According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen to bring exciting Boca Juniors forward Cristian Pavon to the London Stadium this summer, and Irons fans have been quick to have their say on the rumour.TEAMtalk report that the 22-year-old, who has been named in the Argentina squad for the Russia World Cup, is keen on a move to London, with the east London outfit, who should launch a bid for a £70,000-a-week Newcastle United star if the Magpies complete a deal for a 21-year-old, hopeful that they can get a deal for him over the line.Pavon, who can play on either flank, scored seven goals and provided a further 17 assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for Boca during the 2017/18 campaign, and would provide competition for the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio – and potentially new addition Felipe Anderson – for a starting spot under Pellegrini next term.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]West Ham supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the rumour, and while one said “he reminds me of Dybala”, another labelled him as “Jonathan Calleri Mk 2”.Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
Wolves could head into next season without veteran midfielder Joao Moutinho, with the 35-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign.However, they could keep his compatriot and midfield partner Ruben Neves, which would provide a huge boost to manager Bruno Lage’s plans for next term and indeed to the Molineux faithful.What’s the news?Wolves’ technical director Scott Sellars has revealed that the club are in talks with the 25-year-old over a new contract, after it was reported by the Daily Mail that Barcelona were interested in signing him this summer.Sellars said in an interview with the Express & Star: “Ruben is having a fantastic season and everybody should take a pat on the back in terms of how well he is playing.”We’re obviously talking to him and we all know how much he loves playing for the club. We know how much he has settled here, but he is also an ambitious young man.”As with all players, you try and have an open dialogue with them and their representatives to come to the best scenario for the club and the player.”Rightly so, elite clubs all over Europe will have Ruben on their radar, but we have an excellent relationship with him and will do things properly, and collaboratively, when the time is right.”Wolves’ most important playerThe 25-year-old has averaged a 7.20 Sofascore match rating in the Premier League this season, the best of any outfield player at the club, with only goalkeeper Jose Sa bettering him with an average match rating of 7.22.Having provided six goal contributions in 28 games, only centre-forward Raul Jimenez has had more than Neves, who has as many as fellow midfielders Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker combined (WhoScored).An accomplished passer of the ball, he ranks in the top 1% among midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for long passes completed per 90 (14.92), top 6% for passes into the final third (7.16) and top 3% for switches per 90 (4.49).Keeping hold of Neves would nearly feel like a new signing to Lage given the recent transfer speculation, and having him around for next season could help Wolves to make another push for European qualification in 2023.In other news: Wolves must avoid disaster on “instrumental” £8.1m-rated gem, he’s “brilliant to have”
A reporter has now shared a fresh update regarding Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover, setting a new “expected” deadline for the Owls in the process.
Who's in contention to buy Sheffield Wednesday?
Sheffield Wednesday are now over 10 days late on their initial soft deadline of December 5, but Kris Wigfield confirmed at the beginning of the month that things are moving in the right direction.
The co-administrator said on December 5: “As outlined previously, the Administrators set a target for naming a preferred bidder by today. That goal was designed to create momentum, and it achieved exactly that.
Billionaire takeover candidate makes Sheffield Wednesday decision as deadline nears
The Owls’ initial soft deadline is just one day away.
ByTom Cunningham
“We have received a number of strong, credible offers. That interest is extremely positive for the future of Sheffield Wednesday.
For various reasons, responsibly narrowing the field to one preferred bidder today has not proven possible.
“We understand the supporters’ desire for clarity, and we share that urgency, but this stage of the process is critical. We must:
• maximise returns to creditors; and
• secure the right long-term owner for Sheffield Wednesday.
“Rushing this stage would serve neither objective. Discussions with bidders remain active, detailed and constructive, and momentum has not slowed.”
Mike Keegan has since dropped a fresh report regarding the three candidates who have submitted bids for the club at this stage. According to the Daily Mail reporter, Mike Ashley, a group involving Dunfermline Athletic co-owner James Bord and a US consortium made up of John McEvoy and the Storch family have all made offers for buy Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls have set their price at £30m, but it’s rarely as simple as welcoming the highest bidders. Those at Hillsborough will be desperate to avoid another disastrous ownership and simply must get things right.
Meanwhile, the Sheffield Star’s Alex Miller has also provided some positive news for Sheffield Wednesday this week, sharing a “crucial” takeover update.
Alex Miller drops "crucial" Sheffield Wednesday takeover update
According to Miller, the final offers to buy Sheffield Wednesday are “expected” to arrive on Wednesday as the takeover enters a “crucial stage”. Things could reportedly move fast as a result in what can only be seen as positive news for the Owls.
Subscribe to our newsletter for takeover insights Want the full picture? Subscribe to our newsletter for clear, reliable coverage of the Sheffield Wednesday takeover race and other club ownership stories so supporters can understand the implications. Subscribe to our newsletter for takeover insights Want the full picture? Subscribe to our newsletter for clear, reliable coverage of the Sheffield Wednesday takeover race and other club ownership stories so supporters can understand the implications.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The reporter said on X: “Understand the Sheffield Wednesday takeover race is to enter crucial stage – with full complement of best and final offer bids expected on Wednesday. Things *could* move fast, though lots of permutations.”
Wednesday could certainly do with a boost ahead of the new year. On the pitch, they’ve unsurprisingly struggled since entering administration, with relegation to League One all but confirmed.
Whether the new owners keep faith in Henrik Pedersen ahead of their campaign in League One next season also remains to be seen. He’s stayed put even as the ship has welcomed water around him and that loyalty could be rewarded.
Amass repeat: Sheffield Wednesday now express interest in signing PL gem
The last few weeks haven’t all been smooth sailing, but Arsenal are now going to be top of the Premier League table for Christmas.
Mikel Arteta’s side had the challenging task of playing Everton at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday night, a task made all the more difficult by Manchester City’s comfortable win over West Ham United earlier in the day.
However, while it wasn’t necessarily easy, the Gunners did come away with all three points, and deservedly so.
Moreover, while it wasn’t a vintage performance, there were a few starters who made their mark on the game, including one who was even better than Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal's standout stars vs Everton
Starting at the back, it was a good night for David Raya.
Now, the Spaniard only had to make one save in the game, but his performance was so impressive for two other reasons.
Firstly, he commanded his area masterfully, making five high claims in the match and coming out on top both times he ran out of the penalty area.
Second, the former Brentford star completed seven long balls throughout the game, and had the forwards been a little more on their game, those could have led to more chances.
Moving into the defence, and once again, Jurrien Timber is coming away from a game looking like one of the best signings Arteta has ever made.
The Dutchman was solid as a rock at the back, and combined with Saka on more than one occasion, ending the game having completed 44 passes and 100% of his dribbles.
Speaking of Saka, the Hale End star was, as he usually is, undoubtedly the Gunners’ best attacker.
He might not have scored, but the 24-year-old was a constant threat on the right-hand side and on more than one occasion moved over to the left to help out there.
By the end of the game, the winger had taken four shots, completed four of six dribbles, played one key pass, won seven of 11 ground duels, and generally looked every bit the attacking talisman he is.
However, as sensational as Saka was, one of his teammates did just about outperform him.
The Arsenal star who outshone Saka vs Everton
The good news for Arteta and Arsenal fans is that at least a few other starters put in reasonable performances.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Viktor Gyokeres, for example, might still not be offering as much as some would like, but he did get his goal, and aside from the potential penalty shout, William Saliba had another stellar game at the back.
However, there was only one player in red and white who managed to just about outperform Saka on Tuesday night: Declan Rice.
Yes, the all-action midfield monster was just that on Merseyside, playing a role in all phases of play and looking every bit the £105m man he is.
Subscribe for in-depth Arsenal and Rice analysis Want more expert Arsenal and Premier League coverage? Subscribe to the newsletter for clear match breakdowns, player metrics, and tactical insights that turn key performances into meaningful analysis you can rely on. Subscribe for in-depth Arsenal and Rice analysis Want more expert Arsenal and Premier League coverage? Subscribe to the newsletter for clear match breakdowns, player metrics, and tactical insights that turn key performances into meaningful analysis you can rely on.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
One moment, the “world-class” machine, as dubbed by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, was helping Martin Zubimendi protect that backline by winning the ball, and the next, he was marauding with it up the pitch and creating a chance for the team.
It was a brilliant display from the Englishman and one that more than justified David Moyes’ post-match claim that he’s “probably the best midfield player in the world” and the 8/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Matt Verri.
Unsurprisingly, the former West Ham United captain’s statistics more than back up the praise.
Rice vs Everton
Minutes
96′
Touches
116
Accurate Passes
87/97
Key Passes
2
Big Chances Created
1
Shots
1
Tackles (Won)
3 (2)
Interceptions
3
Clearances
4
Recoveries
10
Ground Duels (Won)
6 (4)
Aerial Duels (Won)
3 (3)
Dribbled Past
0
All Stats via Sofascore
In his 96 minutes of action, he created one big chance, played two key passes, completed 87 of 97 passes, made three interceptions and four clearances, took one shot and 116 touches and won seven of nine duels.
Ultimately, the scoreline might have been a little close for comfort, but Arsenal were most certainly the better team against Everton, and Rice was their best player.
Bad news for Nwaneri: Arsenal have already agreed to sign their next Dowman
Nwaneri could have some serious competition for game time at Arsenal in the future.
After leaving Leeds United on a free transfer last summer, Gjanni Alioski has quickly set about finding his feet in his new home of Ah Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
The North Macedonia international played 171 times for the Whites in his spell at Elland Road, scoring 22 times and providing a further 19 assists. His all-action displays and certainly a maverick personality made him a bit of a fan favourite, and it was no surprise that Victor Orta penned a touching farewell note for him.
He said: “I knew Gjanni was going to be special the moment he walked into the building. The emotion I saw in his face and the face of his parents when (he) signed his contract here at Elland Road was a beautiful moment and I was sure he was going to give everything for Leeds United.
“Gjanni has been exceptional both on and off the field, his teammates will miss him greatly, as will all of the staff at Thorp Arch and Elland Road. We thank Gjanni for all of his efforts and we wish him every success for the future.”
And how has he succeeded at Ah Ahli.
In 21 top-flight games, Alioski has scored five goals and provided another seven assists despite predominantly playing at left-back, and that level of attacking threat is something Leeds have dearly missed this season.
Indeed, last summer, former Scotland manager Alex McLeish raved about the versatile ace and how much he had improved, saying: “For me, he’s been amazing, that guy. Alioski was like a jumping jack, a firework, the way he would do some really clever things, run at people and get balls in the box. Then all of a sudden he’s been asked to become a defender and a wing-back.
“I’ve got to say Leeds’ season was a big success and he was one of the players that helped to make it a big success. He’s had a cracking season. He’s probably short of being a top-class wing-back but he’s made certainly made a great attempt at it.Alioski is a player who’s surprised me very much in the wing-back role.”
The 30-year-old played 36 of the 38 Premier League games last season, with the only two fixtures he missed coming in the opening five matches. The versatile ace even chipped in with three assists in the last eight games in the top flight as Leeds enjoyed a superb end to the season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
While Alioski is enjoying life elsewhere, the Whites must be looking at the 30-year-old and wondering whether then-manager Marcelo Bielsa and co could have really pushed the boat out to try and keep him at Elland Road.
AND in other news: Marsch must unleash “phenomenal” rarely-seen Leeds star, he’s more exciting than Joffy
Crystal Palace had a very busy previous summer transfer window, not just in terms of seeing Patrick Vieira appointed as Roy Hodgson’s replacement in the manager position, but also with the number of players that were moved in and out of the club.
One player the Eagles signed on a permanent deal over the summer that has already proved to be a great bit of business from the south London club is defender Marc Guehi.
Since joining from fellow Premier League club Chelsea in a deal worth a reported fee of £18m, the centre-back has gone on to play the full 90 minutes in all but one of Palace’s 29 league games in this campaign, showing how important he now is to the team.
To highlight what a useful defensive figure he is, no other Palace player has managed to equal the average of clearances per game (3.5) that the 21-year-old has racked up.
Also, only Christian Benteke (82) has won more duels than the young defender this season, proving what a tough opponent he is at the back.
Overall, the former Chelsea youngster, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £31k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has earned himself an overall performance rating of 6.77, making him the sixth-highest rated player in Vieira’s squad according to WhoScored.
The defender’s performances for Palace even convinced England manager Gareth Southgate to give Guehi his first senior call-up during the current international break.
Back in June 2021, shortly before he made the move to Selhurst Park, Transfermarkt rated the Englishman’s market value listed at £9m, whereas it now stands at a massive £27m, showing a whopping increase of 200%.
Labelled as an “absolute tank” by Josef Bursik, as well as being a “massive” player on the pitch, Guehi has certainly been a successful signing for Palace and Vieira before even completing his debut campaign with the Eagles.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Moving forward, with his young age and the promise he’s shown on the pitch at Selhurst Park, the centre-back could go on to be a long-term figure for the south London club and for England if he can keep playing consistently and delivering solid performances.
In other news: “There is a feeling..” – CPFC dealt big injury setback that will leave Vieira worried
Some big Newcastle United team news has been dropped involving Ryan Fraser ahead of their game at Brentford in the Premier League this afternoon.
The Lowdown: Injury scare
The 28-year-old suffered an injury scare late on in the 1-1 draw at West Ham United last week, having to be substituted for Miguel Almiron with just over 10 minutes left in the match.
Eddie Howe has since revealed that the Scotland international missed the early part of training in preparation for the clash against the Bees, but also commented on whether the winger will be fit enough to play.
The Latest: Fraser OK for Brentford clash
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the fixture, Howe has now confirmed (via Jordan Cronin) that Fraser ‘will be OK’, while he also gave updates on the fitness of five other players in his squad.
A ‘late call’ will be made on Allan Saint-Maximin, while Javier Manquillo is ‘getting closer’ to full fitness, but Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Matt Ritchie all miss out once more.
The Verdict: Big news
If Saint-Maximin is declared unavailable for the match, then it is certainly a big plus to have another winger in Fraser fit enough to play.
Coupled with his one goal and one assist in the top flight so far this season, the former Bournemouth ace ranks fourth out of his Newcastle team-mates in terms of crosses per match (1.2). That is something from which Chris Wood should be able to thrive, as he wins far more aerial duels per game (10.2) than any Magpies player.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Howe will surely want a threat out wide if Saint-Maximin is absent, and Fraser would certainly provide that if he features in west London today.
In other news, NUFC are now ahead in terms of talks to sign this ‘phenomenal’ Ligue 1 star
Crystal Palace and Leeds are just two clubs name-checked with an interest in Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, TEAMtalk report.
The Lowdown: Impressive Blades loan
Gibbs-White is currently on loan at Championship side Sheffield United, where Billy Sharp has described him as ‘instrumental’.
The 22-year-old has scored eight of his 12 senior career goals with the Blades this season and has registered an impressive seven assists.
His form has helped Paul Heckingbottom’s side into the playoff places and it has also caught the eye of Palace officials, it seems.
The Latest: Eagles interest
According to TEAMtalk, Gibbs-White will be playing Premier League football next season, with Palace, Leeds and Southampton all keen, should parent club Wolves decide to sell.
Championship leaders Fulham are also name-checked with an interest, although Wolves are yet to decide on the player’s future.
The Verdict: Shrewd target?
Gibbs-White, who shares the same agent as Joachim Andersen and Odsonne Edouard, has enjoyed the best season of his career so far, playing in a variety of midfield and attacking roles in Yorkshire.
He could be a shrewd replacement for Conor Gallagher, with the Eagles not having the option to make his loan permanent from Chelsea in the summer.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
If Patrick Vieira fails to get Gallagher back at Selhurst Park next season, a replacement will be required, and Gibbs-White could be the ideal player going off his age, versatility and recent form.
In other news: Palace and John Textor now hit with off-field blow as news emerges.
Newcastle United are lining up a £50m summer bid for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.
The lowdown
The 22-year-old came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth ranks before joining Leverkusen in a £13.5m deal in the summer of 2019 (via Transfermarkt).
He has scored 33 goals and laid on 32 assists in 113 appearances for Die Werkself, with nearly half of those goals (15) and almost a third of his assists (nine) coming this season.
One of the Frenchman’s outstanding attributes is his pace. Clocked at 21.79mph earlier this season, he is among the quickest players in the Bundesliga. Also, German publication The Rheinische Post have described his pace as ‘irresistible’ and his dribbling as ‘amazing’ (via bundesliga.com).
The latest
Jones reported for The Daily Mail that Newcastle have been monitoring Diaby for months and scouted him during Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich on Saturday.
The Magpies are willing to break their transfer record to get a £50m deal done, but Leverkusen value him in the same bracket as Kai Havertz, who was sold to Chelsea for £75m in 2020.
The verdict
Would Newcastle have been further encouraged by what they saw against Bayern this weekend?
It was a mixed performance from Diaby. He failed to complete any of his three dribbles and lost five of the six ground duels he contested, but he created a ‘big chance’ and was duly unfortunate not to get another assist to his name (via SofaScore).
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Daily Mail’s report states that Newcastle are wary of greater competition for the 22-year-old emerging in the coming months, and that’s no surprise given his excellent record this season. Therefore, if they want to bring him to St James’ Park, time may be of the essence.
In other news, these were Newcastle’s three worst players against Brighton
Newcastle have already shown signs of their ambition in the transfer market since switching to Saudi PIF ownership towards the end of last year.
The signings of Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon and Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid are proving to be quality additions to Eddie Howe’s team, while Chris Wood, Matt Targett and Dan Burn have all also made an impact since arriving in January.
However, they haven’t yet added that one world-class marquee signing that will really capture the attention of not just the rest of the league, but the world – and PSG forward Neymar has emerged as someone who can be that man.
What’s the news?
According to reports in Spain, via the Daily Mail, Newcastle are interested in bringing the Brazilian superstar to St James’ Park this Summer – and they of course have the finances to fund such a deal.
After being booed by his own fans against Bordeaux last week, the report also states that he is now unsettled in France, and the Ligue 1 giants are willing to sell.
Rivalling them for his signature could be his former club Barcelona and Premier League champions Manchester City, who are on the lookout for a world-class forward to add to their team for next season.
Makes football a pleasure
Despite not having set the world alight this season, scoring just five goals in 14 Ligue 1 games, the winger is still worth £81m according to Transfermarkt.
Once hailed as a “genius” by Brazil teammate Rodrygo, the most expensive player ever is still someone who can terrorise defences, evident by the fact that he ranks in the top 2% in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions among wingers and attacking midfielders for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.85).
Also ranking in the top 2% for dribbles completed per 90 (3.83), top 1% for carries into the final third per 90 (3.79) and top 6% for nutmegs per 90 (0.43) – it’s not hard to see why Man City boss Pep Guardiola once said Neymar “makes football a pleasure.”
PIF’s riches are well known but even this move is perhaps a bit audacious even for them.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
However, if Newcastle do complete the signing, it will surely take the club to the next level on the pitch for his immense ability, and off the pitch from a marketing perspective.
To put things simply, there won’t be many more players available this summer that will instantly revolutionise the club and prepare them for the future.
In other news: Value crashed 54.5%: Ashley sealed a NUFC masterclass on 21 y/o dubbed “the real deal”