All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a shock summer swoop for Leeds United defender Robin Koch, as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his defensive ranks ahead of next season.

What's the latest on Koch to Man United?

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils are said to have made contact regarding a move for the 26-year-old, with the German centre-back seemingly set for an exit from Elland Road following the club's recent relegation.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "News #Koch: He‘s on the shortlist of ManUtd! Loose talks took place. Confirmed. #MUFC."

While there has been some suggestion that the former Freiburg man – who has just 12 months to run on his existing deal – could be available on a free transfer due to a possible relegation clause in his contract, further reports have revealed that a fee would be required if a move is to occur.

Would Koch be a good signing for Man United?

There may be those among the Old Trafford faithful who are scratching their heads at that shocking transfer rumour, with it hard to see the benefit in signing a player who was no doubt culpable in Leeds' return to the Championship in 2022/23.

The £40k-per-week dud – who has previously been branded "horrible to watch" by journalist Beren Cross – was part of a backline in Yorkshire that shipped 78 Premier League goals in the most recent campaign, the worst record in the division.

On an individual basis, Koch was no shining light as he racked up an average match rating of just 6.63, as per Sofascore, with that figure ensuring he would rank just 21st among Ten Hag's current squad at the Theatre of Dreams.

There also may be a concern at United at the prospect of snapping up another asset from the Championship, with the Red Devils having perhaps been stung by their signing of Daniel James from Swansea City back in 2019.

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co did ultimately make a profit on that £15m signing – having moved the Welshman on to Leeds, ironically, for £25m in the summer of 2021 – the wing wizard rarely looked of the quality required to make the grade in Manchester, scoring just nine goals and registering only nine assists in 74 games in all competitions.

Despite possessing something of an "X-Factor" due to his breathtaking speed – according to Solskjaer – James was simply just "not a Manchester United player", as per talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

Also described as "headless" by pundit Darren Bent, the 25-year-old has hardly set the world alight since his Old Trafford exit after scoring just four times in 40 games for Leeds, before enduring a bit-part role on loan at Fulham in 2022/23 in which he made just 23 outings across all fronts.

While that's not to suggest that any move for a newly-relegated or second-tier player will prove to be a mistake, United must question the wisdom in looking to the Championship to find new recruits – such as Koch – with a Champions League campaign and potential title challenge on the horizon.

Chelsea's extortionate spending has created an unbalanced and demoralised squad that has seen the club at its lowest point since the turn of the century.

The amount of players is unmanageable and some have been brought in for ridiculous figures and have dramatically failed to repay their fees.

The Blues need to adopt a more meticulous and calculated transfer policy, spending lower sums on more quality players.

In recent times, the West London outfit has been linked with Benjamin Pavard, and securing his signature would be a notable step in the right direction for incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino.

What’s the latest on Benjamin Pavard to Chelsea?

Last month, it was first reported by BILD’s Christian Falk that the 2021 Champions League winners were interested in the Bayern Munich man.

This was followed up by a tweet by Fabrizio Romano, which confirmed that the Frenchman will not sign a new deal at his current club and wants to start a new chapter in his career.

Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany has since gone on to reveal that a fee of €40m (£34m) may be required to convince the Bavarian Giants to sanction his departure.

Pavard’s contract expires in 2024, so Bayern may be forced into his sale this summer to avoid losing him on a free next year.

How would Benjamin Pavard fit in at Chelsea?

The former Stuttgart star has made 30 Bundesliga appearances and averaged 2.3 tackles, 2.5 clearances, and 1.5 interceptions as he secured his fourth-straight league title.

Described as “outstanding” by Uli Hoenes, the 27-year-old also excels outside of Germany, as he ranks in the top 7% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for tackles per 90, as well as the best 17% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

Coupled with his obvious defensive acumen, the 2018 World Cup winner is also a force going forward, sitting within the best 3% for progressive passes, total shots, shot-creating actions, and non-penalty goals per 90.

His solidity, offensive threat, and his ability to appear across the backline means he has drawn comparisons to Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic.

The aforementioned duo both regularly appeared at centre-back or full-back, and their functionality means they are two of the most underrated players in each of their generations.

This trait goes under the radar as functional players make the game look so easy and this versatility is invaluable for any manager.

Nine years, 337 appearances, 34 goals, and ten trophies later – Ivanovic is a Premier League legend, lauded for his consistency, productivity, mentality, and reliability.

Pavard mirrors this set of imperious qualities and being available for such a modest fee, it makes complete sense for Chelsea to make a move.

Manchester United could ditch forward Anthony Martial as he is a 'symbol' of their 'bad recruitment' in years gone by, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest transfer news involving Anthony Martial?

According to The Sun, Manchester United will listen to offers for Martial this summer as he ticks into the final 12 months of his £250k-a-week contract at Old Trafford.

The report states that the Red Devils are targeting a move for Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane and will focus their efforts on trying to land the £100-million valued star in the off-season.

As per FootballTransfers, Aston Villa are said to be weighing up a loan move for Martial as Unai Emery looks to secure a versatile attacker in the transfer window.

Erik Ten Hag isn't believed to have any plans for the Frenchman moving forward and will look to shift him out if appropriate interest in his services arises.

In 2015, Martial joined Manchester United in a deal that involved paying an initial £36 million fee that eventually could rise to £58 million, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook thinks that Manchester United will look to offload Martial in the summer transfer window.

Crook stated when asked if Martial would be sold: "Definitely. I think he's only got a year left on his contract, so they won't want to lose him on a free at the end of the season.

"They're not going to recoup anywhere near the money they spent on him. He is a symbol of United's bad recruitment over the years, where they have been paying over the odds for players and then having to sell them for a much-reduced fee."

Should Anthony Martial be sold by Manchester United this summer?

Martial has been a decent focal point for Manchester United this campaign when available; however, the 27-year-old has endured frequent injury struggles during the last year and should probably be moved on to avoid a scenario where he runs down his contract.

In 2022/23, Martial made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, registering nine goals and three assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, Martial obtained an average match rating of 6.59/10 for his exploits on the field for Manchester United, pitting him 16th out of a 26-man squad, suggesting room for improvement, according to WhoScored.

FBRef also show that Martial ranks in the bottom 32% of forwards across Europe's top five divisions for shots per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, managing just 2.25 per outing.

If Manchester United can recoup some money for Martial, selling him on may be the best solution for both parties due to his inconsistent level of reliability.

Tottenham Hotspur's negotiations with Arne Slot to become their next manager collapsed because of a disagreement over his buyout clause, journalist Rob Dorsett has revealed.

What's the latest on Tottenham's manager search?

Spurs finally looked set on a candidate after months of speculation saw Julian Nagelsmann ruled out as a contender, and Feyenoord manager Slot appeared close to joining.

However, they were dealt a setback as Slot confirmed he would not be leaving his club, and will now sign an extension to keep him in the Eredivisie.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Dorsett claimed that it was Spurs who ended negotiations, rather than Slot turning them down, due to the nature of his buyout clause.

"My understanding is that it was actually Spurs who decided to walk away from Arne Slot and any potential deal with him because of disagreements about the terms of his buyout clause," he stated.

"It's my understanding that there were significant discussions with intermediaries, and that brought out the details of a £5m buyout clause for Arne Slot at Feyenoord, but crucially, that £5m buyout clause written into his contract doesn't come into effect until next summer.

"The price that Feyenoord wanted to charge for any club who takes on Arne Slot at this time, was up for debate. And it's my understanding that those intermediaries which Spurs were using, quoted £10m – double that buyout clause – if Spurs wanted to take on Arne Slot, and more than £5m extra if they wanted to take Slot's backroom staff with them as well.

"It was at that point at Tottenham felt they were being used, and they decided to walk away from the deal."

Who could Spurs go for instead of Slot?

With Nagelsmann and Slot now off the table, and former boss Mauricio Pochettino heading to Chelsea, options are limited as Spurs aim to replace Antonio Conte two months after he was sacked.

Celtic's Ange Postecoglou has been linked following another impressive Premiership victory in Scotland, whilst sacked Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has been mooted as an option.

Rodgers led Leicester to FA Cup victory and helped them finish within the top six of the Premier League, but was sacked after contributing to their downfall which could see the Foxes relegated this season.

His previous experience in the Premier League with Leicester, Liverpool and Swansea City could make him an attractive option if Spurs want someone proven, but without a sporting director appointed following the dismissal of Fabio Paratici, it is unclear what route the Lilywhites will go down.

Celtic are reportedly edging closer to signing Portuguese starlet Jota on a permanent deal, with the winger having dazzled on loan for the Hoops this season.

What’s the word?

As per the Daily Record, a deal for the 23-year-old is expected to be confirmed this week following a ‘final round of talks’, with parent club Benfica set to sanction his departure on a £6.5m deal.

The Lisbon-born gem was a relative unknown prior to his deadline day arrival on a season-long loan deal last summer, although has since proven instrumental in the Glasgow outfit’s tenth Scottish Premiership triumph of the last 11 seasons.

While not yet confirmed, the imminent permanent deal could prove vital to Ange Postecoglou’s side retaining their title next term, as they also attempt to navigate their way through the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2017.

The next Jinky?

It would no doubt be a travesty for all concerned were the £4.95m-rated speedster not to be at Parkhead next season, although all the indications are that he will be, handing him the chance to truly solidify his emerging cult status.

The fleet-footed wideman has proven a revelation in Glasgow thus far, notably netting ten goals and registering a further ten assists in the Scottish top-flight in the 2021/22 campaign, with such form seeing him dubbed “unbelievable” by the man who brought him to the club, Postecoglou.

The £7.1k-per-week playmaker has caught the eye of fans and pundits alike with his dynamic displays and bravery in possession, with pundit Owen Hargreaves praising the loanee for being so “direct” in his play.

Whisper it quietly, but such eyecatching showings have even evoked memories of a figure entrenched in the club’s folklore and one of the Old Firm outfit’s legendary ‘Lisbon Lions’ – Jimmy Johnstone.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Jinky’ for his ability to bamboozle defenders with both trickery and cunning, the former Scotland international remains an iconic figure both in his home country and beyond, having notably been dubbed the “Flying Flea” by the French press following a particularly standout display against Nantes.

A star of the ’60s and ’70s at Celtic Park – having risen through the club’s youth ranks  – the European Cup winner is arguably the greatest and most talented player to have adorned the famous green and white jersey, playing an integral role as Jock Stein’s side claimed nine successive league titles between 1965 and 1974.

Such is his importance to the history of the team and its supporters, he was even immortalised with a statue outside the club’s home ground in 2008, with the legendary status of Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Johnstone set to be retained for generations to come.

To replicate the success of such a club hero may appear unlikely, although in Jota, Postecoglou has seemingly uncovered his own one-of-a-kind, unique diamond, with it an exciting thought as to just how high the young man can go.

For those of a Celtic persuasion, they will be praying that his development can continue in Scotland as the club enjoys further success over the years to come. Perhaps more importantly, however, will be the hope that he can simply continue to entertain, as the great Johnstone so often did…

IN other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem

On-loan Nottingham Forest striker Keinan Davis is not for sale this summer, according to parent club Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard as reported by the Mirror.

The Villa boss has stated that he sees Davis’ loan spell at the City Ground as a “valuable part of his development” with the striker scoring five goals this season for Forest who are set to face Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final next Sunday.

However, although a permanent deal is currently out of the question, a second loan move hasn’t been ruled out as well as any mention of the 24-year-old being in Gerrard’s plans for regular football at Villa Park.

Therefore, Steve Cooper must push to sign the striker on loan again next summer, regardless of whether or not Forest are promoted.

Forest must keep Davis

The striker has made an excellent impression at the City Ground and has done exactly what he was signed to do: score goals.

Having netted just 21 career goals, six for Villa and ten for their U23s alongside five for Forest, regular first-team football is exactly what the Englishman needed at this stage of his career.

Cooper has certainly provided Davis with that, handing him 14 starts in the 15 matches he was available for prior to the play-offs with a hamstring injury keeping the Englishman out of action for the final six games of the regular season.

The Welshman will also be delighted that he can call upon the forward at Wembley if needed after two substitute appearances against Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals.

Granted, if Forest are promoted then the Nottinghamshire outfit may opt to invest more money in a higher quality forward than Davis.

However, Premier League experience will be invaluable for Cooper’s men and the 24-year-old, described as “strong” by former Villa teammate Jack Grealish, certainly has that with 24 top-flight appearances for Aston Villa.

If the opportunity to take Davis back on loan for next season arises, it would be an absolute no brainer, especially if Forest are to face another season in the Championship next term.

AND in other news: Forest given ideal chance to sign “magic” £6.3m-rated “threat”, imagine him in the PL

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.”

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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