shown talent in flashes, although he has also drawn criticism for his showboating style, and he needs to start providing more output on a regular basis.

West Ham United may have failed in their bid for one marksman, but remain in the hunt for a viable alternative…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, who spoke to GIVEMESPORT on the Hammers’ continued pursuit in Terem Moffi.

Although they hold an interest in the Nigerian, who they reportedly have already made a £25m bid for, it remains a tough deal to make, with Lorient holding out for £30m.

He said:

“I’ve been told categorically that West Ham are still going for Moffi even after signing Ings, which is interesting given they have Antonio and Scamacca, although Scamacca is out injured at the moment.”

This perhaps marks a viable alternative to Youssef En-Nesyri, who despite being linked over various windows seems to have flitted out as an option.

En-Nesyri upgrade

Whilst it previously seemed like a deal to sign En-Nesyri would have been a success, now seeing what other options could offer helps to showcase that it would likely have been a misstep.

The Moroccan had impressed at the World Cup, with the crowning moment being his powerful header to help them advance over Portugal. However, domestically he has disappointed for a struggling Sevilla side.

Across 14 La Liga games the 25-year-old is yet to score, following up on a similarly poor five-goal campaign from the year prior.

He has not found his scoring touch since the 2020/21 season, and even then 24 goals in 52 appearances hardly sets the world alight.

His alternative however is thriving in the here and now, boasting 12 goals in just 18 Ligue 1 games.

The clinical nature expressed has seen him lauded across Europe, as he ranks in the top 15% for non-penalty goals when compared with other strikers on the continent.

This is further compounded by the statement made by journalist Jacque Talbot, who labelled him as “deadly as they come”.

En-Nesyri may well blossom into a fine striker in the future, but at present is hardly worth the reported £35m valuation slapped on him by his Spanish club.

He would seldom compare to the lethal exploits of Moffi, with the 23-year-old actually boasting an outstanding 34% goal conversion rate to dwarf the 0% of the 25-year-old.

For likely far cheaper, Moyes can secure not just an alternative but an upgrade on En-Nesyri in the FC Lorient marksman who is lighting up French football.

Newcastle United will head to South London this evening for their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and some major early team news has been revealed by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

The Daily Mail’s North East correspondent Craig Hope has revealed that Bruno Guimaraes has recovered from a concerning ankle injury and will be in the squad against Palace tonight.

Hope tweeted: “Bruno Guimaraes has recovered from the ankle injury sustained on Sunday & will be part of the Newcastle squad this weekend #nufc.”

It’s a huge boost for Howe

There is no doubt that a rapid return for Guimaraes will be a huge boost for Eddie Howe as the midfielder has become one of the most important players in Newcastle’s transformation over the last 12 months.

Over 16 Premier League appearances this season, the Brazilian sensation has scored three goals, registered three assists and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.1 key passes, 2.4 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.2 successful dribbles and 6.8 duels won per game, proving that he is defensively solid and potent in attack too.

Not only that, Guimaraes ranks in the top 6% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, dribbles completed and tackles, whilst ranking in the top 20% for assists and blocks, proving that he is one of the most high-performing central midfielders in Europe right now.

Howe is a huge admirer of his talented midfielder – who joined Newcastle from Lyon in a £40m deal just under a year ago – and has hailed Guimaraes an “incredible talent” when reflecting on the player’s time at the club so far:

“He’s an incredible talent and an incredible person. We love him to bits, and we’re enjoying watching him, coaching him and playing a part in his development.”

The Magpies are currently fourth in the Premier League table, however, a victory today over Patrick Vieira’s side away from home would see the side leapfrog Manchester United into third and put them just one point behind Manchester City in second.

With that being said, Guimaraes’ return to action will put Newcastle in a great position to continue their dominance at the top of the table and give them a boost ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Southampton.

Celtic forward Giorgos Giakoumakis is ‘really close’ to joining Atlanta United, with the two clubs close to reaching an agreement, according to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Lowdown: Parkhead departures

It has been a busy winter window so far at Parkhead, with a number of incomings and outgoings finalised.

Ange Postecoglou has brought in Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston, Tomoki Iwata and Hyeon-gyu Oh, whereas Josip Juranovic and Scott Robertson have departed the club. Moritz Jenz has also cut his season-long loan spell short in Glasgow, and it looks as if another departure is on the cards.

Reports emerged this week that Giakoumakis had rejected the chance to join Urawa Red Diamonds in favour of a move to the United States, but Celtic had yet to agree a deal with Atlanta. That appears to have changed now…

The Latest: Giakoumakis on verge of exit

Chorianopoulos took to Twitter late on Wednesday evening to share what he knows on Giakoumakis’ future. He said that the Hoops and Atlanta United are now ‘close to a deal’ for the forward.

‘Giakoumakis is really close to sign for Atlanta United from Celtic. Clubs are close to a deal.’

The Verdict: Makes sense?

The Daily Record stated at the beginning of December that contract talks had stalled between Giakoumakis and Celtic, so a January exit appears to be best for all involved.

The Hoops appear to have brought in a replacement for the Greek striker in Oh, with the 21-year-old scoring 14 times in 53 games for former side Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

A transfer has cost in the region of £2.5m, and it will be interesting to see how much Celtic receive for Giakoumakis after spending £2.5m on the 28-year-old back in 2021.