All posts by h716a5.icu

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Anwar El Ghazi hasn’t had a quiet weekend by any means. The Lille loanee was at the centre of huge controversy in Aston Villa’s match with Leeds.

The Dutchman was sent off for an altercation with Patrick Bamford, although replays showed he barely touched the Whites’ striker.

However, L’Equipe are now reporting that his parent club wants to get rid of the player completely over the summer.

The Villans already have an option to buy in his loan contract so this will boost their hopes of him signing permanently further.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, the Villa Park faithful had plenty to say. One fan uttered that it would be the best pound for pound signing the club has seen in a decade.

Another supporter called it a no brainer to keep him whilst a further fan said that Lille could now give him to Villa on the cheap.

El Ghazi started the season off fairly inconsistently but has improved in recent weeks, barring his red card at Elland Road.

So far this term, the 23-year-old has scored five goals and claimed six assists in 31 Championship outings.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

It’s clear Tottenham need a replacement for Mousa Dembele. Far too clear, in fact, considering the state of their midfield after a couple of injuries since his departure. Well, they might just have found the man in Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso.

Despite their impressive run in the Champions League, it’s clear Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield needs a world-class addition to prevent them from being caught out on the counter-attack. Indeed, The Sun believe they’ve identified their man in Lo Celso.

The 23-year-old has impressed in La Liga this season, despite Betis being 13th. He’s played 30 times and has shown experience beyond his years in the heart of their midfield. Most importantly, he’s well-drilled defensively and that’s ideal for Spurs right now.

He’s not afraid to score a few goals too. He’s bagged five goals in seven Europa League appearances this season, along with nine in the league. The Argentinian is valued at £36m on Transfermarkt but has four seasons left on his contract so he won’t be cheap.

Obviously, the back-up to Harry Kane issue has been a problem in North London for a number of years now, so introducing goals from the engine room seems like a better way of fixing the over-reliance on the England international.

Daniel Levy can’t expect the players he tries to sign this summer to be cheap, though. At this point, he needs world-class talent to challenge the already-high quality they possess. They’ve saved money this last 12 months, so why not splash it now?

Spurs need a controlling midfielder and they’ve found him in Lo Celso, if the reports are to be believed. If they secure him, they will soon get used to challenging for trophies. If they don’t want to spend the money, then they can forget about winning anything anytime soon.

Spurs fans, who do you think your team should sign in central midfield? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Sam Allardyce has urged Tottenham Hotspur to resist the urge to play Harry Kane in the Champions League final, per TalkSport.

What’s the word?

Kane has been injured since the quarter-final first leg against Manchester City and subsequently missed the dramatic finish to the tie at the Etihad Stadium, as well as the nigh-on miraculous comeback against Ajax in the semi-finals.

He could be fit to play in the final, however, when Spurs take on Liverpool in Madrid on June 1.

But Allardyce, who briefly managed Kane as England boss, does not believe Mauricio Pochettino should risk the striker.

He said: “Would I put him in? No.

“All those games he’s been missing… for me, he would be a great sub.

“You would have a very upset Harry Kane but if it’s best for the team, it’s best for the team.

“When you’re injured for that period of time, having not had a game or that much training, I know the lads are a lot fitter now, but he’s bound to be a touch rusty.

“Tottenham fans will give me some stick, but I’m only thinking from my professional point of view as a manager.

“But it depends on how Pochettino sees him and how his fitness is.”

Ace in the pack

This could be a masterstroke from Pochettino if he follows Allardyce’s advice.

Kane is, of course, a world-class striker and he walks into any team in Europe but he simply hasn’t been playing football.

Starting with Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura as the main attacking weapons adds both flair and pace and Kane as an impact sub could have a phenomenal psychological effect on both Spurs and Liverpool.

If the scores are locked level in the second half, or if Pochettino’s men are narrowly behind, bringing the England captain off the bench could swing momentum in Tottenham’s favour.

Just this once, Allardyce may have got it spot on.

West Ham United should look to replicate their success in last year’s transfer window and follow it up this summer. If they do that, then the Hammers could be celebrating a place in Europe at the end of the upcoming campaign.

It is no secret that Manuel Pellegrini is going to need to strengthen a couple of areas of his squad before they all return and knuckle down for the season ahead, and bringing in some big names would certainly go a long way into helping them achieve bigger and better things.

However, one of their latest rumoured transfer targets, as good as he may be, does not send out the message that West Ham should be sending to their rivals, whilst it also does not help themselves out in the long-term future.

According to a report by The London Evening Standard earlier this week, the Hammers are thought to be interested in signing Chelsea’s Willy Caballero as a back-up option to Lukasz Fabianski.

As mentioned, the veteran shot-stopper could be seen as a good and smart decision by the London Stadium outfit as there is no doubt that he would be able to provide the competition and adequate cover should anything happen to the Poland international.

The Argentina international, who has also worked with Pellegrini at Manchester City and Malaga in the past, would also be an excellent option to have in the domestic cup competitions and could help the Hammers copy the likes of Watford and get them to a final.

Everybody loves a potential freebie, however, whether Chelsea look to tie him down to a new deal remains to be seen because of the transfer ban looming over their head; a new contract could be possible if they decide to accept the sanctions (The Sun).

But, should West Ham really be chasing a 37-year-old to fill the void that Adrian has left?

In a word, no. As good as Caballero is (and he can be pretty solid when called upon), he does not solve a long-term problem for the Hammers and would also likely be demanding wages that are a little extravagant to be a benchwarmer.

Yes, Pellegrini needs to find himself a back-up for the upcoming campaign, however, he should look to spend some money on a player that has a future ahead of him and one that can still develop a little further. That man would then be in a position to replace Fabianski when the Polish shot-stopper decides to hang his gloves up for good.

Nathan Trott is an excellent prospect and could be one for the future, however, bringing in someone in between him and the veteran they already have could be ideal for the Premier League outfit and their continuity.

Also, West Ham are supposed to be aiming for ambitious targets this summer. Not players that are at the end of the conveyor belt. What does signing a 37-year-old on a free transfer scream out? Ambition is not the word we would use.

Caballero might be highly decorated and his experience could be second-to-none, especially in a Hammers side that does not have any winners, but it is likely the Irons would only get 12 months out of him, making it a pointless switch.

As Pellegrini’s side are still in a moment of transition (admittedly, not as much as they were), taking a risk and being ambitious on a younger target should be the aim of the game and could benefit them in the long-term future.

West Ham fans, what are your thoughts on Caballero? Let us know below!

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Former Rangers player Derek Ferguson reckons the Ibrox side should sell Alfredo Morelos for around just £6m this summer, speaking on Open Goal’s season review show.

What’s he said?

Almost ever since his arrival Morelos has been talked about in terms of being a sellable asset and his 30 goals for the club this season have only fuelled a general belief he could one day exit Ibrox for big money.

Ferguson though reckons his discipline problems have gotten in the way of a truly mammoth deal, reckoning the Gers should bite on a deal well below eight figures.

Speaking on Open Goal’s season review show, the former midfielder said:

“I’m delighted that [Jermain] Defoe’s come in and he’s played exceptionally well. He [Morelos] is on the bench at the minute and he won’t be liking that because every footballer wants to play. I think he got carried away, thinking it was all about him. It’s not about you – it’s about the squad, it’s about the team.

“It [Morelos’ indiscipline] could’ve cost Rangers.

“He’s not a good role model. If the kids are going to the games, the way he’s carrying on, it’s not a good look.

“I think if they get maybe even £6m or £7m, I would snap your hand off for that. I see a quote this morning saying he wants to play in a more competitive league…but he’s not won the league.

“I don’t know where he gets that from.”

Is he right?

With five red cards this season there’s absolutely no doubt that Morelos has let both himself and his team down when it comes to discipline issues, but selling him well below his true value isn’t a viable option for Rangers here.

Managing Director Stewart Robertson told supporters earlier this year the club were looking at a fee close to what Celtic received for Moussa Dembele from Lyon, so clearly the Gers value him well beyond £15m.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

It’s not in Rangers to let him go for below £10m given his ability to find goals, his potential and his age. They may be the Ibrox side’s rivals but Celtic have paved the way for selling talent in Scotland, no long should stand-outs leave for bigger leagues on the cheap.

The Gers have Morelos tied down to a contract that doesn’t expire until 2023 and hold all the cards on a potential departure, now they must leverage that to get a fair fee.

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Romelu Lukaku to Newcastle United this summer?

Well, that would be some story.

The Belgium international continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford and it has been reported that Inter Milan want to sign him this summer.

However, according to former England defender Danny Mills, there might well be a chance for Newcastle to sign the centre-forward this summer.

Indeed, Mills told talkSPORT – in quotes carried by The Chronicle – that ‘maybe Newcastle’ could be in the market for Lukaku, who is rated at £76.5m by Transfermarkt.

It was certainly some claim from Mills when considering that Newcastle are not exactly known as a team who are loose in the transfer market.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

And it will not come as a surprise to learn that the Premier League club’s fans have been on social media laughing off the suggestion.

That said, stranger things have happened.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Newcastle supporters can be seen below:

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Manchester United fans are loving the latest transfer news, as Romelu Lukaku is reportedly edging closer to a summer departure from Old Trafford.

Reports this weekend once again linked Lukaku with a move to Inter Milan, and fresh news from Italy on Tuesday has sent United fans berserk on Twitter.

According to Calciomercato, the Belgian has actually agreed personal terms with the San Siro club, even lowering his demands to secure an exit from Manchester.

Antonio Conte, who is expected to be named the new Inter manager in the near future, is a big fan of Lukaku.

Manchester United fans it seems though, are not, and the reaction to the news on Twitter does not make pretty reading.

The Red Devils number nine scored 15 times last season and added four assists this season, but his woeful first touch, disappearing acts in big games and general poor play infuriated fans who have come to expect incredibly high standards from their centre forwards.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where the Old Trafford faithful are ecstatic over the recent reports…

Time to rejoice: Sean Longstaff is apparently keen on staying at Newcastle United another year despite interest from Manchester United being reported by the Telegraph in May.

Heading into the summer, Newcastle United are facing plenty of uncertainty; Rafael Benitez is yet to sign a contract extension, Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan is possibly buying the club from Mike Ashley, and ten players are set to be released, including midfielder Mo Diame.

It’ll come as welcome news, then, that one of Newcastle’s brightest prospects Sean Longstaff, who is said to be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s radar, is reportedly (as per the Chronicle) keen on continuing his development at St. James’ Park.

The 21-year-old burst onto the scene on Boxing Day, and though he has only accumulated around 2200 minutes worth of first-team football, it’s become abundantly clear to us all what kind of player Newcastle fans can expect in the future – a defensively sound midfield powerhouse.

Indeed, in just his fifth Premier League start, Longstaff was given Man of the Match for an exceptional defensive performance away at Wolves which saw him manage 7 interceptions and 18 recoveries, as per Manchester Evening News, while he has produced on average 1.9 tackles and 1.1 interceptions this season.

The importance of holding onto the Englishman has been increased ten-fold by the simple and alarming fact that Newcastle currently only have six recognised centre-midfield players. Diame, of course, is leaving and Isaac Hayden is constantly linked away. Another, Jack Colback, is said to have accepted a first-team role in black and white is unlikely, regardless of whether Benitez extends his stay.

All that would leave just Jonjo Shelvey (linked away himself), Ki and Longstaff behind. Yikes. So, hopefully for every member of the Toon Army, the 21-year-old in question will be sticking around.

Obviously, just because the North Shields-born midfield maestro apparently wants to stay doesn’t mean he will, considering the fact Andy Carroll claimed he wanted to remain with his boyhood charges in 2011, only to be forced out after Liverpool’s £35m bid. Still, his apparent commitment to the cause is undoubtedly a good thing for a side already shrouded in so much uncertainty.

Newcastle fans, what does the news about Longstaff mean to you? Can you see an effective recruitment drive happening this summer? Let us know in the comments below…

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Leeds United fans on Twitter have backed Patrick Bamford to have a better second season at Elland Road after a video of him scoring a peach of a volley in training emerged.

The short clip shows Bamford smashing one past the keeper from an acute angle, and many fans have gotten behind the forward, saying that the video shows exactly what he is capable of.

The former Middlesbrough man had a difficult first term at United, scoring just nine goals for the Whites. He endured an injury-plagued season though, and many fans believe that if he stays fit he could become a hero at the Yorkshire club.

Bamford does undoubtedly possess a lot of quality as he was voted Championship Player of the Year back in 2015, but he hasn’t been able to recapture that type of form at his new team.

Whites supporters are hopeful that the best is yet to come for Bamford and they are getting behind him ahead of the new season.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

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Tottenham Hotspur have pulled out of the race to sign Youri Tielemans from AS Monaco, per Football Insider.

What’s the word?

Spurs are attempting to secure their first deal since January 2018 this summer, and have been linked with a number of midfielders.

Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele, of Real Betis and Lyon respectively, are both targets, per the report, but an attempt to sign Tielemans has now been all but ruled out.

The central midfielder spent the second half of the season on loan at Leicester City and the Foxes are said to be interested in signing him permanently.

Spurs, though, have been put off by the prospect of paying over £40m for the Belgium international, with Monaco keen to receive a major fee for his services.

Indeed, Football Insider claim that Lo Celso and Ndombele are regarded as higher-quality acquisitions in this transfer window.

Recruitment is right

Tottenham are making the correct decisions here.

Tielemans made an impact during his time at the King Power Stadium – he scored three goals and registered five assists in 13 Premier League games – but his sample size may be too small to convince top clubs.

Ndombele, by comparison, is perhaps the best young midfielder in Europe while Lo Celso is a goalscoring No.10 – netting 16 times last season – who can either replace or provide competition to Christian Eriksen.

Tielemans should be nothing more than a back-up at this stage, should those two deals fall through.

That Spurs aren’t willing to shell out £40m for a sub-par recruit should encourage fans ahead of what is likely to be a busy summer.