All posts by h716a5.icu

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Leicester’s Demarai Gray is an incredibly frustrating figure.

Having joined Leicester from Birmingham in 2016, he’s never been able to live up to the hype of being one of the best young talents to come through the Blues’ youth system.

Letting him go will have been a bitter blow for Birmingham but since arriving in the Premier League he’s been hugely inconsistent.

Last term there was a real lack of end product from the wide man, who rather surprisingly witnessed his best scoring season since arriving at the King Power.

He found the net a measly four times, coming within two strikes of matching his best tally of six for Birmingham in 2014/15.

But that is perhaps indicative of where he’s fallen off in recent years.

His performances haven’t been good enough, and his display for England U21s on Tuesday night was classic Gray.

Now 22, he is the elder statesmen of Aidy Boothroyd’s side. The younger players in the team should be looking at him to set an example.

However, the exhibit he turned in against France at the European Championships was anything but convincing.

Both of the shots he had were off target, blazing over the bar from a second attempt outside of the box but his first opportunity was far simpler.

In fact, it was a sitter. Gray ran through on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat but somehow planted the ball into the side netting when he went for the near post, rather than the far one.

He was also dispossessed once, completing just one dribble as he struggled to make inroads.

Initially starting on the left-hand side where he created a wonderful opportunity in the first half, the 5 ft 11 winger then swapped with Ryan Sessegnon on the right.

Yet his inability to find the net and create more than one chance shows why Leicester are looking for wide players in the transfer window and also a possible replacement.

Could Daniel Sturridge be set to reunite with Brendan Rodgers? Check out the video below to find out…

In recent times Andros Townsend, Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Kevin Augustin have all been linked with possible switches.

Therefore, if he’s to prevent a potential new signing from taking his place he simply has to improve, both in terms of his end product and general consistency.

Putting in good performances for England at the U21 European Championships is certainly a good starting point for Gray and if he can start taking his chances, it may just put him at the front of Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

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According to The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘monitoring’ FC Nordsjaelland attacker Andreas Skov Olsen ahead of a potential summer swoop.

And it would be fair to say that a number of the Spurs supporters are keen for their club to land the 19-year-old ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

Olsen enjoyed a terrific 2018-19 campaign for Nordsjaelland – scoring 26 times and contributing six assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.

A versatile winger, Olsen is also a Denmark Under-21 international.

The teenager will see his current deal with Nordsjaelland expire next summer, though, and according to The Mirror, Spurs are eyeing a potential £15m move.

Tottenham fans have not been overly enthused with a number of transfer rumours during this summer’s window, including links to PSG defender Layvin Kurzawa.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

However, many are keen for their club to move for Olsen, who certainly has impressive numbers for a player so young.

A selection of the Twitter reaction is available to view below:

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As we hit the first of July, Premier League clubs know that they have just over a month left to complete their incomings and outgoings before the transfer window closes on August 8th. Today’s Premier League transfer roundup includes a confirmed signing for Southampton, Manchester United’s pursuit of a La Liga striker and Arsenal’s interest in a former Porto player.

Adams signs for Southampton

Southampton were always in need of at least one striker this summer. Last season, they scored just 45 goals in the top tier, which was beaten by all but six teams. Fortunately, the Saints have now confirmed the signing of Che Adams from Birmingham City. The 22-year-old has agreed a five-year deal with the Premier League side after having scored 38 goals in 123 games for the Midlands outfit. “I’m delighted,” Adams told the club’s website. “You can see with the track history – the number of young players they’re playing, the gaffer’s belief in the young players, the squad in itself – where the club is going to be. I want to be part of that.”

United agree personal terms with Ben Yedder

Manchester United have already been busy during this summer’s transfer window, having captured the signatures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dan James so far. And it seems they are not going to stop there. In their search for a striker, it has been reported by Spanish outlet La Colina de Nervion that the Red Devils have agreed terms with Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder, although the two clubs are yet to agree on a transfer fee. PSG had reportedly also had an interest in the player, but it seems that United are now in prime position following this development. And the Old Trafford outfit may have even more up their sleeve, with the club also reportedly interested in Aston Villa’s John McGinn.

Arsenal are in advances talks with Brahimi

Arsenal do not have a big transfer budget to work with this summer, which is why they need to be clever during the transfer market and keep their eyes out for bargains. If the latest reports are to be believed, they may have just found one. According to Algerian outfit La Gazette du Fennec, the Gunners are in advanced talks with Yacine Brahimi, who is now a free agent having left FC Porto this summer. Everton, West Ham and OGC Nice are also all interested in him, but after this report, Arsenal appear to have the advantage.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Tanguy Ndombele has explained exactly what he hopes to achieve at Tottenham Hotspur after completing his move from Lyon, per the club’s official website.

What’s the word?

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The France international became the club’s record signing on Tuesday, joining in a deal that, per BBC Sport, is worth £53.8m.

Spurs, of course, reached the Champions League final last season and Ndombele has already set his sights on going one better and lifting the trophy in 2019/20.

He said: “For me, I hope we can win the Champions League, just like everyone does.

“You know, the Champions League is a really tough competition to win. Things are decided by small margins and the strongest team doesn’t always win.

“I just hope I can win it next season with Tottenham – that would be perfect for me.”

The signing they needed

This may seem like a pie-in-the-sky statement from Ndombele but there is a precedent.

Spurs reached the final with a relatively weak squad that had received precious little investment last season – they went two transfer windows without making a signing.

Indeed, Liverpool reached the final in 2017/18, lost, and then went on a spending spree, signing the likes of Alisson Becker and Fabinho. They beat Spurs in Madrid.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men have now done similar, acquiring a midfield player ahead of the likes of Manchester United, while spending a lavish sum.

They were greater than the sum of their parts last season; Ndombele’s signing could be just what they need to push them over the line this time around.

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Yesterday’s Manchester United transfer roundup regarded news on the pursuit of a Portuguese international, an update on the future of a World Cup winner and the return of a former player. Today’s edition features more developments in regards to Paul Pogba, Italian eyes on a 30-year-old and the Red Devils’ interest in an Atletico Madrid ace.

Matic news

According to ESPN, Nemanja Matic is to have talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about his future amidst interest from AC Milan and Inter Milan. The Serie A outfit are reportedly willing to offer £10m plus Belgium international Radja Nainggolan in exchange for the Serbian midfielder.

Real offer for Pogba

Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Real Madrid have offered United €80m (£71.8m) plus either Isco or Gareth Bale for Pogba. However, it seems that the Old Trafford outfit are not interested in selling the 26-year-old former Juventus man.

Niguez on radar

However, should the Frenchman leave, United will look to sign Saul Niguez according to Thursday’s print edition of AS (via Sports Witness). The report even states that Ed Woodward and co have approached the 24-year-old’s entourage to let them know of their intention.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Leeds officially touched down in Australia over the weekend as they gear up for their pre-season clashes against both Manchester United and Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Whites’ squad is incredibly slim, having picked just 16 members. Not included in that party are a number of first-team faces who have been left behind in order to gain fitness on the training pitch.

Those who haven’t travelled include Mateusz Klich, who is the subject of interest from Burnley, whilst Helder Costa and Jack Clarke have also been left behind.

And with that in mind, it’s now presented a huge opportunity to some fresh faces beginning to enter the first team picture.

On the chalkboard

Marcelo Bielsa may not be in Australia just yet but if and when he does arrive, he could have a huge opportunity to test some of Leeds’ U23 players out.

Last term Jack Clarke was one of the breakthrough players, eventually earning a move to Tottenham before being loaned back, but the four young individuals who are in Australia with the senior team now have a major chance to force Bielsa’s hand next term.

Midfielders Jordan Stevens and Mateusz Bogusz are both in the squad, as are Bryce Hosannah and Clarke Oduor.

Leeds have a number of attacking options so Oduor could find it a struggle to attain regular minutes unless he impresses on the tour. A right winger by trade, he could be on for a similar breakthrough season like Clarke, who plays in the same role, had in 2018/19 if given the platform to do so.

For Bielsa, this is a major opportunity to oversee their talents, but it may also present him with a significant dilemma.

If these young players do well, particularly against United, there should be every reason to give them minutes in the Championship.

After all, there could be openings in midfield if both Klich and Kalvin Phillips, who has also been linked away, depart.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

If they do indeed go, both Stevens and Bogusz could be those to benefit from the individuals coming through the academy at the moment.

The latter hasn’t played for the Leeds first team yet but has experience of senior football in Poland, where he scored five goals in their third tier.

Although pre-season is traditionally about building fitness, it could just spark a predicament for Bielsa if they do well.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

For Slaven Bilic, he could well be wondering why on earth he decided to take the hot seat at West Bromwich Albion.

Upon arrival, the Croatian expressed his excitement at the challenge of managing in the Championship but the harsh realities of the division may well be setting in.

At the start of July, Mark Jenkins revealed that the Baggies would have a competitive budget to spend but beyond his remarks, there haven’t been too many signs of putting that money where his mouth is.

West Brom have reportedly had an £8m bid for Cardiff forward Kenneth Zohore accepted, however, despite that, Bilic is still left with a major problem.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

On the chalkboard

During West Brom’s 3-0 defeat against Villarreal last weekend, Albion played with two strikers.

With a lack of genuine forwards among their ranks after the departure of Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez, they were left having to play Oliver Burke and Matt Phillips in those areas.

It was a strange call from the Croat but he didn’t exactly have much choice.

Therefore, it was arguably even stranger that after the game he explained that he wanted to play with two up top over the course of the upcoming season.

But with West Brom failing to dip their toes into the market, only signing Filip Krovinovic on loan, Bilic is in real danger of not being able to test this system out.

Already, he is facing a huge task in being able to have a new strike force ready for the new campaign and after their two main goal scorers left, this is arguably one of the biggest priorities.

The addition of Zohore, if it goes through will be beneficial but ultimately, this summer has been a struggle. The fact Bilic can’t even practise the system he wants to deploy efficiently rather sums up their naivety in recent windows too.

Their business has been poor and after those on loan departed it feels like they’re down to the bare bones.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

At present, Hal Robson-Kanu is their only recognised striker and as a result, it must be incredibly difficult for both Bilic and the players to pick up the formation and style in which he wants to play.

Having to field Burke and Phillips in attack means they’re also likely to miss out on valuable minutes in a different system in their preferred positions.

Zohore, who scored nine goals in Cardiff’s promotion campaign is a good start, but Albion need more options if they’re to really benefit from a 4-4-2 formation that Bilic opted for in Spain.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

West Ham United are eyeing a move for former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom, per The Daily Mail.

What’s the word?

Akpom spent a total of five years at the Emirates, making a total of 12 first-team appearances for the club, though he failed to score a senior goal in north London.

A move to Greek club PAOK has been more productive, however, with the club winning the league title in 2018/19.

Akpom scored six league goals in 20 outings domestically, while laying on four assists, and the Hammers are now said to be interested in completing a deal for the 23-year-old prior to next Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The Mail reports that the forward is rated at £5m.

A cheap alternative

This wouldn’t be a bad deal for the Hammers.

They have overhauled their striking options and currently have just two out-and-out forwards; summer signing Sebastian Haller and Javier Hernandez.

It is little surprise that the club remain in the market for a striker and a deal for Akpom would not break the bank.

Watch West Ham United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Indeed, paying £5m for a player with Premier League experience and who has shined in a foreign league would be shrewd business.

Akpom could become a success and see his value soar but even if it doesn’t work out, the Hammers will not lose too much of their investment.

This deal could appeal to all parties, then.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

West Ham United have loaned Josh Cullen to Charlton Athletic, the club have confirmed.

What’s the word?

The midfielder spent the 2017/18 campaign on loan at the Addicks, helping the club win promotion to the Championship from League One.

The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact in east London, however, and has made a total of just nine senior appearances for the Irons.

He will now aim to play regularly under Lee Bowyer as Charlton look to make an impact in the second-tier following their victory in the 2018/19 play-offs.

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The death knell

Cullen’s West Ham career seems as good as over.

His contract expires at the end of the season and he will not even have the chance to earn a new one under Manuel Pellegrini’s tutelage.

And that is despite the club failing to buy a defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window; Declan Rice, Mark Noble and Carlos Sanchez are the only options in the position.

That there was no desire to keep him around – sources say that the club were happy to sanction this move – suggests that he may well be saying goodbye permanently at the end of the season.

It remains to be seen if his next destination will be The Valley, but it seems incredibly unlikely that he will return to the London Stadium.

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So as the pursuit of Harry Maguire appears to finally inch towards its conclusion, one group of players at Manchester United who will certainly be watching on with eager eyes are the club’s centre-backs.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted last month that there was a “limit of players” and indicated that his squad would have to be trimmed down as he targeted new signings to bolster his side.

Now, Manchester Evening News claim that should the Red Devils finalise a deal to sign Maguire before the end of the transfer window, the club would be open to selling to Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo.

After hearing that the duo could find themselves out the exit door at Old Trafford, United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the matter.

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Some supporters of the Manchester side revealed their relief that the defensive pair could be moved out of the club and insisted that they simply aren’t good enough.

Others however questioned how fellow centre-back Phil Jones was not up for sale, and declared that despite his flaws, Smalling is still a better defender than his fellow Englishman.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

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