World Cup performances always add new names to the Premier League’s transfer rumour columns, but sometimes it churns up old ones too. Fabian Schar is a fantastic example – back in summer 2014, during the World Cup in Brazil, he was strongly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur having impressed with FC Basel in the Champions League the season previous.
The switch never quite materialised and Schar’s career ended up taking a somewhat more modest path instead, joining Hoffenheim a year later and then moving to Deportivo in summer 2017, who were unfortunately relegated last season.
But that only suggests the Switzerland international will be on the move once again this summer so the World Cup has come at a perfect time for him – and his opening performance has given due cause for revived interest from his former suitors.
Indeed, after an explosive start from Brazil, Switzerland managed to curtail the impact of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and company as the Group E clash ended in a 1-1 draw, and Schar played a key role in that. In fact, he won the most headers, made the most clearances and blocked the most shots of any Switzerland player while recording two tackles and two interceptions.
Curiously too, Tottenham find themselves in need of a centre-back option once again this summer, with Toby Alderweireld potentially leaving the north London club due to his contract situation. So, Spurs fans, should Pochettino revive his interest in the Deportivo defender, who Transfermarkt value at just £2.7million? Let us know by voting below…
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According to reports by Sport Italia, via Football Italia, West Ham United are in talks to sign Genoa centre-back Armando Izzo, who is rated at £8.5m according to The Sun, and Birmingham City should be watching developments closely.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Sport Italia, via Football Italia, reports that the east London outfit are keen to bring the 26-year-old Italian to the London Stadium as Manuel Pellegrini looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
The Hammers conceded a joint-high 68 goals in their 38 Premier League matches last term, and it is no surprise that the Chilean boss is looking for reinforcements given the club has lost Jose Fonte and James Collins in recent months, and with Winston Reid often hampered by injury issues.
Izzo has four years remaining on his contract at the Serie A side, but he could be available for something of a bargain fee before the English top flight window closes on August 9.
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Why should Birmingham be monitoring the situation?
Well, Blues boss Garry Monk will be determined to add new faces to his own squad this summer to ensure they don’t find themselves in another relegation battle in the upcoming season, and while one of his side’s main issues last term was their failure to put the ball in the back of the net, it doesn’t mean that he won’t look to strengthen at the back, too.
One player that may well have caught his eye is 6ft 2in West Ham centre-back following a successful season-long loan spell with Bolton Wanderers last time out, and he is likely to definitely be available should the Irons push through a deal for Izzo.
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Burke is a tall centre-back who is strong in the air, and he has proven that he can be a more than useful central defender at Championship level for Birmingham, who would be making their best signing in years if they snap up 19-year-old World Cup ace.
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According to RMC Sport, Tottenham have made a move for prolific Nice striker Alassane Plea. Ultimately, much of the talk among our Tottenham supporters in the Transfer Tavern has been about that second striker position at the club, with neither Vincent Janssen nor Fernando Llorente doing an adequate enough job of providing back-up to main man Harry Kane.
The Breakdown
Unquestionably, 24-year-old Kane is one of the best strikers in world football at present having netted 140 goals in just 213 games for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, with his tally of 41 last term his best return in a single season during his professional career to date.
And with the Englishman continuing his fine form into this summer’s World Cup, having netted five times for Gareth Southgate’s side in their opening two group matches, it’s clear that Spurs have a huge asset in their squad, and one they will rely on to take them towards major honours in the years to come.
However, it’s imperative that the Pochettino has another striker in their ranks to call upon if and when Kane gets injured, suspended, or endures a testing run of form, and quite simply messrs Janssen and Llorente have been unable to do that in the last two years.
Yet £16.2 million-rated Plea (as per Transfermarkt) could finally be the man to not only be the ideal deputy to Kane, but to also give the England captain something to think in terms of the number one starting berth.
Ultimately, the 25-year-old former France youth international has enjoyed a fine few years at Ligue 1 side Nice, having netted 14 goals in the 2016/17 campaign for the French outfit, before bettering that last term with 21 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
How far will England get in Russia? Tell us now
And while some will point to the prolific goal-scoring record of Janssen in the Netherlands prior to his arrival at Spurs, and indeed that of Llorente in the Premier League, they had both only really produced the goods for one season prior to their arrival – Plea has done so for the last couple.
And with adeptness at playing on the left wing, having scored seven goals from that position last term, Plea would also offer Pochettino more than just another centre forward option, thus raising the possibility of getting both he and indeed Kane in the starting eleven.
Significantly though, the 25-year-old appears to be exactly what Tottenham will want from a so-called second-choice striker – he has been prolific in the last few seasons, he has scored goals at European level, and has the versatility in playing down the left-hand-side to give the manager another attacking option.
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In fact, while Kane is without doubt one the best strikers in world football, it remains to be seen how much the World Cup could take out of him ahead of the 2018/19 season, and were he struggle in the early phases of the campaign, Plea appears plenty good enough to deputise.
Thus, not only would the Frenchman be an ideal squad addition, but he also has the attacking ability to give Kane something to think about ahead of the new season.
Chelsea are in for a big summer and their fans here in the Transfer Tavern are a concerned bunch at the moment.
With the future of manager Antonio Conte still unclear and plenty of the clubs around them already acting in the transfer market to strengthen their squads.
The Blues were FA Cup winners last season but their league form faltered, and this season, whoever is in charge will hope to get the Londoners back in and among the Champions League places where many feel they belong.
To make an impression, the Blues are going to have to look for some top talent to bring in, and one player our landlord has been keeping a close watch on this summer is £40m-rated Croatia star Ivan Perisic.
The flying winger has once again impressed on the world stage for his country over in Russia, and it would be a huge surprise if there are not clubs sniffing around the 29-year-old Inter Milan star during this window.
His age might not represent value for money in some fans’ eyes, but rest assured, Perisic has plenty left in the tank and is a class act.
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Pacey, good in front of goal, and willing to put the work in, Perisic would be a superb addition to a Chelsea side which risks losing the likes Eden Hazard and Willian this summer.
Blues fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!
Newcastle could be in store for a busy end to the transfer window as they inch closer towards a deal for Inter Milan’s Valentino Lazaro, according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.
What’s the latest?
News broke of the Magpies’ interest in the Inter Milan player last week, with Steve Bruce admitting he was a target of interest following his agent’s visit to St. James’ Park last weekend.
However, the proposed move was cast into doubt when RB Leipzig also showed an interest in the versatile player, who can play wing-back, but Downie has now reported that a medical will now take place tomorrow.
He has added that there will be an option in the deal to make the move permanent for £20m, while journalist Fabrizio Romano has said the loan fee is set at €1.5m [£1.2m].
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Problems at wing-back?
The north-east outfit have been after the Inter player for a significant period of timeÂand given how the match against Everton played out Steve Bruce may be more determined than ever to add him to his squad.
Newcastle snatched a draw at Goodison Park but they were outplayed by the home side, who enjoyed eight shots on target compared to Newcastle’s three, with the possession split 55%-45% in favour of the Toffees.
Injury issues hindered the Magpies with Allan Saint-Maximin unavailable and Jonjo Shelvey being rested, but it was right wing-back that was a key position of weakness.
Both Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin were unavailable once again, leading Bruce to opt to play Isaac Hayden out of position, as he had done against Chelsea.
That highlights the lack of faith he has in Emil Krafth, and if the injuries to Manquillo and Yedlin are serious then it is easy to understand why he is so keen on Lazaro.
Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Newcastle signings…
In truth, even with all of his players fit the right wing-back position is one that is in need of improvement. Yedlin’s seven league starts suggests Bruce doesn’t have confidence in him, and Manquillo doesn’t provide the dynamism needed to be an effective attacking threat.
That is evidenced by his 70% pass accuracy, not to mention the fact that he has averaged 0.7 dribbles and 0.2 key passes per game this term, as per WhoScored.
Lazaro has just four starts this season, but last year he managed nine goal contributions for Hertha Berlin as well as 1.1 dribbles and 1.8 key passes per league game, indicating that he would be able to increase Newcastle’s attacking threat and therefore act as an upgrade on Newcastle’s current options.
Newcastle’s transfer activity may not stop with the Austrian, however, with their eye reportedly set on another exciting target.
Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is looking to emulate Gunners team-mate Alexis Sanchez and revealed that he is learning a great deal from his performances, according to reports from the Express.
Sanchez finally scored his first league goal of the campaign on Saturday when his side faced Leicester City, eventually finishing the game with a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory.
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The Chile international will therefore be confident of maintaining his fine form ahead of their Champions League clash against Olympiakos this Tuesday, and Oxlade-Chamberlain is hoping to match his team-mates level after Arsene Wenger urged him to have more belief in his abilities.
He said: “I saw the comments from the boss that I needed more self-belief. That’s what my dad says as well. So there might be a little bit of a trend there!
“I am quite critical of myself. I try to demand high standards of myself. Sometimes that can work in a negative fashion. I need to work on that.
“Self-belief is a massive part of the game. I might need to start showing I believe in myself around here.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain added that Sanchez is a role model in training, and that he learns from him every day despite his lower proficiency in speaking English.
“For someone like me to look at how many goals he (Sanchez) scored last year makes it hard for me not to look at him and learn from him,” he added.
“It’s his everyday mannerisms around the training ground, how he trains, his performances, how he scores goals, how he plays and how he defends from up front.
“These are all things that we can all learn, that everyone who watches football could learn from. I’ve definitely put myself in the bracket of somebody who learns from him every day.
“He’s very passionate, very upbeat and is a massive character in the team. For someone that doesn’t have amazing English, he manages to communicate so well to all of us and keep the dressing room upbeat.”
The Gunners will host top-of-the-table Manchester United at the Emirates this weekend in what is expected to be an epic encounter between the two rivals.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 22, made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring three goals.
Boring, boring, boring. That’s the view of Manchester United from where Paul Scholes sits, or something to that effect anyway.
And these days Scholes is often sitting on a TV pundits’ panel overlooking Manchester United games. So his view is probably even better than ours. And Paul, we’re seeing the same thing.
It’s not that United are boring, as such. It’s just that, well, on the pitch they’re boring. Which makes them very interesting for anyone who wants to write about them. Frankly, who doesn’t love reading about Louis Van Gaal? Who doesn’t love seeing him riled up? Who doesn’t love baiting the bear?
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Except, aren’t United on track in the Premier League? Ok, they drew against Palace in ultra-boring fashion at the weekend, but they’re still only four points behind the leading two. But perhaps that’s where any side including players like Mata, Herrera and Martial should sit, if not even higher up. United have a good team, it’s just that they’re not playing like a good team.
They have the best defensive record in the league, along with Arsenal. But when the teams you’re playing against are pretty much ok with a 0-0, and you don’t look like scoring, you’re going to have a fair few clean sheets. United’s problem is, of course, scoring goals. It’s the attacking record that sucks. They’ve managed 15 goals this season – the same amount as Norwich and two more than Sunderland, one fewer than Chelsea. Crisis clubs all.
Now, without wishing – and probably failing – to be too incendiary, if a manager like Sam Allardyce or Tony Pulis were the manager of Manchester United, where would they be? Probably in League 2 and battling it out against Crawley Town in the Johnstone’s Paint quarter finals. But possibly in a similar position. Having scored a small amount of goals, but have one of the best defensive records in the league.
These guys are seen as unsophisticated managers, and with good reason. But they know how to do the simple things in football. They know that overcomplicated is a sin, whereas doing the simple things well can put you in a good position. And getting the simple things right can give you a real platform to build upon.
So the first thing they’ll do when they come into a club is to sort out the defence. Once you stop conceding goals, you can try to add the goals later on. Once you start drawing 0-0 constantly, you can add the threat at the other end and start picking up 1-0 wins, and crucially points.
Louis Van Gaal is going in the opposite direction, however. His team dominate games, they pass it around and just dominate. But it’s a sterile domination. They do nothing with it. Like a lion prowling around in search of its prey. But they lack potency. They’re a lion who’s had a vasectomy. King of the jungle, but forced to enjoy the less obvious pleasures. Having no goals but 70% possession smacks of overcompensation….
When United welcome CSKA Moscow to Old Trafford tonight, they’ll face the same problem. A team who come to defend and maybe nick one on the break with some very good players who will pose United’s defence problems.
They’re top of their league, yet to lose domestically and hold a nine point lead at the top. They’re everything United wish they were, and they’re able to score goals.
It won’t be a boring night at Old Trafford, but that might be less because of what happens on the pitch and more about what happens off it. Everyone’s talking about United because they don’t give us enough to talk about on the pitch.
Although Jurgen Klopp’s improving Liverpool side did in-fact manage to register a positive result against Swansea City last time out, the future of their first choice ‘keeper between the sticks remains incredibly murky at Anfield.
For one reason or another, Simon Mignolet has never quite adjusted to his current position as Liverpool’s preferred shot-stopper, leading Reds fans to question why the Belgian goalkeeper was even signed at their club in the first place.
The January transfer window therefore offers Klopp the chance to replace his rather unpredictable no. 22 in favour of a much more suitable option, should the enigmatic German coach eventually decide to take pragmatic action this winter.
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His side have subsequently been linked with a vast array of talent so far this season, with Stoke City’s Jack Butland being singled out as the supposed first choice goalkeeping target on Merseyside.
However, as the rising Potters star will reportedly cost in the region of £20million if certain reports are to be believed – must Liverpool really move for Jack Butland this January, or should the Reds hierarchy ultimately point their resources elsewhere?
Well, Jack Butland would certainly represent an improvement on Simon Mignolet. Although we are yet to see just how reliable the 22-year-old shot-stopper really is, Liverpool’s current first choice goalie has simply made one too many mistakes to be taken seriously these days.
Mignolet isn’t an entirely useless ‘keeper by any accounts, he’s just not quite worthy of representing a side clearly trying to aim for bigger and better things this season. After a series of ridiculous antics against Bordeaux in the Europa League last week, it seems as if the 27-year-old goalkeeper hasn’t learnt from his previous mistakes at Anfield – subsequently casting serious doubt over his ability to help Liverpool improve as an all-round collective unit.
Jack Butland has conversely been in rather impressive form throughout the 2015/16 campaign thus far, keeping Stoke City in several important matches that could have easily gotten away from them. The 22-year-old is also expected to push Joe Hart for the no. 1 England jersey in the run up to Euro 2016, so Liverpool certainly wouldn’t be aiming too low in trying to source the in-demand Potters favourite this January.
The major stumbling-block standing in the way of the Reds in this deal, though, arrives in the form of Stoke City’s reported £20million asking price. It would be absolutely ridiculous for any club to spend that much on Butland at this early stage in his career, especially for a club like Liverpool, who have wasted more than enough resources on over-priced English players in the past.
It’s crazy how half a decent season in the Premier League is all it really takes to be labelled a £20million player in the modern era. Although Jack Butland has certainly looked promising so far, we’ve barely even known his name long enough to become accustomed to the 22-year-old’s services.
Joe Hart was clearly over-rated when he first burst onto the scene of course – and after a succession of major errors in the Manchester City net over the last few seasons, some are already calling into question his validity as Roy Hodgson’s first choice England ‘keeper this season.
Yes, competition for Butland could well increase in the not too distant future, but should that point alone force the Reds to act without consideration this January? Of course not.
With everything taken into account, Liverpool could easily look to land Jack Butland in light of Simon Mignolet’s fluctuating performances of late. However, as their current main man between the sticks hasn’t been completely awful throughout the duration of his entire Reds career, Klopp would seemingly be somewhat mad to spend £20million on a replacement goalkeeper – when he could arguably wait until the summer and sign Butland for a fraction of his current price.
The emerging Stoke City star looks good at this stage in the season for sure, but nowhere near that good.
Sunderland find themselves battling relegation once again, in what has been an utterly miserable season for North East football in the Premier League. The Black Cats have only slightly improved since the appointment of Sam Allardyce, though the recent win over basement side Aston Villa was critically important.
With Big Sam at helm, it’s hard to truly write the Wearside outfit off. A solid group of core players have performed well at times this season, and if you were to back anyone to keep the club afloat, it would be the vastly experienced former West Ham and Bolton boss.
The January window is vitally important to all those connected to the Stadium of Light club. Some astute additions and they could feasibly aim to pull off a great escape once again.
Perhaps those behind the scenes will go for broke and afford Allardyce the funds to carve out a squad worthy of Premier League survival.
If they do, here’s who they should sign.
ANDY CARROLL
Despite his Newcastle past, West Ham United forward Andy Carroll has been touted as a potential target this January to reunite with former mentor Allardyce. The 26-year old striker would be a truly wonderful addition to the ranks, no matter how controversial.
Though Jermaine Defoe remains a fine poacher, the frontline on Wearside has been largely ineffective on the whole this term. Fabio Borini and Steven Fletcher do not offer enough on a regular basis and goals have been hard to come by.
Should Carroll be tempted, the England international would more than likely be the focal point of the attack. With Sebastian Larsson, Duncan Watmore and Adam Johnson providing the crosses, the ex-£35m Liverpool man would expect plenty of service in the penalty area.
It’s almost a match made in heaven, if you can forgo the fact he is a Geordie through and through.
ANDROS TOWNSEND
Another England international now, in the shape of outcast Tottenham winger Andros Townsend. The jet heeled 24-year old looks set to leave North London this winter after falling out of favour at White Hart Lane, with Sunderland reportedly keen on landing him.
The England star would add a directness to the Black Cats not seen all season. His driven runs would be invaluable on the counter attack, whether it be taking the ball to the byline in order to cross, or shooting from distance.
Proven quality on the wings, making the transition from defence into attack almost seamless, is invaluable in a relegation scrap.
JAMES TOMKINS
Football – West Ham United v Sampdoria – Pre Season Friendly – Upton Park – 14/15 – 9/8/14James Tomkins – West Ham UnitedMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
James Collins was the man linked with a move Wearside earlier this season, though the Welshman recently extended his deal with West Ham. However, moving for teammate James Tomkins would be a wise move, should the Hammers be tempted to sell.
The 26-year old can perform admirably at either centre-back or right-back and was one of Allardyce’s most trusted players at Upton Park. A solid defender with a wealth of Premier League experience, the former England under-21 ace is a vast improvement on the current options on the Stadium of Light.
Though it’s unclear as to whether the Irons would be happy to sell, perhaps the lure of being a regular first-teamer in the North East could prove tempting for the player.
LAMINE KONE
Widely expected to join the Black Cats imminently, Sunderland fans can look forward to the arrival of Lamine Kone from Lorient. While there has been some improvement in Younes Kaboul recently, the former Spurs captain has looked clumsy and cumbersome on the whole this season.
Granted, signing defenders from the French league is a risk at times. However, the Ivory Coast international is almost the polar opposite to Kaboul in many ways. He’s an extremely physical defender, robust enough to make it on these shores while retaining a certain degree of pace.
His distribution may not be much to write home about, but paired next to a more experienced centre-back, could form a healthy understanding heading into the business season.
STEPHEN IRELAND
Quite a curveball this one, but Stoke midfielder Stephen Ireland could represent a bargain signing this winter. The Black Cats are crying out for a creative midfielder, someone who knows the Premier League inside out. While Ireland may not be the flashiest of names, his arrival could fix a long running problem in the team.
Too often, the link between midfield and the frontline has been almost non-existent this season. Ola Toivonen has been utilised as the second striker more often than not, and despite his obvious quality, has struggled to get to grips with life in the Premier League.
Ireland has been linked with a move away from the Britannia recently amid their array of attacking stars. Despite his stalling career, the former Man City ace is a fine technician and able to create chances for both himself and his teammates going forward.
He may not be Walter White’s lawyer but Saul Niguez has certainly attracted a lot of media interest in the past couple of days.
The young Spaniard is reportedly a player Manchester United are pursuing and if suggestions of a release clause are to be believed then this is a transfer with a genuine chance of happening.
At 21, Saul has a seen rise to prominence in the past two years having spent a season on loan at Rayo Vallecano. To sum Saul up, a fitting adjective would be versatile; during his relatively short time in the Atletico limelight he has played across the midfield, but seems to be most effective when playing centrally.
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Usually deployed in a defensive role, his ability to break up play and provide protection for the back four is undoubtedly what has attracted United’s interest.
His defensive prowess has been proven valuable at Atletico Madrid but many Red Devil fans will question whether or not this would be enough to dislodge Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick or Maroaune Fellaini?
This is where Saul’s versatility could give him the cutting edge. Not only a proficient passer of the ball, Saul has proven himself to be useful in the final third having scored a spectacular bicycle kick versus Real Madrid in a 4-0 win. Despite scoring not being a primary focus for Niguez, five goals in 35 games is nothing to be ignored.
With Fellaini’s recent links to an AC Milan move, a space in the United midfield could soon open up but obviously it does become a matter of whether or not Saul would be willing to come to Old Trafford. With Saul recently coming out stating his happiness at Atletico Madrid and the potential lack of Champions League football at United next season a case could be made that Saul is closer to staying than the exit door.
United’s lack of invention in the final third would not be solved by signing Saul but he does bring a drive that can bridge the gap between defence and attack. Of Saul’s 339 completed passes in the 2015-16 La Liga season so far, 91% have been forward passes.
This positive attitude could allow United to counterattack quicker and utilise the pace of players like Depay and Martial whilst also providing more space for players like Mata and Herrera.
If the supposed £19.5m release clause were to materialise as fact, then signing Saul Niguez could only be a positive for Manchester United.