According to Turkish sports website Turkish Football, Newcastle United have joined Premier League rivals Everton in the race to sign Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup, who is rated at £9m by Transfermarkt, this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Turkish Football reports that the Toffees are plotting a move for the 25-year-old, who left for his home country five years ago having failed to make the grade with Arsenal, but the Magpies are ready to hijack their interest.
Turkish Football says that the Tyneside outfit have been scouting the Turkey international throughout the campaign and have sounded out his representatives about a potential move to St James’ Park.
The report adds that Besiktas believe they have in agreement in place for the player to extend his deal which is due to expire at the end of the season, and they will need that to ensure that they receive a transfer fee for the player.
How has Ozyakup done this season?
He started the campaign as a regular in the middle of the park for the Turkish giants, but in more recent times he has found himself on the substitutes’ bench – starting the club’s last five matches in all competitions from there.
The 25-year-old has made 31 appearances in all competitions for Besiktas this term, providing six assists.
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According to WhoScored.com, the main strengths to his game are his passing, his dribbling and his concentration, and he has made 39 key passes in 26 outings in the Super Lig and the Champions League this season, while he has successfully completed 17 of the 24 dribbles he has attempted.
Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?
He certainly could be, yes.
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If the Magpies survive in the Premier League this season and were able to bring a player who knows the English game and has played in the Champions League to St James’ Park – potentially on a free transfer – they would be delighted.
The fact that Ozyakup could bring a goal threat and creativity from the middle of the park – he has 27 goals and 48 assists in 213 appearances for Besiktas – would help the Tyneside outfit from an attacking point of view, but it would surely raise question marks over the futures of Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel Merino, who the fans believe should be playing in a more advanced position than he currently does, with the latter in particular struggling for starts in recent months with Mo Diame preferred ahead of him.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been on English shores since 2016 when he joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund, but his career in the Premier League has not run smoothly.
The Armenian international struggled to hold down a regular spot in Jose Mourinho’s team at Old Trafford.
In fact, the winger started just 26 league matches in a United shirt, so it was no big surprise when he left the club in January.
Mkhitaryan joined Arsenal in a swap deal that resulted in Alexis Sanchez moving in the other direction.
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Since becoming part of Arsene Wenger’s team, the attack-minded player has made 11 appearances in all competitions, five of which were starts in the top flight.
On his home debut, Mkhitaryan nabbed three assists in a 5-1 demolition of Everton, and since then has created a further goal and scored two himself.
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In an interview with the May 2018 issue of FourFourTwo magazine, the 29-year-old admitted that he did not hesitate when the opportunity to join Arsenal arrived.
“When I heard I could swap Man United for Arsenal, I said, ‘Yes, I want to do that’, I didn’t think twice. It’s important for me to play in an offensive team. I couldn’t have imagined a better start. I’d missed playing offensively. I joined Arsenal because Wenger wanted me, not because he wanted to replace Sanchez. We are different players and characters, with different abilities and skills, so I’ll try my best to do everything for the club.”
Arsenal supporters have given their reactions on Reddit.
Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.Comment from discussion Mkhitaryan: I didn’t think twice about joining Arsenal – I’d missed playing offensively.
Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright believes that Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho would be prepared to allow Anthony Martial to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Martial has reportedly rejected the chance to sign a new contract with the 20-time English champions amid suggestions that he is frustrated with his lack of playing time.
The France international was a regular in the first half of the campaign, but has struggled for minutes in his favoured position on the left of the attack since Alexis Sanchez made the move from Arsenal during the January transfer window.
Wright has claimed that Martial ‘has almost fallen off a cliff’ at United, and the pundit would not be surprised to see the Monaco youngster leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.
Wright told Sky Sports News:
“Martial has almost fallen off a cliff with Mourinho and if he (Mourinho) had to let one of them go it would probably be Martial.”
The United supporters are desperate for Martial to stay, and they have good reason with the 22-year-old still contributing 11 goals and 10 assists this season despite struggling to hold down a regular spot in Mourinho’s starting XI.
Everton fans can’t believe Sam Allardyce’s latest comments, after the Blues’ boss said Saturday’s Swansea draw was a good result.Everton’s poor start to 2018 continued on Saturday as they dropped two points at the Liberty Stadium in a 1-1 draw.The Toffees have enjoyed wins against Brighton and Stoke recently, but a heavy defeat to Manchester City followed by drab draws against Liverpool and now Swansea have left fans on edge.After a shaky start at the Liberty Stadium, the Toffees took the lead on the stroke of half time courtesy of a Kyle Naughton own goal.Swansea deservedly levelled in the second half though, as Jordan Ayew found his seventh goal of the season with a composed finish.[ad_pod ]Big Sam seemed in high spirits despite the performance and result, pointing to Swansea’s good home form as reason for optimism.“It’s a big, battling point today for us,†Allardyce said.“I’m pleased with the point. I said to the players we know we could have played better, particularly in possession.“It’s a big point against a Swansea team who are very good at this moment in time at home on their own patch.â€Swansea have indeed won four and drawn one of their last five home matches, but nonetheless fans are furious with the manager’s comments.Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
There is no question that Antonio Valencia has been a wonderful servant for Manchester United.
The Ecuador international hardly set Old Trafford alight with his performances as a winger, but he has developed into a very strong right-back for the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Michael Carrick, Valencia has worn the captain’s armband for the 20-time English champions during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 32-year-old certainly deserves credit for some outstanding performances this season, but it appears that a number of United fans are looking for an upgrade at right-back this summer.
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A selection took to social media to urge their club to sign a new right-back at the end of the season, although that is not a view shared by all United fans.
Indeed, one individual branded Valencia, who is valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, ‘the best defender in the world’.
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It is certainly an interesting debate, and we will see over the next few months whether head coach Jose Mourinho brings a new right-sided full-back to Old Trafford.
A selection of the Twitter reaction from the United fans, who have again called for the summer arrival of Antoine Griezmann, can be seen below:
Liverpool could only manage a goalless draw at home to Stoke City on Saturday as they prepare for their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash away to Roma.
English Premier League action doesn’t mean much to the Reds right now, with a top four finish likely and the potential prize of European glory dominating their late-season.
Still, it’s important they maintain form and while Jurgen Klopp made five changes ahead of next Wednesday, fans were left disappointed by the performance against Paul Lambert’s side.
Particular criticism was aimed at striker Danny Ings, who failed to impress or score before being hauled off in the 65th minute. He did find the back of the net, but his finish was disallowed due to being offside.
Supporters believe he should be gotten rid of this summer, many believing that the club need much better back-up to their established stars if they’re to challenge for the league title.
The El Clasico has always been one of the most thrilling contests between two of the best clubs in the world. The intensity that these teams bring on the pitch has made it one of the most viewed sports events across the globe.
Just the previous El Clasico at Camp Nou speaks volumes about the excitement and thrill in this contest. Though the title had already been secured by Barcelona with no hopes left for Madrid, it still it offered all of us a most exhilarating contest. Twice Barcelona scored and twice Real Madrid equalised with the match ending at 2-2. It was tense and enjoyable with eight yellow cards and one red card being given until the end.
The history of the El Clasico is rich with very exciting matches. Following are some of the best matches between these two clubs.
1: La Manita – 2010
In Spanish, La Manita is used when a team beats their opponent with a difference of five goals. This scoreline is very prized and treasured in Spain. In 2010, Barcelona performed this very feat against Real Madrid at Camp Nou, repeating the same result of the 1994 match.
Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the 2010-11 season was at their best who later went on to win both the league title and the Champions League title. Sir Alex Ferguson described this squad of Barcelona as the best he had ever faced.
Real Madrid were absolutely devastated at Camp Nou with five goals by the full time. The scoreline looked to exceed more considering Barcelona had scored four before the hour mark.
Messi was very central to Barcelona’s emphatic win that day with Xavi, Jeffren Suarez, Pedro and David Villa all getting on the scoresheet too.
2: Humiliation for Barcelona – 2008
This El Clasico match in 2008 would remain like a scar for all the Barca fans. Their team suffered a humiliating defeat at Santiago Bernabeu by 4-1. Real Madrid had already won the league and therefore, their confidence was sky high when they were hosting Barcelona.
Earlier in the match, Real players had run through the guard of honour formed by the Barcelona players in accordance with their Spanish traditions. It was intended as a mark of respect for the local champions which Real then did not extend their rivals during the play.
Raul initiated scoring by striking from 18 yards followed by a brilliant header from Arjen Robben. Then, substitute Gonzalo Higuain added one more to shatter the Catalan side completely.
Barcelona suffered one more goal from the penalty kick of Ruud van Nistelrooy after Carles Puyol blocked the ball with his hands. Thierry Henry scored a late goal but by then the humiliation was complete for Barcelona.
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3: Messi hat-trick – 2014
This match in 2014 was one of the most thrilling matches. The highlights of the game included a hat-trick, three penalties, and a red card. Both the teams were evenly matched and provided a spectacular contest for the fans.
Andres Iniesta gave a good start for Barcelona by striking early. Then Karim Benzema in combination with Angel di Maria provided two more goals to turn the game in Real’s favour.
However, the talented Lionel Messi scored before the first half to level the scores. And though Ronaldo added one more in the second half, it was Messi who stole the show that day by scoring two goals from two penalties. The thrilling match ended at 3-4 in favour of Barcelona.
4: Humiliation for Real Madrid – 2009
Real Madrid dominated La Liga from 2006-2008, with the points difference reaching eighteen between the two rivals by the end of the 2007-08 season. That all changed when Pep Guardiola turned up at Barcelona.
Real Madrid team was on an eighteen unbeaten streak when it hosted Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu. Their confidence was visible as Higuain scored their first goal. However, goals from Thierry Henry, Carles Puyol, and Lionel Messi destroyed any chances for Real Madrid in the first half.
Though Sergio Ramos gave a glimmer of hope in the next half with a header, the domination of Barcelona was totally complete as Henry, Messi and even Gerard Pique scored.
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This match almost wrapped up the season for Barcelona, giving them a 7-point lead with 4 games remaining. Barcelona ended up winning the league with 9 points clear of Real Madrid.
5: The Copa del Rey Final- 2011
This was one of the most exciting El Clasico matches in which Jose Mourinho won his first title for the club. The evenly balanced sides could not score any goal in the 90 minutes time.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed three good chances in that time, though in the extra time he headed the cross home and took his team to victory.
6: Champions League semifinal – 2002
In this very important match, the Catalan side dominated the first half though they could not find an opening goal. In the second half, Zidane chipped the ball over Bonano for a vital goal after presented with a good opportunity by Raul. Barcelona desperately tried for a goal though the score did not move. In the stoppage time, substitute Steve McManaman scored a killer goal.
This was Real Madrid’s first victory at Camp Nou in almost nineteen years. The win also gave them a huge advantage for the next leg at Bernabeu. The next tie ended at 1-1 and hence Real Madrid proceeded to the final. To the delight of Madrid fans, they even won the final at Hampden Park against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur side have a big season ahead as they mark the first ever Premier League campaign in their new stadium.
The North London outfit have made huge progress over the last few years, but they continue to fall at the final hurdle.
In the last three seasons, Spurs have finished third, second and then third again in the top flight, but they have not picked up silverware for a decade.
Pressure will be on the team to deliver in the 2018-19 campaign, but in order to do that they need the players to help them.
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Pochettino already has plenty of world-class talent at his disposal, but he is likely to lose some first-team players.
The futures of Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose are all shrouded in doubt.
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According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham are looking to recruit a new central midfielder, a left-back, centre-back and a forward to play off the shoulder of Harry Kane.
Manuel Pellegrini was officially unveiled as West Ham manager this week, and the Chilean’s first port of call should be to get Javier Hernandez back to his best.
What’s the word?
Pellegrini took over from David Moyes earlier this week, and the ex-Manchester City man said he is looking to bring “four or five” fresh faces to the London Stadium this summer.
The Hammers are in desperate need of reinforcements down the spine of the team, and a striker is high on the priority list for plenty of fans.
While Andy Carroll’s persistent injury issues may require another depth option in the squad, Pellegrini does not need to splash out big on a top class centre forward this summer, because he already has one.
Chicharito is one of the world’s truly elite poachers, and if the team is built to his strengths he can help the manager usher in a new dawn in East London.
Perfect for Pellegrini?
Manuel Pellegrini has promised to bring attacking football back to West Ham, so the idea that Javier Hernandez could leave the club is simply preposterous, as there simply isn’t an available striker out there that would be an upgrade.
The 29 year-old has grabbed 49 goals in 100 Mexico caps, truly remarkable numbers from one of the game’s great goalscorers.
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“The little pea” flourished at Manchester United when the Red Devils were pouring pressure onto their opponents and getting loads of balls into the box, and that’s exactly what the new manager must look to do.
David Moyes needed a striker that could play with his back to goal, and the Mexican international simply wasn’t cut out for it. If Marko Arnautovic can continue his sensational form as a central striker though, Pellegrini’s 4-4-2 could develop an incredible new partnership.
Chicharito is one of the best in the world at simply being in the right place at the right time, and having a second player up front to take the pressure off him would free him up to find those little pockets of space that only he can find.
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The funds that would be spent on a marquee striker would be better used on players that will help create exactly the kind of chances the Mexican international will gobble up.
If the Hammers’ new man in charge delivers on his promise of free-flowing attacking football, Hernandez can break 20 league goals next season.
So, West Ham fans, do you think Pellegrini will get the best out of Chicharito? Do you need a new centre forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, Everton are considering making a summer swoop for Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira, who was described as the ‘next Verratti’ in 2017 by the respected scout that discovered him, Roberto Druda.
Calciomercato report that the Merseyside outfit want to bring the highly-rated 22-year-old, who shone in Serie A during the 2017/18 campaign, to Goodison Park to boost their options in the middle of the park after a move to Napoli is said to have stalled.
The report adds that the Uruguay international, who would prove to be a big upgrade on Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin in the Toffees midfield as he loves a tackle and an interception but can also make an impact in the final third too, has a release clause in his contract set at €25m (£22m).
We asked Everton fans to vote on our poll to see whether they would want the South American star to join their club, and a whopping 88% want to see him link up with Marco Silva, who wants to sign a powerful attacker who bossed Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka in 2018, at Goodison.
The Portuguese boss is certainly going to be in for a busy summer as the Toffees look to push on and progress following a disappointing season in which they finished in eighth despite big investment in the squad in 2017.
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