Eddie Howe can make his Bournemouth attack even stronger by signing Jay Rodriguez

Bournemouth supporters will undoubtedly be pleased with their team’s attack right now.

Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and David Brooks all performed exceptionally well in the recently concluded Premier League campaign as the Cherries managed to secure top-flight football for another season.

And that attack could be about to get even better, with the south coast club currently being linked with a move for West Brom’s Jay Rodriguez.

According to the Express and Star, Bournemouth are interested in bringing the 29-year-old to the Vitality Stadium this summer in what could be a very smart transfer, though they are expected to face competition from Burnley.

With his injury problems behind him, Rodriguez, who is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, managed to score 22 goals in the Championship last season. Meanwhile, the one prior, when West Brom were still in the Premier League, he found the back of the net on seven occasions playing in a very conservative team.

In a more free-flowing system like the one Eddie Howe deploys at Bournemouth, with his finishing, the England international could easily reach the 10-goal mark.

After all, it was only a few years ago where a fit Rodriguez was scoring 15 goals in the Premier League in an adventurous Southampton side.

Now fully fit again, as a partner to Wilson or alternative, Rodriguez is a player who looks capable of bringing goals to this Bournemouth team.

Bournemouth fans, do you think Rodriguez would be a good signing? Join the discussion by commenting below.

West Ham: Manuel Pellegrini won’t win many fans by signing Fabian Delph

You know the transfer window is open for business when West Ham are linked with every player under the sun.

It is set to be a massive summer for the Hammers, with players expected to leave and even more likely to join. Every area of the pitch could do with some work, and for Manuel Pellegrini, finding the perfect members for his side will be his utmost priority for the next two months.

With a limited budget to work with, it could be a summer where West Ham gets players in on the cheap, and the latest rumours have the east London side linked with a newly crowned Premier League winner, just not one that will get Hammers fans off their feet.

According to Football Insider, Pellegrini is eyeing up a move for City Swiss Army knife Fabian Delph, who could leave Manchester this season after a lacklustre campaign of sitting on the bench and being subject to only eight Premier League starts.

Whilst the England international’s versatility could make him a useful player in both the midfield and defence for West Ham, if the club wants to progress, they should be avoiding the likes of Delph this summer.

The former Aston Villa captain won’t be the player to score the goals or create chances in the attacking third, which you can argue is what West Ham need the most this summer, not a defensive minded player.

Delph’s experience and ability to play multiple positions might make him a solid signing on the cheap, but the England international isn’t a marquee ‘wow’ signing that fans want, nor the man to win those vital points for West Ham next season.

West Ham fans, would you take Delph this summer? Let us know!

Potential Consequences: Everton signing Joao Mario

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According to the Daily Mail, Everton have been offered the chance to sign Inter Milan playmaker Joao Mario for just £15m.

The Portuguese international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, has scored just one goal and recorded two assists this term in 20 Serie A appearances.

Porto and Monaco are interested in signing the 26-year-old, who cost Inter a whopping €40m back in the summer of 2016 – he has largely disappointed with just four goals in 69 appearances for the Italian giants.

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It would certainly be a risky signing for Everton, so what are the potential consequences of the Toffees bringing the Portuguese attacker to Goodison Park? Football FanCast takes a look…

Ademola Lookman forced out?

One particularly promising player on Everton’s books right now is Ademola Lookman.

The England Under-21 international has impressed whenever he has made it onto the pitch for the Toffees, and specifically starred whilst out on loan in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, where he was directly involved in nine goals in just 11 appearances.

That led the German side to bid £25m for his services, an offer that was rejected. Since his return, he has barely featured under Marco Silva and has made just three league starts this season.

If Joao Mario arrived, Lookman’s future at the club would be in serious doubt?

Richarlison moved back to centre-forward?

The Brazil international Richarlison ended the campaign playing as a left-winger whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin played in a central role, a position where the former Watford man featured 11 times throughout the season and scored five goals.

However, with Joao Mario able to play anywhere across the frontline, we could see Richarlison pushed back into the middle in order to accommodate the Inter playmaker out on the left, where he enjoys cutting in on his stronger right foot.

Theo Walcott definitely off?

It was reported last month that Walcott’s Everton future was in doubt, with the Toffees keen to offload their highest earner – the former Arsenal man is taking home £110,000-a-week on Merseyside.

The 30-year-old featured sporadically under Silva towards the end of the season, and only managed to score five league goals all year.

His performances have left plenty to be desired since he arrived at Goodison, and supporters have been hugely underwhelmed by a player who boasts such pedigree.

However, it’s become abundantly clear that he isn’t good enough to take the club to the next level and, if Mario arrives, it will surely seal his fate at the club.

Rangers: Sheyi Ojo can be the answer to Ryan Kent next season

With the transfer window under a month away from opening in Scotland, Rangers have quickly established themselves as a team out on a mission.

With three players already signed and a fourth soon on the way, Steven Gerrard’s side are already one of the most active teams in this summers market, with the Rangers boss looking to close the gap on Celtic next season after finishing the campaign nine points off their Glasgow rivals.

And, one main priority in the offseason is to replace Ryan Kent.

The winger was a revelation for the Gers last season, scoring six goals and assisting nine in all competitions under Gerrard as Kent was named the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year. But, according to recent reports, it is looking unlikely the 22-year-old winger will return to the Ibrox for the 2019/20 campaign, but another exciting name could take his place.

According to the Scotsman, Rangers are close to signing Liverpool youngster Sheyi Ojo on loan for the entirety of next season, and this is an exciting move for the Glaswegian side.

Valued at £1.8 million on Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old attacker is highly rated and has already played for the first-team, making 13 appearances in total and scoring once. And, loan spells at the likes of Wolves and Fulham have shown that Ojo is a player who can go far if he can secure a full season of first-team football.

Able to play on both wings, Ojo is a versatile attacker gifted with lightning pace and a creative mind that makes him a deadly force down the flanks, which makes the 21-year-old the ideal replacement for Kent next season.

Sheyi Ojo could even turn out to be ‘another Ryan Kent’ if he manages to follow in his footsteps during the potential loan spell, which would be great for everyone involved at the club.

The former Rangers loanee made a sizeable impact on the side this season, but in Ojo, the Glasgow faithful could have a new star to admire.

Rangers fans, could Ojo succeed Kent at the club? Let us know!

Arsenal Transfer Roundup: Ospina ultimatum, Torreira prefers Italy, deal close for Schubert

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Most news coming out of Arsenal at the moment seems to be in regards to potential departures as Unai Emery looks at getting his side ready for next season. Today’s Arsenal transfer roundup includes an ultimatum for the sale of a goalkeeper, worrying comments from a star midfielder and a deal in the pipeline for an up-and-coming German.

Ospina ultimatum

According to the Sun, Napoli have until the end of the week to sign on-loan shot-stopper David Ospina. The Italian side can purchase the Colombian for £3.1m due to the terms of his loan agreement, but that option runs out on Saturday. It is believed Napoli do not want to pay more than £2m for his services.

Torreira misses Italy

Lucas Torreira has admitted that he preferred life in Italy compared to England. In an interview with Uruguay’s Ovacion, he said as quoted by The Sun; “I don’t know if there are many things that I enjoy. I think it was better in Italy. England is a totally different world, a very large country. The language [barrier] has stopped me, to be able to relate with my team-mates and with the people. It is very difficult when you can’t have dialogue.” These comments come following news that AC Milan are interested in signing the midfielder.

Schubert close to switch

The Independent are reporting that the Gunners are close to agreeing a deal for German goalkeeper Markus Schubert. The 21-year-old Dynamo Dresden player is expected to move to the Emirates on a free transfer this summer and is seen as a long-term challenger to Bernd Leno, famed for his ability to help build from the back.

Between The Lines: Sunderland fans deserve better than Methven’s comments

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Sunderland executive director Charlie Methven has had his say on the club’s Wembley heartbreak, but the Black Cats shareholder has chosen his words extremely poorly.

Jack Ross’ side were simply not good enough at Wembley on Monday, and everyone knows it.

The fans were visibly frustrated throughout the afternoon, and it wasn’t hard to see why, as the Black Cats just did not take advantage of the gift-wrapped head-start afforded to them by Charlton.

After Naby Sarr’s comical early own goal, the Wearsiders sat on their lead, created absolutely nothing going forward and relied on an isolated Charlie Wyke to hold the ball up by himself.

Eventually, the Addicks found their way through to win the day in stoppage time, and Methven has given his verdict on the devastating result.

What did he say?

In an interview with Metro Radio, he said: “Ultimately Sunderland fans need to get realistic about that (staying in League One).

“Charlton have been in the Premier League for much of the last 20, 30 years and they had 40,000 fans to our 34,000 fans.

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“On sheer size of club, it’s hard to say that Charlton are the ones that deserved to stay down. I thought the Charlton fans were very loud. I thought our fans were quiet.

“As management, we have to take responsibility that the club didn’t quite believe enough to make it happen.

“We all need to take a look at ourselves now and understand what we need to do to sort this out and get better because it’s obviously a terrific disappointment.”

Make up your mind

So which one is it Charlie? Is another season in League One a “tremendous disappointment”? Or do Black Cats fans need to “get realistic” and accept a second go at the third tier?

Methven, together with Stewart Donald, have brought life back to the club, and their efforts to constantly interact with the fans is admirable, but the executive director simply cannot place a single ounce of blame for Sunday’s disappointment on those fans.

40,000 Wearsiders packed into Wembley for the Checkatrade Trophy final, and another 34,000 rocked up on Sunday ready to produce memories that would last a lifetime.

The performance on the pitch was utterly lifeless, and the responsibility for that lies with the players, manager, staff and owners. Methven has got it all wrong on this occasion.

مورينيو عن أداء جاريث بيل أمام لاسك: عليه تحسين بعض الأشياء

علّق المدرب البرتغالي جوزيه مورينيو المدير الفني لنادي توتنهام هوتسبير، على أداء الويلزي جاريث بيل جناح السبيرز في مباراة لاسك لينز النمساوي بمسابقة الدوري الأوروبي.

بيل سجّل هدفًا في تعادل توتنهام مع لاسك لينز النمساوي مساء اليوم الخميس على ملعب “لينزر” بنتيجة 3-3، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من دور المجموعات بالدوري الأوروبي (طالع تقرير المباراة).

اقرأ أيضًا.. رسالة ساخرة من مورينيو للاعبي توتنهام بعد التعادل مع لاسك في الدوري الأوروبي

وقال مورينيو في تصريحات صحفية عقب نهاية المباراة: “لقد أخرجته قبل 15 دقيقة من نهاية المباراة، لأنه ليس قادرًا على خوض 90 دقيقة بعد”.

وأضاف: “بيل يعود شيئًا فشيئًا، إنه يقترب من اللعب لمدة 90 دقيقة، لقد قدم لنا أشياء جيدة اليوم”.

وأتم تصريحاته قائلًا: “جاريث بيل لديه الكثير من الأشياء الإيجابية في طريقة لعبه، وبالطبع يُمكنك أن ترى أن هناك القليل من الأشياء التي يجب عليه تحسينها”.

Liverpool fans eager to see Junior Firpo arrive at Anfield

[ad_pod ]Liverpool fans are keep to see Junior Firpo arrive at the club after he was linked with a move to Anfield.The Guardian reported on Friday that the Reds are in the market to buy a back-up left-back for Andrew Robertson next season and haven’t been put off by the £45m release clause in his Real Betis contract.“It reminds me of a bus seat!” – Watch a damning verdict on Chelsea’s new kit in the video below…Still just 22 years of age, the defender made 30 appearances in all competitions last season for the La Liga outfit, scoring three goals and assisting five times.The reported fee needed to bring him to the English Premier League may seem expensive, but the Spain U21 international can also play further forward on the left flank and could prove to be a smart, versatile pick to replace Alberto Moreno.Robertson has emerged as a strong and consistent performer for Liverpool, but competition never hurts and with Liverpool potentially reaching the latter stages of various tournaments next season then competent back-up is required.

Fans are certainly eager to see the deal done, taking to Twitter this weekend to share their thoughts…

Fabinho gives Liverpool the edge in midfield over Spurs in Champions League final

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After a crushing 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in last year’s Champions League final, a big summer awaited a Liverpool side who were clearly just a few players away from becoming a force to be reckoned with.

The supporters were in a terrible mood. Loris Karius’ reputation was in tatters. Everything seemed bleak.

However, just three days after the crushing defeat to Los Blancos, a key cog arrived at Anfield.

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Brazilian international Fabinho was signed in a deal worth £43.7m, and immediately provided the Reds with the steely bite their midfield was sorely lacking.

All you need to do is take a look at the three players that Jurgen Klopp started last year’s final with.

Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum.

All three are very much the same player in some respects; hard working, decent but not exactly spectacular in possession and not exactly huge physical presences in the middle of the park either.

Soccer Football – Champions League Semi Final Second Leg – Liverpool v FC Barcelona – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – May 7, 2019 Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets speaks with Liverpool’s Fabinho Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

In stark contrast, 6 ft 2 Fabinho is certainly a dominant figure in there, and is by no means just a lump; he has excellent technique that goes unnoticed by many.

When the Reds walk out of the Wanda Metropolitano tunnel, they should feel confidence coursing through their veins almost immediately thanks to the No.3’s presence in the side; even more so given the fact that a player like the Brazilian is what Tottenham will be sorely missing.

They sold the only real player of Fabinho’s ilk back in January when they allowed Mousa Dembele to go to China, and have just Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier to somewhat mirror what the former Monaco man brings to Liverpool.

Dier and Wanyama, however, are nowhere near as good as Fabinho. They are very limited from a technical aspect and are also extremely injury prone.

Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield will probably consist of Christian Eriksen, Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko on Saturday, and none of them are the midfield destroyers that all successful teams need; names such as Casemiro – who was crucial in last year’s final – and Fernandinho spring to mind.

Bournemouth man fits the bill perfectly for Spurs and Pochettino: Opinion

Spurs will look towards a big summer as they look to build on getting to the Champions League final.

Despite losing out to Liverpool, there is a big sense around the club that they than more than overachieved with their Champions League showing, and manager Mauricio Pochettino will no doubt be keen take some steps in the transfer market to ensure the club continues to progress.

With the new stadium finally open, Pochettino will be hoping to see some backing from Daniel Levy, and this weekend has seen the club linked with a move for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, who continues to impress for the Cherries under Eddie Howe.

While a £40m fee might seem a hefty chunk of change on paper, Ake has been brilliant under Eddie Howe, developing into the one of the finest young defenders in the English game after never quite getting his chance with Chelsea previously.

Ake fits the mould of a player Spurs would buy, given his age and the way he plays out from the back.

His relaxed style should not be seen as lazy though and he is strong in the tackle, as well as being dominant in the air, and with a chance of playing at what is seemed a higher level with Spurs, it looks like a match made in heaven.

Spurs are looking to move forward with young players who want to develop and prove a point under Pochettino, and Ake fits the bill perfectly given his performance in the 2018/19 season.

38 Premier League appearances where he averaged just under two tackles per game while recording over six clearances per game mark him out as an impressive defensive stalwart, and it is these sort of impressive stats which will impress the onlooking Spurs management team.

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