Leeds United are in danger of missing out on signing Liverpool youngster Ryan Kent as he is due to be offered a new contract at Anfield, according to The Sun.
What’s the story?
The 20-year-old has reportedly attracted admirers due to his form this season at Barnsley.
The midfielder joined the Championship outfit last summer on loan and has gone on to start 31 league games and come off the bench in four others.
The youngster has also netted two goals and provided one assist during his time at Oakwell.
The Sun claims that Leeds, as well as Bournemouth, have expressed an interest in Kent, with the former already opening talks about a permanent deal.
However, the publication states that Liverpool intend to offer Kent a new deal, and the player, who has two years left on his current one, is open to discussing fresh terms with the Reds.
What is the best option for Kent?
The youngster is gaining valuable experience in the Football League, but there is a danger of too much too quickly.
At his age, Kent has plenty of years left in him to make it at the top level and become a regular starter.
If he opts to commit himself to Liverpool, he faces a tough challenge in trying to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first team, but if the club want to keep him then they clearly see promise.
Leeds could offer regular game time to the midfielder, and potentially Premier League football next season, but it might be worth him returning to Anfield at the end of the campaign.
The Oldham-born footballer, who has been capped at England Under-20 level, has plenty of time to decide on the next big step in his career.
Stoke City are keeping tabs on Leeds United left-back Charlie Taylor ahead of a potential swoop this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
What’s the word?
The 23-year-old was linked with a move away from Elland Road last summer after it became clear that he was not going to sign a new contract.
Liverpool were once rumoured to be keen on capturing the Englishman, and now the Daily Mail claims that Stoke are eyeing a move.
Taylor is believed to be one of many targets, including Andrew Robertson and Josh Tymon, so their interest is not set in stone.
However, a positive factor for potential suitors is that the full-back will come to the end of his Leeds contract this summer.
Should Leeds fight to keep him?
In instances when a player has a matter of months left on his contract, there is not much that a club can do if their mind has already been made up.
Earlier in the season, the thought of losing Taylor was disastrous considering his impressive form, but his injury setback may have been a blessing in disguise.
The young footballer was sidelined in January and a few weeks ago made his return to action.
During that time Gaetano Berardi stepped up and impressed in the role, and has managed to keep his place in the side despite Taylor’s return.
Because of Berardi’s form and the fact that Leeds continued their promotion charge without him, losing Taylor in the summer may not be that damaging.
Manchester United wobbled to yet another home draw this weekend after they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Brom at Old Trafford.
United huffed and puffed throughout but couldn’t find a way through a stubborn West Brom defence- something United fans have become all too accustomed with seeing this season.
Their fans here in the Tavern were frustrated with another blank and after the game, a seriously ticked off Jose Mourinho had little to say to reporters in a prickly post-match interview.
And it seems that a certain number of United stars could be at serious risk of seeing their time at Old Trafford cut short after some shoddy displays yet again in front of the home faithful.
Even the die-hard United landlord feels like it’s time for a change at Old Trafford and there’s certainly some stars whose careers might be over after the blank.
So with that in mind, here’s the 5 Manchester United stars who should be axed by Jose Mourinho at the end of the season…
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney’s return to the United bench didn’t even seem to count for anything before the game against the Baggies whereas, in the past, any inclusion of the England forward raised eyebrows across the Country.
United fans here in the pub will be eternally grateful for the efforts put in by Rooney across his United career but the fact of the matter is his career at Old Trafford is over.
He’s definitely one that will be looking for pastures new at the end of the season.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw can’t buy minutes in this United side for love nor money at the moment and the fact Ashley Young is repeatedly selected over him suggests just how much work he’s got to do to get his United career back on track.
Mourinho certainly won’t be putting his arm around the youngster as he continues to try to get back into the first-team and he’s one of the first players fans here in the pub are predicting to leave if Mourinho has a big overhaul this summer.
Will he be missed that much? Probably not.
Daley Blind
Daley Blind has been out-of-form for months and the Dutch defender doesn’t ever look like fitting the bill under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese manager has worked with some of the world’s best throughout his time in management and Blind doesn’t scream top-quality like some of the other defenders Mourinho has developed over his career.
He started on the bench ahead of Rojo against the Baggies and goes even further down the pecking order when Chris Smalling is available too.
Anthony Martial
Old Trafford used to be one of the hardest places to visit in the world, let alone in England and we just haven’t seen enough ruthlessness from the likes of Anthony Martial this campaign.
The French forward was terrific in his first season at the club but this campaign, he’s been slow out of the blocks.
Some of the regular United punters here in the pub have branded him as an “inconsistent talent” and there’s little arguing with that. Seven goals this campaign is poor.
Michael Carrick
As average performances go, Michael Carrick was arguably one of the worst against West Brom and his lack of real star quality was clear for all to see.
Granted, playing in a holding role never wins you the plaudits like playing as a striker does but we’ve seen the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Toni Kroos do this job seriously well for years and moving forward, there are better players out there than the Englishman.
He’s certainly one that might be heading away from Old Trafford this summer.
John Terry announced his departure from Chelsea at the end of the season last night in an emotional post on the club’s official website.
Terry’s exit comes after over two decades at the club, in which he became The Blues’ most decorated ever player, winning four Premier League titles, five FA Cups and three League Cups. He also has Champions League and Europa League medals in his cabinet, too. In total, Terry has made a phenomenal 713 appearances in a Chelsea shirt and scored 66 times.
“The club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days. We had some really positive talks but with everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it’s the right time for me to leave.”
“I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to helping the team achieve success this season.”
The announcement has sparked rumours about where the veteran defender’s future may be. A number of Premier League clubs – including West Brom and Bournemouth – are said to be interested, while a move to either Major League Soccer or the Chinese Super League may also be on the cards.
While fans will be sad to see their captain leave the club, it appears the time is right for Terry to move on, with opportunities limited in a changing Chelsea side.
Finding a replacement will be no easy feat, however, and with a new stadium set to be built in the near future, it is unlikely Chelsea will have the transfer resources to spend big for a suitable successor. So instead, the Blues may have to look at resources already at their disposal.
Terry’s exit could mean these FIVE players benefit at the Bridge…
Andreas Christensen
Britain Soccer Football – Manchester City v Borussia Monchengladbach – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group C – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England – 16/17 – 14/9/16Borussia Monchengladbach’s Andreas ChristensenReuters / Phil NobleEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Andreas Christensen may be given his chance to shine in South West London next season, after revealing he will be returning to his parent club in the summer after spending two years on loan with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Danish defender has been excellent during his spell on the continent, so much so that Gladbach hoped that they could make the move permanent come the summer. Christensen has been a solid figure at the back this season, missing only five games all term, however, he hasn’t been able to steer his side clear if having a rather poor domestic season – the Foals currently sit tenth in the table.
Jay DaSilva
A man Ian Wright described as “better than any Premier League full-back” after his performance in the UEFA European Youth League victory against PSG, Jay DaSilva has a bright future ahead of him. Currently on-loan at Charlton Athletic, the 19-year-old has struggled for opportunities, however, he has impressed in recent weeks, especially during the Addicks’ 3-0 beating of Gillingham.
A wing-back by trade, DaSilva will be welcomed back to the Bridge and in the absence of Terry could be given the chance to thrive in what is shaping up to be a youthful Chelsea squad.
Jake Clarke-Salter
Football Soccer – Aston Villa v Chelsea – Barclays Premier League – Villa Park – 2/4/16 Chelsea’s Jake Clark Salter in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Ayew Reuters / Darren Staples Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further de
John Terry himself named Jake Clarke-Salter as the heir to his throne, so it would only make sense that the youngster would benefit from his exit.
The defender has won three consecutive Youth Cups with Chelsea – an achievement matched only by his team-mate Jay DaSilva and five of Bubsy’s Babes during the 1950s – and he has already made his senior debut following injury to Kurt Zouma at the back end of last season. Bristol Rovers were benefiting from his services until an unfortunate arm break back in November but it is likely he will return to Chelsea for pre-season.
Bristol Rovers were benefiting from his services until an unfortunate arm break back in November, but it is likely he will return to Chelsea for pre-season.
Nathan Ake
Britain Football Soccer – AFC Bournemouth v Southampton – Premier League – Vitality Stadium – 18/12/16 Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account repres
Nathan Ake was recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth in January after having impressed during his time with the Cherries, who have since struggled at the back without the young Englishman.
It seemed for a long time that Ake was destined to be yet another Chelsea youngster who would spend the entirety of his career on-loan, but having proven over the past 18 months he has the ability to perform at the highest level, Terry’s departure means it is more likely than ever he will be given his chance.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
‘Why would a midfielder benefit from the departure of a centre-back?’ you may ask. Terry came into the club as a youngster, and his love for Chelsea showed through, which is why he eventually went on to become captain, a fans’ favourite and a club legend.
When looking for a long-term replacement for Terry, not as a defender, but as a captain, it would mean a great deal to the fans to have one of their own succeed him. Loftus-Cheek, despite his limited opportunities thus far under Antonio Conte, has the potential and the ability to be the future of the club.
Everton currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, but they are actually only three points behind fifth-place Manchester United as the business end of the campaign draws closer.
The Toffees have played two games more than both fifth-place Man United and sixth-place Arsenal, however, which suggests that it is going to take something special for the Merseyside outfit to finish in the top five in the 2016-17 campaign.
Everton centre-back Ashley Williams has insisted that “fifth place is a realistic aim” though, and the Welshman is confident that his team have the credentials needed to finish just outside the Champions League positions this term.
Williams told The Mirror:
“Yeah, I think fifth place is a realistic aim. That’s what we’re trying to do, obviously whether we achieve it or not depends on what the others do as well.
“But all we can do is look after our own games, and we’ve been doing that. We have to keep going – sometimes it’s important to just get the win and grind out a game.”
Everton have collected seven points from their three Premier League matches since losing at Liverpool at the start of April, although they have a tough run from now until the end of the season.
Indeed, after travelling to West Ham United on April 22, Ronald Koeman’s side will host Chelsea, whilst their final game of the 2016-17 campaign is away to Arsenal on May 21.
There has been a mixed reaction from Liverpool fans about the club’s new home kit.
The Merseyside outfit unveiled the new strip for the 2017-18 season, commemorating the club’s 125th anniversary.
For next season only, the new crest on the shirt will include the dates 1892 and 2017, as well as ‘125 Years’ below a gold Liver bird, which sits atop the letters ‘L.F.C.’
The New Balance-manufactured shirt is traditional red with white collar and trim and displays the club’s sponsor Standard Chartered on the front.
The crest has not been drastically altered, with the dates the only notable additions, but the main difference in the shirt itself is the collar.
The club tweeted images of Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino wearing the kit, while Simon Mignolet modelled the new green goalkeeper strip.
Liverpool celebrate turning 125 years old on June 3 this year, and while some fans are delighted with the new design, others would have preferred a different crest.
Everton supporters have given mixed reactions to reports that the club are interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini.
According to The Mirror, the Merseyside outfit are keeping tabs on the Argentine, who has scored eight goals and created two assists in 34 Premier League appearances this season.
The Toffees may struggle to convince the Hammers to sell given that they were forced to offload one of their star players Dimitri Payet in January.
West Ham have had an inconsistent season and have struggled to replicate the form that earned them a seventh-place finish in the 2015-16 campaign.
They will be determined to keep hold of their best players, but Everton are said to be tracking Lanzini as they bid to become top-four contenders next season.
It has also been mentioned that the Argentine could be a potential replacement for Ross Barkley, who is likely to be sold if he does not sign a new contract this summer.
After the rumours emerged, plenty of Toffees fans had their say on Twitter, with some happy about the link while others are not convinced that he is the right fit.
Leeds United have announced their first signing of the summer, but the supporters are not exactly bouncing off the ceiling.
Hadi Sacko has officially made his move to Elland Road permanent by signing a three-year contract.
Most of the club’s fans are rather underwhelmed considering that Sacko pretty much confirmed that he was staying put on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old winger joined the Championship club on loan last summer from Sporting Lisbon, and part of the deal included an option of a permanent contract.
The Yorkshire Evening Post claim that the club have paid between £1.5m and £2m to secure Sacko’s signature.
The winger, who made 42 appearances and scored two goals this season, is the first signing made under the new owner Andrea Radrizzani.
The transfer was completed despite the club not having a manager following the recent departure of Garry Monk.
Some fans seemed more concerned about the club’s managerial search than Sacko finalising his move, while others sarcastically expressed their shock at the transfer.
According to reports from The Northern Echo, Newcastle are eyeing a transfer swoop for Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.
The South American veteran has reportedly been told to find employment elsewhere this summer after ten seasons at Anfield, registering 344 appearances across all competitions.
Owner Mike Ashley has previously ruled out signing players over 30 but could make an exception for the former Brazil international as Rafa Benitez looks to add vital experience to the base of his engine room ahead of Newcastle’s return to the Premier League.
Indeed, Leiva may not offer the Magpies much longevity at the age of 30 but he knows the top flight inside out and is famed for the simple-yet-effective service he offers in defensive midfield.
He’s also well acquainted with Rafa Benitez from their time together on Merseyside, but considering many Newcastle fans want their club to achieve more than simply survival next season, Leiva doesn’t represent the most inspiring of additions either.
So, Toon Army, would you back a summer transfer swoop for the £4million-rated enforcer? Let us know by voting below…
Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he ‘hopes’ former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester United ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
Ronaldo, 32, appears to be heading for the Los Blancos exit this summer following a high-profile tax dispute, and Man United have been strongly linked with their former superstar.
Ferdinand played alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, with the pair helping the Red Devils land three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the Champions League.
Ferdinand has since retired from professional football, but Ronaldo continues to break records for Real Madrid, with his 42 goals last season helping the Spanish giants retain the Champions League, in addition to snatching the La Liga title away from Barcelona.
Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News:
“I hope [he’ll return]. I’m a Man United fan, and my kids love him, so I hope that he’ll be back. But will he leave Real Madrid? I don’t know.”
Ronaldo has scored 406 goals in 394 appearances for Real Madrid since joining the Madrid giants from Man United in the summer of 2009.
Meanwhile, the Portugal captain found the back of the net on 118 occasions during a six-season spell with Man United, where he remains a hero with the club’s supporters.