Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Thomas Lemar from Atletico Madrid, per The Independent.
What’s the word?
Lemar is said to be keen on a move away from the Spanish giants, with a €6m (£5m) loan fee reportedly needed to snaffle him away.
Any such deal could then include an option to buy, which The Independent reports would stand at €60m (£50.9m).
His manager at Atletico, Diego Simeone, has already claimed that Lemar has “failed to live up to expectations” at the club, per the report.
However, Spurs are not the only Premier League side interested, with Arsenal also said to be weighing up an approach.
The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?
Not good enough
Lemar hasn’t been anywhere near good enough at Atleti. He has played 21 times in all competitions this season but has not scored a goal, nor has he registered an assist.
He last scored in La Liga in an April win over Eibar and one has to wonder if he would even get into the Spurs team.
He is primarily a left winger but Son Heung-Min occupies that position for the north London giants, and he has scored 10 goals and registered nine assists already this season.
Any move for Lemar would come with a potentially hefty price to bring him in; he simply isn’t worth it.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans have told chairman Daniel Levy to invest in one area in January.
Sheffield United are interested in Jarrod Bowen but will wait until the summer to pursue him, suggests journalist James Shield.
What’s the word?
Bowen has been an exceptionally good player to watch over the last 18 months, racking up 22 goals last term and failing to slow down throughout 2019/20.
The Hull City winger has amassed 16 goals while proving to be a tricky customer with his dribbling, beating a man 1.8 times per game on average in the Championship.
He’s been linked with a number of clubs including both Bournemouth and Newcastle, while Leeds were ruled out of the race earlier this month because of his hefty price tag.
That’s something that’s also put off the Blades who are keen on adding him to their ranks but only in the summer.
Speaking in a Q&A on The Star, Shield had the following to say:
“United are admirers of Bowen and have been for some time. So are a lot of other Premier League clubs. Hull City have made it clear he won’t be allowed to leave East Yorkshire for anything less than £20m during this window so that rules United out of the equation I’m afraid. They could, of course, choose to revisit the situation in the summer if Bowen is still available. But City seem pretty confident of keeping him this month.”
Wouldn’t suit the system
As good as Bowen has been in the second-tier, contributing to 24 goals in just 27 outings, he wouldn’t suit Sheffield United’s system unless Chris Wilder favours a change to his tried and tested methods.
The Blades play with a three-man backline and two wing-backs which makes fitting an out and out winger like Bowen into the team a difficult challenge to overcome.
That being said, he has played through the middle as a central striker on five occasions this season and scored three times.
If United made a move in the summer and he arrived at Bramall Lane that might be where his future lies but it would restrict some of his major attributes.
Call yourself a Premier League expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?
In fact, the 23-year-old manages more shots per game when he plays on the right-hand side, 3.4, than he does through the middle, 2.6. Not only that, but he also accumulates fewer successful dribbles on average each outing, according to WhoScored.
When playing as a striker this term he’s mustered just 1.2 per match compared to 2 when on the right. The Blades must think carefully about any potential pursuit.
In other news, Sheffield United are in the market for a World Cup finalist this month…
Jose Mourinho and Danny Rose have clashed in training after the left-back was left out of the club’s squad for their clash with Watford, per The Daily Mail.
What’s the word?
The report states that the England full-back attempted to receive an explanation from Mourinho for his decision to omit him from his squad.
The former Chelsea boss is said to have cited a back injury for the full-back, though he felt that he was fit to play in the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Japhet Tanganga was picked to play at left-back instead.
The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?
The pair clashed in Sunday’s warm-down training session with there being “tension in the air”, according to onlookers cited in the report.
A number of players, however, were reportedly unhappy with Rose’s behaviour.
Get rid
Spurs need to cash in on Rose while they have the chance.
This is not the first time that he has made the Spurs narrative all about himself.
He has previously claimed that he would find a way to be paid what he believes he is worth; he also said that he did not want the club to sign players that he was forced “to Google”; more recently, and has claimed that he will not leave the club before the expiration of his contract next year.
While he may fight it, the best course of action here is for Spurs to move Rose on and bring in a replacement who is not going to be as much trouble.
Quite simply, if this article is true, Rose has crossed a line; Mourinho was merely trying to protect him. This has to be the end of his Spurs career.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans have debated the signing of a global megastar.
West Ham United have registered an interest in re-signing midfielder Dimitri Payet from Marseille, that is according to a report from French news outlet L’Equipe via The Guardian.
The 32-year-old previously played for the Hammers between 2015-17 and he excelled during his time in east London, particularly in the 15/16 campaign.
Indeed that year the French international scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt), helping them finish seventh in the Premier League and reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
However, he eventually left to join Marseille after claiming that he had become “bored” of the club’s defensive style of play and that he had “no desire” to play in the lower reaches of the Premier League (The Guardian).
The report suggests that West Ham have not yet made a firm offer for the playmaker, whilst there have also been conflicting reports from Sky Sports which suggest that there isn’t any interest despite L’Equipe’s claim.
Payet has been playing quite well this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). However, it seems that the Hammers supporters are divided on whether they want to see the controversial character return.
Some do want him, suggesting that he would add more quality to the side. However, others are unwilling to forget the way in which he left a few years ago and because of that do not want him back. Here is what some had to say on Twitter…
West Ham fans, would you take Dimitri Payet back? Let us know in the comments below…
Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter in anger after Andy Madley failed to hand George Baldock a second yellow card in the Eagles’ 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday.
The 26-year-old struggled to deal with Wilfried Zaha throughout most of the afternoon, committing three fouls during the 90 minutes – no player on the pitch committed more.
The Blades No.2 was initially booked in the 18th minute after blocking Zaha’s progress when attempting to run onto a through ball, and he really should’ve been shown a second yellow just moments after when he lunged into a challenge on the Ivory Coast international.
However, Madley saw no reason to dismiss Baldock, and play resumed.
Chris Wilder’s side then went on to win the game after Vicente Guaita dropped Oliver Norwood’s corner into his own net, although perhaps things might have been different had the Sheffield United right-back been given his marching orders in the first half.
Let’s see what the Crystal Palace fans on Twitter have said about the incident…
To kick off the reaction, these three supporters certainly weren’t happy with Madley’s performance.
Sean called the referee a “joke” before ‘Moody Ratel’ said that he “bottled it” – it’s hard to disagree.
Chris Water also said that Madley “absolutely bottled” the decision, before saying that he’ll be officiating in the Championship next week after his terrible display.
Elsewhere, Steve said that it was a “game changing decision” from Madley, although conceded that the Eagles didn’t really look like scoring.
Meanwhile, ‘Proper Democrat’ called Madley the “worst ref this season” before saying “it was a disgrace” that Baldock remained on the pitch.
Lastly, @CPFC_GH said they “have no words” for Madley’s performance and that he “needs dropping”.
Given the nature of Baldock’s lunge into Zaha, he can consider himself a very lucky man to have stayed on the pitch.
Who is that?! Nobody has been able to name the teams all of these obscure managers were once in charge of…
In other news, these Crystal Palace fans were left livid with this “ridiculous” transfer decision…
Italian journalist Ciro Venerato has speculated about Everton making a future move for Napoli attacker Hirving Lozano, according to Calcio Napoli 24 TV, as translated by Sport Witness.
What did he say?
Well, the journalist was speaking to the TV channel about Lozano, who signed for a reported €40m (£36m) from PSV Eindhoven during the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old has struggled to make an impact with the Serie A outfit to date, scoring three goals and providing a further two assists in 27 appearances in all competitions for the Naples-based outfit.
He also hasn’t fared too well under Gennaro Gattuso either, playing just 36 minutes of league football across the previous six matches – he was also an unused substitute in three of those.
Speaking about Lozano, Venerato told Calcio Napoli 24 TV, as translated by Sport Witness: “Maybe Lozano is really a good player, but he’s been misused: he knows how to dribble, but I don’t think he’s worth the €50m spent. It would be right to give him a chance next season, otherwise send him on loan in Italy to find himself.
“That is unless Ancelotti also enquires about him for Everton after asking about Allan and Zielinski.”
Did he really play for us?! No Everton fan has managed to name all of these obscure Toffees players….
Could it happen?
This isn’t a completely new link to Lozano, with Corriere dello Sport, via Area Napoli, suggesting just last month that Goodison Park could be a potential summer destination for the out-of-favour Mexico international.
It makes a lot of sense too with Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti having been in charge at the San Paolo stadium when Lozano was signed in the summer, and Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands helping to bring him to Europe when he was the same role at PSV previously.
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That said, his struggle to adapt to the step up to Serie A from the Eredivisie would surely have to be a concern if Everton were considering making a permanent bid to sign the 24-year-old – they will remember Davy Klaassen flopped in England following his own move from Ajax in 2017, making just 16 appearances before joining Werder Bremen.
Lozano clearly has time on his side, but Ancelotti and Brands would have to weigh up whether he is worth the risk if they do indeed consider making a move for him.
In other Everton news, one man has expressed his surprise that the club wanted him…
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has claimed that Kiko Casilla’s latest error against Brentford on Tuesday night could prove to be “the end” for the Leeds United goalkeeper.The Spaniard’s form has been the subject of much criticism in recent weeks, and he made a real clanger against Brentford at Griffin Park, losing control of a simple pass and subsequently allowing Said Benrahma to convert from close range.Leeds answered back to ultimately claim a point against the Bees, meaning that it was not an awful night for Marcelo Bielsa’s side when taking everything into consideration.
However, Casilla, who remains the subject of an ongoing FA investigation, could be coming to “the end”, according to a tweet posted by Hay shortly after Brentford’s goal.
The 33-year-old has now not kept a clean sheet in the Championship since December 10, which is incredible for a team going for promotion.
Hay’s tweet can be seen below:
Meanwhile, some bold pre-match comments from Brentford boss Thomas Frank brought a strong reaction from the Leeds fans on social media.
Wolverhampton Wanderers boosted their chances of advancing in the Europa League with a rampant victory over Espanyol on Thursday evening.
Nuno Santo’s side smashed four goals past their La Liga opposition at Molineux to put themselves in a very healthy position ahead of the return leg next week.
The Wolf Pack witnessed a stunning encounter. Diogo Jota nabbed a hat-trick. Ruben Neves scored a customary long-range screamer.
It has left them waxing lyrical over just about every single player to put on the gold shirt, but most notably, Willy Boly’s presence in defence was noted as he spearheaded a valuable clean sheet.
Here’s what has been said…
The range of superlatives used by members of the Wolves faithful were endless, ranging from “machine” to “sublime”.
Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
One supporter described him as an “absolute beast” and was confident that the west Midlanders wouldn’t concede again this season with him in the side whilst another claimed it was “unbelievable” how his return to the team has aided the club substantially.
Which leads on to his actual impact – three games, three clean sheets. It isn’t a coincidence, and these fans know it…
The 29-year-old’s display led to high acclaim with him being compared to the best centre-back in the division and even the world.
“Absolutely immense” was accompanied by the belief that Boly was the best he had ever seen for the club.
There was even a comparison made to Liverpool colossus Virgil van Dijk – it wouldn’t be football Twitter without one.
Wolves host Norwich City on Sunday afternoon knowing they can probably afford to rest a few players following this resounding victory.
When did that happen?! Premier League experts will know which surprising clubs these stars once played for…
And in other news, Wolves’ FAILURE to meet a key Nuno demand could turn out to be a blessing in disguise…
Ian McGarry and Duncan Castles discussed Paul Pogba’s situation at Manchester United over on the Transfer Window Podcast and they claim the Red Devils might not get the price they want for the player.
Despite suggestions from ESPN recently that United were ready to hold out for £150m if the former Juventus man were to leave, McGarry states that this might change as the club is slowly realising their evaluation of the player might not be met after internal talks between him and United executives.
“It’s our information that Pogba has since had conversations with Manchester United executives, including Matt Judge and Ed Woodward, regarding a way to find an agreement or some kind of compromise to Pogba’s situation. United are now in the position where they accept 150 million euro fee they’re demanding for the France international midfielder is not going to be met.”
While Pogba is one of the most recognisable players in the world given his status as a former transfer world record-holder, a World Cup winner and an internet celebrity, he’s barely played at all this season. In fact, he’s made only 7 appearances in the Premier League, so the idea of raking in big money for him at this point looks somewhat far-fetched.
Over the course of the summer, Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports suggested Real Madrid couldn’t afford such a price tag and, with Pogba’s deal set to expire in 2021 (per Transermarkt, though there is the option for a further year) it’s not as if there’s much to suggest Los Blancos would be tempted to try and go in at that price.
With that in mind, perhaps accepting less and moving from this saga could be best, given Bruno Fernandes is impressing in centra midfield since signing.
Man United fans, what do you think of this new update on Pogba? Do you still want to see him gone or do you believe he should stay? Let us know in the comments below!
David Moyes’ reaction to Pablo Fornals’ goal for West Ham on Monday against Liverpool which put them 2-1 up shows he knew the game was far from decided.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, he was right. The Reds ended up winning 3-2, which leaves the London outfit stuck in the relegation zone on just 24 points from 27 matches. However, despite the severity of the situation, there were plenty of positives Moyes could take from the clash at Anfield.
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One of those was Tomas Soucek.
The 24-year-old moved to the London Stadium on loan from Slavia Prague during the January transfer window, with a view to a permanent move if the spell goes well.
Against the Premier League leaders, the Czech Republic international impressed, winning five of his eight aerial duels and managing to make eight clearances as well. Unfortunately, he was forced off with an adductor/groin injury after just 47 minutes, but that still left him plenty of time to make his mark on the clash. The fact that the Irons were 1-1 at the time is telling about his display.
Don’t just take our word for it, though – Soucek received plenty of glowing endorsements following his display.
Here, we look at three of those rave reviews.
Sam Inkersole, West Ham’s correspondent for football.london
Sam Inkersole is a well-known West Ham correspondent, working for football.london. With the Hammers being his sole focus for the outlet, he is the man in the know.
Clearly, he was very impressed with the midfielder’s showing. He wrote as part of his post-match player ratings, per football.london:
“Started the game like a man on a mission, really put himself about. Won five aerial duels in the first half alone and was superb in the opening 45. Forced off after just two minutes of the second half in what was a massive blow for Moyes side. He was very, very good.”
With a 6ft 3in frame, Soucek is perfectly built for the rough and tumble of the Premier League.
Indeed, his departure was a blow for Moyes – he will be hoping that this issue does not keep him out for too long.
Roshane Thomas, West Ham’s correspondent for The Athletic
Writing for The Athletic, Roshane Thomas is another who is an expert on all things West Ham.
Following the clash at Anfield, he took part in a Q&A with supporters of the club. One fan mentioned that Soucek was a big loss following his removal from the field of play, and the journalist agreed with him. He replied, per The Athletic:
“He was our best player before he came off. Hopefully his injury isn’t serious.”
Slotting in to a defensive midfield role alongside Declan Rice, he provided solid protection for the back four. It is no coincidence that the Hammers effectively lost 2-1 without him on the pitch.
David Moyes, West Ham manager
Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool v West Ham United – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – February 24, 2020 West Ham United manager David Moyes reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
The former Everton boss was speaking on the match in the aftermath of proceedings, and he gave his thoughts on Soucek’s injury. He explained:
“He was struggling at half-time. I thought he was fabulous in the first half. He was a big loss to us because, especially in the second half, we didn’t have an awful lot and any way of tightening up, really. It was a loss. We hope he’s going to be OK, but it looks like an adductor or a groin injury from over-stretching in the first half.”
His exit meant that Moyes was forced to shuffle his pack, with Mark Noble moving to a deeper role as Fornals, who replaced Soucek, played in the hole behind the striker.
The Czech was indeed fabulous and deserves the acclaim he has received.