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Charlton secured promotion to the second tier on Sunday with victory over Sunderland at Wembley Stadium, but they certainly didn’t do it the easy way.

It looked like the SE7 outfit were going to fall at the final hurdle after a shocking start to the afternoon but Lee Bowyer’s side were able to pick themselves up and get the result they needed.

The former Newcastle boss will have given his starting XI plenty of thought ahead of the game but the match might have been much simpler if he had heeded Charlton Live’s warning.

On the chalkboard

Naby Sarr has been an absolute rock at the back for the Addicks this season despite a testing few years at The Valley and has even been keeping Jason Pearce out of the lineup in 2019, but he threatened to undo all that when Charlton hosted Doncaster in the play-off semi-final second leg.

As noted by Charlton Live, the gigantic Frenchman was nervous against Donny and podcasters Louis Mendez and Tom Wallin were concerned that he might not be up to the Wembley occasion, with the aforementioned Pearce perhaps the more sensible option at the back.

Bowyer kept faith in the former Sporting Lisbon defender, though, and might have been regretting his decision just five minutes into the high-stakes clash.

Sloppy Sarr

Of course, most of the blame for Charlton’s calamitous own goal should be shouldered by Dillon Phillips, who completely misjudged the path of the ball and allowed it to roll past his foot and into the net, but Sarr neglected to even look at his goalkeeper  before passing back to him at speed.

Check out what happened when two of Charlton’s best players faced-off in a game of ‘Splat’ in the video below…

This kind of error is one born out of nervousness; it’s the last thing Charlton needed so early on and it’s something that Bowyer cannot legislate for.

Fortunately, Ben Purrington would equalise before half-time and the mistake wouldn’t matter in the end, but it will go down as one of the craziest moments in EFL play-off history and puts an unfortunate dampener on an otherwise brilliant season from the towering defender.

[ad_pod ]Immediately after his playing days came to an end with Portuguese minnows Estoril, Marco Silva was thrown into the Director of Football position at the very same club.Before he even had a chance to settle into that role, the club’s manager Vinicius Eutropio was sacked early on in the season, where the reins were ultimately handed to the then Director of Football Silva – a man with literally no managerial experience.After a 3-1 loss on his debut as a manager, Silva then embarked on a stunning run of just three defeats in 24 games which led the club to the top-flight for the first time in seven years.In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…It was here, at the club where Silva ended his playing days, that he made his name as a manager in the professional game.A move to Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon followed, but from then on, it has all been very stop-start for the 41-year-old.Apart from his three-year stint with Estoril, Silva has never had a second season with any of his four clubs since – apart from now at Everton, however, where he should be in charge for the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

Silva jumped from Sporting, to Hull, to Watford all in the space of three years; it is safe to say that he has little knowledge of what to do after the first season at a big football club in a top European league.

So, in that respect, this upcoming campaign with the Toffees is a huge one.

Will he be able to kick on and continue to oversee the fine performances that we saw towards the end of 2018/19, where he led his side to dominant wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United?

Or will we see Silva sink in unprecedented waters for himself personally after leaving his home country?

Whatever happens, one thing is for certain; this upcoming season is as big for the Toffees boss as it is for the club themselves.

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According to reports in the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United are interested in bringing Sam Gallagher to Bramall Lane this summer.

The Blades attempted to make a move for him last year, but their approach was knocked back by Southampton. Now the Saints have said the striker is free to go.

New striker

The Southampton man may not be the best addition to the Blades front line next season. Gallagher has played the majority of his senior football in the Championship where he hasn’t pulled up any trees.

He has scored just six goals for Birmingham in the 2017/18 season, and he netted 11 goals for Blackburn Rovers the term prior to that.

Those returns aren’t too bad for a Championship club, but the Yorkshire outfit have just been promoted to the top flight.

They already have two strikers who can score plenty in the second tier, and it’s a tough sell to say that Gallagher would be better than either Billy Sharp or David McGoldrick.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Change of personnel

The strikers that Sheffield United have shown interest in recently may be indicative of a change of tactic for Chris Wilder.

They have been linked with target men such as Gallagher, Gary Madine and Lee Gregory, but they have also been sniffing around poachers such as Oliver McBurnie, Neal Maupay and Britt Assombalonga.

The Blades look likely to bring in two strikers this window, and with that, there looks to be a change in tactic and personnel.

The aforementioned pair have been the preferred partnership this season, but neither man fits that target man mould that Chris Wilder is seemingly looking for.

Wilder has been brought this far by his tried and trusted partnership of Sharp and McGoldrick, but it seems that he isn’t going to give them a starting role in the Premier League if he manages to get the signings he wants.

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According to the Sun’s Alan Nixon, Tottenham are likely to submit a low offer for Jack Clarke in an attempt to sign the youngster on the cheap.

It had previously been reported that Leeds have slapped a £20m pricetag on the 18-year-old’s head, and they mustn’t let him go for anything less than that.

Can’t let Levy control the deal

Daniel Levy has proven during his tenure as the chairman of Tottenham Hotspur that he is one of the most difficult men in English football to negotiate with.

Spurs historically aren’t big spenders, and it should come as no surprise that they are attempting to lowball Leeds in this deal for Clarke, but Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani can’t allow themselves to be ripped off when selling their prize asset.

QSI curveball

A huge curveball could be thrown at this potential deal with the reported investment from Qatar Sports Investments at Elland Road.

Leeds’ money worries would be hugely alleviated by investment from PSG’s owners, and Spurs would no longer have the power over Clarke’s future.

If QSI provide the Yorkshire club with funds in the upcoming transfer window, Orta and Radrizzani would be able to stand firm on their £20m valuation of the youngster as they would have no reason to sell him for a penny less than what he is worth.

For all the excitement around the potential arrival of new billionaire investors, the amount of power gained in situations like this may be the best thing to happen to the club.

The days of young talents such as Lewis Cook and Charlie Taylor being poached by clubs such as Bournemouth and Burnley could be gone, and Leeds may finally be able to develop their academy prospects and watch them flourish.

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When Kortney Hause left Wolves for Midlands rivals Aston Villa on loan in January not too many eyebrows will have been raised.

However, just months later a transfer fee of £3m has caused dismay among supporters at Molineux.

Understandably they aren’t happy. Hause showed in his minimal time at Villa that he does have what it takes, meaning that a measly option to buy in the terms of his loan agreement is now arguably a mistake.

Had the fee been larger Wolves would be doing good business, but there are plenty of reasons to suggest that this is one of their worst deals since being promoted.

Next season Wolves will need all the depth they can get ahead of what could potentially be an arduous season on the domestic front and in Europe.

As a result, Hause could still have been of use to Nuno Santo. At 23 years of age, he still has a huge amount of potential and could have been the ideal defender to help them through the 2019/20 campaign.

The versatile player isn’t blessed with the greatest technical abilities but his physical attributes stand chief among those already in the Wolves squad.

To Villa he’ll be a fabulous addition and he showed as much in the back end of the previous campaign.

Boasting the ability to play at left back and in the middle, the fact he can play in more than one role makes him a valuable asset.

Hause would never be one of the first names on the teamsheet but Wolves should arguably have done more to keep him. His stats from last term shows exactly what they’ll be missing.

In 12 Championship outings, he won a colossal 4.7 aerial duels per game. Coupled with that, he made a further 3.8 clearances every 90 minutes.

Gareth Bale to Wolves? Wolves Fan TV discuss how ambitious Nuno Espirito Santo will be this summer in the video below…

The numbers he clocked up may have come at a level below but he was key in solving his loan club’s defensive problems.

If he does depart Molineux this summer he could end up going down as one that got away.

Only time will tell whether they got their stance right or wrong. However, should he go onto star for Villa in the Premier League, Wolves may well end up cursing their decision making.

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We’re all entitled to some fun and relaxation after a stressful year at the office, right? Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard has certainly warranted a relaxing getaway after 27 appearances in the Premier League last season.

The 26-year-old forward has posted an

/BytGFEkpYaJ/” data-lasso->Instagram snap showing him enjoying his time in Miami Beach in a rather “provocative” state and it didn’t take long until the rest of the footballing world took notice.

Some of his fellow Premier League rivals were the first to jump on the pic and show their admiration for the impressive physique Lingard is demonstrating on social media. Kean Bryan, Sheffield United’s midfielder and one of the newcomers to the Premier League, posted an emoji admiring the Englishman’s shape.

There was, of course, some banter included from friends as well as admiration from teammates from United’s academy. Kenji Gorre, who spent time at Old Trafford back in his youth days, couldn’t resist from bantering a bit but also complementing Lingard while the 18-year-old academy player Dion McGhee just admired the pic.

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According to The Mirror, Liverpool are ready to raid Southampton yet again – this time for their goalkeeper Alex McCarthy as they attempt to prepare for life without Simon Mignolet.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Reds are expecting Belgian international Mignolet to leave this summer after he dropped down in the pecking order behind Alisson Becker – he can’t really argue, however, as the Brazilian kept 21 clean sheets in his debut Premier League campaign.

Jurgen Klopp considered a move for McCarthy when it seemed as if Roma were going to make life difficult for Liverpool in their pursuit of Alisson last summer, and he may revisit the Saints stopper as a target if Mignolet does depart.

You can relive Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below…

The 29-year-old began last season as Southampton’s No.1 under Mark Hughes, but lost his place to former Manchester City glovesman Angus Gunn and was unable to retain the shirt.

Seems rather pointless

Alisson is amongst one of the best keepers in the world and has an almost spotless injury record throughout his career.

The Brazilian international has only ever missed 19 days of his career through injury, resulting in a combined five-game absence; he missed four games for Internacional and one for Roma.

These two instances are the only evidence of an injury occurring throughout the 26-year-old’s career, and combined with the fact that he is near faultless, there seems little chance of him ever losing the No.1 shirt at Anfield.

In that respect, it seems rather pointless of the Reds to spend money on a No.2 when they will likely only ever feature rarely for the Champions League winners.

In the cup competitions, Liverpool can call on young Caoimhin Kelleher who was an unused substitute in the Champions League final – the 20-year-old Irishman is an impressive talent and can easily replace Alisson for the games in the FA Cup and the League Cup.

A move for McCarthy would seem rather pointless, in all honesty.

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According to an exclusive report from 90min, Liverpool have made an enquiry to Southampton over the availability of left-back Matt Targett.

The England Under-21 international has been identified as a potential understudy to Andy Robertson – arguably the best left-back in Europe – and are certainly in need of one with Alberto Moreno’s contract set to expire at the end of the month.

Targett made 21 appearances for the Saints last season as he jostled with Ryan Bertrand for the left-back spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting eleven, and impressed whenever he did make it out onto the pitch.

You can relive Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below…

The former Fulham loanee scored one goal and recorded three assists for the South Coast side last term, and would be an able deputy to the Scottish national team captain Robertson.

Aston Villa are also keen, but a move to the Champions of Europe would assumingly be Targett’s preference.

Would he be a good signing? Football FanCast’s writers have their say…

Matt Dawson 

“This would be an interesting signing for Liverpool and one that I’m sure would go under the radar if he joined. Considering Moreno has been shoved through the exit door then signing a promising young left-back would be shrewd business. Targett didn’t play on a regular basis at Southampton last season but he’s still an incredibly promising prospect. One assumes that the 23-year-old wouldn’t command a large fee either so this seems a no-brainer for Liverpool.”

Charles Jones

“He’s certainly an upgrade on Alberto Moreno, and he fits the mould of what Jurgen Klopp wants from a full-back. I see no reason why the Reds shouldn’t sign the Southampton man to be Andy Robertson’s understudy. He is a fantastic crosser of the ball, and if the Scotland international picked up an injury Liverpool wouldn’t be losing the attacking threat he brings down that left flank. This signing would be an absolute coup for the Merseyside club and they should make it happen.”

Harry Sherlock

“Liverpool shopping in Southampton again? Colour me surprised. All jokes aside, Targett is a steady Premier League player and would add depth to the left-side of Liverpool’s defence, particularly if Alberto Moreno moves on. Andrew Robertson is clearly the best left-back the club have – he’s probably the best left-back in Europe at this stage – but adding competition is never a bad idea. Provided the fee isn’t too high, bringing Targett in would be a shrewd bit of business.”

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Arsenal manager Unai Emery is yet to make a signing during this summer transfer window, but that could be about to change if recent reports are to be believed. Today’s Gunners transfer roundup includes advanced talks for a free agent, competition from Serie A for a Scottish international and the potential exit of a midfielder.

Brahimi talks

According to Algerian outlet La Gazette du Fennec, Arsenal are in talks with former Porto winger and current free agent Yacine Brahimi. The 29-year-old, who has also been linked with a trio of Turkish clubs, as well as Premier League duo Everton and West Ham, netted ten times in the Portuguese top flight last season.

Competition for Tierney

The Daily Mail is reporting that Napoli are trying to beat Arsenal to the signing of Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly very interested in the player, and scouts from the Serie A side have apparently been to Celtic Park on a number of occasions to watch the 22-year-old.

Zaha bid

Arsenal have tabled a £40m bid for Crystal Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha, according to Sky Sports, however that’s way below the south London club’s valuation of £80m. Nonetheless, Zaha’s brother and agent Judicael insists the Ivory Coast international wants to play for the Gunners and hopes the two clubs can reach an agreement.

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

According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are not looking to sell Dejan Lovren this summer amid interest from Italian giants AC Milan.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Reds seem to be keen to hold on to the Croatian international this summer, despite Lovren seemingly being amongst the names of interest to Milan this summer as reported by Sky Italy.

The 29-year-old joined the club in a £20m deal from Southampton back in 2014, but currently finds himself behind Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in the Liverpool pecking order.

“It reminds me of a bus seat!” – Watch a damning verdict on Chelsea’s new kit in the video below…

Injury issues also disrupted his 2018/19 campaign, in which he became a Champions League winner for the first time – Lovren made just 18 appearances for Jurgen Klopp last term.

The perfect time to cash in

The World Cup runner-up literally turns 30 tomorrow, and every passing month where he isn’t playing football whilst getting older, his value is decreasing.

He offered very little to the Reds last season in terms of availability and on-field performances having missed 13 games through injury and a total of 109 days, whilst fans blamed him for the significant loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium – there’s a case to be made for their season panning out similarly to how it did even if Lovren wasn’t even there.

Furthermore, Michael Edwards took another step in securing the future of the club this summer in spending an initial £1.3m to bring Sepp van den Berg to Anfield, a young prospect who joins Ki-Jana Hoever as another exciting young centre-back in the Liverpool ranks having already made his first-team debut for the club at 16.

These young players won’t be able to develop their obviously huge potential sat on the sidelines, so FA Cup and Carabao Cup games are vital for their progression – these are the games that Lovren would presumably be playing in given his status as fourth choice, so it can be argued that his presence would hinder Hoever and van den Berg’s pathway into the first team.

It seems pointless to keep a player as surplus as Lovren is around when they are of interest to another club, especially when it feels unlikely that the defender will ever move up in the pecking order at Anfield again.

This is the ideal time to move the Croatian on.