Kagawa could solve Everton’s goalscoring woes

According to Bild, via Tuttomercatoweb, former Manchester United playmaker Shinji Kagawa is a summer target for Everton.

What’s the story?

Fussballeck reported this weekend that Shinji Kagawa is a target for West Ham, and now Bild are claiming the Toffees will rival the Hammers for the Japan international.

Kagawa, currently in his second spell with Borussia Dortmund, has found chances somewhat limited this season, making only 18 league appearances.

The crafty playmaker is known in England for his relatively unsuccessful spell with Manchester United, but his unquestionable talent has made him a Premier League target once again.

Everton have still been short of creativity since splashing out last summer, so a move for Kagawa could be perfect for the Toffees.

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Why move for Kagawa?

Valued at £11.7million by Transfermarkt, Kagawa certainly wouldn’t be a cheap signing, as his contract doesn’t run out until the summer of 2020. However, he would definitely be more bang for Everton’s buck than the enigmatic signing of Davy Klaassen.

The 29 year-old has scored 29 times in 89 appearances for Japan, and has had a decent season despite not being at his best, grabbing six goals and seven assists in all competitions.

While the Premier League move didn’t pay off for Kagawa last time, that was a turbulent time at Old Trafford, and the pressure may have just been too much. A move to Goodison could be perfect, as Sam Allardyce seeks a consistent creative force to supply hotshot Cenk Tosun.

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Kagawa’s physicality, or lack thereof, may be a concern to some fans, but his fantastic passing and quite simply stunning technical ability should more than make up for that.

If the Toffees can find the right balance in midfield to allow Kagawa to partner up with the likes of Theo Walcott, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Cenk Tosun in attack, there could be some serious goals on the blue half of Merseyside next season.

Everton fans, would you like to see a summer swoop for Kagawa? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Newcastle fans hilariously bash Sunderland for ticket error

Newcastle fans are mercilessly mocking Sunderland after the Black Cats cancelled several tickets to their last game of the season thanks to a Magpie hoax.

You’d be hard pushed to find a happier set of fans anywhere in the world right now than on Tyneside, and things just got a whole lot funnier for the Magpies.

Newcastle’s season has quickly gone from underwhelming lows to unbelievable highs, as the Toon Army’s four game winning streak has lifted them into the top ten.

As if any icing was needed on the cake, the Magpies are getting to watch their arch-rivals face back to back relegations, and now Sunderland have cancelled several tickets in the away end for their final home game against Wolves.

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To put a long story short, a Newcastle fan got a hold of a picture of some Wolves tickets for the match, and posted on social media as if they were his own.

Sunderland then presumed Newcastle fans were invading the away end, and cancelled the tickets in question.

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Of course, to get tickets in the Wolves away end, one needs to have racked up loyalty points by going to other Wolves away matches, and Newcastle fans are hilariously mocking Sunderland for not realising this.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Leeds fans split when it comes to Peacock-Farrell

Even the most ardent of Leeds United supporters would find it difficult to put a positive spin on what has been a very disappointing 2017-18 campaign for the club.

Indeed, the Whites currently sit down in 14th position in the Championship table following their 2-1 defeat at Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side have lost four of their last six Championship matches – winning just once, and big changes are expected to occur at the end of the season.

Leeds certainly have a problem when it comes to their goalkeeping department, and it does appear that German stopper Felix Wiedwald will be moved on following some poor performances.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell currently has the gloves for the club, but he was criticised at the weekend when Josh Murphy’s powerful effort seemed to go through the 21-year-old.

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Peacock-Farrell has been defended by a number of Leeds fans on social media, but there were also plenty that were upset with his performance at the weekend.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Lauren thinks Luis Enrique would fit in perfectly at Arsenal

Once Arsene Wenger announced his decision to resign from his post as Arsenal manager, attention swiftly turned to potential replacements.

Numerous names have flooded the the gossip columns, and fans have debated on social media who the best option is.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique emerged as an early candidate, but reports have suggested that salary could be an issue.

A recent report in The Mirror claimed that the Spaniard is demanding wages worth up to £15m after tax.

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Enrique does not have the biggest portfolio in terms of clubs managed, but he has had huge success at Barcelona.

During a three-year spell, the 48-year-old won nine trophies, including two La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Enrique left the Catalan giants last year and has been out of work since.

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Despite the reported concerns over money, former Arsenal defender Lauren believes that the former Celta Vigo boss would embrace the club’s philosophy.

He told Sky Sports:

“I would go for Luis Enrique because of a few facts. The style of play, there are some parallels with Barcelona, the way they play is the ‘Arsenal way’. He’s got that killer instinct that you need to manage a big team. You need a manager that has that big personality and the animal instincts to control everything.”

Arsenal fans seem confused by latest Allegri comments

With iconic manager, Arsene Wenger, set to finally end his 22-year tenure at the club, there has been a lot of speculation about who would replace the Frenchman to manage the Gunners next season.

Big names like former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti have been floated but so too have inexperienced hires such as former players, Mikel Arterta and Patrick Vieira. 

Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri, was reportedly the fans’ favourite to take over in North London but the Italian has distanced himself from the role.

“If they don’t fire me, then I think I’m staying at Juventus next year too,”

“It’s not an issue of decisions on the future, it’s about planning what the future of Juventus will be, because once we’ve finished celebrating, we have to sit around a table with clear heads,” added Allegri.

The former AC Milan manager guided Juventus to their 34th top-flight title on Sunday to maintain his incredible record of winning a domestic double in each of his four seasons in the hot seat at Juventus.

It is this consistent success that has made Allegri a favourite to succeed Wenger and led him to be linked with replacing Antonio Conte at Chelsea.

But the 50-year-old’s latest comments have left Arsenal fans reeling with some supporters speculating whether Allegri’s comment are simply a bargaining tool to demand a higher salary to move to North London.

While others have pointed to Allegri learning English as evidence that the move is still on.

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Arsenal supporters have been quick to react to the news – and the reaction has been pretty split. Here’s a selection of what’s been said on social media…

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Liverpool fans urge club to sign Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta played his final match for the club on Sunday to bring an end to his 22-year association with the La Liga giants, and Liverpool fans have urged their club to sign the veteran 34-year-old this summer.

The Spaniard announced last month that he would be leaving the Camp Nou when his contract expired this summer, and he made an emotional final appearance in the 1-0 win against Real Sociedad at the weekend.

The 2014 World Cup winner has hinted that he may look for a move away from Europe, but that obviously hasn’t deterred the Anfield faithful who were impressed with the 82 minutes they saw from the midfield legend before he was replaced by Paco Alcacer.

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Liverpool supporters, who have also urged the Merseyside outfit to sign a former Manchester United flop this summer, were quick to have their say on Iniesta via social media, and while one said “sign him up for two years Jurgen”, another said “I’d happily sign him”.

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Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Liverpool fans loved Andy Robertson’s performance despite final defeat

Liverpool were defeated in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev.

It was a difficult night for supporters, who had to endure their star player Mohamed Salah going off injured and goalkeeping howlers from Loris Karius that ultimately cost them the trophy.

After such a stellar season, especially since the turn of the year, it was a sad way to end things.

Still, supporters will already be looking forward to next term and many believe they now have a squad in place to compete for all the major honours next season.

Fans were particularly impressed with Andy Robertson’s performance on Saturday, who stood up to the challenge of Madrid’s superstars well, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo especially quiet. He executed an inch perfect tackle on the Portuguese in the second half to deny him a goal.

Just 24 years old, he has plenty of improving to do and many are excited about what his future holds, with some even tipping him as a future captain, such was the passion and determination on display.

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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Revealed: 83% of Newcastle fans would rather sign Kenedy than Grealish

Newcastle fans have been mulling a move for Jack Grealish, but it seems they’d much rather splash the cash on a more familiar face instead.

When Newcastle made three loan signings in the January transfer window, fans were rightfully concerned that their club’s frugalness could cost them once again.

Although the arrival of Islam Slimani was a bit of a disaster, both Martin Dubravka and Chelsea’s Kenedy were huge hits on Tyneside, and the latter especially had fans on the edge of their seats every time he got the ball.

With negotiations seemingly stalled for Kenedy though, the Magpies could be one of a number of teams lining up a summer swoop for Grealish.

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Aston Villa are in a dire situation, and will likely be forced to dump all of their sellable assets to save the club from administration.

Grealish is by far the most valuable player at the club, and he would certainly be a good fit on Tyneside.

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Both 22 year-olds will likely cost upwards of 20m, but it seems the Toon Army would much rather bring back the familiar face, with a whopping 83 per cent saying they’d rather sign Kenedy.

You can find the full poll results down below…

Middlesbrough fans desperate for McNair deal

Middlesbrough made a bid in excess of £5m for Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair over the weekend, as covered by Sky Sports News.

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It is understood that Boro, who have also been linked with a move for Robert Huth, are confident of signing the 15-time Northern Ireland international this summer as they look to have another crack at promotion next term.

Latest reports have claimed that Sunderland are prepared to accept the offer, and personal terms will be discussed ahead of a potential move to the Riverside Stadium.

McNair only made 16 Championship appearances last season due to injury, but he scored five times for the Black Cats as they were relegated to the third tier of English football.

The Boro supporters have been reacting to the transfer speculation on social media, and it would be fair to say that they are desperate for the deal to take place this summer.

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It is worth remembering that McNair once looked at home in the Manchester United team, and he has also been linked with a move to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Boro fans can be seen below:

Man United should feel confident of holding on to David De Gea

As reported by The Daily Mail, Manchester United are facing another transfer window of drama surrounding David de Gea, with the appointment of Julen Lopetegui set to spark fresh Real Madrid interest in the player.

What’s the story?

A transfer window doesn’t seem to go by that De Gea isn’t linked with a move away from Old Trafford and it appears that speculation is set to continue for the foreseeable future after Real Madrid appointed a successor to Zinedine Zidane.

The Mail report that links between Julen Lopetegui and De Gea’s agent could see the club re-ignite their long-term interest in the player, while the Manchester Evening News say that the Spanish giants believe he could be bought for a few of around £100m.

Should supporters be worried about their star goalkeeper leaving the club this summer?

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Will he be leaving Manchester?

The main thing to consider when it comes to De Gea’s future is that United hold all the cards in a potential negotiation. With a one year option to extend his contract to 2020 and the Manchester Evening News reporting that new contract negotiations have already begun, there’s every chance that the Spanish shot-stopper stays at Old Trafford for years to come.

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The fact he hasn’t tried to push through a move to this point speaks volumes. If he was desperate for a move to Madrid it would have happened by now, but he seems more than content being the main man at Manchester United.

The prospect of him leaving any time soon seems slim. The club and supporters should feel confident he is committed to them in the short and long term.

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