All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to The Daily Echo, Southampton striker Charlie Austin will be allowed to leave this month, with Premier League outfit Wolves and Championship side Aston Villa interested. 

The 29-year-old has played 16 Premier League games so far this season, more than he managed in the entirety of the 2016/17 and 2015/16 seasons. While he has only managed two goals, he looks poised to play the most games he has in one season in the league for The Saints, which is 24.

However, while he has been slightly more reliable than he has in some seasons at St Mary’s, he is obviously not deemed a necessity at the south coast by manager Ralph Hasenhüttl. For a manager with such an attacking philosophy, perhaps the former QPR forward just is not fruitful enough in front of goal, with the Austrian preferring Danny Ings and Shane Long.

However, one thing that this does suggest is the potential arrival of target Che Adams. The Birmingham striker has been linked with a move to St Mary’s before the end of the month, and the departure of Austin could be ushering in that move. The manager may have felt that there were currently too many strikers at the club, and has therefore decided to trim the fat slightly before a new signing. Being seven years younger than Austin, many Southampton fans would see the prolific Championship scorer as an upgrade.

Since moving from QPR in January 2016, Austin has played over 50 league games for the club, managing 16 goals, but his time could be coming to an end.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a transfer claim regarding Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: Atletico talks

Cash, described as ‘exceptional’ by Trevor Sinclair, has been a regular after joining from Nottingham Forest following Villa’s promotion to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has made 59 appearances in all competitions, scoring his first goals in a Villa shirt this season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-developments/” title=”Aston Villa latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

His displays have been catching the eye, though, with Fabrizio Romano revealing shortly after the January transfer window that Atletico Madrid have been in direct contact over a summer move.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke labelled Atletico’s interest as ‘serious’, stating the now Poland international is among their top targets to replace Kieran Trippier.

“The interest from Atletico Madrid is serious. He is among their top targets to fill the void left by Kieran Trippier’s departure to Newcastle.”

The Verdict: No pressure

Cash has nailed down the right-back role in the Midlands and is contracted until 2025, so NSWE are under no pressure to part ways with the full-back this summer.

Of course, Cash could make it known to Villa officials he is interested in a move to the La Liga giants, which could make things complicated.

However, if he is happy to remain at Villa Park after learning of Atletico’s interest, it would make sense to keep hold of his services unless a mega-money offer comes in.

In other news: NSWE to write cheque: Gerrard set to annoy Liverpool as Aston Villa close in on wanted attacker. 

A worrying behind the scenes claim has emerged surrounding Antonio Conte’s future at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

According to ever-reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold, there are fears amongst the playing squad that the Italian could walk from the club if he’s not backed sufficiently in the transfer window this month.

‘It is understood that Conte has been extremely candid in his assessment of the club and his squad during multiple discussions with chairman Daniel Levy since he arrived, with plenty of home truths delivered publicly and privately about the level Spurs are at.

‘Now football.london understands that some of the Tottenham players fear Conte could walk next month if he is not backed with new signings to improve the squad during the remainder of this January transfer window,’ he wrote in a recent column.

Trouble in paradise?

This worrying bombshell from one of the most trustworthy when it comes to anything Spurs-related will surely leave many supporters around N17 absolutely furious as their midweek exit from the Carabao Cup was another reminder of just how poor this squad is.

It is true that the Lilywhites were missing some crucial players, such as Heung-min Son, Cristian Romero and Eric Dier, who would have all surely started if fit enough, but in their absence, the depth and backup options badly disappointed.

That has long been a problem at the club.

Conte very much needs to be backed financially if he’s to stand a chance at transforming Spurs, something he was brought in to do with an impressive CV that contains Premier League and FA Cup triumphs.

The fact that some noises suggest there are fears that he will not last in the job, on his own accord, is hugely concerning. Spurs would be set back ever so much if they lost a manager of his calibre and if his players – who are with him every day – are thinking that, then it’s rather telling.

“You’ve got Conte, give him what he needs. They need to strengthen. Give him what he needs,” claimed ex-midfielder Jamie Redknapp to Sky Sports (via the Daily Mail).

Many supporters have urged the club to back the Italian head coach this month and it now seems like a failure to do so will likely cause a big departure in the dugout. That would then be another devastating blow to the fanbase, so don’t be surprised if many are fuming by this major update.

AND in other news, Tanguy Ndombele could yet stay at Spurs amid reports…

Celtic have been dealt a huge injury setback ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership clash.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scotsman, who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side will be without at least seven first-team players for the trip to St. Johnstone on Sunday, with David Turnbull, Jota, Albian Ajeti, Giorgos Giakoumakis, James Forrest, Karamoko Dembele and Christopher Jullien all looking to be sidelined due to injury.

A further report by the same publication went on to state that both Joe Hart and Kyogo Furuhashi – who missed the 0-0 draw against St. Mirren earlier in the week with knocks – could also miss out at McDiarmid Park this weekend, as the duo do not appear to have recovered from their respective injuries.

Postecoglou will be fuming

Considering the sheer number of injuries he is having to deal with at present, the news that none of his previously injured players look set to make a return to action this weekend, while both Hart and Kyogo also remain doubts for the fixture, is sure to have left the 56-year-old manager fuming.

Indeed, should attacking midfielder Turnbull, left-winger Jota, centre-forward Kyogo and goalkeeper Hart all be missing on Sunday, the Greek-Australian coach would be unable to select his best, fifth-best, 10th-best and joint 13th-best performers respectively in the top flight of Scottish football so far this season – of players who remain within his first-team squad.

And, when taking into account just how much Postecoglou’s depleted Celtic side struggled to break down St. Mirren on Wednesday evening, should the manager once again be unable to call upon any of the aforementioned players, it would not appear to bode well for Celtic’s chances of picking up all three points against Callum Davidson’s side.

This could potentially bring disastrous ramifications to the club’s Premiership title hopes this season, as dropping more points on Sunday could well see the Bhoys fall further behind their Old Firm rivals – who currently top the league standings by six points.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “horrendous” £20k-p/w Celtic flop by unleashing 18 y/o sensation

Injury expert Ben Dinnery believes Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi could be out for four weeks with his current muscle problem, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Ange’s comments

Furuhashi injured his hamstring in the final game before the winter break against St Johnstone and missed Celtic’s first game back against Hibernian on Monday evening due to injury alongside Albian Ajeti, Christopher Jullien, Karamoko Dembele and David Turnbull.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-copy/” title=”Celtic updates!! (Copy)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 26-year-old, who has contributed to 21 goals in 26 games as a Hoops player, is expected to be out for at least a couple more weeks, Ange Postecoglou confirmed.

That means he is at risk of missing the Glasgow derby against Rangers on February 2, in what could be a crucial fixture at Celtic Park with Postecoglou’s side currently four points adrift at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Latest: Dinnery reacts

Dinnery was talking to Football Insider regarding Furuhashi’s injury. This is what he had to say in reply, believing the Japan international could ultimately miss four weeks of action and urged Celtic to be cautious when it comes to a return.

“There are high re-injury and recurrence rates with these injuries.

“That first month is where we see the highest recurrence rates, so we need to be very careful.

“When you suffer a setback, typically you are looking at how long you’ve spent on the sidelines previously and then adding to that.

“He was injured in the Boxing Day fixtures and he’s just returned, so we’re talking a couple of weeks there.

“If he’s been back on the training pitches for around 10 to 14 days, the assumption is it’s a fairly low-grade tear.

“It’s really unfortunate but maybe we’re looking at that two to four week period that he might miss.

“It’s one of those injuries where it makes sense to take a little bit more time with it. The longer you take, the more likely you are to stay fit afterwards.

“Around 40 per cent of all muscle injuries are hamstring injuries. Around the winter months, we see very high prevalence because of the schedule.

“There is likely fatigue involvement, so with Kyogo, we’re looking at maybe early February before he returns.”

The Verdict: Maeda set for first Glasgow derby?

Should Dinnery’s prediction prove accurate and Furuhashi’s absence stretch to four weeks, he will miss the meeting with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

That could mean that new signing Daizen Maeda will get a first Glasgow derby start, and he proved against Hibernian he is more than up to the task when it comes to leading the line.

It took the 24-year-old just four minutes to score his first Celtic goal, and if he can continue his positive start, you’d expect him to feature ahead of Giorgos Giakoumakis and the injured Furuhashi and Ajeti against Rangers.

In other news: Transfer request submitted – Celtic handed boost as news emerges on possible 5th winter recruit. 

New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard couldn’t have asked for a much better start to life in the Midlands, given their recent run of fixtures.

Three victories in his first five games in charges have propelled the Villans up the Premier League table, with defeats to title challengers Manchester City and Liverpool the only blots on his copybook.

An eight-point gap to the relegation zone has emerged since Gerrard’s arrival from Scottish champions Rangers, allowing the Villa Park outfit to look up the table rather than over their shoulders once again.

However, to continue their surge up the division, the Midlanders may be forced into the transfer market during the January window as injuries threaten to expose a lack of squad depth.

The in-form Marvelous Nakamba is believed to have picked up a fresh knee injury while Morgan Sanson continues his slow road back to full fitness.

But one possible solution is for Gerrard to return to his old club and raid their engine room options for the highly-rated Glen Kamara, placing his faith in a player who performed for him on a regular basis on the European stage.

It’s recently been revealed by The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell in the comments section of an article of his that the Rangers midfielder could well be a target of the 41-year-old this winter, as the £21,000-per-week gem is a player who Gerrard is extremely fond of.

In response to a question asking whether the Villa boss could make a move for Kamara, Campbell said: “I would not be surprised if he came in for him as he loves him as a player.”

While Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge claimed Gerrard is a “big, big fan” of the Finland international, opening the door to a potential move over the coming months.

And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why Kamara is so highly thought of by the retired Liverpool and England box-to-box dynamo.

As per WhoScored, the defensive-minded maestro has averaged 1.4 tackles in the Europa League this season, 1.4 interceptions, 0.8 key passes and one dribble, achieving a passing accuracy of 87%.

The £5.4m-rated star has long been outlined for success, though, with his former Dundee manager Neil McCann, labelling him a ‘special talent’ back in 2019.

“He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong,” said McCann.

“I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect. He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

And Kamara’s tactical discipline, impressive passing range and versatility would provide the perfect balance to the more attack-minded, hard-working John McGinn, who has already bagged three goals and provided two assists this season.

With a midfielder partnership of Kamara and McGinn, Villa would scare any opposition, and Gerrard must consider a swoop for his former player this January.

And, in other news…Lange could save AVFC millions with £46k-p/w machine who will “get better and better”

According to a report in the paper edition of Tuttosport, as shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur transfer chief Fabio Paratici has just dropped a transfer hint – and it involves Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

The Lowdown: Serie A raid incoming?

Tottenham’s first January transfer window under new boss Antonio Conte is certainly set to be interesting going by the number of reports from Italy over these last few weeks.

From rumours of a demanded €280 million (£235m) transfer war chest to a ‘close’ agreement for AC Milan star Franck Kessie, the winter window will ultimately decide whether these grand claims come to fruition.

New names are being targeted from Serie A regularly, too, with Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevski recently entering Conte’s thoughts as contact is made, according to Daniele Longo.

Now, in an update on yet another Italian top flight target as they eye Bremer, Tuttosport claim that Paratici has dropped a teasing hint for his ‘Italian confidantes’.

The Latest: Paratici drops hint…

As explained by the newspaper, via Sport Witness, Spurs’ managing director reportedly ‘has not denied’ his interest over signing Bremer in 2022 to his national colleagues.

Relayed in the report, this comes as a big hint towards Paratici’s personal plans to target the Brazilian defender and a move could take place during the second half of the campaign.

His current deal expires in 2023 and it appears Tottenham could turn to him in the summer.

The Verdict: Ideal Romero partner?

While it is debated that Conte needs a world class partner for Romero as soon as possible, as claimed by pundits in the media (Paul Robinson, Football Insider), would Bremer be worth the wait?

The 24-year-old, who Torino rate at around €30m (£25.2m) according to Tuttosport (via SW), towers over Tottenham’s current crop in certain defensive aspects.

According to WhoScored, Bremer has averaged an imperious 3.9 interceptions per 90 so far this season domestically – nearly double Sergio Reguilon, who’s managed the most for Spurs (2).

He also won more aerial duels per 90 (3.8) than any Lilywhites man this campaign, perhaps indicating he would come as a solid partner to Romero.

So, the South American colossus is fairly young, dominates Spurs players aerially and through interceptions whilst also being valued at a fairly reasonable £25.2m? We certainly believe he could be a shrewd capture next summer.

In other news: ‘Understand’, ‘In recent weeks’…Alasdair Gold shares exciting development out of Hotspur Way, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur face Aston Villa in this evening’s teatime kick-off, with Antonio Conte’s side looking to keep up their impressive recent run of Premier League form in a bid to secure a top-four finish.

Indeed, with Spurs having won five of their last six league outings and Steven Gerrard’s side having lost their last three Premier League fixtures, the north London outfit will certainly fancy their chances of taking all three points back to the capital tonight.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

However, with Spurs only narrowly defeating Villa 2-1 in the meeting between the two sides earlier this season, Conte will be well aware that he must get his team selection spot-on in order to give his team the best chance of victory this afternoon.

Will the 52-year-old make any changes to the side which started the 5-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend? Here’s how we think Tottenham could line up against Aston Villa, as well as the latest team and injury news…

With Antonio Conte recently revealing that both Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon are back in contention after recovering from their respective knocks, we predict the 52-year-old will make just one change to the team which lined up against Newcastle last time out.

The back four remains intact, with Hugo Lloris starting between the Spurs sticks, while Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero make up Conte’s three-man defence.

The solitary change comes at wing-back, with Reguilon – the player who Jonathan Woodgate dubbed “horrendous” and has recently been linked with a £43m move back to Real Madrid this summer – returning to the XI on the left. Matt Doherty moves over to his preferred role on the right, with the 23-year-old Emerson Royal – who Lucas Moura claimed has a “great future” – dropping to the bench.

In the middle, with Oliver Skipp still sidelined due to injury, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur start once again, while Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski also remain unchanged in the two attacking midfield roles.

Up top, Harry Kane leads the line, with the 28-year-old undoubtedly hoping to add to his seven goals and four assists over his last eight Premier League outings.

AND in other news: Conte can form “dangerous” duo as Spurs plot bids for £156m pair who “really get along”

Pete O’Rourke has dropped a worrying claim regarding Celtic’s bid to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke stated his belief that, while Ange Postecoglou would ideally like to sign the Tottenham Hotspur loanee on a permanent basis in the January transfer window, Celtic may not be able to afford a move for the centre-back this month.

Speaking about the club’s potential deal for the 24-year-old, the journalist said: “Celtic would ideally love to get this deal wrapped up quickly, but I think £10m would be a bit too much for Celtic right now – so they may have to wait to the summer.”

In further comments given to the same publication, O’Rourke then suggested that, as a result of the USA international’s fine performances north of the border, the Bhoys could well end up missing out on the defender’s signature altogether, as a number of other clubs will have taken note of his impressive displays for the Hoops.

The journalist said: “The worry for Celtic is if Carter-Vickers continues to impress up at Celtic Park, that might bring other clubs to the table to try to sign the American in the summer.”

Postecoglou would be fuming

Considering just how impressive Carter-Vickers has been for Celtic since his season-long loan move to Parkhead last summer, should the Bhoys indeed go on to miss out on the centre-back’s permanent signing, it would undoubtedly be an outcome that will have Postecoglou fuming.

Indeed, over his 15 Premiership outings in the current campaign, the £2.7m-rated defender has helped his side keep seven clean sheets, scored two goals and provided his teammates with one assist, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 0.7 tackles, 85.2 passes and winning a whopping 71% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £20k-per-week man average a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.45, ranking him as the fourth-best performer in the entirety of the Scottish top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Carter-Vickers would make an excellent addition to Postecoglou’s permanent options in the heart of his Celtic defence.

That leads us to believe that the defender moving anywhere other than Parkhead at the end of the season would come as a gutting blow for the 56-year-old manager – particularly as it has been reported that the Hoops have already started negotiations with the player regarding his transfer to the club.

In other news: Big twist emerges in Celtic’s pursuit of “no brainer” signing that will outrage fans

Aston Villa have been handed a potential boost ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by Birmingham Live, Steven Gerrard’s replacement at Rangers, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, revealed that he has already spoken to the new Aston Villa manager about the job at Ibrox, before going to suggest that the pair will continue to stay in touch regarding potential business in the January transfer window.

The report goes on to state that all three of Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent and Borna Barisic have been mentioned as potential targets for Gerrard this winter, with Van Bronckhorst’s comments looking to suggest he would be open to discussing a number of deals with the former Liverpool captain.

Speaking in his inaugural press conference as Rangers boss, the Dutchman said:

“He sent a message by email – which was really nice. Of course for him [it is] also a change in clubs. But I think we will definitely be in contact in the coming weeks to talk about stuff. He’s done a really great job at Rangers and now moved to the Premier League at Aston Villa. I personally wish him all the best and there will be some contact in the next weeks, yes.”

Gerrard & Co will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive the likes of Goldson, Kent and Barisic were under the leadership of Gerrard during his time in charge of Rangers, the news that Van Bronckhorst appears open to speaking with his predecessor this winter is sure to have left the 41-year-old, as well as Christian Purslow and Johan Lange, buzzing.

After all, a healthy and vibrant relationship with the Dutchman could well be used to Villa’s advantage when it comes to negotiating transfer dealings between the two clubs in the winter and beyond, something that represents a significant boost.

Indeed, with Barisic, Goldson and Kent ranking as Gers’ second, third and fourth-best performers respectively in the club’s unbeaten Scottish Premiership title-winning campaign last season. Gerrard would undoubtedly be more than happy to welcome any of this trio to Villa Park in the coming months and the better his friendship is with his former employers, the more likely that is to happen.

And, with it being reported that Rangers may need to cash in on a number of their more valuable assets this January in order to balance the books at Ibrox, Purslow and Lange could perhaps be able to negotiate a much more palatable transfer fee for a particular target due to the Scottish side’s need to sell.

As such, the 46-year-old Rangers manager’s comments will certainly come as a very welcome boost ahead of the January transfer for all concerned at Villa Park.

In other news: Gerrard must ruthlessly axe “inconsistent” £63k-p/w flop, he’s ransacked Villa of £23m