All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United are in pole position to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer, according to an update from reliable Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Who is Axel Disasi?

The £18,000-a-week centre-back has become an integral player for his current team, proving to be a dominant figure at the heart of their defence. Last season, he only failed to start one of Monaco's 38 Ligue 1 matches, even chipping in with three goals and assists in that time, showing that he can be a threat at the other end of the pitch, too.

Disasi's current deal still has two years remaining, and while his club may not be in a desperate rush to sell him, they may also realise that this summer could be the best opportunity to earn big money for his signature.

Newcastle are one of the clubs who are reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old defender before the new Premier League season gets underway, and a promising update has now emerged when it comes to his potential move to St James' Park in the next few weeks.

Are Newcastle United signing Axel Disasi?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg claimed that Newcastle are in pole position to snap up Disasi in the current transfer window, having held talks with him over a switch.

"Concrete talks between #NUFC & Monaco took place and are ongoing. Man Utd, also exploring a deal but #MUFC has to sell players first (Maguire). Newcastle in the lead at this stage. AS, waiting for concrete offers."

This is a great update for Newcastle supporters to hear, and the fact that they are seemingly ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Disasi says so much about the huge progress being made currently under Eddie Howe.

The Magpies were so impressive last season, qualifying for the Champions League, and playing in Europe's top club competition could be playing a massive part in their ability to entice top-quality players to the club.

Disasi, who football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed as "complete & dominant", while praising him for his pace, tackling, heading and athleticism, could be a fantastic addition to Newcastle's back-line, possibly coming in as Sven Botman's new long-term centre-back partner, relegating Fabian Schar to the substitutes bench more often in the process. That's through no fault of the latter, but he is now 31 years of age and Howe needs to be signing an upgrade on him, in order for the Magpies to reach another gear.

The Monaco man is now a four-cap France international, which is no mean feat, considering Les Bleus have a plethora of talented central defenders at their disposal, whether it be Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate or William Saliba, among others.

In 2022/23, Disasi averaged 2.9 clearances and 2.6 aerial duel wins per game in Ligue 1, highlighting his dominant style, and at 25 years of age, he appears to be at a sweet spot in his career where he has a lovely blend of both experience and plenty of years ahead of him in his peak years.

The key now is for Newcastle to be ruthless and get the deal over the line, holding off Man United and strengthening their chances of another successful season.

Manchester United have reportedly held talks over a move for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.

Are Man United signing a new defender?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been busy so far this summer, bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea as their first high-profile signing of the window.

A move for a new goalkeeper is currently being worked on after David de Gea’s exit, with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana expected to be the man to come in. Ten Hag also appears to be on the search for a new striker, with a proposal already made to Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund.

At the back, the Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for Kim Min-jae, however, he is set to complete a transfer to Bayern Munich. Speculation over a new defender is still circling, tough, with AS Monaco’s Axel Disasi another player of interest, and by the looks of things, Pavard is also on the Old Trafford radar.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg took to Twitter on Friday to share an update regarding Pavard’s future. He admitted that a move to Manchester City is an option, with Pep Guardiola a fan, however, he added that talks have taken place with Man United as well as Juventus.

“News Pavard: Yes, Man City is a serious option for him as Guardiola likes him and his versatility a lot!

“But: Pavard has more concrete options as he definitely wants to leave Bayern now. Man Utd – talks took place … and Juventus. FC Bayern bosses, expecting an offer soon.”

Who is Benjmain Pavard?

Pavard is a France international who was a part of the 2018 squad that won the World Cup in Russia.

The 27-year-old can play as a right-back or a centre-back and has made 162 appearances for Bayern in four years, contributing to 24 goals. Prior to his stay in Munich, Pavard has previously plied his trade with Lille and Stuttgart.

Pavard certainly doesn’t lack belief, either, personally claiming he is better and more complete at right-back than Liverpool’'s Trent Alexander Arnold and Paris Saint-Germain’s Archaf Hakimi.

“My position is a central defender. It always has been, this is where I feel most comfortable, where I take the most pleasure. This is where I find myself the best. I think we see more of my qualities in this position.

“A defender must first defend well. On paper, Pavard may be less sexy than Hakimi, Arnold, but I find that defensively I am more complete.”

By the looks of things, a move to the Premier League for the full-back could be on the cards, and it’ll be interesting to see which side of Manchester he moves to, should a switch to England gather pace.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to holds more talks with Bayer Leverkusen this week over a deal for Edmond Tapsoba, with the centre-back now viewed as their "top target", according to a new update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Who are Tottenham signing this summer?

Tottenham are still in the process of completing a deal for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, with Barca chief Joan Laporta expecting the two clubs to strike an agreement, following an agreement in principle being reached on personal terms.

Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo and Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven remain the other key targets for Spurs in the centre of defence, with a deal for the latter player currently being worked on, and they are set to make a decision about whether to sign him or Tapsoba.

Fabrizio Romano claims the Leverkusen star has "always been" the Lilywhites' "top target" in that area of the pitch, but they may decide to pursue a move for the Wolfsburg star instead, depending on the financial package required to sign the Burkina Faso international.

Now, the transfer expert has taken to Twitter to offer a new update on their pursuit of Taspoba, which indicates that an opening offer could be on its way after more talks in the coming week: "Tottenham are still considering Edmond Tapsoba as top target but no official bid yet — while talks will continue for both Tapsoba and van de Ven this week."

"Final decision on new CB will depend also on asking price/negotiations with Leverkusen and Wolfsburg."

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

The Burkina Faso international is very confident in possession of the ball, ranking in the 90th percentile for passes attempted per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, while also placing in the 92nd percentile for progressive carries.

In the Bundesliga last season, the 24-year-old averaged a Sofascore match rating of 6.88, the highest figure of any defender in the Leverkusen squad, and he had the best defensive duel rate of any Bundesliga player, winning 75.5% of the battles he contested.

Not only is the Leverkusen star solid at the back, the German side's managing director, Simon Rolfes has praised his ability on the front foot, saying: "Edmond Tapsoba was a regular first choice at Guimaraes at the age of 20 and in addition to his defensive ability, he’s also dangerous in front of goal".

Standing at 6 foot 3, the £52k-per-week defender is sure to be a threat aerially in the box from corners, and he has previously demonstrated his attacking prowess by scoring eight goals and registering one assist in 32 appearances for Guimaraes.

Although he is expected to cost more than Van de Ven, with some reports indicating Leverkusen could hold out for £50m, Tapsoba's performances in the Bundesliga last season indicate he would be worth it.

Having already strengthened considerably in attacking areas, signing Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, Tottenham's main priority should now be a defender, as they must make sure to rectify their terrible defensive record from last season.

beIN Sports host Richard Keys has accidentally posted images online from his chat history that were previously shared with fellow presenter Andy Gray.

Why was Richard Keys sacked from Sky Sports?

Way back in 2011, the former Sky Sports commentators were forced to leave the broadcasting company after being caught up in a scandal.

Indeed, several tapes were leaked which displayed how the duo had made derogatory and sexist comments about female referee Sian Massey and other female figures from within the industry.

When the official had made a tight offside decision – which was later found to be completely correct upon video replay, by the way – thinking their microphones had been switched off, Keys had said: “Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her, Massey.”

Gray then added: “Yeah, I know. Can you believe that? Female linesman. Forget what I said – they probably don’t know the offside rule,” Gray added.

“Course they don’t,” said Keys.

Gray replied: “Why is there a female linesman? Somebody’s f*cked up big.”

This sort of despicable behaviour rightly saw them disgraced in England but they have been able to continue with their broadcasting careers over in Qatar with beIN Sports.

What memes did Richard Keys share with Andy Gray?

You would have thought perhaps in the years since this unsavoury incident, the duo would have learned their lessons but it appears that isn’t the case.

Indeed, upon the news that Steven Gerrard had become the new manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, Keys shared a screenshot online which displayed the news. However, inadvertently, it also included some thumbnails of pictures he and Gray have previously sent to each other – as noted by GoalScorer Challenge on Twitter.

Fans were quickly able to do some detective work and figure out exactly what those images were, and in a thread underneath it was explained.

First, there was a fairly standard post about cricket from Mirror Sport but things quickly took a turn for the worse.

Next, there was a crude meme that showed the two were still just as sexist as ever.

And then there was another sexist image that was also noted as transphobic in the Twitter thread, as GoalScorer Challenge noted: “Keys and Gray can add a bit of transphobia to their lengthy catalogue.”

All in all, it really doesn’t make for pleasant viewing at all but sadly, judging from their past misdemeanours, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise either.

It’s certainly safe to say Sky Sports has changed a lot since those two were on commentary duty and even more change is set to occur this summer.

Firstly, after 33 years with the broadcasting company (starting in 1990), Martin Tyler will step down from his role as lead commentator. On top of that, this week, it was also revealed that Geoff Shreeves is also leaving Sky Sports after more than 30 years with them.

At least we know there’s no chance that Keys and Gray will be invited back any time soon.

Glasgow Rangers look set to be in for their busiest summer transfer window in quite some time as Michael Beale aims to overhaul a playing squad which has become stagnant across the previous 12 months.

Out go the likes of Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Filip Helander as the wage budget has been trimmed, while Beale has quickly signed four players – and there will be more as the weeks go on.

Another squad player who could leave this summer is Scott Wright, as Preston North End had two bids rejected recently and it surely won't be long before he departs Ibrox after a woeful season.

The £5.6k-per-week dud played 34 times during 2022/23 and registered a paltry two assists – a dreadful return from the winger, and it’s clear he isn’t of the required quality needed going forward.

Could Beale turn to a January transfer target that is back on his radar in order to replace Wright if he does in fact move on from Rangers this summer? As Morgan Whittaker remains firmly in the 42-year-old's plans, according to The Daily Record, perhaps the Gers boss has a plan in place.

Could Rangers sign Morgan Whittaker this summer?

In all honesty, a move should have occurred back in January, as the Gers had three bids rejected by Swansea City for the pacey winger, with their final offer of £2m not enough to prise him away from Wales.

During the first half of last season, he spent time on loan at Plymouth Argyle in the English third tier and was arguably their standout performer, registering nine goals and seven assists across just 25 league games, demonstrating his abilities from the right wing.

His form on the south coast was so devastating that he ranked second out of the whole squad for overall rating (7.1/10), despite playing just half a season, while also ranking third for goals and assists, as well as key passes per game and big chances created, underlining his importance to Plymouth.

His output dropped once he returned to Swansea, however, scoring just once in 15 Championship games, although he did only start two matches.

Beale is clearly a big fan of the 22-year-old winger, having previously lauded him as “excellent” – and the chase for him still appears to be very much alive.

The next few weeks could prove crucial with regard to a potential move, as the manager is aiming to get the vast majority of his business done early in order to focus on the Champions League qualifiers at the start of August.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer in an attempt to solve their striker conundrum.

Crystal Palace transfer news – could they sign Folarin Balogun?

According to the Express, Balogun is prepared to leave Arsenal this summer to pursue regular first-team football after a successful loan spell in France last season.

It is believed the Gunners are due to hold talks with Balogun’s agent, Eddie Bonsu, after the current international break in which the 21-year-old striker has starred for the United States.

The striker has insisted he will not be sent out on loan again by Arsenal and demands regular first-team football at the Emirates or to be sold to somewhere he will get that playing time.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family” Balogun told reporters after the USMNT defeated Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League final.

"What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again."

Is Balogun the man to fix Crystal Palace’s woes up front?

There’s no doubt the quality Balogun can bring to a new team, as shown by his stellar season last year in France.

The youngster signed for Stade Reims on a season long loan deal back in the summer window of 2023 and grew into one of the best strikers in the league.

In 37 appearances, Balogun hit the net 21 times and registered 3 assists, which made up 53% of his sides’ goal contribution.

His eye for goal saw him finish as the fifth top goalscorer in Ligue 1 behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Canadian star Jonathan David.

Balogun didn’t want to wait for an England call up either, recently committing to the USMNT and starring in their CONCACAF Nations League triumph. ‘Flo’ even notched his first goal for the U.S in the 3-0 stuffing of Canada in the final.

Former American international striker and current CBS football pundit Charlie Davis told the Los Angeles Times that Balogun can be a ‘game changer’ for the USMNT.

“If you score 20-plus goals in a top European league, you’re bringing something different to the group.

“This could be a massive game changer because of his runs, his ability, his tactical knowledge to open up space. But it’s all potential. You’ve got to bring it to the pitch.”

Palace haven’t had an out-and-out goalscorer up front since the Glenn Murray days when the former Brighton striker helped catapult the club to promotion in 2013.

Palace’s top goalscorer last season was midfielder Eberechi Eze with 10 goals. He was the only player to reach double figures.

Former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard was signed to be the club’s main number nine back in 2021, but he managed just seven goals this season and started just over half of the clubs Premier League matches.

Palace’s other forward options, Jordan Ayew and Jean-Phillippe Mateta, managed just four and two goals this season respectively.

Balogun could be the missing piece in a Palace team that will be pushing for a top half finish next season, but they will face competition from European heavyweights like RB Leipzig to secure his signature, per the Express.

Chelsea could be about to launch a bid to try and bring Aurelien Tchouameni to the Premier League, having already seen one effort snubbed, according to Spanish sources, via Chelsea News.

Is Aurelien Tchouameni joining Chelsea?

The 23-year-old has only been with Real Madrid for one season but has already become a regular member of their first-team squad despite his age. In a team packed with talent, the young Frenchman has been able to feature 33 times for the club in La Liga and has also produced four assists along the way. It hasn't been enough to help the Spanish outfit to the league title – they finished as runners-up – but he has already gone a long way towards establishing himself as a key player.

That is also backed up by his stats when compared to other players who play in midfield amongst the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. His pass completion rate of an astonishing 92.9% for example puts him within the top 1% of players for that figure, showing just how excellent he is at getting the ball around the field with pinpoint accuracy and precision.

In addition, he also ranks in the 99th percentile for his interception rate per 90 of 1.98. It shows that he is also fantastic at reading the play and breaking up opposition moves.

With such superb performances and stats to back it up, it is no surprise that Chelsea are now lining up bids to bring him to England. According to a report via Chelsea News, the Blues are eager to bring him in, with Mauricio Pochettino working hard to bring in the players that he wants this summer.

One of those appears to be Tchouameni, with the Blues having already seen one bid turned down for his services. It came to a total of 60 million Euros (£51.3m), but with that snubbed, it appears as though they are now potentially preparing to make a fresh bid and up their amount by 20 million Euros, so around £68.4m.

When does Tchouameni's contract expire?

The midfielder has a deal with Madrid until 2028 and they won't want to let him go before that comes to an end. It also means that any fee would probably have to equate to an amount that could buy him out of those remaining five years of his deal – and Chelsea will be hoping that fresh bid can tempt them into a sale.

If the Blues did land him, they would be getting themselves a player who has already showcased his talents to many. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig for example called the player "out of this world" prior to his Madrid move and he has only continued to grow and get better. The Blues then would have a real boost in their midfield if they did seal a deal for Tchouameni this window.

Arsenal have been linked with a host of players ahead of the transfer window, as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad this summer.

The Spaniard fired the Gunners back into the Champions League as well as posing as serious title contenders for the majority of the season, and will look to take his side one step further next campaign.

The latest talent linked with a move to the Emirates is one of the most exciting wingers in Europe, and a gem that could add more than just depth to north London.

What’s the latest on Moussa Diaby to Arsenal?

As reported by the Mail Online last month, Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in Bayer Leverkusen forward Moussa Diaby.

A separate report from Evening Standard said that the Bundesliga club are expected to price their star at £65m, a fee that has derailed fellow Premier League interest from Newcastle United, via The Athletic.

It has since been suggested that the Gunners remain interested in the winger, with Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor telling GIVEMESPORT that Diaby could ‘reach a new level’ at the club.

"He ticks that under-25 box and is a player that can reach a new level at Arsenal," he said.

What could Moussa Diaby offer to Arsenal?

Having been lauded as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes, the 23-year-old dynamo could elevate Arsenal’s attack with his deadly ability in the final third.

Being primarily deployed as a right-winger for Leverkusen, the Frenchman contributed to 17 goals in the Bundesliga this season, scoring nine and assisting eight in 33 appearances, via FBref.

While the Gunners have their own monstrous wide man in Bukayo Saka, the north London outfit could show their commitment to competing with the best of the best by signing Diaby as a player that could compete with the 21-year-old.

Saka’s place in Arsenal’s line-up is unchallengeable, predominantly because there isn’t an individual that could apply pressure on the Englishman to perform consistently well.

As per FBref, the Frenchman averaged 4.04 progressive carries per 90, placing in the top 20% of wingers in Europe in that area showing his ability to progress with the ball, Saka was marginally ahead of the 23-year-old with 5.04.

The Paris-born whiz could challenge Saka in a position that, at present, is comfortably his, in an area of depth that Arsenal must introduce to challenge against the best.

With a statement contract freshly signed, it’s integral for the club to not allow the Englishman to grow comfortable in his surroundings, as was seen prior in the drop-off of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s form after extending his stay.

The Gabon international’s place was safe in the squad, and when performance dipped there were no repercussions to his role other than the negative influence it had on the club’s results.

Signing Diaby could present Saka with a competitive partner in his position, as well as someone that could influence Arteta’s attack, bringing rotation into the equation, something that could be key with Champions League football on the horizon.

As per Sofascore, the Leverkusen gem averaged 1.1 shots on target per game in the Bundesliga, with the Arsenal star averaging 0.8 in an area that highlights the added threat the transfer target could offer the Gunners.

With Paris Saint-Germain also said to be monitoring the movements of Diaby, Arsenal must act fast this summer if they are to snatch the £50m-rated target's signature.

Manchester United have intensified contacts with FC Porto over goalkeeper Diogo Costa, and they are currently trying to lower the price, according to recent reports from Portugal.

What's the latest on Diogo Costa to Man United?

Just a few days ago, it was reported that Man United were finalising an offer in the region of €75m (£64m) for Costa, as the board gave their approval to make a move for the goalkeeper, with Erik ten Hag unhappy with David De Gea.

Football Transfers report the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is trying to get his client a move to the Premier League, amid recent links to United, and Porto are in need of urgent funds before the financial year closes on June 30th.

That could potentially open the door for a move to Old Trafford, despite the fact De Gea is likely to agree fresh terms, although the Portuguese shot-stopper has recently told the media he hopes to continue with Porto for the foreseeable future.

There still appears to be a good chance the 23-year-old moves on this summer, with reports from Portugal (via Sport Witness) detailing the Red Devils have intensified their contacts with Porto, as they target a new number one.

According to A Bola, Man United are unwilling to meet the goalkeeper's £64m release clause, and they are currently in the process of negotiating a lower fee, but Porto chief Pinto da Costa is unwilling to haggle on the price.

United have been following the Porto youth product since the January transfer window, and Ten Hag is said to be fascinated by his performances.

Should Man United replace David De Gea?

De Gea clearly still has a great deal of quality, winning the Premier League golden glove in the 2022-23 campaign, the second time he has won the accolade, last claiming it in the 2017-18 season.

However, the Spaniard has had no shortage of criticism in recent times, with Paul Scholes claiming that he "makes the whole team nervous" with some of his decisions, despite also adding that he is a "brilliant goalkeeper."

Considering he is now 32-years-old, Man United may need to look at signing a long-term replacement sooner rather than later, and Costa could be a fantastic signing, having been hailed for his "complete profile" by journalist Zach Lowy.

Last season, the Porto shot-stopper recorded 16 clean sheets, the second-highest figure in the Portuguese top flight, while he is also in the 95th percentile for his clean sheet percentage over the past year, when compared to players at a similar level.

Arsenal and Newcastle United have both made contact with the family of Arda Guler ahead of a potential move to the Premier League.

What's the latest transfer news on Arda Guler?

According to a report from Turkish Football, Arsenal and Newcastle lead the race to secure 18-year-old left-footed gem Guler from Fenerbahce.

Guler's family, who represent him in football matters, have been contacted by both Premier League outfits regarding a summer move.

Negotiations are at "an early stage" but Arsenal and Newcastle are preparing official offers after the forward's impressive displays in the Turkish Super Lig this season. In all competitions, Guler provided six goals and six assists, demonstrating the double threat he carries.

PIF and Newcastle are reportedly aware of the high interest in the teenager and so want to make their move early to avoid a summer transfer saga.

Guler is said to be keen on moving to one of Europe's top divisions while Fenerbahce are understandably reluctant to let their talented player go.

That said, they would sell him at the right price. A report from Turkish Football in March revealed that Guler's contract contains a €5m (£4.2m) release clause which will be activated if he does not play 1500 minutes this season.

With just two games to go, Guler has so far completed 1392 minutes. Fenerbahce are risking losing their bargaining power if they don't give the young attacker more game time.

How good is Arda Guler?

Andrea Pirlo, one of the most highly-regarded midfielders of all time, told Hurriyet newspaper in May that Guler has the potential to reach the very top.

He said: “Arda Guler is a very talented player. He has the potential to play anywhere in the world.

"He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique. If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential."

Praise from an icon like Pirlo speaks volumes about the potential Guler has. It makes sense that clubs from the Premier League would be so interested in snapping him up.

Newcastle will need to invest in their squad if they are to make the most of playing in the Champions League next season. The demands on players' bodies will increase and so Eddie Howe may need extra players to handle the extra games.

If Guler were to join the Magpies, it's difficult to predict how much he will play but the domestic cup competitions can be a brilliant way for young players to become adjusted to the speed and intensity of football at the top level in England.