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Aston Villa may rue not signing Josh King after the forward joined fellow Premier League side Everton on transfer deadline day.

What’s the story?

Reports ahead of the January transfer window suggested that King could still be on Dean Smith’s side’s radar, after it was revealed over the summer that they had put in a bid of around £16m for the Norway international.

But on deadline day, Villa didn’t join the race to sign their long-term target, with the Bournemouth man eventually joining Everton on a cut-price deal.

Smith won’t be happy

Whilst Villa have enjoyed a remarkable Premier League campaign thus far – they find themselves just seven points off the top four but with two games in hand – there are some areas of concern for Smith, most notably in the striking position.

Summer signing Ollie Watkins has been a revelation in his debut campaign for the club, bagging ten goals already, but Villa have already seen first-hand just what can happen when their main man isn’t firing on all cylinders.

In that two-month period where he didn’t score in the Premier League, Villa won just three of their nine top-flight games, and Smith still felt compelled to keep him on during games, even during his most difficult patches – in fact, he hasn’t missed a single minute of top-flight football all season.

In part, that is down to the real lack of other options that Smith has available to him, what with Wesley only just trying to return back to full fitness, and Keinan Davis still incredibly raw – he’s managed just five goals in 75 games for the club.

In the 5 foot 11 King, they would have got someone with plenty of experience in the Premier League (he’s played 161 times in the competition) and a player who could have eased the burden on Watkins, either off the bench or allowing Smith to completely rest his main man.

King would have brought what his previous manager Eddie Howe described as his “unique pace” to the table, and offered the Villa boss a different option up front.

The fact they weren’t able to get him for the second transfer window in a row, means Smith has been left desperately short in the number nine role, and an injury to Watkins could be catastrophic. The manager will be worried about such a scenario, but there isn’t a lot he can do about it now, other than to manage Watkins as best he can.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to make plenty of changes for tonight’s FA Cup clash with Watford at Old Trafford.

And the worrying thing for their opponents is this United side is still looks very strong and could cause a lot of problems for several teams in the Premier League.

The FA Cup third round will give Solskjaer the perfect opportunity to rest some of his key players like Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

However, Edinson Cavani being banned means he’s unavailable for Saturday, so Odion Ighalo may yet feature at some point in the second half.

Here is Football FanCast’s predicted starting line-up for this evening’s entertainment, which sees Solskjaer ring nine changes to the team that lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Dean Henderson may be pushing for a recall after a fine performance against Pep Guardiola’s side, but we’re backing David de Gea to replace him in goal having been trusted with the gloves for most Premier League games.

But Victor Lindelof could drop out to give Eric Bailly a chance to stake his claim alongside club captain Harry Maguire with Alex Telles and Axel Tuanzebe forming the rest of the back four.

It’s likely Solskjaer will stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which means he may hand Donny van de Beek a surprise start – since his arrival last year, the new summer recruit has made just eight starts from his 20 appearances across all competitions so far, via Transfermarkt.

Nemanja Matic is also set for a start in the midfield, with support from Juan Mata ahead of him.

Daniel James could be given a rare opportunity in his favourite position as a right winger as he looks to rebuild his confidence after a difficult start to the season, so bringing Mason Greenwood in on the left and switching Marcus Rashford upfront makes sense.

AND in other news, Man United must bite the bullet and sell Phil Jones in January…

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must unleash Fred on Leeds United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon if Manchester United are to stop Patrick Bamford from finding the back of the net.

United host Leeds this weekend looking to continue their new-found momentum that includes a draw against Manchester City and a thriller at Sheffield United.

Fred was left out of the past four squads in a row after being sent off against Paris Saint-Germain, but it would be a surprise to not see him be named in the squad to face Leeds at Old Trafford.

In nine games in the Premier League, the 27-year-old is averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, which suggests that he could be required to do a job against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who have scored 22 goals in the top flight so far this season.

United have conceded nine goals in their past five games in all competitions, including a brace against Premier League strugglers Sheffield United, so Solskjaer will be hoping to shore up his leaky defence, especially when you consider the fact that Bamford has bagged eight goals in 13 games this season.

While both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could be rested for the Pennines derby, Solskjaer must unshackle Fred in a central defensive role alongside Paul Pogba, dropping the Brazilian deeper, which will allow the Frenchman to push forward and cause havoc like he did at Bramall Lane.

Perhaps Maguire will keep his place, but Fred could be the man to stop Bamford, who is surely the danger man ahead of the derby, given his incredible run of form since the start of the season.

But if United can keep the 27-year-old quiet, then they will stand a better chance of beating Bielsa’s side, having thumped Newcastle at Elland Road last time out.

Valued at up to €30m (£26m) via CIES, the former Brazil international has shown that he can be Solskjaer’s trusted man for the big occasion, as he bullied Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League rematch last month. 

This kind of aggression and physicality could give United the cutting edge in the midfield, and if he can stick tightly to the two-time England U21 international, he could perhaps starve the supply chain and cause Bielsa all sorts of problems.

If he’s fully fit and firing on all cylinders, he must be one of the first names on the team sheet, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Forget Sancho: Woodward must sanction Man Utd swoop for RB Leizpig defender Dayot Upamecano…

Marlon Harewood has tipped Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard to give Jermain Defoe a new contract.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast reporter Tom Ward, the former Premier League striker believes the Ibrox boss is most likely to green light a new deal for the veteran, 38, at the end of the season.

Defoe recently revealed he wanted to earn a contract extension in an interview with the BBC’s Football Daily show as his current contract is set to expire in 2021.

His £65,000-per-week wages make him the club’s highest-paid player, which could somewhat complicate the matter, especially when you consider the fact that he earns nearly double what Alfredo Morelos currently receives.

But Harewood insists his former teammate has more than justified a new deal as he has continued to score goals on a good level consistently.

He told FFC: “I played with him at West Ham and he was unbelievable.

“Knowing Stevie G [sic], I would’ve thought so because at the same time it keeps the other strikers on their toes, knowing you’ve got this legend who can still bang goals in at his age, they’re the sort of players that you want around your squad.

“So, I would give him a new contract because he’s just going to go somewhere else and do what he’s got to do. At his age, he’s still proving he can score goals and be a threat.”

Gerrard has some big decisions to make regarding the first-team squad as he has several players with deals running out next summer, with Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Leon Balogun also on the list.

Defoe has consistently been one of the most prolific centre-forwards in the world as his impressive resume more than speaks for itself – over 300 goals in his club career so far. He hit the milestone during the 2-0 win over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership last month.

Rangers reached a pre-contract agreement with the former 57-cap England international that saw him join from English Championship club Bournemouth in the summer, after initially arriving at Ibrox on loan in 2019

Since then, he has made 56 appearances for Gerrard’s side, scoring 27 goals and supplying 10 assists in all competitions.

Recently described as a “superb” beast by Gers assistant manager Gary McAllister after the Livingston win, Defoe has still found his chances limited this season, having made just three appearances in the Premiership, as he faces stiff competition from Morelos as well as new recruits Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe for a place in the starting line-up.

As we’ve previously discussed, we would have no qualms if Ross Wilson ultimately decided to cash in on him, as he has less than 12 months left on his current deal.

With that being said, these kind of numbers would be equally hard to replace, as Itten has arguably struggled to hit the ground running, with just two goals in his last ten games for his new club to his name. One more year will hardly hurt, that’s for sure, as he may be willing to take another wage reduction as well. Let’s face it, the Gers are probably better off getting rid of Greg Stewart instead.

AND in other news, Rangers receive huge injury boost as Leon Balogun survives unscathed against Sierra Leone…

MatériaMais Notícias

A cotação do dólar a R$ 4,15 não impediu os jogadores do Corinthians de desfrutarem a tarde de folga em Orlando, nos Estados Unidos. Sem treino e liberados pelo técnico Tite da concentração, os atletas aproveitaram para fazer compras e curtir os parques temáticos da cidade.

O grupo se dividiu. Enquanto alguns atletas foram aos famosos outlets de grandes marcas, outros aproveitaram para curtir algumas atrações da Disney.

A folga já estava prevista e era aguardada não apenas pelos jogadores e membros da comissão técnica, mas também por seus familiares:

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasAtlético MineiroUm presságio? André vai treinar em separado do elenco do Atlético-MGAtlético Mineiro21/01/2016CorinthiansTite por um dia: após a debandada, monte o seu Timão ideal para 2016Corinthians21/01/2016CorinthiansCorinthians avança e faz oferta de 3 milhões de euros por meia argentinoCorinthians21/01/2016

– Estou com um monte de encomenda. Minha família mandou vários pedidos (risos) – brincou Malcom, em entrevista ao LANCE!.

Pela manhã, os titulares na vitória por 3 a 2 sobre o Shakhtar Donest (UCR), na última quarta-feira, fizeram um trabalho regenerativo na academia do hotel no qual o clube está hospedado em Orlando. Enquanto isso os reservas realizaram um trabalho leve no gramado, sob os olhares do técnico Tite.

Após o treino desta sexta-feira pela manhã o Timão segue para Fort Lauderdale, onde enfrente o Strikers, sábado, às 17h (de Brasília). A equipe norte-americana tem Ronaldo Fenômeno como um dos sócios. Depois, no domingo, a delegação alvinegra retorna ao Brasil.

أعلن الفرنسي باتريس كارتيرون المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، تشكيل فريقه أمام غريمه التقليدي الأهلي، في المباراة التي ستجمعها اليوم في قمة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في الدوري المصري.. إعلان التشكيلين

الأهلي يلتقي مع نظيره الزمالك في المباراة التي تقام على استاد القاهرة الدولي، في الجولة الثالثة من المسابقة الأكبر محليًا.

ويدخل الزمالك اللقاء محتلًا المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 6 نقاط، متساويًا مع الأهلي صاحب المركز الثالث بنفس الرصيد. تشكيل الزمالك أمام الأهلي في مباراة القمةحراسة المرمى: محمد أبو جبل. خط الدفاع: أحمد فتوح – محمود الونش – محمود علاء – حمزة المثلوثي. خط الوسط: طارق حامد – إمام عاشور – أشرف بن شرقي – يوسف أوباما –  أحمد سيد “زيزو” الهجوم: عمر السعيد.

Antonio Conte could be about to help fund Chelsea’s lavish transfer spending by raiding his former club’s squad. 

The Blues have made major moves in the transfer window so far by signing the likes of Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva. However, Frank Lampard isn’t finished splurging and is still eyeing up other potential targets.

Conte could be about to aid this by making a triple swoop from his old club, according to the Daily Express.

The report claims that N’Golo Kante is one of Inter Milan’s top priorities, but Chelsea are demanding a mammoth £80m before they let the Frenchman leave. Despite the fact that Lampard doesn’t see room for Kante in his future plans, the club aren’t budging on their asking price.

Conte’s interest doesn’t stop there either – the Italian is also interested in snapping up Emerson Palmieri and Olivier Giroud, who could both turn out to be surplus personnel once the new Premier League season starts.

Emerson has been linked with a move away from west London but Giroud’s place could also be under threat. With both Werner and Tammy Abraham in the picture, the 33-year-old could used as a pawn in Lampard’s transfer game.

Chelsea have outlined the urgency to recruit a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has lost the faith of the manager. A centre-back is also a priority, according to a recent report from the Daily Star.

Declan Rice is among the names heavily linked with a Chelsea move, along with Kai Havertz. who will cost the Blues about £90m.

If Conte can find the funds to sign the Chelsea trio, he could provide his former club with a mountain of cash, which could further fuel an already spendthrift transfer window for Lampard.

Which of the three potential Conte signings would you most like to see leave? Join the conversation in the comments below…

أدلى نونو سانتو المدير الفني لفريق توتنهام بتصريحات عقب فوزهم اليوم على نيوكاسل يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث فاز توتنهام بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين. أهداف مباراة توتنهام ونيوكاسل

وقال نونو سانتو عن ما حدث قبل نهاية الشوط الأول وتعرض أحد المشجعين لأزمة قلبية، وتدخل ثنائي توتنهام سيرجيو ريجيلون وإريك داير من أجل إيقاف المباراة،: “كان رد فعلهما غريزيًا وفوريًا، نعلم أنه مستقر الآن وهذا أمر جيد”.

وأضاف في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “تعاملنا بشكل جيد اليوم مع المباراة، لكننا لم نبدأها جيدًا، كنا نعرف ما كان قادمًا، مع كل شيء يجري حول نيوكاسل، في النهاية كان الأداء إيجابيًا”.

وأضاف: “بقينا في المباراة، حافظنا على الثبات، وبعد ذلك بدأنا في إحداث مشاكل لهم، بالنسبة لنا جميعًا كان من المهم أن يسجل هاري كين، كنا سعداء حقًا لأنه حصل أخيرًا على الهدف الذي يستحقه”.

وواصل: “إنها عملية طويلة، لكننا اليوم اتخذنا خطوة أخرى، ونجحنا في الرد على الهدف الذي استقبلناه، وتمكنا من تحسين أدائنا”.

وأردف: “يحتاج اللاعبون إلى اللعب معًا، لذلك أعتقد أنه كلما قضينا المزيد من الوقت في التدريب، سيأتي التحسن”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ainda na disputa por uma vaga na Libertadores, o São Paulo enfrenta o Atlético-MG na próxima rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Com a vitória, o tricolor pode acabar beneficiando o rival Corinthians. Em entrevista coletiva, o volante, Thiago Mendes, mostrou incômodo com a situação.

MatériaMais Notícias

A FutCup, maior competição de futebol entre crianças e adolescentes do país, irá realizar o sonho de muita gente: jogar futebol no Estádio do Morumbi! A oportunidade foi dada a jovens de 7 a 17 anos. Três etapas, realizadas em colégios de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro, definirão quais equipes irão se encontrar na Etapa Final, que será realizada no estádio do São Paulo.

No dia 29 de agosto foi dada a largada. O evento aconteceu em São Paulo, no Colégio Miguel de Cervantes, incentivou o espírito de equipe e o respeito, mostrando-se também como um novo celeiro de craques. Quase mil atletas fizeram parte do evento. As categorias sub8 e sub10 contaram com um festival misto sem competição. As categorias competitivas foram: sub12, 14 e 16 Masculino e Sub17 Feminino.

Motivados pela campanha-tema do torneio “Vai Pra Cima”, os jovens mostraram um futebol alegre, com muitas jogadas plásticas e belos gols. Os destaques da competição ficaram por conta da equipe feminina do Colégio Autêntico, que ganhou todos os jogos, a Equipe Gold FC, montada por amigos e também campeã invicta (sub16) e a equipe do IESF, que ganhou a final do sub14 Masculino por 6 a 0 contra o Colégio Notre Dame.

Antes de chegar ao Morumbi, a FutCup ainda passará por Rio de Janeiro (19 de setembro – Colégio Salesiano Rocha Miranda) e voltará a São Paulo (24 de outubro – Colégio Salesiano Santa Terezinha). Os times podem ser montados por escolas, clubes, escolinhas de futebol ou pelos próprios atletas. As inscrições devem ser feitas no sitewww.futcup.com.br