Tag Futebol

Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks could be on the move this summer, but Marcus Bent doesn’t reckon he’s a player that would appeal to Everton.

The versatile defender, who’s also able to play in midfield, spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom having seen his opportunities decrease under Mikel Arteta.

He took his opportunity, quickly making himself a regular at the Hawthorns, but a permanent deal was quickly ruled out following West Brom’s relegation.

Since his loan spell expired, Maitland-Niles has been linked to Crystal Palace and Leeds, although the Toffees are also reportedly in the race for his signature, according to the Daily Mail.

With Maitland Niles, described by Martin Keown in 2020 as a “Rolls-Royce of a player”, now wanting to play more regularly in midfield, a chance could present itself at Goodison Park, with regulars Tom Davies and Allan linked with moves away from Goodison Park.

However, former Toffees striker Bent exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s not a target Rafa Benitez will consider:

“I’m not sure, he went out to West Brom, did ok. He’s gone back to Arsenal but getting into the team is hard at the best of times, especially at his age.

“I don’t think he’s a player that Everton would be attracted to at this moment.

“He’s definitely a talent, but if you’re going to go to Everton, you’re expected to hit the ground running, so I don’t think inexperienced players will be brought in unless you’re a massive talent.”

Sri Lanka’s manager Chandra Shaffter has been told by the Board of Controlfor Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) that his contract will not be renewed afterthe current tour of England

CricInfo15-Jun-2002Sri Lanka’s manager Chandra Shaffter has been told by the Board of Controlfor Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) that his contract will not be renewed afterthe current tour of England.Anura Tennekoon, the BCCSL’s chief executive, broke the news to Shaffterduring a telephone conversation before the start of the third days play atOld Trafford.PA News Agency claimed that the decision to end his contract followed acomplaint from the new chairman of selectors, Guy de Alwis, to the BCCSLthat he had been denied entry to the dressing room during the Second npowerTest at Birmingham.It’s an allegation that’s flatly denied by Shaffter: "Guy de Alwis neverrequested access to the dressing room, so how could I possibly deny it?"Shaffter, 72, was controversially appointed days before the Asian TestChampionship final in March, replacing Air Commodore Ajit Jayasekera, who isnow a member of the interim committee that runs the BCCSL.He was given a short-term contract that included a Sharjah triangular seriesin April and Sri Lanka’s tour of England.Jayasekera is considered the favourite candidate to replace Shaffter.

According to Turkish outlet Takvim (via Inside Futbol), Fenerbahce have set a price tag of €5m (£4.3m) for Glasgow Rangers transfer target Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers eye Osayi-Samuel

The Ibrox outfit were interested in the winger before he made the move to Fener from Queen’s Park Rangers in January (Football Insider via completesports.com).

However, after just 19 appearances for the 28-time Turkish champions (Transfermarkt), he could be on the move again, and the Gers are once again in pursuit of the winger (Fotospor).

The Latest: Fener set asking price

Takvim (via Inside Futbol) reported that Fenerbahce have set their asking price for Osayi-Samuel.

The Turkish outlet claimed that the Istanbul club are looking for €5m (£4.3m) to part ways with the 23-year-old.

The Verdict: Negotiate

Osayi-Samuel showed at QPR that he has plenty of ability – he netted five goals and provided nine assists in 37 Championship matches during the 2019/20 campaign and was labelled “outstanding” by former QPR and Gers boss Mark Warburton after a resounding win over Cardiff (kilburntimes.co.uk).

He has found life difficult at Fenerbahce, though, managing just one goal and one assist during his time there, so the £4.3m price tag could be a bit steep. However, if Ross Wilson is able to negotiate and shave a bit off that figure, Osayi-Samuel may just be worth a punt for the 55-time Scottish champions.

In other news, Dave Kings slams Rangers fans after this development.

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield does not think Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is a priority for Manchester United anymore.

United recently confirmed that they had agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign another attacker in Jadon Sancho.

Meanwhile, their rivals Manchester City continue to be linked with a move for the £58.5m-rated Villa captain, with Sky Sports reporting that a bid could be launched after the Euros.

The Red Devils have registered an interest in Grealish in the past. Last year, The Sun reported that the club were ready to offer the player a big contract as they looked to prize him away from Villa Park.

However, in the end, nothing materialised, and Hatfield is expecting a similar theme this summer.

“I think City are the big one at the moment just because reports have kind of surfaced that they are interested in him,” the Aston Villa journalist told FFC.

“Man United was obviously the big one last season. It looks like they’ve kind of changed their tack a little bit. Jadon Sancho looks to be coming through the door there.

“He plays a similar position, obviously on the wing, normally on the other side for Dortmund.”

Indeed, with Sancho seemingly in the bag, you would expect United to perhaps look at other areas rather than at another wide man or attacking midfielder.

And they look to be doing just that, with reports emerging about interest in Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

Celtic’s transfer window is hotting up with Ange Postecoglou already welcoming two new faces at Parkhead.

Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide have both arrived from south of the border but the Hoops must press on ahead of an important European qualification phase.

What’s the word?

One player on Celtic’s radar at the moment is Sheffield United defender George Baldock.

The wing-back was relegated with the Blades last term and could be on the move early in the window.

Baldock has attracted the interest of the Bhoys since 2019 but they are now stepping up their pursuit.

Sheffield Star reported last week that Celtic were willing to put £8m on the table after the transfer was sanctioned by Postecoglou.

However, in a fresh update from journalist Alan Nixon, he claims that Baldock might not come at a hefty price.

Responding to a supporter who was querying the price tag, he said; “it’s not fortunes.”

Exciting news

This is a double whammy of good news for Celtic supporters. The Hoops desperately need a right back and they need to find a way of saving funds.

Last week, the Star suggested that an £8m bid from the Glaswegian club would fall way short of the evaluation necessary before the Yorkshire club even contemplated doing business.

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However, Nixon’s claim appears to contradict the previous report. Celtic’s record transfer was the arrival of Odsonne Edouard for £9m from PSG back in 2018 and it would be difficult to see a deal usurping that.

Baldock to Celtic would surely surpass that fee and for a defender, it would be surprising if they made that outlay.

Possessing Premier League experience, the thought that he won’t cost a great deal should make fans excited.

At the moment, the club’s only right-backs to choose from would be Lee O’Connor, who spent last term on loan at Tranmere, or Anthony Ralston. He only played once in the entirety of 2020/21, meaning he shouldn’t really be first choice.

Baldock, on the other hand, would surely thrive in the Premiership. During his first campaign in the top-flight of English football, he contributed to five goals which built on an impressive Championship promotion-winning season.

Strong in the tackle, Baldock has completed 1.8 successful tackles per match throughout his career. That tally tops every player at Celtic last season excluding the tough-natured Ismaila Soro.

On that evidence, this should be stirring news for supporters. He is evidently an upgrade on the current options they have at their disposal.

AND in other news, Forget Griffiths: Ange must unleash “powerful” rarely-seen Celtic beast next season…

David Wagner is edging ever-closer to being announced as the new West Bromwich Albion manager, according to The Athletic.

Three weeks after Sam Allardyce elected to leave the Hawthorns following Premier League relegation, Wagner has emerged as a serious candidate to replace the former England boss after almost a year in exile following his Schalke exit [The Athletic].

Coming as a surprise to many, the German-American head coach has come out of nowhere after links with Chris Wilder, Michael Appleton and even former Chelsea captain Frank Lampard [GIVEMESPORT].

As pre-season rolls around the corner, West Bromwich Albion are set to formalise an appointment of a manager within the next few days; potentially within the next 48 hours [Sky Sports].

Enduring an underwhelming spell in Gelsenkirchen, it’s no wonder loads of Baggies fans have took to Twitter to fume at these latest developments.

Baggies fans react:

Here are how some of the West Brom support summarised their feelings upon hearing the news:

“Nooooooooooo”

Credit: @NickAston6

“Kill me now.”

Credit: @luke_millichamp

“Lukewarm is very generous. More like mortified !!!!”

Credit: @GrahamCroom

“Should have been Appleton for me.”

Credit: @seanmcsport

“Depressing appointment #Wba”

Credit: @itsocheagain

“Was a bit of a busted flush at Huddersfield and then was a total disaster at Schalke. Like the bloke though so hope it works out for him.”
Credit: @Smashyeggman71

In other news, a Leeds United defender has agreed an exit from Elland Road.

Dominic Cork was taken to hospital for a precautionary x-ray after being hit on the finger while batting in the nets

CricInfo19-Jun-2001Dominic Cork was taken to hospital for a precautionary x-ray after being hit on the finger while batting in the nets.The England all-rounder was hit by a beamer from a local net bowler on his left index finger, and was taken to hospital after a inspection from the team physio, Dean Conway.”Everything seemed pretty straight but you never know about these things, there could be a hairline fracture so we sent him off for an x-ray,” Conway explained.”We will have to check on it tomorrow before the game but we are hopeful it is only bruising and he will be able to play.”England will be awaiting news of Cork’s finger anxiously. They already have several injury worries with just two weeks to go before the start of the Ashes series.Conway also revealed the current situation with Graham Thorpe, Nasser Hussain, Ashley Giles and Craig White.”He’s continuing with his treatment and slowly rehabilitating and he will not be fit for Thursday,” Conway said about Thorpe. “With the start of the Ashes so close we’re looking at him to get enough cricket in before the first Test but we will have to review that on a day-to-day basis. We are trying to be careful with him so he doesn’t do too much too soon and suffer a setback."Of Hussain Conway said: “He’s practised and fielded and the plan is for him to carry on with that when he joins up with Essex at Old Trafford.”Hussain batted in the nets today. “He’s had one or two throw-downs and one very easy net so far but this was his first proper practice against top-class bowling,” Conway explained. “He’s progressing really well but we’re also trying to hold him back a little so he doesn’t do too much too soon.”Conway described White and Giles as “progressing nicely” and stated that: “we are hopeful of having a fully-fit squad to choose from when we assemble for the first Test.”

Newcastle United have suffered a potentially huge blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, with big question marks over Allan Saint-Maximin’s injury status.

The former Nice winger was forced off with less than 20 minutes to go of the Magpies’ 1-0 win over Sheffield United last time out, and speaking in his pre-match press conference, Bruce confirmed that the winger is a major doubt for the trip to the Cottagers today.

The manager said: “Saint-Maximin, we don’t know if he’s got a calf (injury), or whether it’s a kick as well. We’ll see how he is.”

When asked if the Frenchman’s injury was serious, Bruce added: “We hope not. It looked a bit innocuous, but whether it’s a strain, or whether it’s a kick, he’s not quite sure, so we’ll see how he is in the next 24 or 48 hours.”

The winger was in fantastic form against the Blades last time out, and as per Sofascore, his 8.1 match rating was the highest of any player on the pitch. He completed an incredible 15 of his 16 dribbles on the night and also won 19 of his 24 duels, and it was no surprise that he came in for some rave reviews after the game.

The Shields Gazette’s Liam Kennedy, who gave him an eight in his player ratings, wrote: “What a player. He’s turned up with the want to entertain. Some unbelievable runs from all over the park. Quiet in the last two games – not this time around. Shame he picked up an injury to end his night.”

Aside from the fact that fans might be gutted at missing out on seeing him one final time this season, there’s also the very real prospect that Saint-Maximin may have actually played his last game for the club.

Speaking on talkSPORT earlier this week, the Frenchman said: “I have to be honest, sometimes you have to think about yourself. The most important thing is the team, of course, but you have to think sometimes about your future and that’s why I say I don’t want to fight for one more year to be safe.

“So I hope we try to do everything to have more ambition and to win a trophy and fight for the first place, it can be great.”

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Unless the Magpies enjoy the kind of summer transfer window which convinces Saint-Maximin that the club has the right “ambition” to match his own, he could be on his way out, and that would mean Newcastle fans have already seen the last of the dazzling Frenchman in a black and white shirt.

They will be hoping that his injury is nothing too serious, and even more importantly, that he stays for the long-term rather than jumping ship over the summer.

Meanwhile, Luke Edwards has dropped an exciting Newcastle United update…

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that Frank Lampard’s history of dealing with younger players would make him an ideal fit for Crystal Palace.

Lampard has been a free agent since his sacking from Chelsea back in January and has been strongly linked to replace his former England manager Roy Hodgson, whose deal at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season.

Whilst his tenure at Stamford Bridge was underwhelming, he turned both Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham into England internationals, whilst he brought Billy Gilmour through the Chelsea Academy.

Palace have several experienced faces at the club, with many expected to be moved on, but the likes of Tyrick Mitchell, Nathan Ferguson and Eberechi Eze are the future of the club, which could make for a perfect match for Lampard.

Other young names like Patrick Vieira, Eddie Howe and Thierry Henry have also been mentioned as potential Palace managers, although Lampard is in pole position should Hodgson decide to retire.

And Fry told Football FanCast that he has no doubts the 42-year-old would do well at Palace:

“I think wherever he went, Frank, he would be a success – he’s just got that way about him.

“I can understand Steve Parish going for him because he’s a young manager that gets the best out of young players, and he’s had a year of not spending any money in the window and did very well.

“But I don’t think Parish and the American owners will have the money and say to Frank, ‘here’s £200m, improve the team’. He will have to do it by himself and use his judgment and knowledge of younger players, but he would improve Palace and would improve individual players that are young.”

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that West Ham should be all over Sam Johnstone this summer.

The former Manchester United youngster has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, although his excellent form is unlikely to save West Brom from relegation.

Providing the Baggies don’t make a great escape in the coming weeks, the £32,500-a-week England shotstopper, who was recently rewarded with his first call-up by Gareth Southgate, is likely to leave the club.

Reports believe that Johnstone will be available for just £10million, although the Hammers could face stiff competition from London rivals Tottenham, who might also need a new goalkeeper.

Number one Lukasz Fabianski recently extended his deal with the Hammers, but mistakes have been creeping into the Pole’s game this term, none more so than in the defeat at Newcastle earlier this month.

And McAvennie told Football FanCast that Johnstone would be an ideal replacement:

“I think it would be really good business.

“When you’re playing for West Brom you’re not short of action, he’s probably made more saves than most of the keepers put together, and that’s no disrespect to them but without him they wouldn’t have as many points as they have got.

“For £10million, I can’t believe I’m saying it, but it’s nothing in this game. That’s the nature of the beast now, and it’s right up West Ham’s street that kind of money.”