Category Uncategorized

Lymington’s three-pronged spin attack is expected to hold the key to the outcome of tomorrow’s Southern Electric Premier League, Division 2 promotion clash against United Services at the Sports Ground, 1pm.The New Forest club believes it has few equals to the off-break pairing of Danny Peacock and Glyn Treagus, and the left-arm flight and guile of Western Australian slow left-armer Aaron Heal, who have taken a combined total of 51 wickets this season.They will unquestionably be the key players as Lymington look to extend their five-match winning sequence against a Services team lying just behind the Hampshire Academy in the log."It’s a key game in both camps," confesses Lymington skipper Peacock. "And neither of us can afford to lose it."Lymington are unchanged, while Services – who beat Peacock’s men by 61 runs earlier in the season – go into combat minus Royal Navy opener Mark Toogood and John Mann, their former Combined Services all-rounder.Significantly, US have chosen not to include a specialist slow bowler on a Lymington surface which is sure to turn.The Hampshire Academy, three points in front at the top, go to SEC Cup semi-finalists Rowledge on a revenge mission."One of Rowledge’s two wins came against us in a thrilling finish earlier on, so we have a score to settle,"says Academy coach Tony Middleton."I’ve said all along, Rowledge are a much better side than their bottom position suggests."They’ve got a huge weekend coming up, with a National Village game on Sunday and the Premier Cup semi-final at South Wilts on Monday, so they are bound to be up for it."Middleton delays his Academy choice, but may recall teenager David Griffiths, if the Shanklin medium-pacer comes though today’s Hampshire Under-17 game at Burridge.Third-placed Easton & Martyr Worthy host Old Tauntonians & Romsey, while Rob Savage will face some of his old team-mates when Sparsholt play Winchester KS at River Park.Trojans need to build upon last week’s win at Sparsholt if they are to claw away from the bottom.But skipper Simon Williams knows he has to make do without four first choice players at Stoneham Lane against Hungerford, who are equally in need of survival points.St Cross Symondians, the new Division 3 leaders, entertain Leckford, who are strengthened by Mike Howard’s return.Flamingo’s tussle with Purbrook is the pick of the games, although a home date with Hursley Park is of vital consequence to Alton, whose three-week leadership was ended by a crushing nine-wicket defeat by New Milton.Alton, now fractionally behind St Cross, expect to be at full strength.Milton, meanwhile, take a full strength team to Hambledon aiming to boost their outside promotion hopes.Ventnor’s home meeting with Hartley Wintney features the champions and runners-up of the Hampshire League last season.The Islanders won by a country mile last year, but – like their North Hampshire rivals – are in desperate need of relegation points this term.Basement boys Redlynch & Hale have a mass unavailability at Gosport due to a wedding in the Wiltshire border village.

Leeds United are in pole position to sign Wigan Athletic attacking midfielder Sean McGurk, following an update from The Times correspondent Paul Joyce on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Leeds prepare for 2021/22

Moving into the 2021/22 season, many Whites supporters will be itching to see how Marcelo Bielsa plans to improve on their commendable ninth-placed effort last term.

Already successfully plotting their conquests in the transfer market, they have completed the acquisitions of former Birmingham City youngster Amari Miller along with making loanee Jack Harrison’s stay in Yorkshire a permanent one [The Athletic].

Could Leeds now be set for a third summer signing in quick succession following recent reports?

The Latest: Leeds ‘close to deal’ for 18 y/o starlet McGurk

According to Joyce on social media, the Elland Road outfit are ready to raid the League One club for 18-year-old wonderkid McGurk.

Communicating to his Twitter followers, the journalist stated: “Leeds United close to a deal for Wigan teenager Sean McGurk. Fee of around £175,000 has been discussed but transfer may yet be settled by tribunal”.

In recent times, Scottish Premiership duo Celtic and Rangers have also been credited with an interest in the out-of-contract teenager, but they now look set to miss out on him to Bielsa’s side [Leeds Live].

[web_stories_embed url=“https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-7/” title=“Latest Leeds United news!” poster=“” width=“360″ height=“600” align=“none”]

The Verdict: McGurk would be a solid addition

Upon reflection, McGurk would be represent solid business for Leeds as they prepare for the new season. Technically gifted, his propensity to participate within a high-octane brand of football makes him the idea type of prodigy to develop at Thorp Arch.

Despite never featuring at senior level for Wigan, he has caught the eye in the FA Youth Cup for their under-18 side, registering four goal contributions from five appearances across two years with three goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled ‘brilliant’ by Wigan under-18s coach Peter Murphy, the Whites should look to secure his signature ahead of the upcoming pre-season owing to his vast potential. Only required to pay a small fee whether through settlement of tribunal, he could prove to be a bargain buy in years to come.

In other news, a prospective signing has been tipped to shine at Elland Road.

Jack Grealish has once again told friends he would be keen on joining Manchester City from Aston Villa this summer, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: City’s interest

Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked with a move for the Villa captain for a number of months.

The Daily Mail claimed back in March that City were the frontrunners to sign the 25-year-old this summer, with the attacking midfielder reportedly excited at a possible Etihad switch.

He allegedly told his friends in April over his interest in a move to the blue side of Manchester, and it appears as if he has reiterated his stance again.

The Latest: Source shares Grealish update

Football Insider shared a story on the Villa captain on Thursday morning, claiming Grealish has told friends he remains very interested in a move north.

A source informed the site that the England international has had his head turned due to the strength of City’s interest.

His future won’t be resolved until after this summer’s European Championships, with the report adding City’s Champions League final defeat to Chelsea last month won’t stop them in their bid to sign Grealish.

The Verdict: Villa in trouble?

Should Football Insider’s latest story prove accurate in regards to Grealish having his head turned, then Villa may well be in trouble.

The creative star wants to play Champions League football regularly, something Villa cannot offer him at this moment in time.

Guardiola’s side can give Grealish that opportunity, and should he have his heart set on an exit, it feels hard to begrudge him that move, now approaching the prime of his career.

Villa would need to make sure they are getting the best deal financially for Grealish, should they sell, and an impressive Euros under Gareth Southgate over the coming weeks could drive up his price tag to astronomical levels.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react as club close in on second summer signing, find out more here. 

أكد البرتغالي نيلو فينجادا المدير الفني للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، احترامه لتعاقده مع الجبلاية، مشيرًا إلى أنه لم يُبلغ بالرحيل عن منصبه.

وقال فينجادا في تصريحات خاصة لـ”بطولات”: “لدي عقد مع الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، وأنا رجل محترف، كذلك أحترم كرة القدم المصرية، وهذا يجعلني أعمل من أجل الأفضل في كل الأمور”.

وأضاف: “دائمًا ما بيني وبين اتحاد الكرة هو محاولة الحفاظ على الاحترام المتبادل بيننا”.

وأردف: “أتواجد اليوم في مقر اتحاد الكرة لمزاولة عملي بشكل طبيعي”.

طالع | لاعب الزمالك الأفضل في الجولة 13 من الدوري المصري

وواصل: “سأذهب كل يوم إلى اتحاد الكرة، أنا شخص محترف أقوم بعملي، ولم يتحدث معي أحد حول إنهاء عقدي، وأنا في الوقت المناسب وفي المكان المناسب، سأختار أفضل خيار بالنسبة لي”.

وأتم: “حزين لرحيل كارلوس كيروش عن تدريب منتخب مصر، كان قادرًا على تحقيق النجاحات في الفترة المقبلة، ولكن أنا محترف تواجدي في اتحاد الكرة ليس مرتبطا بوجوده”.

West Bromwich Albion have ended their pursuit to appoint Chris Wilder as the new manager at The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, after extensive talks with the 53-year-old, the Baggies are set to pull the plug on appointing the former Sheffield United manager as Sam Allardyce’s replacement at the club.

It is reported that the West Brom hierarchy are harbouring serious reservations about installing the Stocksbridge-born manager, and are now prepared to turn their focus to alternative candidates for the role.

This latest development comes after claims last week that a deal between Wilder and the Baggies was all but done, with these reports now appearing to have been rather premature.

Fans will be gutted

With Wilder appearing to be a dead cert for the vacant managerial position at The Hawthorns over the past week, fans have had plenty of time to give their two cents on the potential appointment, with a number of them appearing delighted with the idea of the 53-year-old taking over at their club.

One claimed on Twitter that Wilder’s “proven track record of leaving clubs in a better position than when he took over” was a good sign for the Baggies, while another stated their belief that the former Sheffield United boss “has got the best CV out of all the candidates” who are in the running for the job.

Indeed, it would be hard to argue with either of these points, as, so far in his managerial career, Wilder has taken a mid-table Oxford United side to the League Two play-offs places, a 21st placed Northampton Town side to being League Two champions and a Sheffield United side languishing in League One to a top-half Premier League finish in the space of just four years.

As such, with a wealth of experience in getting teams promoted, the appointment of Wilder at West Brom would have appeared to significantly increase the Baggies’ chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season.

However, if the latest reports are to be believed, West Brom will not be led by the 53-year-old next season, news that will undoubtedly leave fans of the club gutted.

In other news: West Brom dealt transfer blow over “tenacious” £31k-p/w gem that’ll leave fans gutted

Everton have emerged in recent hours as contenders to sign Miralem Pjanic in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Davies may be leaving

As per Football Insider, Southampton have reignited their interest in signing Tom Davies after failing to lure him away from Goodison Park in last summer’s window.

A source from the Saints has told the news outlet that they will make a move to sign the 22-year-old midfielder if they are given any sort of encouragement by the Merseyside club.

If Davies were to leave, then Toffees would need to find a replacement, and that could well be Pjanic.

The Latest: Everton eye Pjanic

As per Fichajes, Everton have emerged in recent hours as showing their interest in signing Pjanic, but Barcelona will not listen to any offers below €35m (£30.1m) if they wish to sell him.

It is up to the Toffees now whether they are willing to match the asking price requested by the La Liga club, as the story should develop over the course of the window.

The Verdict: Everton must avoid Pjanic

Even though a deal for Pjanic could sound quite tempting, given that he has been a big name in European football over the last few years, making 80 appearances in the UEFA Champions League for the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Roma, Everton must avoid that temptation.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-updates-3/” title=”Everton updates! (3)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

At 31 years of age, the Bosnia international is coming into the closing chapters of his career and he could struggle to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

A fee of £30.1m is certainly way too much to be spending on a player of his age, and so the Toffees should really be looking at other targets in the central midfield position.

In other news, find out what big Blues transfer claim has been dropped!

Despite claiming an impressive 2-1 win over Everton last week in the Premier League, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must consider dropping Bertrand Traore for Sunday afternoon’s clash against Manchester United.

While the Burkina Faso international claimed the assist for Anwar El Ghazi’s goal, the winger hasn’t been consistent enough over these past few weeks to warrant still being in the starting line-up.

Alan Hutton has raised his concerns about Traore and the rest of Villa’s attack recently, saying that it’s looked a “struggle” to score goals.

He said: “Defensively, they’ve been strong but moving forward they just don’t create enough. Simple as that. They have tried different things, whether it be Trezeguet, Traore, Anwar, Ross Barkley coming off the bench. It looks a struggle at times.”

In response to Hutton’s comments, former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about how Traore, among others, has really failed to step up in Jack Grealish’s absence.

He said: “I think what Hutts is talking about is that with Jack not being in the frame, you need standout players, you need exciting players that are going to step up to the plate and fulfil Jack’s role, because otherwise you’re going to get branded as almost a one-man team.

“So, yes, I’m totally, totally with Hutts on that because when you’ve got someone of his (Traore) ability, that’s where he needs to come on and be that player.”

With no goals in the Premier League since mid-February, Traore just hasn’t shown the kind of cutting edge up front which Smith has desperately needed from him, especially with Grealish out injured – in fact, as per Whoscored, out of the last ten matches he has played for Villa, only once has he gone above a 7.0 match rating.

With high-flying Manchester United to come on Sunday, Smith will need all his players in form and on song, and he can’t afford to be carrying any passengers in his team.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/villa-dean-smith-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-premier-league-buendia-berge-mcneil-trezeguet-villa-park” title=”Read the latest Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

The £55,000-a-week Traore has been ineffective for a while now, and it’s about time Smith takes him out of the firing line.

Meanwhile, Villa must land this £60m-rated star in the summer…

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could create a terrifying duo at Elland Road by signing Borna Sosa this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Sosa’s agent, Franjo Vranjkovic, the Whites have submitted a bid to Stuttgart to sign the left-back in the summer transfer window, saying: “The most important thing for him is to make a transfer to England because he has an offer from Leeds United.”

Imagine him and Harrison

With Jack Harrison the man Bielsa has relied upon on the left-flank, the Leeds boss could help his winger cause even more havoc by bringing Sosa to the club this summer.

The Croatian’s ability to deliver superb crosses into the box has been a real feature of his game, and something very much akin to former Manchester United and England star David Beckham – and that comparison has been echoed by Stuttgart’s own sporting director, Sven Mislintat.

He said: “Borna’s said himself that David Beckham is his role model, and I think he has the same qualities. He puts in crosses from every angle: sometimes chipped, sometimes drilled, sometimes flat, sometimes in behind, sometimes to the front post, other times to the back post. His left foot is a real weapon.”

You only have to look at Leeds’ last game in the Premier League against Spurs to see the kind of damage and chaos Harrison can cause when he’s got a flying full-back providing quality from behind him, with the 24-year-old linking up superbly with Gjanni Alioski for the Whites’ opening two goals.

As per Whoscored, Sosa averages a whopping 2.3 key passes and two crosses per game in the Bundesliga this season, which are both comfortably higher than any Leeds player has averaged – that’s not to mention the 23-year-old’s tally of ten assists also being higher than any Whites star too.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Harrison could dove-tail extremely well with a player of Sosa’s calibre, with both their pace and menacing deliveries causing nightmares for opposition defences up and down the country.

While Raphinha has been a sensation on the right-hand side, giving Harrison a partner in crime like Sosa could give Leeds an even more potent attack, and that’s the kind of duo the Leeds boss would surely love to create.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have been handed a boost as major Elland Road news emerges…

Tottenham Hotspur are among the teams keeping tabs on prolific goalscorer Cyle Larin ahead of the summer transfer window.

That’s according to 90min, who claim the Besiktas forward is attracting interest from across Europe as he will soon enter the final 12 months of his current contract.

It appears that the Lilywhites are on the lookout for another striking addition ahead of next season, with doubts over Harry Kane’s future and the on-loan Carlos Vinicius set to return to Benfica.

Larin could be a bargain replacement for the Brazilian, and his versatile ability to play through the middle and out wide, makes him even more appealing heading into what will be a difficult window to negotiate.

The 33-time Canada international has bagged a whopping 23 goals this season, helping steer the Turkish Super Lig outfit to another title, and that has taken his total tally to 84 goals in 191 career appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

His performances in the MLS for Orlando City caught the keen eye of Brazil legend Kaka.

“I think Cyle can go far,” Kaka said at an MLS media day, via Goal.com. “Cyle is a very good player and the third season for us will be great, but I think Cyle can play in a big team in Europe as well.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-spurs-manager-update-gossip-transfer-rumours-daniel-levy-enic-mason-mourinho-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, managerial gossip, transfer rumours and more!”]

And it’s not the first time that someone has waxed lyrical about the 26-year-old’s sensational attacking ability.

Back in March, Canadian national team coach John Herdman lauded Larin after a hat-trick against Bermuda, he told reporters (via Sporx): “Cyle Larin is a predator. He has this ability, that’s why we recruited him.”

If Spurs want to keep hold of Vinicius, who has enjoyed respectable returns playing a bit-part role behind Kane with ten goals, they will have to fork out an eye-watering £40m which is an extortionate amount for a backup.

But at least with Larin, you’ve got the option to play him out wide, so he should see more game time on the pitch than the Benfica man. The 6 foot 2 beast is also only valued at £8.1m, so you’d imagine that Levy could drive up a bargain with the player in the final year of his contract.

AND in other news, Spurs can solve major issue with 6 ft 3 “complete player”, he won’t cost Levy a penny…

Crystal Palace face a tough test on Monday evening as they travel to Champions League chasing Leicester City.

The Eagles have only won one of their last six matches and come into the game off the back of a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Chelsea over two weeks ago.

It will certainly be a big ask for Roy Hodgson’s men to get back to winning ways at the King Power Stadium but their chances will certainly be bolstered by the inclusion of Tyrick Mitchell at left-back.

Having recently penned a new £28k per week contract at Selhurst Park, it is somewhat of a surprise to learn that the 21-year-old has not played a single minute of Premier League football since mid-February.

However, the statistics suggest that he should certainly have been afforded more opportunities.

Mitchell leads the Eagles in tackles per game in the Premier League this season with a huge 3.6 according to WhoScored, whilst he is only marginally beaten by fellow left-back Patrick van Aanholt on interceptions – 1.4 to 1.2.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-crystal-palace-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-oftus-cheek-andersen-sakho-vieira” title=”Latest Crystal Palace news, transfer rumours and more…”]

The youngster’s 2.5 clearances though sees him rank above the Dutch international. He also commits marginally fewer fouls per game than Van Aanholt – 0.5 to 0.6.

Whilst it could be argued that Palace would lose a considerable amount of attacking invention by including Mitchell at the expense of the former Sunderland man, his added defensive solidarity would surely be more crucial in getting a result against high-flying Leicester.

After all, only Manchester City and Manchester United have scored more goals than Brendan Rodgers’ men this season.

Either faced up against Timothy Castagne or Ricardo Pereira down the Leicester right, Mitchell’s defensive numbers suggest that he would be better equipped to deal with the respective threats of the Foxes’ wing-backs than Van Aanholt.

Hailed as “exciting” in the past by Palace defender Gary Cahill, Hodgson simply has to include Mitchell at the King Power Stadium if the Eagles are to pass what is surely going to be a tough test.

AND in more news, the Eagles have been handed a massive boost over the future of the managerial hotseat at Selhurst Park…