All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers have their sights set on a swoop for Vitoria Guimaraes’ young midfield duo, Andre Almeida and Guilherme Guedes.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Portuguese outlet Zero Zero who claims that negotiations are underway between Wolves and Vitoria SC.

As per the report, Wolves have long been tracking Almeida with the intention of moving for the 21-year-old in what will be a package deal, that would also see the 19-year-old known as Gui included.

It is said that a sum of between €10m (£8.5m) and €15m (£12.8m) could be enough to secure the duo in a package deal, with the fee expected to be closer to the latter mentioned €15m (£12.8m).

As of yet, no official agreement has been made.

Neves & Moutinho replacements?

With the uncertainty surrounding a certain Wolves duo in Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, the Vitoria SC youngsters could help to fill the rather large void that the pair would leave.

Though, with Moutinho at least in talks with Wolves over a possible extension, and only one of the Vitoria SC duo ready to go straight into the first team, it’s more like a mix and match package.

Almeida, having featured 31 times for the Liga Portugal side is a player who could quickly be integrated within the Old Gold first team.

His average of 2.4 successful dribbles per 90 are better than Moutinho and Neves’ averages combined – with the Wolves pair’s 0.5 and 0.9 respective averages totalling 1.4 successful dribbles per game. Almeida’s average is actually around that of a winger, with his average this season also beating the likes of Daniel Podence, who has registered 2.1.

It’s a severely underrated but important metric in the centre of midfield, with Lage’s side lacking a central option that can consistently progress the ball. Almeida would allow them to be more direct in the attacking transition and allow them to build on the measly total of 41 big chances created – a metric that ranks the side as the fourth worst for BCC.

Gui, having made just five appearances in Liga Portugal will need a longer amount of time to establish himself in Lage’s side, but with Lage already negotiating a deal for the Portuguese starlets, you can see where his head is at amidst his rebuild this summer.

In other news: Tim Spiers drops behind-scenes Wolves update that’ll worry supporters at Molineux 

Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs interested in signing Everton forward Richarlison, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Survival hero

The Brazil international ended the 2021/22 season on a high as his goals against Crystal Palace and Chelsea helped the Merseyside club secure their Premier League status.

An Olympic Goal medalist with Brazil, Richarlison has enjoyed a steady upwards career trajectory since arriving at Watford before making a £50million switch to Everton (BBC).

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Having taken his tally to 53 goals in 153 outings for his current employers, another move could now be in the offing as the Lilywhites watch on…

The latest: Spurs interested

As per the Daily Mail, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all keen on the 34-cap Brazil ace.

It’s claimed that Richarlison has an ‘uncertain future’ at Everton and the club are ‘bracing themselves’ for bids in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report also states that Spurs are among the suitors ‘monitoring developments closely’ as Antonio Conte looks to the man recently hailed as possessing ‘huge talent’ by Frank Lampard to bolster the striking department at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The verdict: Make it happen

After the news this week that Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici would be handed a £150milion boost to the transfer war chest from ENIC this summer after qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, the calibre of targets can naturally go up a level.

Therefore, spending big on Richarlison – who holds a market value of £45million and a contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt) – should be no issue for Spurs.

During 2021/22, the hardworking Brazilian scored 11 times and provided five assists in 33 appearances across all competitions, winning an impressive 7.1 duels and taking 2.4 shots per game and earning a 7.02 average Sofascore rating in the process.

Richarlison has previously admitted a desire to compete amongst the elite of Europe and a switch to north London to support Harry Kane and Son Heung-min makes an abundance of sense for all parties.

In other news… Harry Kane appears to have made a huge decision regarding his future at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to do a U-turn and not chase the signature of Juventus forward Paulo Dybala this summer, report Football.London.

The Lowdown: Dybala confirms Juventus exit

The 28-year-old first joined the Italian giants from Palermo back in 2015, but after making 292 senior appearances in that time, the striker recently confirmed that he would be leaving the Serie A outfit following the conclusion of the current season after a seven-year spell in Turin.

The Lilywhites previously attempted to bring Dybala to the Premier League in 2019 when former manager Mauricio Pochettino was in charge, but failed to get a deal over the line in time due to image rights issues.

As the 32-cap international will be available on a free transfer during the upcoming window, he has been strongly linked with a move to Spurs once again, but after a fresh update, it would appear as though that’s off the table.

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The Latest: Spurs end interest

In a huge update published by Football.London, the reliable Alasdair Gold reports that Tottenham are ‘not considering’ entering the race for Dybala as a result of Fabio Paratici not being ‘wholly convinced’ that their old target is the ‘right fit’.

The source further states that the director of football was a member of the hierarchy who tried to move Dybala on during his time working at Juventus, so it seems like Paratici has never been a big fan of the player.

The Verdict: A missed opportunity

Taking up the option not to pursue the £222k-per-week star, especially as someone who’s about to become a free agent, is surely a missed opportunity to seal an absolute bargain at N17.

The Argentine, labelled a ‘world class’ superstar by former Spurs man Paul Robinson, has made 21 goal contributions in just 38 outings across all competitions for Massimiliano Allegri’s side this season, as per Transfermarkt, and it’s hard to see why Antonio Conte wouldn’t want this type of prolific player in his starting XI.

Dybala would be the perfect candidate to provide some serious goalscoring competition for Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, but it looks as though the club have already made up their minds and will no doubt now be starting the hunt to find their new deputy for Kane.

In other news… a Spurs insider has dropped a huge transfer twist surrounding a first-team colossus.

Sunderland have secured a spot in the League One play-off finals next weekend at Wembley Stadium against Wycombe Wanderers and keeping their relentless team together next season no matter the outcome should be a priority for Alex Neil.

The Black Cats manager who was appointed in February has unlocked a formula to get the side back to their winning ways taking nine victories, seven draws and just one loss from his 17 games in charge at the Stadium of Light, leading them to the position they are in now with one game standing in the way of promotion back to Championship for the first time in four seasons.

Although the Scotsman has made a huge difference since his arrival, the players in the team have really turned it up a notch and worked hard to earn their chance to climb up the Football League.

One player who has been effective since his arrival at the club in January is Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jack Clarke, with the right winger scoring one goal and contributing three assists over the last 17 appearances for Sunderland.

The £4.5m-rated gem who was hailed as “absolutely outstanding” by Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith, has been a creative force during his time in the North East with five big chances created, making 1.6 key passes, 1.2 tackles and 1.5 shots on average per game, winning the majority of his ground duels and proving successful in 66% of his dribbles.

With that being said, Neil could turn him into the next Aiden McGeady, another wizard on the wing, if he can secure a deal to extend the youngster’s time at Sunderland, with a deal potentially there for the taking ahead of his return to North London.

Spurs insider John Wenham who has confirmed that the Lilywhites will offer the 21-year-old winger a new contract when his current one expires at the end of this month, and will be offered back out on loan.

Wenham told Football Insider:

“So I think what will happen is he will return to us and sign a new one-year extension and he will go out on loan again.”

“I also don’t think Sunderland will be able to afford him outright but he could re-join them next season if they go up.”

Ultimately, the Sunderland manager will be working to make sure his squad is ready to take their golden opportunity to rise back into the second tier right now, however, he will need to address Clarke’s situation quickly this summer as Spurs could offer him out to other clubs if they extend his contract in the next few weeks.

AND in other news: Neil set for 1st SAFC disaster as he plots move for “difficult” flop, he isn’t needed

Adam Jones has now shared a double injury boost for Everton ahead of their game away at Watford in the Premier League tonight.

The Lowdown: Team News

Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Jones has shared that while Yerry Mina is unavailable for the match due to injury, Vitaliy Mykolenko is fit.

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There are no other fresh concerns as the Goodison Park faithful look to take all three points away from the Hornets and put themselves further clear of the relegation zone, but there is some more good news ahead of the final couple of matches…

The Latest: Injury updates

Jones also shared injury updates on Donny van de Beek and Ben Godfrey from Frank Lampard as he spoke to the media in his pre-game press conference:

“We’re hoping Donny will be ready for next week’s games, Ben Godfrey is similar.”

The Verdict: Double boost

While the pair may not be available against Watford, it is certainly a boost that they could be ready to play in the Merseyside club’s remaining fixtures.

Brentford at home on Sunday afternoon may come too soon for both players, but they could well make a return against Crystal Palace, and then away at Arsenal on the final day.

Godfrey ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles, clearances and blocks per match in the top flight this season, while no current Toffees player with five or more appearances has averaged more passes at a higher success rate than van de Beek (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, having both available could be key in the Blues getting the points that they need in order to stay up.

In other news, find out big in-house EFC development has now emerged here!

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni is unlikely to move to Real Madrid until 2023, acting as a potential boost for the Reds in their pursuit of the player.

The Lowdown: Tchouameni interest hotting up

The 22-year-old is one of Europe’s hottest properties at the moment, having caught the eye with a string of excellent performances for Monaco this season.

Tchouameni, who is adept in either a number 6 or number 8 midfield role, has started 31 matches in Ligue 1 in 2021/22, winning 2.3 aerial duels per game in the French top flight.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with signing the youngster, but they aren’t alone in expressing an interest.

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The Latest: Liverpool given Tchouameni boost

According to Marca reporter Jose Felix Diaz [via Madrid Zone on Twitter], Real Madrid prefer to wait until next year to sign the Frenchman, telling him as much.

That has been declared unlikely to happen, though, with Monaco ready to sell Tchouameni to the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain well before then.

The Verdict: Sign him soon

This is an undoubted boost for Liverpool, with one of Tchouameni’s main suitors seemingly ruling themselves out of contention this summer, so they must move quickly to ensure that they capitalise on Real Madrid’s dithering.

The lure of joining such an exciting group of players at Anfield must surely appeals to the Monaco gem, along with the small matter of playing under an iconic manager in Jurgen Klopp.

It certainly feels as though Liverpool are in pole position to snap up a massive prospect – he has been hailed as the ‘best’ midfielder in Ligue 1 by his former manager Niko Kovac – and he is someone who could hopefully be a monstrous presence in the Reds’ midfield for many years to come.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped some key Liverpool team news before Villa. Read more here.

Arsenal have now reached out to the representatives of a former Man United star who’s come into his own since leaving Old Trafford, according to a new report this week.

On the field, Mikel Arteta’s side are preparing for a crucial North London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

While the Premier League title frontrunners boast an imperious record against their rivals on home turf, Arsenal will be without star defender Gabriel Magalhaes, among others, after the Brazilian limped off against Senegal with a thigh injury on international duty.

Nothing but a win will do for Arsenal, who are both looking to claim the local derby bragging rights and steer clear of second-placed Man City.

Off the field, sporting director Andrea Berta continues making plans to strengthen the squad in future windows, despite spending nearly £270 million last summer on eight major signings to bolster Arteta’s title charge.

Arsenal hold talks with Scott McTominay's camp after Napoli resurgence

According to TEAMtalk, Scott McTominay’s remarkable renaissance in Serie A has triggered a transfer scramble among Premier League heavyweights, with Arsenal one of the latest clubs to hold discussions with the midfielder’s representatives ahead of a potential summer move.

The 28-year-old has been sensational since joining Napoli from Manchester United in a £26 million deal last year, notching four goals and an assist already this season, and his transformation from a United squad player to Serie A superstar has been nothing short of extraordinary.

McTominay won the Serie A MVP award for the 2024/25 season and earned a Ballon d’Or nomination, helping Napoli to secure their fourth Scudetto, establishing himself as a club icon in just one remarkable campaign.

More recently, his stunning overhead kick against Denmark, arguably one of the best Scotland goals ever scored, sent Steve Clarke’s side on their way to an historic 4-2 win over the Danes which confirmed their place at next year’s World Cup.

Last season, he made 34 Serie A appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists, obliterating expectations for a player who was considered surplus to requirements in Manchester. José Mourinho has even called McTominay “one of the best midfielders” in Europe.

Antonio Conte views the Scotsman as his midfield ‘linchpin’, and TT report that Arsenal have sounded out McTominay’s camp alongside the likes of Tottenham, Everton and even his former club. However, any potential suitors face a significant hurdle.

Napoli have set a gargantuan price tag, with any bid below £71 million set to be dismissed out of hand.

While McTominay will require a hefty investment on Berta’s part, it is clear to see why Arsenal have taken an interest, with the in-form star’s future poised to be at the centre of debate over this next year.

Set-pieces are in fashion. The Premier League is pulling away from the silky-ball-playing style championed by Pep Guardiola and mimicked by many, and returning to a state of directness.

In theory, this is perfect for David Moyes’ Everton. But then Moyes’ Everton were beaten at their own game at the weekend, with Tottenham Hotspur capitalising on their newfound structure and organisation, applicable offensively as well as in defensive/build-up shape, with Thomas Frank at the helm.

However, the Premier League is not played out on totally arid land. Moyes, for sure, is increasingly becoming a proponent of expansive football, with flashy wingers

In this, the experienced Scotsman is moulding a squad filled with members sharing traits with former stars, while being very much their own players too.

How Moyes is remaking his former Everton team

The Premier League is unrecognisable from the state it was in when Moyes left Goodison Park for Manchester United to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

But he is rebuilding Everton with players who are similar to those who walked on Merseyside before them, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, for example, bringing quality on the ball and dynamism in his midfield role to emulate Mikel Arteta, who was once Moyes’ general in the centre.

Dewsbury-Hall, a summer recruit from Chelsea, certainly adds something new to the mix at the Hill Dickinson, though not perhaps in the same vein as Jack Grealish, whose game-changing ability and one-of-a-kind talent has seen him suggested to be Moyes’ new Wayne Rooney.

One of England’s all-time greats, Rooney might have enjoyed the most glittering heights of his career in Manchester, but he is revered on Merseyside, and in this, Grealish could emulate him.

Some of these comparisons are more overt than others, but there is actually a Toffees talent who has been described as being the Scottish manager’s new version of Steven Pienaar.

Everton's new Steven Pienaar

Everton continue to be one of the most principled and well-drilled sides in the Premier League, but the improvements made since Moyes arrived in January have also seen more enterprise and initiative on the ball.

And while the 63-year-old has looked to make exciting attacking signings, he will feel blessed that Iliman Ndiaye was already in the Blues ranks, with Sean Dyche having overseen the £15m acquisition of the winger from Marseille in July 2024.

Injured for the early phase of Moyes’ much-anticipated return to Liverpool, Ndiaye was, regardless, a shining light for Everton throughout the 2024/25 campaign, finishing as their top scorer with 11 goals across all competitions.

The £45k-per-week talent’s electric pace and skill when on the ball have added quite the dimension, and analyst Ben Mattinson believes the Senegalese “could play for a top six side”.

This may well be the case, for recent transfer rumours have linked the 25-year-old with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The Londoners would have to pay a premium, to be sure, and other clubs would surely be interested.

Iliman Ndiaye

26

9

Beto

30

9

Abdoulaye Doucoure

17

3

Charly Alcaraz

25

3

Michael Keane

15

2

Jake O’Brien

19

2

Ndiaye isn’t just goals. The French-born winger ranks among the top 10% of Premier League positional peers this season for successful take-ons, the top 2% for ball recoveries and the top 6% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

It’s little wonder that he has been hailed by Mattinson as bringing “Steven Pienaar 2.0 vibes” to this new iteration of Everton under Moyes’ wing.

South African Pienaar was quite the Premier League maverick. The left-sided forward scored 25 goals and supplied 40 more for the Scot at Everton, becoming a fan favourite for his talent on the ball and seat-raising qualities.

Ndiaye might actually be that bit better. He needs to make further improvements to his game, no doubt, but brings a sharpness that Pienaar struggled to channel and sustain, never once across the duration of his career, chalking up ten goals in a single campaign.

With the likes of Beto and summer recruit Thierno Barry flattering to deceive at number nine, Ndiaye’s goalscoring ability has never been so important.

He is, as the likes of Jamie Carragher have noted, an “absolute star”.

Everton have their best prospect since Rooney who "will play for England"

Everton could now have uncovered their best prospect since Wayne Rooney in this England-destined star.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 28, 2025

Newcastle United will host Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, looking to secure their first Premier League win since the 13th of September, when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Eddie Howe’s side are coming into the game off the back of a win in the Champions League. They overcame Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, winning 4-0 thanks to two penalties from Anthony Gordon, a first-half strike from Nick Woltemade and a late goal from Harvey Barnes.

As for their opponents, Forest are yet to win under Ange Postecoglou. They’ve lost four of the six games their new manager has taken charge of, conceding 13 goals. One man who will be hoping to add to that tally on Sunday is Woltemade.

Woltemade’s start to his Newcastle career

It wasn’t necessarily going to be easy for Germany international Woltemade to hit the ground running in a Newcastle shirt. He joined for a club-record £69m, and was essentially replacing Alexander Isak, who would later join Liverpool.

Yet, the 23-year-old has taken to life at St James’ Park like a duck to water. The former Stuttgart striker has only played six games and 338 minutes for the club, but has found the back of the net three times already.

One man who has been impressed with Woltemade’s short Newcastle career so far is club legend Alan Shearer. Talking on The Rest Is Football Podcast, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer said “I like what I see” from the German’s performances to date.

Woltemade made the perfect impression on his debut for the club. His first goal came in that aforementioned 1-0 win over Wolves at home last month.

He used his six-foot-seven frame to his advantage, rising highest to meet a well-delivered cross into the box.

Interestingly, the man who delivered that ball into the middle could return to the starting line-up on Sunday to help form an unstoppable partnership against Forest.

Howe’s secret weapon vs. Forest

Magpies boss Howe is certainly not short of options in attack this week against Postecoglou’s side. The Englishman could call upon Gordon and Anthony Elanga once again, who started in the Champions League. Alternatively, Barnes could get the nod from the start.

Another name in contention for a starting berth against Forest has to be Jacob Murphy. It was the 30-year-old who delivered that cross for Woltemade against Wolves to get his first Premier League assist of the season.

He’s coming off the back of a fantastic campaign in 2024/25, in which Jamie Carragher described him as a “revelation” out wide.

In 35 top-flight appearances last season, the London-born attacker scored eight goals and assisted 12.

Not only was he extremely proficient last season, but the former Norwich City star put up some excellent underlying numbers.

For example, he created an average of 1.6 chances and completed 0.9 crosses on average per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

0.9

20

Chances created

1.6

42

Crosses completed

0.9

22

Forward passes

8.8

232

Take-ons completed

1.4

35

He also struck up an excellent partnership with Liverpool’s new number nine, Isak. According to Transfermarkt, the pair combined for 13 goals in the last two seasons across all competitions, a relationship which proved to be extremely effective for the Magpies.

Already, we’re seeing a similar dynamic play out between Murphy and his new teammate, Woltemade. The winger’s pinpoint cross onto the German striker’s head is a positive start, with the Newcastle record signing showing excellent centre-forward play in the penalty box.

This is a partnership that could hurt Forest on Sunday afternoon. Under Postecoglou, those donning Garibaldi Red have shown vulnerability at the back.

If Howe chooses to unleash Murphy alongside Woltemade, they could look to capitalise on that defensive frailty in a similar way to the goal against Wolves, and the relationship between Isak and Murphy.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

There are certainly positive signs in that sense for Newcastle, and if the winger can get Woltemade playing like Isak, starting from Sunday, that will be a huge benefit.

Not Bruno & Tonali: Newcastle "monster" looks like one of PIFs best signings

Newcastle have been wise in the transfer market since their momentous club takeover in 2021.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 3, 2025

West Brom are showing an interest in completing the loan signing of a “sublime” Premier League player this summer, according to a new update.

West Brom eye signings ahead of Mason's first season

The Baggies will once again be among the favourites to seal a top six finish in the Championship next season, as is so often the case, with new manager Ryan Mason admitting he is excited about getting started at The Hawthorns.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion. This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan base and I am excited about what we can achieve together. Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be and I can’t wait to get started. I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club.”

Mason will know that some new signings will be needed this summer, though, in order to aid West Brom’s promotion push, with Rangers forward Tom Lawrence mentioned as an experienced option who has proven himself in the past in the Championship.

Nottingham Forest left-back Harry Toffolo has also emerged as a rumoured option for West Brom, following his departure from the City Ground, with the Englishman set to be a free agent. Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for the Baggies.

West Brom want to sign "sublime" Premier League ace

According to a new update from The Express & Star, West Brom are considering the loan signing of Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks in the summer window, having joined them for £11.5m seven years ago.

The report states that a lack of regular starts for the Cherries last season means that “a departure from the Vitality Stadium, if only on a short-term basis, is considered a possibility this summer.”

Brooks, who scored for Southampton at The Hawthorns in a 2-0 win last year, could be a brilliant addition for West Brom, even if it’s just on loan, with the 27-year-old a gifted footballer who has been highly-rated for years, being lauded by Eddie Howe back in 2018:

“He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent. His first goal was sublime and his second was very clever because he was running at an angle and just directed it backwards behind him which was really impressive.”

Appearances

29

Starts

9

Minutes played

952

Goals

2

Assists

0

Shots per game

0.9

Key passes per game

0.7

Pass completion rate

82.2%

The fact that Brooks is struggling to be a key starter for Bournemouth means that a temporary move away could appeal to him, and he has the technical quality to be an influential performer for West Brom, helping inspire them to a return to the Premier League.