Manchester United have been “discussing” Mason Greenwood’s situation, but no “decision” on his future will be made until the spring of 2024.
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USMNT star Brandon Vasquez netted his fifth goal for FC Monterrey with a stunning strike as his club beat Juarez in a Liga MX clash.
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Reports by Gol Digital earlier in the week claimed that Newcastle United are considering a move to sign Divock Origi, and Mike Ashley should be sanctioning a summer swoop to land the Liverpool striker who broke Rafa Benitez’s spirits in 2019.
Origi is potentially set to hit the transfer market at the end of the season after enduring a challenging campaign at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp frequently opposed to unleashing the Belgium international.
The 25-year-old has only started six of his 17 appearances across all competitions, while left an unused substitute in 18 fixtures and omitted from seven matchday squads to date.
Liverpool are understood to see Klopp’s position on Origi as justification to part ways with the £60,000-per-week forward three years before his deal lapses, as he is unlikely to occupy a key role in the German’s plans going forward.
Interest in Origi is expected to be vast given his age and experiences, including his goals in the 2018/19 Champions League semi-final with FC Barcelona that started and completed an unlikely comeback from 3-0 down on aggregate.
La Liga side Real Sociedad are noted to be weighing up a move but face strong competition from the Premier League, with Newcastle plus Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers also keen.
Origi allegedly hopes that any move away from Merseyside in the off-season will see that he is given a chance to be the lead striker of his new side, having never had that opportunity in six seasons at Anfield.
Football Insider claim that bids of just £12m will be considered by Liverpool, having failed to find any suitors willing to pay £20m in January.
Borussia Dortmund have additionally been touted as a potential destination for Origi, with the Bundesliga outfit one of a clutch of sides tracking his situation ahead of the summer market.
The chances of Newcastle meeting Liverpool’s demands for Origi may be in doubt with the St. James’ Park natives expected to operate on a shoestring budget this summer, with loans and free transfers likely to be the flavour of the month.
But Ashley should dig deep into his pocket to acquire the LOSC Lille product, as whoever is in charge of the Toon next term – be it Steve Bruce or someone new – will need a higher calibre forward to rival with 10-goal top-scorer Callum Wilson.
Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle are both out of contract in June and have rarely offered a consistent goal threat in the north east, with the former striking home just once in 41 games since his return in 2019 and the latter only hitting 11 in 66 Premier League outings.
Origi has proven that he can score on the biggest stage, Barcelona have the nightmares to show that, while also striking Belgium’s only goal in a 1-0 win over Russia during the 2014 World Cup.
The Oostende-born forward once had the better of Benitez during the Spaniard’s time in charge at St. James’ Park, too, when Origi broke the Toon’s spirits with a late header to seal a 3-2 win and keep Liverpool in the mix for the 2018/19 Premier League title.
Newcastle had twice come from behind in their final home game of that season in search of what would have been a famous and rare result in modern meetings between the two clubs, with Salomon Rondon constantly proving a handful for the visiting Reds.
But their hopes were destroyed by Origi, and whoever sits in the United hot seat next term would surely like to have a striker capable of such an impact at their disposal.
AND in other news, Newcastle face a global battle to land a £8.5m striker with 18 goals in 26 league games this term…
Cristiano Ronaldo spared no expense on Valentine’s Day, as he gifted partner Georgina Rodriguez a huge bouquet of roses and luxury jewellery.
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With a host of first-team regulars set to become free agents over the coming months, serious injuries to young stars mounting up and Wilfried Zaha leaving the door open to a summer exit once again, the task facing Roy Hodgson’s successor at Crystal Palace is already mounting up.
The Eagles’ chairman Steve Parish is expected to provide some funds in order to rebuild large sections of the playing squad, but it’s still expected to be a precarious time for the south London outfit as they enter the post-Hodgson era.
However, one man who could help Palace enjoy a smooth transitional period is already at the club. Jean-Philippe Mateta arrived on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy back in January, although he failed to find his best form at Selhurst Park in 2020/21.
After impressing at parent club Mainz in the Bundesliga, bagging seven goals in 15 league appearances for the relegation-threatened outfit, Mateta earned himself a move to the Premier League, and big things were expected of the 23-year-old.
Despite his sizeable reputation and Palace’s mediocre form, the former France Under-21 international found himself restricted to just two starts in England’s top-flight in the second half of the recently-concluded campaign.
Mateta only managed to score a solitary goal in his 218 minutes of Premier League action under Hodgson, but his impressive performances at Mainz suggests that whoever replaces the former England boss could have a serious talent at their disposal.
With Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend amongst the players approaching the end of their current contracts at Selhurst Park, and Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi expected to return to his parent club, a gaping void in the capital club’s forward line is set to appear ahead of next season.
If the new Palace boss can unlock Mateta’s potential and extract the sort of displays that earned him a move to England in the first place, then life without their old guard will be something the club’s supporters can look forward to rather than fear.
He has the ability to become the Eagles’ new poster boy but he’s yet to be given a fair chance in south London. The next Palace regime must be brave enough to unleash the £13.5-rated beast (as per Transfermarkt) next season.
And, in other news…48% win rate: Parish could revive CPFC by hiring “unbelievable” Hodgson successor
Leicester City are reportedly closing in on the signing of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
What’s the story?
According to The Sun, Brendan Rodgers is set to get his wish of a new forward over the summer as Edouard nears the Parkhead exit door.
The Frenchman is set to enter the final 12 months of his current contract with the Glasgow giants and has attracted a lot of attention in recent months, but it seems as though Leicester are in pole position for his signature.
Fans will be buzzing
Leicester enjoyed a fabulous season in 2020/21, claiming their first-ever FA Cup crown before narrowly missing out on a Champions League qualification spot.
However, it’s the second consecutive campaign where the Midlands outfit have missed out on a place in the Premier League’s top four in the final round of fixtures, and it’s clear that Rodgers is aiming to add more strength in depth to his first-team squad.
Serious injuries to key players such as Caglar Soyuncu, Harvey Barnes and James Maddison at various points throughout the season seriously hampered the Foxes’ progress, while the likes of Chelsea had an abundance of options available to select from.
The 2016 English champions may not have the financial resources to compete with their domestic rivals directly, but they’ve founded their success off the back of extremely astute work in the transfer market, often selling players on for huge profits before reinvesting wisely.
Signing Edouard would certainly fall into that bracket. The 23-year-old marksman has bagged 83 goals and provided 37 assists in just 168 appearances for Celtic, including 22 this season despite their struggles.
He earned praise from former manager Neil Lennon after inspiring the Hoops to victory during his time in charge of the Scottish Premiership outfit.
“He’s scored goals in cup finals, he’s scored goals in big games from the penalty spot, and he took it brilliantly today. He looked far more like himself today, and I thought he was magnificent. He’s a joy to watch at times, so he’s had a good day as well,” remarked Lennon.
But Rodgers will need no convincing over his quality having worked with Edouard at Celtic Park during his stint north of the border.
The former France Under-21 international could be the perfect back-up for an ageing Jamie Vardy, who will turn 35 halfway through next season, and also compliment the reinvigorated Kelechi Iheanacho well, given their differing styles.
Leicester supporters will be hoping Rodgers can take them one step further in 2021/22 by finally breaking into the top four, and the arrival of Edouard may just prove to be the final piece of the jigsaw.
Foxes fans will surely be buzzing if their club can get this deal over the line.
And, in other news… Leicester heading for massive transfer mistake over £45k-p/w flop, Rodgers must avoid
Danny Mills has told Marcelo Bielsa that Kalvin Phillips ‘needs’ to start Leeds United’s final three matches of the season to secure a place in the England squad for Euro 2020.
Mills, who played for Leeds for 1999 and 2004, was speaking to Football Insider.
Phillips, who earns £4,500 per week at Elland Road according to Spotrac, has made 26 Premier League appearances this season, missing a total of nine matches through injury or suspension.
He was a stoppage-time substitute last time out against Spurs, returning from the knee injury he sustained in the goalless draw against Manchester United last month.
Robin Koch has deputised at the base of the Whites’ midfield, and many supporters were delighted with his performance against Tottenham.
Phillips is now pushing a recall as Leeds travel to Burnley on Saturday lunchtime. The 25-year-old knows that a place in the England squad for next month’s European Championships is up for grabs.
Gareth Southgate selected him for the September, October and March squads, and he only missed out in November because he was injured (Transfermarkt).
Mills has said that Phillips must be given the opportunity at Leeds to address any fitness concerns and d he warned that substitute appearances are largely ‘irrelevant’.
Asked if he expected the 25-year-old to be recalled by Bielsa, he told Football Insider: “I hope so.
“I obviously want Kalvin Phillips to go to the Euros. He needs these next three games to say to Gareth Southgate ‘look, I’m fit, I’m over this injury.
“Coming on is sort of irrelevant. It doesn’t say you’re fit or not. If he plays these next three games it shows he’s fit and ready to go to the Euros.
“Declan Rice is out and we’re still not sure of Jordan Henderson. He has a real opportunity, if he can prove his fitness, then he can make this Euros squad.”
It’s clear that Southgate values Phillips given his consistency of selection in recent months. Even if he were to start only the final game of the season, that would probably be enough justification for the England manager.
Another important point to consider, of course, is the danger of demanding 90 minutes too quickly after an injury. Koch’s excellent display last weekend gives Bielsa a dilemma for the Burnley game, although he could perhaps move back into the centre of defence to facilitate a recall for Phillips.
In other news, Leeds have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of this youngster.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly one of the teams keen on signing Yves Bissouma this summer…
That’s according to the Daily Star, who claim the North London outfit have made inquiries but it appears their arch-rivals, Arsenal, are the front-runners to secure the Brighton and Hove Albion star.
The 24-year-old still has two years on his current contract at the Seagulls and is valued at around £30m.
Fellow Premier League sides Everton and West Ham United are also mooted with interest.
Spurs are currently managerless but any new appointment is set to have multiple midfield options at his disposal, ranging from summer signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to the likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele.
But it is the Denmark international that has been a constant presence in the starting XI, playing every minute (3,060) of every league game this term – the only outfield player to do so.
Interestingly, Bissouma has exceeded the returns of Hojbjerg, who could be considered one of Spurs’ players of the season come the end of the campaign.
As per WhoScored, the Brighton midfielder has managed more tackles (2.8 vs 2.6), more interceptions (1.7 vs 1.3), and has committed fewer fouls (1.5 vs 1.8) per game in the Premier League than the £15m summer arrival.
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And unlike Hojbjerg, he offers far more going forward, which means he could be the perfect foil rather than a direct replacement or alternative in that role.
His 1.2 shots per outing is a better return than every single Spurs player barring the obvious two in Heung-min Son (two) and Harry Kane (1.4), whilst he’s not quite at Ndombele’s dribbling ability, managing only 1.5 successful attempts per game, he is a hard man to dispossess, having averaged only 0.8 dispossessions compared to the Frenchman’s 1.1 times per game.
Dale Stephens, a former teammate of Bissouma’s on the south coast, gave a glowing review about this aspect of his game to reporters in 2019.
“He’s got the ability of perhaps a winger playing in central midfield with the way he can go past players,” revealed the Burnley midfielder. “His feet are incredible and I’m sure he’s going to get better and better. He’s got everything you need to be a top player.”
The Mali international has also been dubbed a “wonderful talent” by ex-Seagulls boss Chris Hughton and described as “very skilful” by his old Lille colleague Lebo Mothiba.
It remains to be seen if Daniel Levy can afford to stump up around £30m for anyone this summer but if he can, then it should absolutely be on a player of Bissouma’s calibre.
Just imagine him and Hojbjerg in the heart of the engine room.
That would surely be enough to tempt anyone into the managerial vacancy – maybe even a certain Graham Potter? Only time will tell.
AND in other news, Spurs set for huge boost as Hotspur Way news emerges, Levy and Mason will be buzzing…
Southampton face Crystal Palace at St Mary’s on Tuesday night and Ralph Hasenhuttl should axe centre-back Jan Bednarek from his side, as the 25-year-old has been on an awful run of form.
Following Fulham’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Monday night, the Saints are now mathematically safe from relegation, which should hopefully ease the pressure on the players and the manager, after a dreadful 2021 thus far.
Results have seen Southampton slip from a potential European spot to relegation fodder and one of the main reasons for this has been the Saints’ leaky defence.
Only Sheffield United and West Brom have conceded more than Hasenhuttl’s side this season and whilst that has been partly due to injuries and a lack of depth at full-back, questions must be asked of the centre-back partnership.
Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard looked to have formed an excellent duo at the heart of Southampton’s defence earlier in the season but whilst the Denmark international has maintained his form, the Poland international has not.
In his last seven appearances in the Premier League, Bednarek has earned above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored just once, in the 3-2 comeback win against Burnley back in April.
This run of form included extremely poor displays against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, yet he is seemingly undroppable in Hasenhuttl’s side, having started all 34 of the Saints’ top-flight fixtures this season.
Despite Mohammed Salisu producing a superb display in the 1-1 draw with Leicester City recently, he was dropped for the trip to Anfield and now that Southampton are safe, surely he deserves a start alongside Vestergaard at centre-back.
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Earlier in his time in charge of the club, Hasenhuttl was full of praise of Bednarek, saying:
“He is very aggressive in the one-to-one duels at the back, and also with the ball he is calm and has a good view for the surrounding players.”
However, Southampton have been far from aggressive in their defending for much of the season and they have been out-fought and out-thought on a number of occasions.
Therefore, after his poor run of form, Hasenhuttl should drop the Polish defender for the game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
And, in other news… Linked in 2020, now wanted by CL clubs: Saints missed out on “perfect” gem with 18 G/A
Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed both Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand will be missing from their match against Leicester City on Friday.
The Saints face the Foxes as they look to pull further away from the relegation zone.
Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Hasenhuttl provided a damaging injury update. He said (via Hampshire Live):
“Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand are out, they are not training at the moment.
“Ingsy’s injury is not as bad as it looked at first but he will still miss some games, we hope he will come back for the last games.
“We need every player with five games in a few weeks at the end of the season.”
Even with a fully fit squad, this would have been an uphill battle for the Saints. Leicester are currently third in the Premier League and are within touching distance of securing their place in the Champions League for next season. The last time these two sides met at St. Mary’s Stadium, Leicester won 9-0, so Hasenhuttl will be fully aware of the threat they possess.
Without Ings and Bertrand, Southampton’s task is even harder. The former has managed 10 goals in 25 league matches so far this term and has bagged 44 in 96 games since joining the club (Transfermarkt). Bertrand, meanwhile, has been a stalwart for the Saints down the years, making over 200 appearances since joining from Chelsea – in his case, Hasenhuttl’s main issue is the lack of natural cover. It remains to be seen whether they can rise to the occasion without two players of such importance.
In other news, Southampton have been dealt with transfer blow.