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Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, former Tottenham ace Gary Mabbutt has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

The England international has been the heartbeat of Dean Smith’s side for a number of seasons now, and has been in impressive form throughout this new Premier League season, notching five goals and providing six assists in only nine games.

Speaking to FFC, Mabbutt said: “He’s a player that once you get him full of confidence, and you get him fully focused on what he needs to do – I thought he was outstanding in the England games. Even in midfield against Belgium, he was doing tricks that you’re like ‘wow, where’s that come from?’

“Players like that who can create something from nothing, players who can dictate games at times. He’s a player that’s still a youngster, still learning the game and has got a great future.”

Grealish was of course linked with a big summer move a few months ago, with reports suggesting that sides like Manchester United were chasing his signature. In fact, it was claimed earlier this month that the Red Devils’ city rivals Manchester City have identified him as a top target too.

Speculation over his long-term future will persist, and all Grealish can do is do his talking on the pitch. And he’s been doing exactly that for Smith, and Villa fans won’t care one bit what the rumours are outside the club if he keeps it up.

Still only 25, the England star has yet to even hit his prime yet, and given the kinds of prices that are getting bandied about in the modern day, if his club were ever going to let him go, then he’ll surely go for well over £100m.

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O novo contrato firmado por Palmeiras e Crefisa, que prevê o aporte de R$ 66 milhões em 2016, não inclui o dinheiro que será usado para a conclusão das reformas na Academia de Futebol. As partes agendaram uma conversa sobre esse assunto para a semana que vem.

Um novo edifício, que terá alojamento e instalações mais modernas para diversas áreas do clube, está sendo construído onde antigamente ficava um ginásio no CT do Palmeiras. A Crefisa decidiu assumir a obra no ano passado, mas os trabalhos foram suspensos após o atrito entre Leila Pereira, dona da instituição financeira, e Paulo Nobre, presidente do Verdão, em novembro.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasMarcelo Oliveira aposta em Cleiton Xavier e não espera mais reforçosPalmeiras29/01/2016PalmeirasCrefisa estampa calção e meião, e uniforme do Verdão rende R$ 66 miPalmeiras29/01/2016

O clube cogitava lançar uma camisa casual com o logo da Parmalat, fato encarado por Leila Pereira como uma quebra de confiança. Por isso, a Crefisa avisou que gostaria de registrar a ajuda na reforma em contrato antes de retomá-la, o que será feito em breve.

A obra custará cerca de R$ 8 milhões. Inicialmente, 80% do dinheiro da reforma viria do Fundo Brahmeiro, um incentivo dado pela Ambev aos clubes brasileiros. Somente com esse aporte, a velocidade dos trabalhos vinha sendo menor.

Reforços

Outro assunto que não foi tratado pelos parceiros durante as reuniões que sacramentaram a renovação contratual é a possibilidade de a Crefisa ajudar o clube a contratar reforços, algo que já foi feito com Barrios, Thiago Santos e Vitor Hugo. Ao contrário da reforma no CT, porém, não há previsão de conversa sobre essa pauta.

Paulo Nobre defende a ideia de que o clube precisa “andar com a próprias pernas”. Além disso, a Crefisa entende que os R$ 66 milhões que serão pagos pelo patrocínio do uniforme já são suficientes para que a diretoria monte o elenco da maneira que desejar.

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Having crumbled to a timid 4-1 defeat to Manchester United last time out in the Premier League, Newcastle United make the trip to in-form Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won their last two games by one goal to nil, and have flown up the table to eighth, two points ahead of the Magpies.

All eyes will be on how Steve Bruce sets his team up for the game at Molineux, with the Newcastle boss surely needing to show greater attacking intent than they did against United – that match saw them out-shot at a staggering ratio of four to one (28-7).

With that in mind, below is a look at just how the Magpies might line up when they take on Wolves on Sunday.

After taking a painful-looking knock against United, Karl Darlow’s status for the game is very much uncertain, with Bruce admitting that whilst he’s made a “huge improvement”, it’s very much touch and go to see if he plays. If he doesn’t, then third-choice Mark Gillespie will have to stand in.

In defence, the Newcastle boss is unlikely to make any changes, despite seeing them completely collapse in the final few moments of the game against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

The midfield areas could be an area in which Bruce does look to shuffle his pack, with Jonjo Shelvey someone who has come under criticism from club icon Steve Howey for his performances.

With Miguel Almiron pushing for a recall to the starting line-up, that could be the kind of attacking change that shows the fans Bruce is determined to push for a win.

And having once again come on as a substitute, Ryan Fraser will surely be given the chance to start from the off, thus replacing Joelinton. Up top, Callum Wilson will look to continue his hot streak, having opened up his Newcastle account with four goals in five Premier League games.

Newcastle’s predicted XI: Gillespie; Krafth, Lascelles, Fernandez, Lewis; Hayden, Hendrick; Saint-Maximin, Almiron, Fraser; Wilson.

Liverpool could be close to finalising a permanent move that will see young left-back Yasser Larouci join Leeds as the hours of the summer transfer window tick down.

The 19-year-old has made it clear that he is looking for regular first team football and that’s something the Merseyside outfit cannot offer him. With new signing Kostas Tsimikas being assigned as Andy Robertson’s deputy, there’s no room at the inn for the young Frenchman.

A new future for Yasser Larouci

Leeds and Brentford have both been heavily linked to Larouci this year but it looks like the Championship winners are in pole position to secure a deal. According to The Mirror (via HITC), Marcelo Bielsa is eager to land a move for the defender before the transfer window closes. With less than a year left on his current contract, it’s imperative that Liverpool cash in whilst they still can.

The Reds recently valued Larouci at £2million, but Leeds were reluctant to pay the full amount for the teenager, according to Afrique Sports (via TEAMtalk). However, with Bielsa clearly keen to see a deal materialise, the Whites may just bite the bullet and pay up.

Despite receiving a lot of praise from Jurgen Klopp, Larouci will be waiting a long time to push into the first team with Tsimikas now on the picture. The Algeria-born defender has made a few first-team appearances, featuring in the FA Cup ties against Everton and Shrewsbury back in January (via Transfermarkt).

Larouci also featured on the club’s tour of USA, facing Klopp’s former club Dortmund in a 3-2 defeat. The manager praised the teen for defending ‘really well’ against Jadon Sancho as The Reds took on his former side (via Liverpool ECHO).

Leeds currently have three recognised left-backs on their roster, so the addition of Larouci will make for some tense in-house competition to fight for their spot in the starting line-up.

In other news, Michael Edwards shows Liverpool worth amid potential transfer profit…

According to a French news outlet, Liverpool are set to make an offer for Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak.

Kabak on Klopp’s radar

The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks, with Sport Media Set claiming that the Turkey international will be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman is currently out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury following a robust tackle from Everton’s Jordan Pickford during the Reds’ 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby last weekend.

Kabak has been a regular for the Bundesliga outfit since his move from Stuttgart after picking up the 2018/19 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award (via Schalke’s official website), scoring three times and providing one assist from 30 outings (TransferMarkt).

However, after he was caught spitting at Werder Bremen’s Lugwig Augustinsson last month, he was found guilty of unsporting behaviour and suspended for four matches (via AA), which could be a concern to some of the Kop faithful.

Nevertheless, Liverpool are pressing on and RMC Sport (cited by Chris Williams) reported that the Reds will table a substantial offer for Kabak and would like a deal to be sealed before the January transfer window opens, with Schalke looking for between €30m and €40m (£27.28m and £36.37m).

Possible bad egg

Kabak seems a massively talented defender and the Bundesliga are unlikely to hand out individual accolades frivolously. That being said, his discipline and temperament must come into question after his recent actions, despite maintaining his innocence after the DFB’s ruling.

With Van Dijk expected to be out for a significant amount of time, though, Liverpool must move quickly to find the defensive cover they need to sufficiently challenge and defend their Premier League crown.

With Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig also believed to be an Anfield target, Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards have a huge decision on their hands which could make or break the Reds’ season.

In other news, European rising star ‘dreams’ of playing for Liverpool.

Glasgow Rangers forward Kemar Roofe was missing for the club at the weekend as they drew against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership. This was due to the fact that he had to be taken off in their Europa League qualifying match last week in the first half with an injury.

Supporters of the club are possibly questioning how long the striker will be on the sidelines for and manager Steven Gerrard has been discussing the severity of the injury.

Speaking to RangersTV following the 2-2 draw with Hibs, Gerrard was asked about Roofe’s injury and he said: “He’s been sent for a scan.

“We originally thought it might’ve been a bit of tightness in his calf, he thought it was tightness in his calf. On assessment, it was looking that way, but something’s showed up so he’s going to be missing in the short term.”

The 27 year-old, who the Scottish side signed for £4.5 million, per Transfermarkt, has had a decent start to life at the club, as he has scored two goals in six appearances (including two appearances from the bench).

With the Gers battling at the top of the division and hoping to beat Celtic to the title, Gerrard will be hoping that he can have his whole squad available. With Roofe having to go for a scan, the manager has Alfredo Morelos, Cedric Itten and Jermain Defoe as his available attackers. This would normally sound like he still has some depth, but Defoe has only recently returned from a hamstring injury so he is still battling to get match fit, and so it leaves the club with just two fully fit options.

The only positive to come from this news is the fact that Gerrard has said that he’s ‘going to be missing in the short term’ which should hopefully mean Roofe only misses a couple of games and not a large chunk of the season. For now though, all associated with the club will have to wait to find out exactly how long he will be out for.

Glasgow Rangers fans, what are your thoughts on this news? Comment below!

Speaking exclusively to French news outlet Le Republicain Lorrain, Metz defender Matthieu Udol confirmed that Tottenham striking target Habib Diallo is in fact seeking a move away, and the Lilywhites could land a perfect Harry Kane understudy for a reported £12.5m fee. 

Diallo, who has been linked with a move to north London over the past few months, is also said to be keen on a switch to Spurs – with a report courtesy of BeIN Sports via TEAMtalk suggesting that he favours Tottenham over all other interest.

Given the Senegalese target man’s eagerness for a Premier League move, specifically to link up with Jose Mourinho, and the Lilywhites’ dire need for a forward who can provide strength in depth behind Kane, this appears to be a match made in heaven.

At just 25 years of age, Diallo hit double figures for Metz over 2019/20, racking up 12 goals in 26 starts for the club (WhoScored).

Fellow Spurs-linked forwards Callum Wilson and Josh King, whilst impressing in flashes for Bournemouth last season, could only just beat that total with their tallies combined (14).

Given that the homegrown duo could command higher prices, it’s debatable that a swoop for Diallo cries out as the superior transfer option, especially going by his overall statistics.

Indeed, the 6 ft 1 colossus, whilst averaging more shots per match than Kane last season, also won a head-turning 4.3 aerial duels per game in that time, drawing attention to his physicality and presence up front.

While Diallo seeks pastures new, and has shown real interest in a north London move, it appears that Daniel Levy could strike gold with this bargain swoop.

Lilywhites, should Diallo be made a striking priority? Join the discussion by commenting below…

The rumoured deal of Timo Werner to Liverpool is likely to be the will-he, won’t-he transfer saga of the summer.

The Reds have now been linked with the 24-year-old since last year, and his form this term has done little to cool down the speculation of a potential switch. So far this campaign, he has managed 27 goals in all competitions, and the Anfield outfit’s supporters will no doubt be keeping an eye on the striker as the Bundesliga approaches the end of its campaign in the coming weeks.

The latest update on the situation appears to illustrate how desperate Jurgen Klopp is to sign him. According to Le10 Sport, the 52-year-old has involved himself in the negotiations and has called the Germany international several times to explain his project to him.

The club’s supporters have been reacting to this latest update in their droves, and they have taken to Twitter to do so. You can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

Let us know what you think!

Brighton manager Graham Potter believes that midfielder Yves Bissouma can add more goals to his repertoire going forward at the Amex Stadium.

The 23-year-old hasn’t found the net in his 22 appearances this term and, while Potter praised other aspects of his game, he believes that the Mali international is capable of more in terms of contributing to goals.

As per The Argus, the Seagulls boss said of Bissouma: “It would be nice for him to add a couple of goals to his game. It all depends on the position on the pitch that he plays.

“I think he is developing as a midfield player who can defend as well. He wins a lot of balls and regains possession for us. He has the ability, the quality, to score as well.

“As a team, we need to try and get more goals from other areas of the pitch. It is something that is quite obvious. He has the capability to do that.”

Since coming to Brighton two years ago, Bissouma has made 56 appearances but only found the net once, against Bournemouth in an FA Cup clash in January 2019 (as per TransferMarkt). He has now played one more match for the Seagulls than he did for previous club Lille, for whom he netted four goals.

In defence of the 23-year-old, he plays primarily in central midfield rather than in a more advanced role, where he would naturally have more opportunities to score. However, a match average of just 0.7 shots shows that he rarely even puts himself in positions to threaten opposition goalkeepers, never mind finding the net – centre-back Lewis Dunk has a greater shots-per-game average of 0.9.

It is also worth noting that Bissouma certainly isn’t the only goal-shy presence at the Amex Stadium – Brighton have failed to score in six of their last 10 Premier League games, with only three teams scoring fewer than their 37 goals in the division this term.

Even though Bissouma’s biggest strengths are in breaking up play (his tackling average of 2.3 per game is the highest in Brighton’s squad), his lower goal return with the Seagulls compared to Lille shows that he can offer a greater threat in the final third of the pitch.

Hopefully this is an area that he can address next term in what will be his third season at the Amex, and judging by Brighton’s low goal return overall, Potter will hope that a few of the Malian’s team-mates can also increase their strike rate.

Brighton fans, what have you made of Bissouma’s performances for the club so far? Have your say by commenting below!

وصف المدافع الإسباني جيرارد بيكيه مدرب فريق برشلونة، الرئيس السابق للنادي جوسيب ماريا بارتوميو، بأنه الأسوأ في تاريخ الكامب نو.

وأجرى بيكيه مقابلة صحفية مع برنامج “La Sotana” الإذاعي الإسباني، حيث سُئل عما إذا كان يمكن اعتبار بارتوميو أسوأ رئيس في تاريخ برشلونة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سبورت: بيكيه يثير غضب برشلونة.. واتجاه لمعاقبته

وحاول بيكيه المراوغة، حيث قال: “لا أستطيع أن أقول ما إذا كان هو الأسوأ، ولكن بالنظر إلى ما عشته، فيجب أن يكون هكذا، نحن جميعًا نستحق اللوم، لكن صحيح أن النادي لم يذهب إلى حيث يريد جميع الكتالونيين، الآن أنا متفائل ومتحمس، السنوات الخمس أو العشر القادمة ستكون جيدة جدًا لـ برشلونة”.

وفيما يتعلق برحيل النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي عن برشلونة هذا الصيف، قال بيكيه: “لقد اتصل بنا خوان لابورتا لإبلاغنا بالأمر، رغم أن جميع أعضاء الفريق قد خفضوا رواتبهم من أجل السماح بإجراء تعاقدات جديدة”.

وواصل: “انتظرت الإدارة بعد ذلك حتى النهاية لفهم ما يحدث مع ليو، قبل الإعلان عن اتفاقهم معنا (تخفيض الرواتب)، لأن الاتفاق كان ساري المفعول”.

وعن إمكانية اعتزاله في وقت قريب، رد بيكيه: “في السنة التي لعبت فيها لأول مرة، إذا أخبروني حينها بأنني سأظل ألعب مع برشلونة حتى سن 34 عامًا، لما كنت لأراهن على ذلك بفلس واحد، أنا أعرف كيف أتصرف عندما يحتاج جسدي إلى شيء أو آخر”.

وأوضح: “استقرار الأسرة هو المفتاح أيضًا، أنا أتعامل مع كل موسم على حدة، أراه دائمًا على إنه الموسم الأخير لي، وإذا كان هناك شيء آخر فسيكون أمرًا مثاليًا، وسأرحل في حالة واحدة وهو اليوم الذي أرى فيه أنني لا أستطيع أن أعطي الفريق أكثر مما أعطيته”.