All posts by h716a5.icu

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According to Belgian media outlet Le Soir, Southampton are ready to offer €23.5m (£20m) to sign Standard Liege attacker Moussa Djenepo, and they may well have found their next Sadio Mane in the process.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Le Soir report that Saints are eyeing up the 20-year-old, with the story suggesting that talks between the two clubs over a potential move may even have already taken place last week.

Le Soir say that rumours previously suggested the south coast outfit were interested in Wolfsburg’s Victor Osimhen, but the fact that he is looking likely to join French side Lille means that Southampton have turned their attentions elsewhere – to Djenepo presumably.

The Mali international has enjoyed an impressive season for the Belgian outfit, scoring 11 times and providing a further six assists in 38 appearances in all competitions.

Would he be a good signing?

He is far from the finished article, but then neither was Mane when Saints signed him from Red Bull Salzburg in 2014.

What is clear is that Djenepo is a great dribbler, can score and can create.

The fact that he has those statistics at 20 years of age is certainly impressive, as is the fact that he only moved to Europe from his home country in 2017.

The reported interest in the youngster suggests Southampton are ready to raid the smaller European leagues for talented individuals – as they did with Mane previously – and the African attacker certainly looks to have bundles of potential.

Like the Liverpool ace, Djenepo primarily features on the left wing but is capable of playing anywhere across the front three, which is sure to be an attractive trait for Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Has Jack Stephens unfarily been made a scapegoat at Southampton? The Ugly Inside discusses in the video below…

The Premier League strugglers have long been looking for an attacker who can cause chaos and make the same impact in the final third that Mane did, and in the Standard Liege man they may just have found him.

Kelechi Iheanacho: from inspired signing to utter shocker.

Once upon a time, Kelechi Iheanacho was battling for titles in the sky blue of Manchester City, but two years on a lot has changed, and now he can be found handing them to his former side in the royal blue of Leicester City (we are, of course, referring to that utterly abysmal miss at the Etihad on Monday night).

Ah, it makes for cringe-worthy viewing (unless you’re a Manchester City fan – of course).

The Nigerian’s close-range flunk, which scarpered away from goal like a video game fanatic with an aversion to sunlight, was a pretty accurate representation of how his career has panned out since joining Craig Shakespeare’s Leicester City side for a jaw-dropping £25million in 2017.

Side note: we had genuinely forgotten how much Iheanacho cost the Foxes and we must admit our mouths are currently ajar.

The 22-year-old used to be the golden boy of Manchester City, bursting onto the scene with immeasurable amounts of raw talent and ambition, and netting an impressive 14 goals in his debut season. However, in a matter of two seasons, this has all come crumbling down as he sits precariously on the edge of flop status.

When we attempt to dissect the tragic transfer tale that is Iheanacho to Leicester, it almost feels like the player gave up when City decided to sell him on – his dreams and ambitions of playing for a big six club crushed there and then. He had peaked in his eyes, and there was no getting back. Which is a shame really given the positive direction the club are heading in under Brendan Rodgers.

The once prolific super sub has netted just ten times in 61 games in all competitions for his new side, and for the price they paid, that makes for desperately poor reading.

Leicester fans, just how bad has Iheanacho been? Do you see any way for him to come back from this? Let us know in the comments below!

When it comes to summer targets, central midfielders will be low on Manuel Pellegrini’s priority list.

With Declan Rice having a breakout season and Mark Noble still being solid in the midfielder, West Ham seems to be okay in this area of the pitch which other positions such as the attack and defence likely to be the main priority for the club this summer in where to improve.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be any central midfield signings this summer, and if the right one comes up the Hammers must be willing to get first in line to sign their services, and reports are indicating that such a player might be available.

Following the final day of the season, Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey admitted in an interview with the Chronicle that he was relieved to be able to get his name back out into the public eye during a campaign that the former Liverpool man said he was glad to see the back off, and this should catch West Ham’s attention.

The Hammers were reported to be interested in the midfielder back in March, who is valued at £13,5 million on Tranfermarkt, and with these comments indicating that Shelvey is ready to move on from the northeast side, Pellegrini should be making the playmaker a priority this summer.

Shelvey’s skillset will be welcome in east London, with the former Swansea City man on paper looking like a good midfield partner for Rice due to his creative abilities and passing range, which makes the 27-year-old a desirable target for the Hammers.

West Ham should be able to offer Shelvey first-team football, and the midfielder would be a welcome addition into a team that can do with more creativity.

West Ham fans, would Shelvey be a good summer signing? Let us know!

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Manchester United fans on Twitter don’t think Paul Pogba should be given the captain’s armband, after a report from ESPN revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to do just that in a bid to get the midfielder to stay.

The Red Devils’ current skipper Antonio Valencia is set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the month, meaning that Solskjaer is searching for a new man to lead the side.

One point separated City and Liverpool but twenty-five separated them from the rest! Fans discuss who could reduce the deficit next season in the video below?

Ashley Young has been mentioned as a possible captain, although with United looking for a new right-back, he is likely to have a reduced role in the side so on-pitch skipper duties will be needed.

Pogba is open to a move away this summer, although the former Cardiff boss is keen to keep the Frenchman at the club and will offer him a captain’s role to do so; it is something that Jose Mourinho attempted before stripping the World Cup winner of his duties.

Seeing as it has already been done before and to little effect, handing the egotistical Pogba the armband would be a foolish move from Solskjaer – it would also mean that the Norwegian isn’t making good on his threatening words to the team’s underperforming players.

Let’s see what the United supporters on Twitter have been saying about the news…

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Leeds United fans on Twitter aren’t sure about the potential takeover of the club by Qatar Sports Investments due to the effect it may have on the club’s identity.

The Yorkshire outfit have for years prided themselves on having one of the most raucous atmospheres in English football at Elland Road due to their passionate fanbase, and certain fans are fearing that it would be lost if the club were taken over by the oil-rich group.

Signing world-renowned superstars would certainly bring more tourists to Elland Road, and that may not be a good thing for people who have backed the club for years throughout their darkest times.

There are also plenty of concerns about the human rights violations that the Qataris are reported to have fallen foul of in recent years. Supporters on social media were quick to bring up the ethical implications if the club were sold to QSI.

A takeover by QSI would redefine the club’s future, but the Twitter reactions down below aren’t so sure it’s for the best…

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Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle has urged Mauricio Pochettino to leave Harry Kane on the bench in the Champions League final on Saturday, per TalkSport.

What’s he said?

Kane, of course, has declared himself fit ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, which is perhaps the biggest game in the club’s history.

He injured his ankle ligaments in the first leg of the quarter-final against Manchester City and has missed almost two months of football.

As such, debate has raged as to whether or not he should be included in the starting XI for the final.

Lucas Moura, after all, scored a fantastic hat-trick in the club’s miraculous comeback in Amsterdam against Ajax. His third goal came in the final minute of injury time to send Spurs into the final.

However, if Kane is picked, the Brazil international is likely to drop out of the team.

And Hoddle believes that the England captain will struggle to adapt to the pace of the game after such a lengthy period on the sidelines.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that he’s fit, but I definitely wouldn’t start him.

“I think what a sight it would be for the Spurs fans and his team-mates if he’s there with half-an-hour to go and the game is hanging on an inch or is heading into extra-time.

“What a sight to see him come on with Lucas Moura and Heung-min Son if goals are needed and what a sight if they are hanging onto the game because he can hold the ball up.

“The tempo of the game is going to be absolutely incredible at the beginning of the game, Liverpool like to press and play that high tempo, I don’t think he’ll be ready for that sort of pace.”

He added: “A 100 per cent fit Harry Kane starts, there’s no doubt about it, but at this moment in time I think he’ll be on the bench.”

He has to play some part

Hoddle makes a learned point instead of merely crying ‘he isn’t fit, he can’t play’.

Pochettino has a major decision to make, such has been the star’s form throughout the season.

Kane has scored 24 goals in all competitions and is perhaps the greatest striker in the club’s history; it is almost unthinkable to leave him on the bench.

The fact of the matter is that, as Hoddle says, he should start if he is fully fit.

But if Pochettino has any doubts, leaving him on the bench with the possibility of bringing him on in the last 30 minutes makes a lot of sense.

The Argentine, though, must be aware that this could become one of football’s great ‘what if’s’ if Kane is left out and Spurs lose in Madrid.

Having led Sheffield United to an astonishing second place finish in the Championship earlier this month, Chris Wilder will understandably be excited about the prospect of being able to pit his wits against the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola next season.

Already a modern-day hero at Bramall Lane, the 58-year-old’s legacy could be furthered if he can prolong the Blades’ stay in the top-flight past 2020.

However, in order to give himself the best chance of achieving this feat, it is imperative that Wilder gets his recruitment spot on this summer.

Although he already has a good squad of players at his disposal, there will still be quite a lot of concern surrounding the goalkeeper position.

With Dean Henderson heading back to Manchester United following an incredible loan spell in South Yorkshire, the Blades have an ultimatum on their hands.

Despite the 22-year-old surely being a top target, they may have to spend big if they are to convince the Red Devils to sell him.

By doing so, they will be taking somewhat of a risk given the fact that Henderson lacks experience at the top level yet when you consider that he has the potential to go to the very top, it may be worth it for United.

However, regardless of whether they can seal a permanent deal for the former Stockport County loanee, the Blades must steer clear of bringing in another shot-stopper that they have been linked with this week.

According to Goal, United are reportedly keeping tabs on HNK Rijeka keeper Simon Sluga with Norwich City also supposedly interested in the 26-year-old.

Whereas the Croatian was very impressive for Igor Biscan’s side during a 2018/19 campaign which saw him win the domestic cup final against Dinamo Zagreb, the fact that he hasn’t tested himself outside of his homeland is a worry.

Furthermore, when you consider that he is quite far down the pecking order for his country, it could be argued that he is not good enough for the Premier League and thus the Blades may benefit from looking elsewhere.

What do you think United fans? Would you welcome a move for Sluga this summer? Or is it imperative that Wilder does all he can to secure the services of Henderson over the coming weeks? Let us know below.

It’s fair to say that Manchester United’s striking department has hit somewhat of a crisis since that dreamy night in Paris back in March. Indeed, despite some of the talent the club has on its books when it comes to forwards, the goals have largely dried up.

Obviously, during their sensational night at the Parc de Paris, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford built up a partnership akin to the club’s legendary ones in the past. Together, they put the French champions to the sword, but their dip in form has been really rather alarming.

Amazingly, they contributed only a single goal after that historic night. Truly awful stuff. While The Sun reported in May that Lukaku has been told he can leave, Rashford is seemingly going nowhere amid suggestions of a new contract raised by the Daily Mirror back in April. Still, the ‘Manc born and bred’ as he’s called by the supporters clearly needs proper service to reach his peak.

Well, if reports are to be believed, things could be getting better for him.

That’s because, according to the Daily Mail, United are apparently interested in potentially replacing Lukaku with Eintracht Frankfurt heavyweight Sebastian Haller. 15 goals and 9 assists for the Bundesliga outfit this season has seen the Frenchman’s stock rise of late and, in our minds, he’d be an excellent addition.

Rashford, Lukaku and Anthony Martial failed to contribute more goals individually in the Premier League, so it’s easy to see a natural fit here. Moreover, it was Haller’s unselfish work which allowed partner-in-crime Luka Jovic to hit headlines which earned him a Real Madrid move.

Jovic himself spoke to of the ‘chemistry’ he had with the 24-year-old over the course of the campaign and, while there are obviously no guarantees he’d replicate that with someone like Rashford, there’s clearly a talent in his game when it comes to operating in a fluid frontline.

Now, you wouldn’t exactly describe the Red Devils’ attack as fluid right now but, at their best this season on that scintillating winning run when Jose Mourinho was sacked, there were at least signs that it could be considering some of the performances.

For an electric, opportunistic striker like Rashford, Haller looks a natural foil. Having won 6.6 aerial duels on average per 90 mins (thanks to WhoScored), perhaps he’d be ideal to provide both the England man and the aforementioned Martial a platform from which to roam around.

United fans, do you think Haller can help Rashford find his flow? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Every new day seems to throw up plenty of fresh transfer rumours, and it is no different in regards to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Today’s Reds transfer roundup includes an offer for a Ligue 1 ace, an update on a Spanish target and a potential outgoing to the Bundesliga.

Bid made for Pepe

According to Le10Sport, Liverpool have made an offer for Lille’s Nicolas Pepe. Klopp is a big fan of the Ivorian, who bagged 22 goals and 11 assists in the French top flight last season. The amount of the bid is as of yet unknown.

Asensio available for right price

AS are reporting that Real Madrid would not be against selling Marco Asensio if they receive the right bid this summer – €90m (£80.2m) to €100m (£89.1m) would apparently be enough for the 23-year-old. Liverpool are known to be interested in the player and even bid for him last year.

Bundesliga sides after Whelan

Defender Corey Whelan could be off to the Bundesliga this summer, according to Football Insider. The player will leave Anfield when his contract expires, and two clubs from Germany’s top tier are keeping an eye on the player. The specific sides are yet to be named.

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Ex-West Ham United Employee expects the club to make a new bid for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez, while there could be a number of departures in the coming weeks.

What’s the word?

Reports emerged earlier this week that the Hammers had tabled an offer for the Liga forward.

The London Evening Standard report that a £25m offer was knocked back, however, and there is now likely to be an improved offer submitted, per the Hammers insider.

He also claims that the defender Reece Oxford, is likely to join West Bromwich Albion, who have appointed former Irons boss Slaven Bilic as manager.

Pedro Obiang, too, is set to make a move to Italy, while Javier Hernandez is hoping to settle his future too.

Football FanCast understands that the latter was made available for transfer over two months ago.

Best recent transfer window

West Ham have finally got themselves together and are conducting their business in a manner befitting a major club.

A £24m deal for Pablo Fornals has been completed, while two goalkeepers – David Martin and Roberto – have also been signed.

Now, they have to move on the deadwood and look to sign a genuinely elite striker.

It remains to be seen if Gomez is the latter but his return of 31 goals in 75 Vigo appearances bodes well.

It can be argued that a defensive midfielder is needed too – to provide support for Declan Rice – but as it is, West Ham are at last giving fans something to be excited about in the transfer market.

If the rest of the transfer window matches the last few weeks, they could be a remarkable prospect next season.