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Phil Hay on Twitter immediately shut down any rumours that Leeds United would once again look for a move for Uruguayan striker Abel Hernandez.

The forward proved his striking credentials in English football during his spell at Hull City where he netted 20 goals in the Championship in one season.

The 28-year-old has now been released by CSKA Moscow and is available on a free. Leeds were chasing him back in 2018, but it seems that they’re unwilling to go back in for him this time around.

Need a striker

Leeds are in desperate need for a forward this summer. Although Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford scored quite a few goals between them, the Whites’ conversion rate was the worst in the Championship last season.

The strikers at Elland Road have been squandering too many chances over the past 12 months, and if Leeds are to go up next year that has to stop.

Hernandez is a proven goalscorer at this level, and if he is available for free it doesn’t make any sense for Victor Orta to just ignore that.

29 goals in 52 Championship appearances tells you all you need to know about the Uruguayan’s proficiency up top.

Best option available

Leeds have been linked with loads of strikers since the season ended. Michael Frey and Dwight Gayle immediately spring to mind.

The Newcastle man would cost close to £20 million, whilst Frey is valued at £2.25 million by Transfermarkt.

Both of these fees would likely add up to more than Hernandez’s yearly wages if he is signed on a free transfer.

Frey has never been a prolific scorer in his career, and whilst Gayle has been a fantastic Championship striker, Hernandez may be better value for money.

Gayle has an unbelievable strike rate scoring 47 goals in 72 Championship appearances, but Hernandez is one of the only players in the world who can rival that in this division netting 29 in 52.

Leeds would be saving themselves a lot of cash if they opted for Hernandez rather than Gayle, and despite his marginally worse goalscoring record he would still be the better signing.

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According to The Stoke Sentinel, Wolves are one of the clubs interested in Barnsley goalkeeper Adam Davies. With that in mind, John Ruddy could be at risk of losing his number two spot.

What’s the word?

Davies has had a tremendous season with Barnsley in League One. With the Tykes, he helped them achieve promotion back to the Championship, whilst he was also recognised as the best stopper in the league by earning a place in the PFA League One Team of the Year.

The 26-year-old has been extremely solid, making 42 outings in the league across the 2018/19 season.

He’s been a key figure for the Reds for a number of years now but a bigger move could be on the horizon, per The Stoke Sentinel.

The report claims that Stoke are one of the sides interested in his services, whilst Birmingham, Bristol City, Hull and Brentford are also weighing up a move.

Wolves are the only Premier League club thought to be looking at the player. Davies is out of contract so unless he signs a new deal, will be available for free.

Ruddy moving on?

John Ruddy was absolutely vital to Wolves’ promotion-winning campaign in 2017/18 and quickly became a fan favourite, remaining ever-present right the way through the season.

But, with Rui Patricio arriving last summer, he’s been demoted to cup ‘keeper and, as a result, has hinted at signs of frustration. In quotes, per The Express & Star in March, he thought he deserved more of a chance at the beginning of the season.

Last August, the former Norwich man claimed that he’d hope a solution could be found after Patricio came in. But with Davies being eyed up it could now mean Ruddy leaves completely.

It would be a huge hole to fill but, considering the step up from League One to the Premier League, it’s extremely likely that Davies would be far happier than Ruddy to appear as the club’s goalkeeper in cup competitions.

By bringing in the Barnsley man they should have no worries about his professionalism – an undoubted quality of Ruddy. Davies is the current captain of the Yorkshire club and would be a tremendous squad player.

With the possibility of Europe looming next term, it will be incredibly difficult for a host of players to turn down a move to Molineux. That includes Davies, whose game time will ultimately take a huge hit if he signs for Nuno’s outfit.

Everton have enjoyed a terrific second-half of the season which resulted in a pleasing top-half finish, just short of Europa League qualification. Now, it’s just about getting to that level consistently if this exciting Toffees project really is to hit a new level. 

Indeed, to think that Marco Silva’s side were desperately struggling at the beginning is a distant memory. Their comeback has been very respectable and marks huge potential ahead of next season, where a big summer budget could leave them in great shape.

Obviously, like a number of clubs around them, Everton have already been linked with a host of players and ones that could potentially have a huge impact on their future. One who stands out from the rest is 24-year-old Belgium winger Leandro Trossard, due to his magnificent performances in the Pro League this season.

Trossard, (who is valued at £12.6 million on Transfermarkt) is a winger that has been quite brilliant for Genk this season, hence why a number of teams are all interested in his signature, with the Sunday Express (05/05, Sport pullout, p7) via HITC, claiming the Merseyside club are one of them.

From the left-hand side, Trossard has a goal every other game – with 22 strikes and a handy 10 assists in 44 appearances, a quite stupendous record no matter what league.

If he could get even close to replicating that brilliance in an Everton shirt, then the Toffees could bag themselves an accomplished forward at the very least, replacing the inconsistency of Theo Walcott and Ademola Lookman. Just imagine that, Toffees, someone to actually create something in the final third.

Regardless of whom he may replace, Everton would boast tremendous attacking options as Trossard can not only play on the wing, but as a number ten or second striker as well. Frankly, an attack that includes Richarlison, Bernard, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Trossard would strike fear into the heart of most Premier League teams.

Why’s it a realistic signing? Well, Trossard isn’t quite at the top level just yet, much like Everton themselves right now. Together, however, they could grow. That’s what those at Goodison Park need right now, some excitement and a player to lift fans from their seats.

Everton have the opportunity to assert themselves as a top seven contenders next season and the early capture of a player like Leandro Trossard is exactly what they need to kick-start the window.

Toffees, would you back such a move? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

حقق منتخب الأرجنتين فوزًا هامًا للغاية بثنائية نظيفة على نظيره بيرو، ضمن الجولة الرابعة من تصفيات كأس العالم 2022 في قطر، لقارة أمريكا الجنوبية.

تقدم نيكولاس جونزاليس لـ الأرجنتين في الدقيقة 17، قبل أن يضاعف لاوتارو مارتينيز النتيجة في الدقيقة 28.

ثنائية في الشوط الأول قتلت المباراة، وحافظ المنتخب الأرجنتيني على النتيجة حتى صافرة النهاية، ليحقق 3 نقاط غالية في التصفيات بعد التعثر في الجولة الماضية أمام باراجواي.

فوز الأرجنتين رفع رصيد راقصي التانجو إلى 10 نقاط في المركز الثاني، بفارق نقطتين عن المتصدر البرازيل، بينما بيرو بنقطة واحدة في المركز التاسع. أهداف مباراة الأرجنتين وبيرو

أشاد رونالد كومان المدير الفني لفريق برشلونة الإسباني بأداء لاعبيه والصورة الجماعية التي ظهر عليها البارسا بعد الفوز على دينامو كييف الأوكراني برباعية نظيفة والتأهل لدور الـ16.

طالع تقرير مباراة برشلونة ودينامو كييف

وامتدح كومان لاعبه الفرنسي أنطوان جريزمان، واللاعب الشاب مينجويزا، ونشرت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية تصريحات المدرب الهولندي عقب المباراة.

وقال كومان: “حققنا هدفنا وهو الحصول على نتيجة جيدة والتأهل إلى دور الـ16، الفريق أظهر قوته وافتقدنا الفاعلية في الشوط الأول، لكننا حققنا ذلك في الشوط الثاني، يمكن أن نكون سعداء للغاية”.

وأضاف: “من الناحية التكتيكية، كنا أفضل مما كنا عليه في المباراة الأولى ضدهم، خاصة في خط الوسط، كان لدينا قوة وتركيز، وفي المباراة الأولى افتقرنا إلى ذلك”.

وتابع كومان: “التناوب هو إعطاء راحة لبعض اللاعبين ومنح الفرصة للآخرين للمشاركة، إنهم يستحقون ذلك، هناك لاعبون يعملون كل يوم للحصول على دقائق، واليوم تمكنوا من الحصول على مكافأة”.

وأستطرد: “اليوم رأينا فريقًا جائعًا للغاية، سجلنا أربعة أهداف، وتمكن لاعبون مهمون من الراحة، واستحق الشباب هذه الدقائق”.

وواصل: “مينجويزا أظهر اليوم أنه يمكننا الاعتماد عليه، لقد تدرب معنا لمدة 5-6 أسابيع، لقد أعطانا انطباعًا جيدًا، واليوم أنجز مهمته مثل كثيرين آخرين، هناك العديد من الخيارات ليشارك يوم الأحد أيضًا”.

وشدد كومان بشأن الأداء الجماعي للاعبي البلوجرانا: “لقد أحببت الصورة الجماعية التي أظهرناها اليوم، هذا ما نريده”.

وعن جريزمان، أردف: “جريزمان لعب عدة مباريات ومع منتخب بلاده أيضًا، لهذا السبب لم يبدأ أساسيًا اليوم، شارك لمدة نصف ساعة فقط بسبب مشكلة جسدية”.

وأتم مؤكدًا: “أنطوان لاعب مرح يعمل منذ البداية بجد، ويبذل قصارى جهده دائمًا للفريق والنادي، من المؤسف أنه ليس لديه حظ في تسجيل المزيد من الأهداف، الطريقة الوحيدة لتغيير هذا هو العمل بجدية أكبر، إنه يحاول واليوم تميز”. ملخص مباراة برشلونة ودينامو كييف (4-0) دوري أبطال أوروبا

Matteo Guendouzi is a player that continues to divide opinion amongst the Arsenal fans.

It has become rather difficult to know what the young Frenchman offers the side at times as his performances can often blow hot and cold.

At times, he has looked an inspired signing and one that has looked good enough to be considered one for the future, however, there have been performances that will have left fans scratching their heads in the same way that they did when Arsenal first signed him. We had no idea who he was back then either.

He can be a rather mediocre talent at times and can appear to struggle with the ball at his feet as he is guilty of losing possession on a number of occasions. He might wear his heart on his sleeve and has plenty of potential, but Guendouzi is not quite the player that the Gunners can rely on just yet, especially if one of their reported targets is available for a bargain fee.

According to Il Mattino (via Sport Witness), Amadou Diawara is thought to be available for a fee of just €20million (£17.6m) and Arsenal are said to be interested in the player – as are fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Guinea international has struggled for game-time at Napoli this season and it seems Carlo Ancelotti is prepared to allow the 21-year-old to leave the Serie A outfit for the low transfer fee.

Diawara might be around the same age as Guendouzi, however, he has plenty of pace and also has the physicality to make him a success in the Premier League.

He is very much in the midfield destroyer mould, but has a truly impressive passing ability and rarely gets dispossessed in midfield. Diawara is the kind of player who loves to break lines and is very strong, whilst his positional awareness is rather incredible given his age. He is extremely adept at linking the defence to the attack but does more of the unheralded grunt work in midfield.

Teaming him up alongside the likes of Lucas Torreira could work wonders for Emery’s side and could leave Guendouzi’s place in the team in serious doubt if he were to arrive at the Emirates Stadium.

However, if he is available for just £17.6m, then Arsenal should seriously think about capturing his signature this summer.

Arsenal fans, do you think the club should look to sign Diawara this summer? Would he be an upgrade on Guendouzi? Let us know your thoughts below!

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Manchester United are keen on a summer move for Newcastle United prospect Sean Longstaff, according to Sky Sports, and Magpies fans have been quick to react on Twitter.

The outlet say he fits the transfer mould for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the Old Trafford boss keen on adding young, home-grown talent to his squad that he can develop into trophy winners.

For their part, the Magpies say he is not for sale and have not yet been contacted by the Manchester club about a potential move.

Longstaff burst onto the Newcastle scene this season, making a string of impressive English Premier League appearances between December and February before suffering a season-ending injury.

Coming through the club’s academy system, fans feel he has massive potential and is the kind of player that can be built around in seasons to come.

Loose cannon or vital cog in the Newcastle’s machine? The Magpie Channel think it would be a mistake to sell the player in the video below…

There is nonetheless concern that the decision makers at Newcastle could be tempted to cash in on his talent rather than invest in his future.

These supporters have taken to Twitter this week to share their thoughts on potentially selling the 21-year-old…

Will Newcastle United be able to hold on to Sean Longstaff? Share your thoughts in the comments below…

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BBC Football pundit Mark Lawrenson has delivered his last set of Premier League score predictions for the season ahead of the final day on Sunday, and he has made an interesting claim about Newcastle United.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Magpies travel to already-relegated Fulham this weekend in what is a largely meaningless match for both sides, with only the visitors able to finish higher – by a single place – in the top-flight standings.

It is no surprise then that Lawrenson was keen to focus on what the uncertain future of Toon manager Rafa Benitez instead, talking about what the future holds for the Spaniard under owner Mike Ashley.

The former Liverpool boss’ contract runs out this summer, as of yet there has been no suggestion as to whether he is going to stay or not – the fans have certainly made it clear what they want.

Lawrenson certainly seems to sympathise with Ashley when it comes to investing his own money though, telling BBC Football:

“The big questions, as ever, for the Magpies are will manager Rafa Benitez stay, and will he get the money that he wants to spend?

“I think the answers are ‘yes’ and ‘no’… but he will get some of it, and enough to make some more improvements to his squad.

“We already know Magpies owner Mike Ashley is never going to splash the cash, because he could give Benitez £100m and he is realistically only going to finish seventh, at best.”

Fair comments?

They probably are, yes.

Even if Benitez was given a war-chest to spend by the controversial business tycoon, he would undeniably find it difficult to finish any higher than seventh.

The likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United have been so inconsistent this season, yet seventh-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers are still nine points adrift of the latter.

It will therefore be difficult for Newcastle to make a dent in the top six, but Lawrenson has also missed the point slightly.

What’s the point for the Tyneside outfit and their supporters if they can’t show the ambition to go and try and do exactly that?

Who is your club’s Lionel Messi? Fans of Spurs, Chelsea, Newcastle and more answer in the video below…

Otherwise they will just keep petering along and finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League year after year, with no hope of doing anything more.

Showing that willingness to at least want to push on is important, and in Benitez the Magpies already have the man capable of taking them a lot closer to where they dream of being.

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Lucas Moura scored a quite incredible second-half hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur booked their spot in the 2019 Champions League final at Ajax’s expense.

Ajax recorded a 1-0 win in the first leg of their semi-final last week, and led 2-0 at the interval of Tuesday night’s second leg to place themselves in a very strong position.

Spurs had other ideas, though, and Lucas netted a second-half treble – including a 96th-minute winner – to help the Premier League outfit make the final of the competition.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side needed someone to step forward in the absence of Harry Kane.

It was a tough first 45 minutes against a brilliant Ajax side, but Tottenham netted early in the second period and the pressure was always building late on.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

It would be fair to say that the London club’s fans were absolutely delighted with Lucas’ contribution and his performance will go down in the annals as one of the very, very best.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to his performance on what was an unprecedented night of football can be seen below:

After being given the impossible task of keeping Huddersfield Town in the Premier League upon his arrival in West Yorkshire, Jan Siewert will be hoping that he can achieve a far better outcome next season when the club makes its return to the second tier.

Yet in order to compete in what is arguably the toughest league in world football, it is clear that the German will need to make some drastic alterations to his squad over the coming months.

Although the Terriers need to make improvements in a number of positions this summer, Siewert’s number one priority must be to find a sufficient replacement for goalkeeper Jonas Lossl who will be leaving the John Smith’s Stadium in June when his contract expires (via BBC Sport).

Having already been linked with several different shot-stoppers, it is imperative that Huddersfield bring in the right player as a failure to do so could end up leading to a disastrous 2019/20 campaign.

Therefore, with the pressure firmly on Siewert to make the correct call, he simply has to resist the temptation to sign AFC Bournemouth keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

According to the South London Press, the Terriers are reportedly interested in bringing in the Cherries star on loan with Millwall also in the running to secure his services.

Although the £450k-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) was extremely impressive during his season-long loan spell at AFC Wimbledon, it would be an almighty risk for Huddersfield to take when you consider that he has no previous experience at playing in the Championship

By deciding to bring him in over a keeper who has a track-record of performing at this particular level, it would not be at all surprising if the Terriers experience another season of struggle as Ramsdale may not be able to cope with the pressure.

What do you think Huddersfield fans? Would you welcome a move for Ramsdale this summer? Or does his lack of experience at Championship level concern you? Get in touch below.