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تحدث أسطورة نادي آرسنال، بول ميرسون، عن المنافسة على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث سيخوض فريقه ومانشستر سيتي وليفربول مباريات مؤجلة خلال تلك الأيام.

ويلتقي آرسنال مع تشيلسي، مساء اليوم، في مباراة مؤجلة من الجولة التاسعة والعشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

كما يلتقي ليفربول مع إيفرتون، غدًا، ومانشستر سيتي سيواجه برايتون الخميس، في الجولة المؤجلة نفسها.

ويحتل آرسنال حاليًا صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي بشكل مؤقت برصيد 74 نقطة، بفارق الأهداف عن ليفربول، ونقطة عن مانشستر سيتي، مع العلم أن الأخير لديه مباراة مؤجلة ثانية ضد توتنهام.

وقال بول ميرسون في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” الإنجليزية: “تعرض إيفرتون لضربة ساحقة على يد تشيلسي لكنه قلب الأمور بفوز حاسم على نوتنيجهام فورست، يستحقون الإشادة”.

وأضاف: “هذه مباراة يجب أن يفوز بها ليفربول للبقاء في السباق على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وسيصعب فريق إيفرتون الأمر عليهم في الديربي المحلي”.

وواصل: “سيعمل جوديسون بارك تمامًا على فكرة إنهاء آمال ليفربول في اللقب، ولكنني أعتقد أن الريدز سيتفوقون عليهم”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أرتيتا: نريد الضغط على مانشستر سيتي وليفربول عن طريق تشيلسي

وأردف: “كما أظهروا ضد فولهام، يرتفع المستوى دائمًا إلى القمة، ومن المرجح أن يحدث هذا مرة أخرى هذا الأسبوع”.

واستأنف: “ليفربول لديه عدد أكبر من اللاعبين القادرين على الفوز في المباريات، ولهذا السبب أقول أنهم سيفوزون أمام إيفرتون”.

وتابع: “أجرى كلوب الكثير من التغييرات على تشكيلته الأساسية في نهاية الأسبوع الماضي، لكنني أعتقد أن أمثال محمد صلاح وداروين نونيز يمكن أن يعودوا إلى الفريق في هذه المباراة، حيث سيفوز ليفربول بنتيجة 2-1”.

واستمر: “إذا فاز آرسنال في المباراتين المقبلتين، فيجب على مانشستر سيتي أن يكون مثاليًا من الآن وحتى نهاية الموسم ليتوج بطلاً، إذا فاز آرسنال اليوم ضد تشيلسي، وأعتقد أنه سيفعل، فسيكون هناك ضغط هائل على فريق بيب جوارديولا للفوز بالمباريات المؤجلة”.

واستكمل: “بحلول الوقت الذي يلعب فيه مانشستر سيتي، قد يكونون متأخرين بأربع نقاط عن آرسنال وليفربول، لذلك سيكونون تحت ضغط هائل، يجب على مانشستر سيتي أن يكون حذرًا لأنه يعاني من بعض الإرهاق بعد مجموعة من المباريات القاسية في جميع المسابقات”.

وشدد: “أشك في أن برايتون سيسبب لهم الكثير من المشاكل، إنهم ليس الفريق الذي كان عليه الموسم الماضي، هو فريق في منتصف الجدول هذه المرة، لذلك أعتقد أن مانشستر سيتي سينجز المهمة هذه المرة ويفوز 3-1”.

ورأت صحيفة “مترو” الإنجليزية أن أيقونة آرسنال، بول ميرسون، يلعب ألعابًا ذهنية مع ليفربول ومانشستر سيتي، من أجل ناديه القديم في ظل السباق المشتعل على اللقب.

Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Real Betis defender Luiz Felipe, who could be brought in to replace Wesley Fofana, though he is also a target for West Ham United, according to reports from Spain.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Fofana is at risk of missing the majority of the upcoming season due to a serious knee injury, and Mauricio Pochettino has now confirmed that he could enter the market for a new defender to replace the Frenchman, saying:

We feel all so sad. All we can do is help him. After that, because he is a player that is important for the team and the squad. "Of course we now need to think and see if we keep as we are, or if we need to work to maybe add some players.”

The Blues have previously identified a number of centre-back targets, who they could now decide to make a move for, with Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio being named as a potential option at the beginning of this month.

Juventus' Gleison Bremer could also be a target, though there may be competition for his signature from rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with Ange Postecoglou keen on signing the Brazilian.

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Felipe, who could be brought in as a replacement for Fofana, with Pochettino including the Italian's name in his list of targets.

West Ham have already held talks with the 26-year-old's agent, and the La Liga side are waiting for them to make an official offer, however, the Hammers have delayed making their first move, allowing the Blues to enter the race for his signature.

Reports from earlier this month stated that the defender is valued at around €20m (£17m), meaning he would be an affordable option for Pochettino this summer.

How good is Luiz Felipe?

With Fofana suffering a long-term injury, it is clear that Pochettino will need to bring in a replacement, and the Real Betis star could be a good replacement, given the level of some of his performances over the past year.

The Brazil-born centre-back has averaged 2.39 blocks per 90, placing him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers, while he also ranks in the 95th percentile for clearances per 90, having averaged 5.40 during the same time period.

Lauded as "excellent" by members of the media, the Italy international also ranks in the 76th percentile for interceptions, but some of his other attributes leave a lot to be desired, particularly his ability in the air, as well as his passing.

The former Lazio man also has problems with his discipline, receiving three red cards over the course of seven matches last season, which will be a concern for Pochettino.

That said, at the price of just £17m, Felipe would still be a worthwhile signing for Chelsea, and they should now move swiftly to secure his signature ahead of the new campaign before West Ham re-enter the race.

Rangers remain in the hunt for Los Angeles F.C star Jose Cifuentes with Michael Beale personally hopeful of more signings after Leon Balogun.

Who will Rangers sign?

It's been a busy, busy summer at Ibrox so far as the Gers prepare for what will be an interesting 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign.

Beale's side watched on as Celtic, then lead by Ange Postecoglou, clinched a domestic treble last season with the Glasgow giants eager to avoid a sad repeat.

So far, Rangers have spent a combined £7.2 million on new signings, with Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers coming as their most expensive acquisitions from Italy.

The attacking duo are joined by Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who signed on free transfers, while Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has also put pen to paper on a loan move.

Most recently, defender Leon Balogun re-joined Rangers on a one-year deal after leaving Queen's Park Rangers on a Bosman – with the club sealing seven major additions in total.

“Leon is a person that I have full trust in both as a footballer and a man," said Beale after Balogun's return.

“He is extremely well-liked by everyone inside the club, and we are very happy to have someone with his experience and leadership qualities re-joining our squad.

"Naturally he will integrate back into the club very quickly and he understands fully our way of working and style of play."

Despite the flurry of new additions, it is believed Rangers may not be done there, as Sky Sports share news of who could come in next after Balogun.

Indeed, the reliable broadcast giant claims Beale is still personally hopeful of adding more quality to his squad in time for the new campaign, with more signings "expected".

They name Ecuador international Cifuentes as a target, who remains on Rangers' radar following repeated links with a move to Scotland.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is being targeted alongside Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Ponzo.

Not much else is said on their move for Cifuentes, but given reports of his imminent move have died down somewhat, it appears a transfer is still very much on the cards.

How good is Jose Cifuentes?

The midfielder has been praised by both members of the press and Los Angeles head coach Steve Cherundolo, who recently said that the "sky is the limit" for Cifuentes.

Cherundolo, speaking to Los Angeles F.C's official website, branded the South American a "complete player" with Tim Vickery also long tipped him to be a success.

Speaking to talkSPORT all the way back in 2019, via Football Scotland, Vickery hailed Cifuentes as a terrific midfielder who previously starred for Ecuador's national youth sides.

Raving over his physical attributes as well, Vickery may have hinted that Gers supporters could witness plenty of quality if Cifuentes does move across the Atlantic.

"He was the beating heart of that [Ecuador U20] side and I think he's a terrific midfielder," said Vickery.

"He's strong, he's got quality, he's got a good engine – he's one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I've seen come out of South America in a while."

Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move for Goncalo Ramos over the summer transfer window so far and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

Is Goncalo Ramos joining Newcastle?

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are interested in signing the Benfica striker but will need to provide the right offer to snap up his services this summer.

As per the report, Newcastle were proposing a €60m (£51m) offer to secure the signing of Ramos, however, it would only be an €80m (£68m) bid that would convince the Portuguese club to part ways with their star player.

How good is Goncalo Ramos?

Eddie Howe will surely be thrilled with his squad at St James' Park after their achievements and huge progress last season with the side reaching their first cup final in almost two decades and qualifying for Champions League football.

However, there will be little room for sentiment when it comes to planning to compete on all fronts next season and subtle tweaks will need to be made to ensure that the team can build upon the progress they have already made and can comfortably challenge for trophies.

As a result, the signing of Ramos would be a wise investment for the Magpies should they be able to meet Benfica's financial expectations this summer as the promising young goal machine would be a worthy successor for Callum Wilson.

Until last season, the Newcastle mainstay had been the first-pick front-man in the number nine role, however, the arrival of Alexander Isak provided quality competition for the England international and has been since rotating with the Swedish striker which has been a success as the pair have both been hugely impactful in front of goal.

Having said that, Wilson will turn 32 years old during the next campaign and with injuries a consistent problem for the goal-scorer, the arrival of Ramos could be bad news for his short-term future on Tyneside, as the Portugal international would be seen as part of the long-term future of the club.

Over 106 appearances for Benfica so far, the 22-year-old talent – hailed as "pure class" by Ian Wright – has scored 41 goals and registered 16 assists with a goal contribution every 110 minutes so far; as well as tallying up 25 appearances in the Champions League making him a potentially valuable prospect for Howe when his team challenges in Europe next season.

Not only that, whilst predominantly playing as a centre-forward, Ramos is versatile with experience playing as a second striker and in an attacking midfield role too, so there is no reason why the Newcastle boss would need to sacrifice Isak to start Ramos as he could play in a slightly deeper role just behind.

With that being said, a move for Ramos is definitely one to watch as injecting some more youth into the forward line would set up the strike force for years to come and assist Newcastle in their pursuit for success.

Australia have dropped batsman Nic Maddinson for next week’s Sydney Test, while left-arm spinners Steve O’Keefe and Ashton Agar have been included in a 13-man squad

Daniel Brettig30-Dec-20163:36

Coverdale: Cartwright, Agar could contest allrounder slot

Australia squad for Sydney

David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Hilton Cartwright, Ashton Agar, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Steve O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird
In: Steve O’Keefe, Ashton Agar
Out: Nic Maddinson, Chadd Sayers

Australia have dropped Nic Maddinson for next week’s Sydney Test, while left-arm spinners Steve O’Keefe and Ashton Agar have been included in a 13-man squad.Agar, the wunderkind of the 2013 Ashes tour, merited a place on the strength of 16 well-priced Sheffield Shield wickets in the first half of the season, including 10 against New South Wales at the SCG. O’Keefe has been the favoured left-arm option for some time, but must now prove his ability to stay fit for the lengths of time required following a string of calf issues.”We wanted a left-armer to go away from all their right-handers as well to give us options,” Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann said of Agar. “He got 10 in Sydney [Sheffield Shield game]. He has improved, we get feedback from JL [Justin Langer] and the guys have been watching him, they’ve been impressed with him. The hardest thing we’ve got at the moment is no Shield cricket, so you go with a bit of BBL form as well. So they’re not bowling as much as we’d like, but before that he was doing really well.”[O’Keefe’s] got to be fit and he’s playing now, so that’s the main thing. He wouldn’t want too many more injuries, he’d want to make sure he’s playing cricket. That’s the greatest thing we have now, young players coming through that are fit and ready to go. He did a really good job in Sri Lanka for us before he got injured. He knows he has got to be fit and ready to play each and every game.”Lehmann spoke warmly of Nathan Lyon following his strong display on the final day of the MCG Test, particularly the greater consistency shown by Australia’s most prolific offspin bowler. “I thought he was outstanding,” Lehmann said. “He bowled consistent line and length, which was up and down in the previous few Test matches, and he got through the middle order, so pleased for him.”I was just pleased the way he bowled today, more so than fourth innings winning the game, bowling that consistent line and length we’ve been after all summer. Three or four balls an over had been there, but today was a lot better.”Allrounder Hilton Cartwright has been retained in the squad, but there was no room for swing bowler Chadd Sayers, who had been part of the squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan. Lehmann said that Cartwright and Agar would both be under consideration in an all-round role.”If you play two spinners you normally need an allrounder, so that’s what we’re looking at,” he said. “Agar’s a genuine [allrounder], yeah. He has made Shield hundreds, and batted well in that Test match at 11, and has certainly got the talent to be a batting allrounder or a spinning allrounder, either way.”Maddinson was axed after struggling for impact in the first three Tests of his career, with scores of 0, 1, 4 and 22 in his four Test innings so far. “He has still got a bright future,” Lehmann said. “I thought he batted really well this game, he would’ve liked a bigger score. I thought he played well, got a start and could have gone on big and put pressure on the selectors.”Rather than recalling Shaun Marsh, Lehmann said the selectors had chosen to keep him playing T20 matches while retaining the services of the young Queensland opening batsman Matt Renshaw. “We decided to keep [Marsh] playing BBL,” Lehmann said. “Matt has done a reasonable job for us in the Test matches, so we’re going to go with that same opening combination for the last one.”

KL Rahul, who had aggravated an injury to his left forearm in the nets in Mohali, has been released from the India squad but is expected to be fit in time for the fourth Test against England in Mumbai on December 8. Allrounder Hardik Pandya has had to leave the team as well, having hurt his right shoulder while training at the PCA Stadium. The BCCI’s medical staff have advised him to “consult a specialist to decide the future course of action”. No replacements were named by the board in its media release.Rahul had picked up his problem while batting in the Visakhapatnam Test – which was his comeback from a hamstring injury picked up in September. His career has been a bit stop-start. Soon after making a century in his first Test series, in Sydney, he contracted dengue and missed a one-off match in Bangladesh. He was brought back into the XI when M Vijay was injured in Sri Lanka, but didn’t play the home Tests against South Africa. Rahul reclaimed his place and became India’s first-choice opener on the tour of the Caribbean, when he made a century and a fifty. His unavailability in Mohali led to Parthiv Patel – on a comeback of his own – opening the batting for India.Pandya was with the Test squad for the first time, his pace and one-day form impressing the selectors. He was the only uncapped player in the squad by the time he picked up the injury, with Jayant Yadav making his debut in Visakhapatnam and Karun Nair in Mohali.

يأمل كونور برادلي، لاعب ليفربول الإنجليزي في الحصول على فرصته للمشاركة أساسيًا أمام تشيلسي بنهائي كأس كاراباو.

ويلتقي ليفربول وتشيلسي يوم الأحد القادم، بنهائي كأس رابطة الأندية المحترفة “كأس كاراباو”.

وقال برادلي في تصريحات نشرها موقع ليفربول الرسمي، عن إمكانية مشاركته أساسيًا: “سيكون ذلك مميزَا حقًا، إذا شاركت أساسيًا، فستكون هذه هي اللحظة التي سأحظى بها لبقية حياتي”.

وأكد برادلي في تصريحاته: “نحن نتطلع حقًا للذهاب إلى هناك ونأمل أن نعيد الكأس إلى ليفربول”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كونور برادلي عن مهاجم ليفربول: أسوأ كوابيسي في التدريب وأكره مواجهته

واستطرد: “هذا ما يواصل المدرب كلوب قوله، إنه تعزيز كبير للثقة بالنسبة لنا للمضي قدمًا لبقية الموسم”.

وأتم: “لقد بذلنا كل العمل الشاق للوصول إلى هناك، والآن نحتاج فقط إلى تقديم أداء جيد يوم الأحد والحصول على اللقب”.

جدير بالذكر أن مانشستر يونايتد هو حامل لقب النسخة الماضية لكأس كاراباو لموسم 2022-2023.

Manchester United are believed to plotting a move for Atalanta marksman, Rasmus Hojlund, with the Red Devils seeking to ease their centre-forward woes this summer.

What's the latest on Hojlund to Man United?

According to transfer insider, Jacque Talbot, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be keen on signing the Denmark international ahead of next season in their quest to find a new number nine, albeit with the 20-year-old's current side hoping to hang on to their prise asset for another year at least.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist stated: "Understand that Man Utd are in for Hojlund, as first reported by @hirstclass, but Atalanta wish to keep 20yo for another season -thought that the striker’s valuation could be doubled in 2024. Club will demand north of £60million at the very least this year".

In the attached piece for Football Transfers, Talbot goes on to add that securing a deal for the four-cap international could well prove difficult, with the highly-rated youngster still having four years left on his existing contract after only making the move to Bergamo for a fee of around €17m (£15m) last summer.

Would Hojlund be a good signing for Man United?

As Talbot noted above, this report comes following a recent claim from the Times' Paul Hirst regarding United's interest in the former Sturm Graz starlet, with that piece suggesting that Erik ten Hag is potentially keen on signing both Hojlund and Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Harry Kane.

Although it may prove expensive to pull off that double deal – with Kane said to be valued at £100m despite only having 12 months to run on his current deal – it would be hugely exciting for the Carabao Cup winners to have such a wealth of attacking options at their disposal next term.

At present, Ten Hag has been forced to rely on struggling striker, Wout Weghorst, who has scored just two goals for the club since joining on loan in January, as well as injury-prone asset, Anthony Martial – the latter man having also been linked with an exit at the end of the season.

Amid the prospect of both Weghorst and Martial moving on come the summer, it would make sense to acquire two new centre-forwards in their place, hence looking at Kane and Hojlund to fight it out for a starting berth next term.

In the case of the Spurs ace, the England skipper could represent the world-class asset that Ten Hag is said to be craving, with the 29-year-old having proven his credentials after bagging 211 Premier League goals to date over the last decade or so.

With the experienced ace representing a player who could make a more immediate impact, in Hojlund the Red Devils could find a youthful, quality understudy who can potentially replace Kane in the future, with having such a clinical duo a truly mouthwatering prospect for the top-four hopefuls.

The Atalanta hotshot has certainly warranted the interest in his services having scored eight goals in 30 Serie A games this season, notably being described as a "monster in the making" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

A player who is "scary quick" and can stretch any opposition backline – according to journalist Sacha Pisani – 6 foot 3 machine would offer a different profile to that of Kane, who has begun to 'drop deeper' in recent years, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Tyrone Marshall.

To have two striking figures of different strengths and traits could well prove invaluable, with United supporters likely daring to dream that both men find their way to Manchester this summer…

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have been left "hugely impressed" by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as they now open talks, according to reports.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy are reportedly winding down their shortlist of managerial candidates in north London, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann now out of contention.

The heavily linked Xabi Alonso, who has done a brilliant job at Bayer Leverkusen, has also confirmed his intention to remain in Germany next season – ruling out a prospective move to Spurs.

As the summer window slowly approaches, Tottenham must step up their chase for Antonio Conte's replacement, so he has time to undergo a full pre-season and identify transfer targets.

Of the names still contending, it is believed that Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is a firm target, with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Slot all featuring prominently.

Celtic's Ange Postecoglou is also viewed as a candidate, according to reliable reports, but it appears Slot is entering pole position.

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Spurs have now opened talks to appoint the Dutchman, coming after the Tottenham hierarchy were left "hugely impressed" by him after holding an interview.

Spurs are apparently very confident that he is the right choice and want to make a managerial appointment next week as they increase the intensity of their search.

Talks are apparently progressing very well and, perhaps most intruigingly, there is a "willingness from both parties to complete a deal".

What could Slot bring to Spurs?

The former AZ Alkmaar boss has just won his first ever league title, guiding Feyenoord to the 2022/2023 Eredivisie title.

Slot's reputation as an exceptional manager is growing rapidly, with some circles even drawing comparisons to Man United boss Erik ten Hag.

Former AZ star Alireza Jahanbakhsh, speaking in an interview with The Athletic, called Slot “one of the best managers" he'd ever seen during their time together.

Meanwhile, Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan seems to believe his attacking style is reminiscent of Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time, said Van der Kraan (via talkSPORT).“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

Newcastle United were the first side to travel in person to watch transfer target Gabri Veiga and Celta Vigo could be powerless to stop the midfielder moving to Tyneside, according to a new report from Spain.

The Magpies have done brilliantly under Eddie Howe this season, losing just four games in the Premier League all season. Having drawn 11 times, there is also huge potential for Newcastle to improve and further threaten the so-called 'Big Six' given that they now dwarf every club in the world in terms of owner wealth.

What is the latest on Gabri Veiga to Newcastle?

AS journalist Manu Sainz reports that Real Madrid have bid for the 20-year-old but that he is not considered to be "close" to joining the Champions League holders. Given that Jude Bellingham is closing in on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, it would be surprising to see them sign another midfielder given the wealth of talent available to Carlo Ancelotti in that department.

Liverpool is another side mentioned in Sainz's report but he states that “Newcastle is a club that were the first to travel to Vigo to monitor him and you know they are willing to pay the €40m of his release clause".

Given Newcastle United's wealth since their takeover, it's unlikely that a €40m (£35m) fee would stand in the way of signing Veiga. Crucially, Sainz reports that with the ball in "Veiga’s court" – it's up to the player himself to decide between the three options at hand. If Newcastle submit a €40m (£35m) offer to trigger his release clause, Celta Vigo will be powerless to stop him leaving.

How would Veiga fit in at Newcastle United?

The Spaniard, dubbed a "very interesting" talent by scouts, is able to play in a variety of positions much like many other attackers in the modern game. While he is a natural attacking midfielder, he has played 64% of his games in central midfield this season. Signing him or a player of his profile would allow Newcastle greater tactical flexibility in-game – Veiga can play as a central midfielder, as a no.10, on the right wing and even played as a striker once this season.

In La Liga, Veiga has scored nine goals while laying on four assists for teammates. Howe has shown a preference for midfielders that can score as well as contribute to build-up play, though they also need to prove that they can play the ugly side of the game – Joelinton leads the top flight in yellow cards for example..

All in all, Veiga would be a fine signing especially if he's recruited with a view to alleviating stress and fatigue on starters with Champions League football all but guaranteed at St. James Park for the 2023/24 season.