Sheffield Wednesday: Bruce must consider signing Quentin Beunardeau in the summer

It has been a roller-coaster of a season to be a Sheffield Wednesday supporter hasn’t it?

After experiencing a torrid start to the Championship campaign, the Owls’ decision to sack Jos Luhukay in December and replace him with Steve Bruce has proved to be somewhat of a masterstroke.

Although the Yorkshire-based outfit will be facing yet another year in the second tier, the fact that they managed to stay in contention for the play-offs until the penultimate week of the season indicates that they are on the right path for the future.

However, if they are to sustain a push for automatic promotion during the 2019/20 campaign, they will have to sort out their goalkeeping situation over the coming months.

With Keiren Westwood’s contract at Hillsborough set to expire in June (via Transfermarkt), the Republic of Ireland international has yet to commit to a new deal which must be worrying for Bruce given just how impressive he has been for the Owls.

If the 34-year-old does decide to seek a future elsewhere, Wednesday must consider replacing him with one of Portugal’s most consistent shot-stoppers.

Having delivered a number of stand-out performances for Rio Ave in the Primeira Liga this season, Quentin Beunardeau is reportedly one of Bruce’s main targets in the summer (via record.pt).

Rated at £450k by Transfermarkt, the French ‘keeper could prove to be a bargain for the Owls if he can replicate the same level of form which has seen him keep nine clean sheets in 25 appearances for the Iberian minnows this year.

Whereas Westwood is entering the twilight of his career, at the age of 25, Beunardeau is yet to reach his prime but could do so in South Yorkshire if Wednesday decide he is worth taking a risk on when the transfer window opens in July.

What do you think Owls fans? Should Bruce consider bringing in Beunardeau in the summer? Or would it be more beneficial if the 58-year-old does everything he can to convince Westwood to stay? Let us know below.

Leeds fans desperate to ruin Grealish’s Wembley party

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Leeds United fans on Twitter have been focusing on one man after they found out who they will be facing in the playoff final if they overcome Derby County in the semis.

Jack Grealish has been at the forefront of many Whites supporters’ minds after the two sides met last month.

The midfielder made a lasting impression on the spectators that day, but not for the right reasons. His alleged diving and theatrical style on the pitch has led to a lot of anger directed towards him from the Whites.

The Clarets’ talisman is one of the most talented players in the division, but his antics at Elland Road against Leeds clearly touched a nerve.

Now that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have a chance to set up a potential Wembley clash with Grealish and Co, United fans want to see the 23-year-old’s big day ruined.

Here’s what Leeds fans have been saying on Twitter…

Is he joking? Man United fans react to the club’s views on summer window

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Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter in disbelief after the Daily Mail revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes he doesn’t need to sign a new centre-back this summer.

The Red Devils are perhaps at their weakest in the centre of defence, where players such as Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo have done little to show that they can be depended on consistently.

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Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof are arguably the club’s two best options in that department, but even then the pair of them have struggled to strike up a partnership formidable enough to keep the goals out.

Jose Mourinho was famously desperate to sign a centre-back in his final transfer window at the club before his sacking, and much was made of his deteriorating relationship with Ed Woodward after no new additions were made in central defence.

Almost a year on from that window, Solskjaer and Woodward’s belief that the club still don’t need a new centre-back has sparked outrage from the United supporters on Twitter…

جريليش: أشعر بالصدمة لخسارتنا أمام بلجيكا.. وحلمت بمثل تلك المباريات

أبدى نجم أستون فيلا جاك جريليش سعادته بمشاركته في مباراة الأمس مع منتخب إنجلترا أمام بلجيكا في دوري الأمم الأوروبية، ولكنه أكد شعوره بالصدمة بسبب الهزيمة والخروج من المنافسات.

وخسرت إنجلترا بهدفين دون رد، في الجولة الخامسة من المجموعة الثانية من المستوى الأول.

وقدم جريليش أداءً مميزًا، حيث نال إشادة المدرب جاريث ساوثجيت (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وقال جريليش في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “لقد أحببت ذلك تمامًا، هذا ما كنت أنتظره، هذه هي المباريات التي حلمت به، لقد تمنيت ذلك طوال حياتي وأردت اللعب مع إنجلترا”.

وأضاف: “أردنا الفوز الليلة رغم أنني أشعر بالصدمة لأننا لم نحقق الفوز، كنت أعرف أن هذه هي فرصتي لإثارة الإعجاب، هذه هي الأشياء التي أحبها، الرغبة في القيام بعمل جيد”.

وواصل: “خلال الـ24 ساعة الماضية كنت أشاهد مقاطع للاعبين المفضلين لدي، أفعل ذلك في كل مباراة، كنت أشعر بالطنين، أشاهد مقاطع كيفين دي بروين، فيليب كوتينيو، وآخرين لاعبين في مركزي”.

وتابع: “فعلت ذلك عندما كنت طفلاً صغيرًا وما زلت أفعل ذلك اليوم، هذا ما يدفعني إلى المضي قدمًا”.

وأوضح: “أصعب شيء هو محاولة الحصول على التناغم مع زملائك في الفريق، عندما تأتي إلى هنا لديك 10 أيام فقط لتحقيق ذلك، ولكن بعض اللاعبين ينجحون في هذا الأمر”.

واختتم: “كان المدرب رائعًا معي، وهناك نجوم من الطراز العالمي في مركزي”.

Summer arrival? West Ham consider swoop for Dario Benedetto

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According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United are considering a £20m bid for Boca Juniors forward Dario Benedetto ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

It is not exactly breaking news that West Ham will be in the market for a new striker at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

Indeed, Andy Carroll is expected to leave on a free transfer, whilst the futures of Lucas Perez, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez are seemingly up in the air.

To be honest, Michail Antonio is probably the best bet through the middle at the moment, with Arnautovic particularly struggling for form.

According to TEAMtalk, West Ham are lining up a swoop for Benedetto, who could be available for around £20m.

The five-time Argentina international has only scored four times in 19 appearances for Boca this term, though, and it would be a risk to bring the centre-forward to the London Stadium this summer.

Why should West Ham avoid the deal?

If TEAMtalk are correct and Benedetto is available for around £20m, then it could be considered decent business.

After all, Benedetto has scored 109 times in 267 appearances at professional level, including 38 goals in 61 games for Boca.

The 5 ft 9 ace has not sampled European football, though, and at the age of 28, you have to think that someone would have taken him sooner if he was capable of being a success on the European stage.

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That might be a harsh opinion of the South American, but it would be a big risk for West Ham to attempt to solve a huge issue in their team by signing a player who has no experience in the European game.

The Hammers need a new centre-forward this summer – that is for certain – but should avoid a move for Benedetto at all costs.

Keeping Matt Clarke is essential for Portsmouth this summer

Portsmouth are set for an enthralling couple of weeks as they hope to be victorious yet again at Wembley, come the end of the season. God it’s nervy, isn’t it? Why couldn’t the team manage automatic promotion and save you all from this stress? Football really isn’t fair. 

Still, having won the Checkatrade Trophy, topping the season off with promotion back into the Championship via the play-offs would be a momentous achievement for those on the south coast. They have done so well to lodge themselves in with a fantastic chance of achieving just that this season, which was inspired by their trophy win in March.

Kenny Jackett is clearly a great manager at this level who has proven a lot during this campaign, though whatever league Pompey maybe in next season, it is vital he retains his key players whilst adding some new ones as well. Otherwise, the whole project could go sourly.

One player who is surely near the top of the list of players to stay is central-defender Matt Clarke, who has again been brilliant this season.

Clarke, (who is valued at £180k on Transfermarkt) has been a player of interest for a number of clubs in the past but if Portsmouth are serious about progressing, he must be one of the players who sticks around.

Having played in every single League One game this season, the service he provides Portsmouth is certainly appreciated and he is consistently giving his all for the shirt. Not gaining promotion would present a significant challenge to Pompey, with Clarke surely likely to be offered a route to the Championship without Portsmouth.

Though if they do manage to make it through the play-offs, Clarke would be key to help consolidate their place within the division and he is massively important of the team that they cannot afford to let go.

Do you agree Matt Clarke should be kept at all costs next season? Join the discussion and let us know!

Liverpool are missing a player like Nabil Fekir and must sign him this summer

Whatever happens, Liverpool really have been brilliant this season and Jurgen Klopp has successfully transformed the Reds into a far better side. Yes, if they don’t win the title, it’ll be a huge disappointment but you Kopites are truly watching one of the best teams ever assembled in English footballing history. 

Obviously, it would be devastating to miss out on the Premier League title yet again, seeing as just one point separates Liverpool and Man City but nevertheless, the positives have to be taken.

Considering the gap between the two sides was 25 points at the end of last season, Liverpool have obviously made huge improvements. Their only Premier League loss at this stage is to City themselves and if able to sustain the performances from this campaign, they can certainly hope to enjoy great success next season.

At home and on the continent, Liverpool really are one of the best teams in the world again.

Surely, both teams are again likely to spend over the summer period and Liverpool would do well to once again, target Lyon’s creative spark Nabil Fekir.

Fekir, (who is valued at £63 million on Transfermarkt) is a midfielder that was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, heck he even had a medical at Anfield!

It’s not often enormous U-turn’s in the transfer market are made but Liverpool will clearly see themselves exactly why they need a player like Nabil Fekir. Ever since Philippe Coutinho left Anfield, their midfield has been stripped of a more attacking, goal-source, something Nabil Fekir would be if brought.

With 12 goals and seven assists, Fekir is the kind of player that would add even more attacking quality to Liverpool, making them a far better side overall. If they had him, perhaps some of those annoying draws in January would have been turned into wins, thus making the Reds domestic champions again.

Fekir would join a number of other quality options, giving Jurgen Klopp plenty to think about and how exactly he gets the best out of his team again next season. Unlocking defences, it’s scary what he could do behind the likes of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

Liverpool fans, do you think Fekir fits in still? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Rangers: Joe Worrall won’t be missed one bit in Glasgow next season

Rangers fans can sleep easy knowing that they no longer have to worry about Joe Worrall committing blunders at the back for them anymore. The Nottingham Forest man has returned to his parent club, and the chances are the Gers won’t be seeing any more of him, as The Nottingham Post claims he’ll be staying at The City Ground next season

Steven Gerrard had already purchased both Connor Golson and Nikola Katic last summer when he moved to loan Joe Worrall in the dying embers of the summer window, and whilst it may have a been move that has worked wonders for the young centre-half’s personal development, Rangers have hardly benefitted. Now, though, Worrall’s Rangers career is well and truly over.

There have been highs and was at Ibrox for the £7.2 million-rated defender, as per Transfermarkt, but for a lot of his time in Glasgow, it has been a struggle. If there is anything that a player can do to win over a fan base it’s usually get stuck into their rivals, but even Worrall’s X-rated rant aimed at Celtic couldn’t make him a beloved figure amongst the Bluenoses.

Gerrard will now have to go back to the drawing board and bring in a new defender to add to the squad, but as far as the Gers are concerned anyone is going to be better than Worrall, who has been more than a little bit disappointing this season. For the most part, fans have found themselves complaining as Katic has been left out of the side as Worrall plays.

Whatever happens now, the Gers aren’t wishing bad things upon the 22-year-old defender, they just want to see a more capable man come in to fill his shoes this summer, especially as they look to overcome Celtic next season. The race against time is on for Gerrard to chase down the Hoops and stop ten in a row, and a new capable centre-back will be absolutely key.

Are you happy to see the back of Joe Worrall, Rangers fans? Let us know!

Arsenal: Unai Emery must keep a hold of main man Alexandre Lacazette at all costs

Unai Emery’s first season at Arsenal hasn’t panned out to be as successful as he had desired.

Indeed, a poor defensive structure, inconsistency and internal issues have plagued his side throughout. However, even in the darkest times, one player’s acted as their shining beacon of hope.

Alexandre Lacazette has leapt over Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to become the Gunnars’ most important striker right now. Despite witnessing almost everything crumble beside him, he’s kept up the confidence-level to free Emery’s side from difficult predicaments.

However, his excellent performances have reportedly attracted quite the attention.

According to reports (via The Express), Barcelona are highly interested in the Frenchman and want him as Luis Suarez’s replacement. Now, clearly, resisting a move to the Spanish champions wouldn’t really be that easy. Indeed, Lacazette might be loyal to the cause right now, but Emery needs to grant him assurances in keeping him at North London.

There’s no doubting the fact that Arsenal are well below the Blaugrana in the footballing food chain, so they’ll need to prove there are big plans in place at the Emirates if the interest from Spain really is there.

The 27-year-old’s scored 19 goals in all competitions this season, proving an absolute lethal force in attack. Lacazette’s impressive movement, relentless surge and peak finishing ability have delighted fans throughout the season. Losing him would be akin to bring similar consequences Robin van Persie’s did back in 2012. Scary.

Frankly, Arsenal’s team needs to be built around Lacazette next season.

Emery must recognize his world-class striker’s importance and make appropriate signings to benefit his development. Aubameyang can take a back-seat on spearheading Arsenal’s attack from the next campaign. The Frenchman is Emery’s biggest weapon in getting back into the glory days and letting him leave would break the foundations the Spaniard’s set up in the early stages of his Arsenal tenure.

Arsenal fans, do you think Lacazette is currently Emery’s most important player? Join the discussion by commenting below…

الوداد يتلقى عرضًا من الدوري المصري لشراء كاسنجو

تلقى نادي الوداد المغربي عرضًا من أحد أندية الدوري المصري لضم مهاجمه كازادي كاسنجو خلال فترة الانتقالات الجارية.

وكان الوداد المغربي قد تلقى هزيمة كبيرة على يد الأهلي ضمن منافسات قبل نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا بنتيجة 5-1 بمجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب.

وأفاد موقع “360 سبورت” المغربي، أن نادي الوداد المغربي تلقى عرضًا من نادي المصري البورسعيدي لضم مهاجمه كازادي كاسنجو خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وأوضح التقرير أنه حصل على نسخة من المراسلة التي توصلت بها إدارة الوداد الرياضي مع نادي المصري البورسعيدي، والتي عرض من خلالها مسؤولو الأخير مبلغ 260 ألف دولار لشراء ما تبقى من عقد كازادي كاسنجو وتوقيع اتفاقية شراكة وتعاون في حال إتمام الصفقة.

يذكر، أن المصري البورسعيدي تعاقد مع عدد من اللاعبين لتدعيم صفوفه استعداداً للمواسم الجديد من الدوري الممتاز، وقدم 7 صفقات خلال مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الجمعة.

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