All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United’s winless run continued on Saturday as Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Eddie Howe’s side made it five matches without a win for the Magpies.

A number of issues have been a factor in their poor run of form but left-back Dan Burn’s disappointing performances have undoubtedly been one of the biggest reasons.

The former Brighton defender has recorded a Sofascore rating of 7.0 or higher in one of his last eight appearances in all competitions, including a woeful score of 5.7 in the EFL Cup final.

He was subbed off for now-fit left-back Matt Targett late on in the match at the weekend and Howe now has a big decision to make on who to go with in that position moving forward.

One player who does not appear in contention to fill that spot, though, is ex-Norwich full-back Jamal Lewis as the Northern Ireland international has not even made the bench since the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in February.

How has Jamal Lewis performed at Newcastle?

The 25-year-old has featured once in 2023 and played 11 minutes of Premier League football so far this season, which suggests that the left-back is not in Howe’s plans as a frontline option.

Newcastle signed Lewis for an initial fee of £15m from Norwich in the summer of 2020 and he has only played 35 matches in all competitions in almost three years at the club.

The defender, who journalist Craig Hope described as “rusty” earlier this year, endured a difficult debut campaign with Steve Bruce at the helm with the 5 foot 10 flop averaging a dismal Sofascore rating of 6.48 across 24 appearances – ranking him 26th (bottom) in the squad that season.

He then averaged a score of 6.46 in five Premier League matches, losing 80% of his aerial duels, in the 2021/22 campaign before his struggles in the current term.

How much is Jamal Lewis worth now?

His lacklustre performances on the pitch have been reflected in his market value during his time at the club. Shortly after signing from Norwich in January 2021, Lewis’ expected transfer value (xTV) was £19.6m (€22.2m) via Football Transfers but that has now plummeted to just £3.2m (€3.6m) at the time of writing.

This means that his xTV has dropped by a staggering 84% in less than three full seasons at St. James’ Park and as such, Howe must finally ditch the defender this summer, despite his contract expiring in 2025.

Lewis is behind Burn and Targett in the pecking order and his dismal performances in the top-flight for the club in recent seasons do not suggest that he has the quality to work his way back into the starting XI, meaning his time should be up on Tyneside.

Therefore, Howe and Dan Ashworth must finally cash in on the ex-Canary and recoup as much of the £15m the club paid for him before his value drops further.

Ahead of the January transfer window, it was reported that the Magpies received enquiries about the defender’s availability with that indicating there could be suitors waiting in the wings to sign him.

Leeds United’s prestigious academy has been working overtime in recent years, having produced some incredible talent the likes of which played a big role in their survival last term.

Although acquired as a youngster, Joe Gelhardt came up with some vital goals and assists at important moments for Jesse Marsch, who then enjoyed a burst of success from Crysencio Summerville this season before the World Cup halted his momentum.

As such, the American ran out of leeway and was dismissed just last month, leaving Javi Gracia as the man to pick up the pieces and guide the Whites to safety once again.

Whilst the academy will likely be low down in the Spaniard’s list of priorities, come the conclusion of the campaign he will likely be pleasantly surprised with the wealth of talent available to him who all are pushing for first-team spots.

One such example could be Archie Gray, who despite being incredibly young arguably boasts the brightest future.

Can Archie Gray be Leeds’ own Ronaldinho?

At just 16 years old, this teenage sensation already has numerous Premier League 2 appearances under his belt and this season has assisted twice in the four he has featured in this season. 

The gem, who turns 17 this month, has played 19 times for the club’s U21 side in total and has been called up by England at U15, U16, and U17 level in his short career to date.

It marks an impressive maturity and quality that belie his youth, only serving to solidify his status as “the future of the club”; a claim uttered by Gracia himself in a press conference earlier this week.

There is precedent to believe that, with Gray’s focus being more on the skillful side of the game rather than the tangible, his emergence could indicate Leeds receiving their very own Ronaldinho.

Even Dan James suggested that: “the ability he’s got is something that he can take to be one of the best players in the Premier League if not the world.”

Having been brought up on futsal and Brazilian soccer schools, his close control and quality with the ball at his feet are unparalleled for someone of his age. 

Legendary Portugal midfielder Deco once said of Ronaldinho that he “did things that I’ve never seen anyone do”, and in Gray, there is a suggestion he too could boast that maverick streak that could make him a true star.

Like the former Barcelona wildcard, Gray is an attacking midfielder and could be a creative spark in the middle of the pitch for the Whites – assisting four goals for the U21s already despite his young age.

The future of the club will remain sparkling with the youngster in midfield, and Gracia will surely have one eye on a senior promotion should he continue to capture the imagination.

Leeds United are thought to be monitoring Paris Saint-Germain youngster El Chadaille Bitshiabu.

The Lowdown: Bitshiabu profiled

Bitshiabu is just 17 years of age and has been on the books with the French giants since 2017. Primarily a centre-back, Bitshiabu can also turn out as a left-back or as a holding midfielder.

The 6 foot 4 defender has already made ten senior appearances for PSG and is under contract until 2024, and it appears as if he is of interest in Yorkshire under new head coach Javi Gracia.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Sports Witness relayed a transfer update from Jeunes Footeux regarding Bitshiabu.

They claimed that the youngster is ‘very appreciated’ by five clubs, with Leeds and Premier League rivals Fulham being two of those. The report says that a move to England could be on the cards in the summer, with Bitshiabu set to turn 18 in May.

The Verdict: Future star?

Bitshiabu has already played alongside some of the world’s best including Lionel Messi and appears to be a star in the making after already turning out ten times at senior level.

PSG’s website say that along with his physical attributes, Bitshiabu also has ability on the ball and he is expected to make plenty of first-team appearances in Paris.

Therefore, if Leeds were to secure his services, it could prove to be a major coup in the long run, although with the likes of Bayern Munich also named with an interest, Elland Road chiefs could find it tough.

Everton have a great chance of survival in their Premier League relegation battle this season following Sean Dyche’s arrival at Goodison Park, as their performances have already had a rapid turnaround in just three games.

The former Burnley boss has secured two victories and is currently unbeaten at home, collecting six points from nine which has helped the Toffees quickly climb into a safe position of 16th but with 15 fixtures remaining and just one point clear of the relegation zone, there is still a long way to go.

Indeed, should Dyche secure survival in the Premier League he will surely be backed by the Everton hierarchy to improve and reinvest in the team this summer, especially after the failure to replace Anthony Gordon in the January transfer window.

However, the Everton boss may already have his heir to the departed winger in Everton academy graduate Lewis Dobbin who is currently thriving on loan with Derby County.

How is Lewis Dobbin performing on loan?

The talented 20-year-old – hailed “relentless” and a “crowd lifter” by BBC Radio Derby reporter Dominic Dietrich – made the move to League One to earn some first-team football this season and has shown glimpses of his ability during his time so far with the Rams.

Over 29 League One appearances, Dobbin has scored two goals, registered four assists and created four big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 shots on goal, one successful dribble and 2.5 duels won per game, proving that he is providing a potent attacking threat.

Dobbin has provided most of his goal contributions in wide-forward positions for Derby, proving comfortable on both the left and the right wing, with his goal in their FA Cup replay in November earning him high praise from manager Paul Warne:

“It was nice for Dobbs to get a screamer and that was the highlight of the game really. We could see it had a chance as soon as he hit it.

“His work-rate gets him in the team and goals are the cherry on top of that, but it was one of those moments that was a joy to watch.”

The young forward who penned a new three-and-a-half-year deal with Everton in January 2022 has been rising through the ranks of the Merseyside youth set-up since he was 11 years old and has since earned recognition on the international stage with two caps for the England U19s.

Now Dobbin could get his golden opportunity to follow in the footsteps of fellow academy graduate Gordon by taking his position at Goodison Park and becoming a first-team regular next season under Dyche.

With that being said, the future is looking bright for the Everton youth prospect and if he can continue to flourish whilst on loan it would surely put him in a good position to compete for a spot with his parent club in the near future.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers centre-forward Kemar Roofe ahead of the club’s League Cup final clash on Sunday…

What’s the latest on Kemar Roofe’s fitness?

Light Blues manager Michael Beale has revealed that the striker suffered a blow after the win over Livingston, which comes after Malik Tillman was missing from the squad due to injury – leaving the midfielder as a doubt for the weekend.

Speaking about the current state of his options, the head coach told the Scotsman: “This season our squad has been pulled apart by injuries.

“If I go through it, at the moment there’s still no Robby McCrorie, no [Filip] Helander, no [John] Souttar, no Ridvan [Yilmaz], no Arfield, no Lundstram, no Jack. Kemar Roofe has only just come back. Tom Lawrence is out. Like most things, a couple of days before the game I’ll get a take.

“Kemar Roofe had a slight issue as well after the weekend unfortunately so we won’t be too far away from the team that played last weekend. It wasn’t a dress rehearsal but there could be one or two more that declare themselves fit. I need to make sure they are because it’s important there’s not a bravado around it, that they genuinely are fit.”

Big blow

Roofe being unavailable for selection for the clash with Celtic on Sunday, after this injury worry, would be a big blow for Beale as the attacker is a proven goalscorer who has stood up in huge moments before.

He scored an extra-time winner against Braga in the quarter-final of the Europa League and assisted a goal in the 2-1 win over the Hoops in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup last season. The Jamaica international also struck an extra-time winner in the semi-final of the League Cup against Aberdeen just last month.

These recent examples show that the dynamo is the man for the big occasion and has been able to deliver in crucial game-deciding moments, to help the team reach finals.

The 30-year-old, who has scored 36 goals in 78 appearances for Rangers in all competitions throughout his career at Ibrox, could now be a deciding factor in whether or not the Light Blues lift the trophy on Sunday because of his experience of being a difference-maker in these huge games.

Roofe is an excellent option for Beale to call on off the bench in matches, as he has proven himself to be a match-winner as a substitute, and that is why this latest injury concern could result in a big blow for the head coach if the striker is ruled out for Sunday.

The manager will, surely, be hoping that this ‘slight’ issue is nothing more than that and the ex-Leeds marksman will be available to face the Hoops in the final.

Sky Sports presenter and former referee Dermot Gallagher has blamed “human error” for the incorrect VAR ruling in the most recent Crystal Palace game.

What happened with the VAR call at Crystal Palace?

Over the weekend, the Eagles picked up a point at home in a 1-1 Premier League draw against rivals Brighton and Hove Albion at Selhurst Park.

Goals from Solly March and James Tomkins were enough to define the game but things could have turned out differently had the officials been at their best on the day.

Indeed, Pervis Estupinan looked to have given the Seagulls a first-half but VAR official John Brooks ruled the goal out for offside. However, it has since become clear that the offside line was wrongly drawn from Tomkins’ body when fellow defender Marc Guehi was actually the deepest man and playing Estupinan on.

While speaking about the incident on Ref Watch, said Gallagher: “This is just a human error, isn’t it? They put the lines across, go through Tomkins’ body. If you look across, Marc Guehi is further behind, there’s no doubt about that.

“If they had drawn the line through his body, he would’ve been onside and the goal is given. It’s one you have to say sorry for. But it’s human error made by VAR.”What does the VAR decision mean for Crystal Palace?There’s certainly no denying that this was a mistake by VAR and Gallagher’s comments serve as a reminder that even though we now have the technology to help, it’s still up to the officials to be able to implement it correctly to come to the right decisions during games.And so that leaves space for the kind of human error on display at Selhurst Park over the weekend. However, Palace fans will no doubt be delighted this call went their way.After all, the club haven’t been in the best form of late – having gone winless in their last seven games across all competitions – and so a loss to their bitter rivals Brighton would have been a hard pill to swallow.As a result, the draw leaves them 12th in the league on 25 points after 22 games, seemingly on course for a mid-table finish.

According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko’s future

Amid rumours of an exit from the Etihad Stadium, the Ukraine international decided to put discussions over his future on hold as his nation pushed for World Cup qualification.

Following an unfortunate defeat to Wales in the play-off final, clubs are now hoping to find out in the near future exactly what the 25-year-old’s next move will be.

Rumours of a City departure have arisen, with the defender understood to be eager to secure more regular game-time, having made just 15 appearances in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: Collings’ update on Zinchenko

It has been recently reported that Arsenal are keen on signing the Ukrainian this summer, as they look to add versatile depth to their ranks.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from the Evening Standard, Collings has now shared the latest transfer news involving the 25-year-old, as he claimed: “Arsenal and West Ham two of the clubs interested in Zinchenko.”

The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

With first-choice Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell now approaching his 33rd birthday, West Ham could be looking to sign an adequate replacement this summer.

At just 25 years old, Zinchenko is already Premier League proven, given his 76 appearances in the English top flight and the 11 trophies he has won at the Etihad.

Also, compared with Cresswell, the City left-back had a greater passing accuracy rate and more tackles, interceptions, crosses and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes during the 2021/22 season, as per FBRef.

Hailed as an ‘incredible’ player and person by his manager Pep Guardiola, the Ukraine international would be an asset to many top teams, given his versatility to play as a full-back or in midfield.

When combined with his outstanding attitude and work ethic, Zinchenko’s prospective arrival at the London Stadium would be a great signing for David Moyes.

In other news: Irons now close to agreement for this transfer target

Celtic are reportedly keeping tabs on Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence ahead of a potential summer move, according to a new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Lawrence relegated with Derby

The Rams suffered relegation to League One after a spirited Championship campaign, with Wayne Rooney’s side unable to make up the points deductions suffered before the season started, as another was even added mid-way through.

Lawrence was a shining light throughout 2021/22, however, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in the league, as he tried his best to help his side pull off an impossible survival act.

It seems likely that the 28-year-old will depart imminently, with his contract expiring next month.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-8/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Hoops linked with move

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are one of the clubs monitoring Lawrence’s situation, as they eye up a potential free transfer for him.

Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers are also thought to be in the conversation, however, as are Southampton and Leeds United, among others in England.

The Verdict: Strong summer addition

There is clearly going to be plenty of interest in Lawrence in the coming weeks, meaning Ange Postecoglou could find it tough to bring him to Celtic.

The 23-cap Wales international could be an inspired signing if the Hoops managed to pull it off, though, with Rooney hailing him as ‘excellent’, having known him since their Manchester United days.

A record of 37 goals and 25 assists in 185 appearances for Derby shows how much end product he could give Celtic from midfield, giving them an added threat in the final third.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with another midfield signing. Find out who it is here.

Celtic ended their 2021/22 SPFL season with the best defensive record in the league having conceded just 22 goals in 38 games.

To further highlight their defensive strength, the Hoops faced fewer shots on target (76) than any other side in the top flight.

One figure that played a big part in Celtic’s title winning campaign at the back was Carl Starfelt.

Signed during the previous summer transfer window from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £4m, the centre-back quickly became a prominent figure for Postecoglou.

Throughout his debut campaign, the Sweden international made 49 appearances across all competitions and played more minutes in the league than any other outfield player.

With the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and tackles won (30) to his name, Starfelt also had the joint-second highest average of clearances (3.5) and joint-highest average for aerial duels won per game (4.2) in Celtic’s ranks.

This highlights just how much of a capable defender he is and how significant he was for the Hoops this term.

Now that the campaign has drawn to an end, the summer transfer window will give Postecoglou the chance to potentially make some more changes to his squad so they can progress.

One figure that could potentially fit in the side well and possibly make a formidable defensive duo with Starfelt is Mohanad Jeahze.

The Hoops were linked with a reported £2m move for the Hammarby left-back, who has been labelled as a “class” player by Darijan Bojanic, last month.

With eight league appearances to his name this season, the defender has racked up the highest number of interceptions (18) and second-highest number of tackles (13) in Hammarby’s squad.

This shows how much of a tough defender he is and how he could be a solid fit next to Starfelt to make Celtic stronger on the left side of the defence.

Despite the current Celtic defender already showing his defensive talents, having another defensive full-back next to him, such as Jeahze, could make Postecoglou’s side an even tougher side to play against.

Taking into account how the Hoops will be facing off against some of Europe’s top teams in the Champions League next season, having some extra defensive reinforcements would not be a bad thing for the Parkhead club as they’ll be aiming to regain the SPFL title as well.

In other news: Better than Edouard: Celtic eyeing “feisty” 51-goal dynamo, supporters surely buzzing

Manchester United look set to finalise terms between Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, who will become some of the first arrivals under the Erik ten Hag era.

What’s the word?

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed news surrounding their arrival at Old Trafford.

Taking to Twitter, Romano said: “Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren will be part of new Man United coaching staff, confirmed. Full agreement at final stages and set to be signed with both of them.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

With the Ajax managerial position now filled, as Alfred Schreuder gets set to take over, the logistics surrounding Van der Gaag’s switch to United are much simpler.

Key Arrivals

The acquisition of Van der Gaag is astute, though ten Hag has only worked with the 50-year-old for the last season, in what has been successful in fairness to both. However, with that in mind, he will surely be delighted to welcome him through the door.

As for McClaren, it’s another big coup and establishes familiarity for both the Dutch coach and the foundations of Manchester United – considering that the 61-year-old worked with ten Hag at FC Twente and bearing in mind that he was Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two also.

One of the biggest mistakes that David Moyes made was jettisoning Ferguson’s backroom staff and bringing in his own, in a move that saw him dismissed before the end of the season.

With these additions to the backroom staff, the new head coach has hit a beautiful balance between new school and old school, laying the foundations in the form of McClaren and building them higher through Van der Gaag.

This is why it is essential that a manager, especially of this calibre, has their say on who they want to work with.

The first two signings are entirely positive for United but have arrived in the slightly unusual form factor of two coaches.

Player signings will of course follow.

In other news: In “talks”: MUFC plotting swoop for “reliable” £30m dynamo, ETH would love him