All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers chief Ross Wilson has had mixed success in the transfer market, in buying and selling players, during his time at Ibrox to date.

The Gers sporting director has swooped to sign the likes of John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala, and Antonio Colak, but he has also been responsible for the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Juninho Bacuna, and Cedric Itten, who all flopped in Glasgow.

Of course, it is difficult to get every transfer spot on as there are a multitude of factors involved in a player becoming a success, including how they adapt to life in Scotland, how lucky they are with injuries, and how the manager treats them.

One route of recruitment that is particularly difficult to nail is the signing of young players as the club has to take a gamble on them being able to translate their form from academy level to the first-team.

A gem who has been able to make that transition with ease is attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, who has caught the eye for the Light Blues since joining on loan from Bayern Munich last summer.

The USA international is at Ibrox on a temporary basis for now but the club have the option to make it permanent in the summer and his form this season suggests that they would be making a good decision by activating that clause.

How much is Malik Tillman worth?

In July and August 2022, the youngster had an expected transfer value of €6ook (£533k), per FootballTransfers, and his terrific performances for the Scottish giants this season has caused his stock to soar.

At the time of writing (17/02/2023), Football Transfers now have his estimated worth at a whopping €9.6m (£8.5m) and this means that his value has soared by 1,500% in less than a year in Glasgow.

This change in his valuation illustrates the immense development the dynamo has gone through during his relatively short time with the Gers so far and proves that the maestro has successfully adapted to playing regular senior football.

The 20-year-old, who ex-boss Gio van Bronckhorst once hailed as an “epic talent”, has produced nine goals and five assists in 36 appearances for the team in all competitions this term.

In the Premiership, Tillman has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.04 across 23 outings and chipped in with seven goals and four assists from midfield – creating ten ‘big chances’ for his teammates in total. He has also put the work in defensively by making 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match, which highlights the youngster’s excellent work rate for the team.

Wilson has, therefore, played a blinder by bringing the USA international to the club as the magician has proven his worth on the pitch and that has been reflected in his soaring market value, which could tempt the Light Blues into signing him on a permanent basis.

Southampton ‘have had interest’ from former Premier League manager Frank Lampard in the vacant role on the south coast, according to recent reports.

The Lowdown: Marsch talks break down…

It was widely believed just two days ago that former Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch was set to take charge at St Mary’s after positive talks.

However, after a managerial twist, negotiations with the American broke down, with reliable sources suggesting that the main reason was down to contract length.

After sacking the under-fire Nathan Jones last weekend, Southampton are now back to square one in their search for his successor, and Sport Republic’s next move could be crucial.

The Latest: Southampton attracting Lampard’s interest?

According to The Guardian, in terms of alternatives to Marsch, there could be a handful of contenders for the vacancy at St Mary’s, with some big names displaying an interest in the role.

One of those is former Chelsea and Everton boss Lampard, with the report stating that apparently the Southampton board ‘have had interest’ from the 44-year-old among other candidates.

The Verdict: Good option?

The Premier League playing legend’s last two high-profile jobs at Stamford Bridge and Goodison Park ended in his prompt dismissal, but Lampard did guide Derby County to the Championship play-off final in 2019, and he has managerial experience in both of the top two divisions in England.

He has also survived relegation battles before, having steered Everton away from the drop zone towards the end of last season.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also once heralded the ‘exceptional job’ that he feels Lampard performed at Chelsea back in 2020 before his eventual sacking, so the 44-year-old does come with some credentials.

However, given that the majority of his roles have ended in disappointment, Southampton must be wary of hiring the former Everton boss and perhaps ascertain why – if they do indeed regard Lampard as a viable candidate.

Tottenham Hotspur could be a suitor for Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke…

What’s been said about Spurs’ interest in Allan Saint-Maximin?

Spurs have long been mooted with interest in the Magpies sensation, with respected football.london reporter Alasdair Gold claiming last month that “[Fabio] Paratici is a big fan” of his.

The arrival of Anthony Gordon from Everton in January has also put the 25-year-old’s long-term future at St James’ Park in doubt, so the north Londoners could make a move if he were to become available.

Speaking to Football FanCast this week, O’Rourke said:

“If someone like Allan Saint-Maximin did become available in the market, I’m sure Spurs will look at him because he does have something different up front and in the final third.”

Would Saint-Maximin be a good signing for Spurs?

The French dynamo would certainly add some flair to Spurs’ current attack, which is already awash with talent. He’d likely be competing with the likes of Heung-min Son, Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski, perhaps even Arnaut Danjuma too.

In the past, his exploits have been lauded as “breathtaking” (Gary Neville) and as “unplayable” (Rob Lee) because of the way in which he’s able to torment the opposition when the ball is at his feet.

Last season, Saint-Maximin led the dribbling charts in the Premier League with an average of 4.3 per game, and despite a lack of game time this term, he still leads the way with 2.3 dribbles per game.

For context, few in Antonio Conte’s squad offer this sort of dynamism with Kulusevski leading the charge on 1.4 dribbles per outing.

The versatile frontman, who is currently valued at €24.4m (£20m) by FootballTransfers, is under contract in the northeast until the summer of 2026 so it remains to be seen how much he could cost Paratici and co.

Comparisons to former Spurs star David Ginola will only help his cause too.

As such, the Mapgies “wizard” – as once dubbed by journalist and transfer insider Graeme Bailey – could well be an intriguing signing for the north London outfit heading into the summer.

If his game time continues to wane, then he may indeed be available and Paratici could finally get his man.

AND in other news, Conte could bin £100k-p/w “liability” as Spurs plot summer swoop for “excellent” titan…

Manchester United could well have identified a potential, long-term centre-forward solution ahead of the summer transfer window, amid reports that manager Erik ten Hag is eyeing a move for Red Bull Salzburg sensation, Benjamin Sesko.

What’s the latest on Benjamin Sesko to Man Utd?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are currently ‘keeping tabs’ on the 19-year-old striker with one eye on a potential swoop in the coming months, despite the teenager having previously agreed to join sister club RB Leipzig on a £21m deal next season.

As ESPN previously outlined, however, the German outfit could be inclined to instantly part ways with the Slovenian marksman if they do receive a big offer this summer, hence opening the door for United to pounce.

There had been reports last year that suggested the Old Trafford outfit were keen on striking a deal for the 6 foot 5 powerhouse, while The Athletic also previously revealed that the Premier League giants had opted against securing the player’s signature for just £2.5m back in 2019, as the fee was deemed ‘excessive’.

Could Man Utd repeat their Erling Haaland error?

Talk of signing an exciting, teenage forward from Salzburg will no doubt send shivers down the spine of some at the Theatre of Dreams, with the club having previously missed out on acquiring Erling Haaland from the Austrian side in the recent past.

The Norwegian giant had burst onto the scene after scoring eight goals in his first six Champions League group stage appearances for the Bundesliga side back in 2019, with United having been linked with a move in the following January window.

Despite the prolific gem’s links to his former Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who had recommended the youngster to those back in Manchester years earlier – Haaland ultimately opted to join Borussia Dortmund at the start of 2020, before sealing a £51m move to rivals Manchester City last summer.

United have since had to watch the 22-year-old net 27 goals already this season in the league alone – with three of those coming in the 6-3 derby defeat at the Etihad – with it undoubtedly set to sting that they could not get a deal wrapped up when they potentially had the chance.

The aim now, however, will be to avenge that blunder by snapping up Sesko ahead of next season, with the towering asset already showing signs that he could potentially emulate the current City star, having provided 29 goal involvements in only 67 games for Salzburg.

The 17-cap hotshot had also previously bagged 22 goals in just 44 games while on loan at lower league side FC Liefering, having been lauded as something of a “machine man” in front of goal by talent scout, Jacek Kulig.

Also described as a “complete forward” by Kulig, the one-time Domzale youth star has unsurprisingly earned comparisons to the aforementioned Haaland due to his physical stature and finishing prowess, with the player himself commenting on that likeness:

“My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!”

With Ten Hag and co craving a solution to their number nine woes – with Anthony Martial frequently ruled out through injury – then turning to Sesko could prove a dream scenario for the former Ajax boss, such is the forward’s undoubted potential.

Having let Haaland slip through their fingers, the Old Trafford hierarchy can’t make the same mistake again.

West Ham are one of a number of Premier League clubs who have sent club chiefs to watch RB Salzburg prodigy Benjamin Sesko in action, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Sesko a huge talent

The Slovenian is someone who is building a great reputation for himself, standing out as possibly one of Europe’s most exciting young players currently.

Sesko has already scored 22 times and registered ten assists for Salzburg, despite only being 19, and he has nine goals in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.

There is a deal in place for him to move to sister club RB Leipzig this summer but that hasn’t stopped scouts sniffing around for a future move, which is where West Ham come into the mix.

The Latest: West Ham send scouts

According to 90min, the Hammers had club officials watching Sesko score a hat-trick in Salzburg’s 4-2 victory away to Rapid Wien last weekend.

It is clear that the level of interest in him is great, though, considering Manchester United, Tottenham, Leicester City, Wolves, Leeds United and Inter Milan were all there too.

The Verdict: Would be a major coup

The thought of Sesko in a West Ham shirt is a mouthwatering one, with the teenager already such a big talent, having scored five goals in 17 caps for Slovenia.

He is performing with a maturity well beyond his years and he is someone who could transform the Hammers’ attack, potentially replacing Gianluca Scamacca, who has been tipped to leave.

Sesko has been described as ‘prolific’ by finisher talent scout Jacek Kulig, and while the £13,000-a-week youngster is still raw and may take time to adapt to the Premier League, his long-term ceiling is incredibly high.

The biggest possible stumbling block for West Ham is whether or not they can beat clubs playing in Europe for his signature, with his head sure to be turned by interest from those teams, such as United and Inter.

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is believed to be on the verge of signing a new contract at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Harrison’s future up in the air

The 26-year-old’s Whites future has been a big talking point for some time now, with some reports linking him with a move away from Elland Road, namely due to interest from Leicester City on January deadline day.

Harrison’s current Leeds deal expires at the end of next season, so this summer would have represented the most logical time to sell him if unable to agree a new deal.

However, a major update has now emerged, suggesting that he is going nowhere for cheap.

The Latest: New deal incoming?

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Leeds are ‘in talks’ with Harrison over a contract extension and are ‘closing in on an agreement’ with the Englishman.

The Whites don’t want to potentially lose the attacker for a ‘cut-price’ amount and a new deal would alleviate that issue.

The Verdict: Great news for Leeds

In truth, Harrison has struggled to consistently play well this season, scoring just twice in 24 Premier League appearances, but this is still great news.

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He has been a key figure at Elland Road for some time now, racking up 194 appearances and chipping in with 31 goals and assists apiece, not to mention being described as ‘fantastic’ by YouTuber Conor McGilligan.

At 26, Harrison still has another level to find and Javi Gracia could be the man to get even more out of him, ensuring he remains an important figure for years to come.

Should his form not improve, though, and Leeds decide they are happy to see him move on at some point, they would now have the luxury of demanding a big fee.

Manchester United could see their potential Qatari investors walk away from a possible deal to take over the club if the price is not right.

Who could take over Manchester United?

Last month saw a deadline pass for interested parties to put forward their proposed offers for the Premier League giants and it is believed a Qatari-based party were one of the parties.

It is said the Glazer family are potentially looking to bring in at least £6bn if they are to sell the club but that could potentially prove an issue for the Qatari group.

There are a number of different interested bidders, but it has become apparent those from Qatar have got a limit as to how much they want to pay.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed the party would be willing to walkway from the potential takeover of the club if the Glazer family demand too high of a price:

“We all know that the Qataris want to buy Manchester United. The question is, how much do they want to buy Manchester United?

“And the information we have today is that they will not be reckless when it comes to how much they spend on trying to buy United. And if the price is not right, they will walk away from the deal.”

Will the Qatari’s walk away from the Man United takeover?

What is interesting to hear is Solhekol has suggested United could be worth in the region of £3.5bn going against the New York stock exchange.

However, it is apparent the current owners are looking for a much higher figure than that with reports claiming they could look for up to £7bn.

So it could well come down to whether there will be any room for negotiation between the Glazers and the Qatari-based investors over potentially finding a middle ground.

What is also worth noting is the bid from Qatar was not the only proposal received last month with the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe showing his interest in the club.

Given there appears to be a significant difference in the valuation between the proposed buyers and sellers, it could cast doubt over the likely hope among fans that this can be resolved before the summer.

Certainly, the prospect of one potential investor walking away from a deal will not make good reading for United fans with the Glazers still possibly open to keeping the club, according to reports.

Newcastle United may feel as if they should’ve been playing against 10 men last night after a challenge on Fabian Schar went unpunished.

The Lowdown: VAR at the centre of attention once again

The Magpies showed impressive mental toughness on Friday night as they came from behind to pick up three points for the first time this season thanks to a stoppage-time Alexander Isak penalty after a freak handball incident.

However, the three points certainly didn’t come without controversy as VAR ruled out what would’ve been Elliot Anderson’s first-ever senior goal for his boyhood club for an apparent offside infringement from Sean Longstaff, which left several people confused.

It seemed as though Forest’s gameplan was to ruffle a few feathers within the Newcastle team as they committed 17 fouls and picked up five yellow cards, and it could’ve been a lot worse had VAR intervened and looked at Andre Ayew’s first-half challenge on Schar.

The Latest: Newcastle may feel aggrieved by the latest VAR decision

While many Newcastle fans will be angered by the decision that cost Anderson his special moment in front of the fans, this foul on Schar should arguably be getting more attention given how dangerous it could’ve been.

Ghana international Ayew slid in from behind with a scissoring motion that caught Schar on the ankle and got nowhere near the ball. However, it didn’t even warrant a yellow card from referee Paul Tierney, and VAR didn’t believe it was dangerous play, either.

The Verdict: Off-field controversy overshadowing victory

It seemed as though it was going to be one of those nights for Newcastle as they crashed efforts off the bar twice in the first half and saw Keylor Navas pull off stunning saves in the second period.

The fact that Tierney didn’t even believe this challenge warranted a stronger punishment perhaps sums up what many fans may think of his own performance at the City Ground last night, as this tackle could’ve ended awfully.

Schar did well to somehow get his ankle out of danger, as the Switzerland international could well have been looking at several weeks on the sidelines on another day.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is believed to be keen to ensure Mason Mount does not leave Stamford Bridge in the summer amid concerns over his future.

What's the latest with Mason Mount?

The 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder could potentially be headed for the exit doors in London in the summer, with the England international failing to agree to terms on a new deal.

Other Premier League clubs are believed to have been put on red alert after hearing the news with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United as possible suitors for the midfielder.

Mount now only has one year remaining on his deal with the Blues, meaning this is the last summer window within which Boehly will be able to cash in on the Englishman if he does not sign a new contract.

And speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed there are some major issues which will need to be resolved if Boehly is to get his wish ahead of the summer:

"It's about the length of deal. It's not really about the money, from what I'm told, but also it's about the future project and Mount needs to feel right about it.

"Chelsea are desperate for him to stay. Todd Boehly does not want to lose him – let's get this right – he doesn't want to lose him; a lot of the Chelsea hierarchy don't."

Should Chelsea give in to Mount's demands?

It has not been the easiest of seasons for Mount at Stamford Bridge, with the 24-year-old having struggled to find his best form in front of goal.

Having made 23 appearances – 20 of those from the starting XI – Mount has only been able to provide the Blues with a return of three goals and two assists (via Transfermarkt).

And on the back of this poor output, it does feel as if some of the leverage which Mount may have previously had in contract talks may have lessened.

Perhaps this will offer Boehly an opportunity to prove just how much he wants to keep Mount at the club with the money not necessarily being the issue for the midfielder.

Having said that, Mount has recently added to his agent network ahead of the summer, which would suggest he is seriously considering a potential departure.

The Blues are certainly not struggling for options in Mount's position should he leave.

However, they would be losing a homegrown talent, and that is something this side seriously struggles with. As a result, this is a situation Chelsea must address in some form as they seek to meet the quotas set by the various competitions they play in.

Barcelona teenager Pablo Torre has confirmed that he would like to stay at the club and fight for his place next season rather than leaving.

What's going on with Torre and Barcelona?

The 19-year-old joined the club from Racing Santander last season, but has found first-team opportunities hard to come by, making just seven appearances in all competitions since his arrival.

The form of fellow young attacking midfielders Pedri and Gavi has blocked his path to the starting XI, and with Frenkie De Jong and Franck Kessie both ahead of him in the pecking order, his chances are limited.

He has started in just three of his seven appearances, and these came in the Champions League and Copa Del Rey. His lack of game time has meant that he may be better off elsewhere where he could gain more minutes.

However, a report from SPORT in Spain has claimed that with a decision to be made soon over his future under Xavi, that the Spaniard is keen to stay at the club, and his happy with his progress since his arrival.

"Pablo is very happy with how he has progressed training with the first team. He is learning every day. He has matured on a footballing level. He believes that it is better to continue learning, rather than going and looking for minutes in a different club. He believes that he will grow more here," the report stated.

Where could Torre fit in for Barcelona?

With Pedri currently injured and Barcelona 12 points clear at the top of La Liga, an opportunity could present itself for Torre to gain more experience in the coming weeks.

As an attacking central midfielder, he could line up alongside Sergio Busquets and Kessie or De Jong in the middle whilst Pedri is absent, which could also allow Gavi to gain a rest.

Barcelona soon have a Copa Del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid to navigate, with Xavi's side leading 1-0 on aggregate, and Pedri's fitness still unclear. The Blaugrana face Elche days before, and Gavi could be rested in favour of Torre for the trip to La Liga's bottom side.

Xavi has previously described the £3.5k-per-week starlet as a player with a "lot of talent," and if he is allowed to shine in the final months of the season, he can earn himself more trust from his manager which could see him gain more chances next season.