All posts by h716a5.icu

Sheffield United return to the Premier League this season looking to continue their rapid growth under manager Chris Wilder.

The Blades sat in League One just three years ago, and there rise back to the top flight is something which can only be admired from afar by fans of other clubs who no doubt wish their team had the same sort of spirit and togetherness we see at Bramall Lane.

This summer then represents a chance for United to finally go out and spend some money, and despite off-field issues between owners still hindering things slightly, the Blades are reportedly (as per the Sun) already looking to make their move in the market with a £4m bid for QPR attacking midfielder Luke Freeman.

And here in the Tavern, we feel the likes of Freeman are the perfect sort of signings for the Blades as they look to balance the books and bring in quality at the same time.

Freeman has obviously impressed massively for the R’s in recent times, but it is not just his form and ability which will attract United to him in the first instance.

The Blades have got to think for the medium and long-term as well, and with the likelihood of them being firmly involved in a relegation scrap in the top flight, the addition of someone like Freeman makes perfect sense given that he would probably stay put should they end up back in the Championship.

This sort of business is what we can expect to see from Wilder, who will be so conscious of going all guns blazing and ruining the club from a financial point of view.

Freeman would be ideal though, where he would be expected to slot in for Mark Duffy, who can at times go missing in games and is expected to play more of a bit-part in the Premier League as the Blades seek improvements to all areas of the squad.

[ad_pod ]

Oh Luis Suarez, just never stop being you. Whether you love him or you hate him, the Uruguayan is pure box-office when it comes to what he does on the pitch. But sometimes it’s not an acrobatic volley or a thunderbolt from the edge of the area. Sometimes it’s trying to claim handball off a goalkeeper, from inside the penalty area.

Yes, you read that right. The Barcelona superstar was involved in Copa America action against Chile on Monday night and in a clip posted on Twitter, the 32-year-old gets to the by-line inside the box and sees his clipped cross come off the glove of Chile shot-stopper Gabriel Alias.

His reaction? He immediately calls for a handball offence before it dawns on him seconds later that he’s read the rulebook all wrong.

The hilarious clip understandably got a lot of Liverpool fans to flood to Twitter to post their responses. Some of them were ruthless about their former Anfield star, who will do absolutely anything to win – just ask poor Asamoah Gyan or Giorgio Chiellini.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Some jokingly sided with Suarez over his claims for a penalty and insisted that only “haters” would deny that it wasn’t a spot-kick.

Others certainly took the banter up a notch and simply suggested the Uruguayan was rather helpfully pointing out what part of the goalkeeper he would be “feasting” on next.

Check out some of the amusing reaction of Liverpool fans below:

Celtic, off of the back of a fantastic treble-treble, appear to be dipping into the transfer market with this Daily Record article providing an update potential incomings. However, the Hoops have had to worry about the future of one of their stars in recent times as Kieran Tierney has been the subject of interest (as per Guardian) from English Premier League side Arsenal.

Interestingly, it doesn’t look as if Tierney is the only Celtic player attracting interest, as according to The Sun, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough have registered an interest in Scott Sinclair.

Sinclair has really looked worth the apparent £3m fee he commanded in 2016. Indeed, in his first full campaign, the 2016/17 season in which Brendan Rodgers led the Hoops to an invincible treble, the Englishman bagged 25 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, swooping the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.

After bagging 25 goals in his first year at Parkhead, he then fell to 18 in his second year, although the number of assists he provided jumped from 11 to 17. The former Manchester City man then saw his numbers fall again to 17 goals and six assists as the Bhoys completed the treble-treble, all stats via Transfermarkt. Despite the slight decline in numbers, three consecutive seasons of bagging 15+ goals surely has to count for something.

Last season we saw the winger score some crucial goals, including the winning goal against Rosenborg in the Europa League which kept their knockout qualification hopes alive. It’s true that he came in for criticism, with ex-Scotland striker Andy Walker slating him, via Sky Sports, for not producing big moments often enough. That was in October and on the back of the criticism the Celtic man went on to get very close to matching the goal tally of a Hoops legend.

Back in February, The Daily Record ran a story that detailed the similarities in the goal returns of both Sinclair and Parkhead hero Henrik Larsson in their first three seasons in Glasgow. Sinclair had the chance to break Larsson’s 69-goal record but he wasn’t able to get there in the end. However, the fact that Sinclair is anywhere near the tally of Larsson when comparing their first three years is incredible, especially seeing as Read Celtic recently saw Larsson voted as their greatest ever player.

Neil Lennon should ignore the interest and stick it out with the player for at least one more season as he’s showed no signs of letting up in terms of producing a healthy return of goals. And, Neil Lennon appears to be an admirer of the Englishman as he highlighted his importance after triggering the final-year clause in his contract last month. “He has made a big contribution in the goals column and that football intelligence and experience is always important to have around” (as per BBC Sport).

Celtic fans, would you be sad to see Sinclair leave? Comment below!

[ad_pod ]

Yesterday’s West Brom transfer roundup provided news on a Benfica player, interest in a Premier League youngster and eyes on a Championship striker. Today’s edition entails the exit of a 16-year-old, the confirmed arrival of a Croatian midfielder and a Turkish club after a Scottish international winger.

Barry leaves

According to the Express and Star, Louie Barry has left West Brom and will sign for a new club soon. The Baggies had offered the England youth striker a new three-year deal, but the forward has decided not to sign it.

Krovinovic joins

West Brom have confirmed the signing of Benfica’s Filip Krovinovic on a season-long loan. “Filip is a bright, energetic player who is looking forward to representing this football club and everyone here is delighted to have him with us, especially Slaven Bilić,” said Albion’s technical director Luke Dowling upon the completion of the deal.

Besiktas eye Phillips

Turkish outlet Fanatik is reporting that Besiktas have identified Matt Phillips as a transfer target. The 28-year-old is reportedly ready to open a new chapter in his career, perhaps because he has now been a fixture at the Hawthorns since summer 2016.

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Chris Sutton has been left impressed by Celtic winger Mikey Johnston recently and thinks this is a hugely important season for the player, writing in his Daily Record column.

What’s he said?

Johnston has looked like one of the brightest performers for Celtic this summer, scoring in pre-season friendlies and getting on the scoresheet against FK Sarajevo on Tuesday night in UEFA Champions League qualifying.

The winger has had a difficult road towards being considered a starter for the Hoops, with Sutton noting he was unfairly played out of position by Brendan Rodgers against Rangers at Ibrox back in December.

However, the pundit reckons he can now have a big season.

Watch a tribute to Celtic’s late Lisbon Lion and greatest ever captain, Billy McNeill in the video below…

As quoted by The Daily Record, Sutton said:

“Mikey Johnston’s superb goal for Celtic in Sarajevo was a huge moment in the Champions League tie and for his manager. But it was also massive for the player.

“The sweet strike eased any creeping feeling of tension out in Bosnia and could be the making of Johnston.

“A lot is expected of the lad and this is going to be an extremely important season.

“Let’s be honest, he was shafted in the two Old Firm games at Ibrox last season. Johnston was unfairly chucked in up front in the first one and a lot put on his shoulders in the second one.

“Celtic lost both and he was harshly made a scapegoat but I’ve been impressed with his response since.”

Bright future

Johnston is certainly one of the most notable academy talents coming through at Celtic right now, being involved in more matches than others such as Ewan Henderson and Anthony Ralston.

Still just 20 years of age, the winger looks to be on the verge of making that left wing position his own having been started in the Scottish Cup Final and a big European match mid-week.

If he can consistently find goals and assists like the one of each he provided against Sarajevo then it’ll be hard for established players like Scott Sinclair to convince Lennon that the youngster should be dropped.

The end of another day means one less for the clubs around the world to seal the transfers that they hope will galvanise their teams ahead of the new season. Today has once again been busy, with statements released in regards to the future of star names and other interesting updates. Here, we take a look at five of the biggest stories that have broken over the last 24 hours.

The end is nigh for Gareth Bale at Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane’s comments. The Wales international should be on the move this summer but not in a loan deal, according to his agent. The 30-year-old’s representative Jonathan Barnett told Sky Sports (Sky Sports Transfer Blog, 23/07, 10.48), “Gareth is one of the best players on the planet. I can guarantee you he will not be going on loan to any club”. The former Tottenham winger has been linked with a record-breaking move to China.

Up until now, the highest fee Newcastle United have ever paid for a player is roughly around £20m, but they have now broken that. Hoffenheim’s Joelinton has just joined the Magpies in a £40m deal, becoming the first signing of Steve Bruce’s reign.

With Federico Pastorello, Romelu Lukaku’s agent, confirming that the Belgium international wants a move away from Old Trafford this summer, a switch has looked likely. Internazionale have been the main side linked with 26-year-old but, after having their recent bid of £53.9m turned down by the Red Devils, the Serie A outfit have decided to distance themselves from a further approach. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Nerazzurri are to reignite their interest in Edin Dzeko. They will also look to bring in Lille’s Rafael Leao, the report adds.

So far this summer, Manchester City have signed Rodri from Atletico Madrid and have brought left-back Angelino back to the Etihad. And, according to Sky Sports, there may soon be a new arrival at the Premier League champions. They are reporting that the Citizens are in talks with Argentinian club Velez Sarsfield in regards to 18-year-old Thiago Almada. The midfielder is understood to have a £16m release clause in his contract and has two years left on his current deal.

Manchester United have so far signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dan James this summer but, with the amount of names they have been linked with, it was always unlikely that they would be the only new players to arrive at Old Trafford before the start of next season. According to La Repubblica, they will be joined by Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Italian outlet is reporting that the two clubs have agreed a fee of €75m (£67.2m) for the Serbia international, plus bonuses. The 24-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Red Devils.

[ad_pod ]

Liverpool fans believe that defender Ki-Jana Hoever can become a star at Anfield.

The Dutch defender has been included in the club’s squad for their pre-season tour of the United States of America.

The 17-year-old has been fast-tracked through the ranks on Merseyside, making five appearances for the Under-18s and seven for the Under-23s.

He has already made his senior debut, too, playing 84 minutes at centre-back as the Reds lost 2-1 to Wolves in last season’s FA Cup third round.

A Netherlands youth international, manager Jurgen Klopp could call upon him as the Reds play Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Sporting CP in pre-season friendlies across the next few days.

And supporters are excited at the prospect of seeing Hoever in action, with many believing that he will soon be knocking on the door of the first-team on a regular basis.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Take a look at the best of the reaction on Twitter below!

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has cooled rumours of James Tavernier heading to St. James’ Park this summer.

What’s he said?

Bruce’s side had been linked to the Rangers right-back, per Football Insider, but the manager’s comments suggest he’s never been in for him.

As reported by The Daily Record, the Magpies boss spoke of the links to Steven Gerrard’s captain after his side’s friendly win over Hibernian: “I really don’t know where that’s come from.”

The update was supported with the news that Newcastle are in for another right-back – Emil Krafth.

Kaveh Solhekol said live on Sky Sports News on Tuesday night [07:36 pm] that the Premier League side has tabled a £5.5m bid for the Amiens right-back.

With Newcastle in desperate need of a new full-back this summer, Bruce’s comments are surely music to the ears of everyone at Ibrox.

Boost for Rangers

With the Premier League side’s interest cooled and the English window drawing to a close, it’s looking more certain than ever that Tavernier will be a Rangers player for this coming season.

There’s no denying how important the right-back is at Ibrox. He’s been one of Rangers’ few constants since he joined the club in 2015 and is rightly the captain in a squad that isn’t short of big personalities and leaders.

The likes of Allan McGregor, Steve Davis and Scott Arfield could all stake a claim to being the captain, thanks to their long careers and status as senior players at the club, which is further testament to the esteem Gerrard and the club hold him in.

As well as being Gerrard’s chosen right-hand man, his end product is fantastic. He was in prolific form last season, scoring 17 times and assisting a further 20 in his 57 appearances for the Light Blues, as they ended the season trophyless yet invigorated for the new campaign.

Contributing to 37 goals from defence is unique, but losing him would cost the side so much more than just goals and assists. He is a leader on and off the pitch, evidenced by the fact that one of the Premier League’s greatest ever skippers continues to hand him the armband.

So it’s thankful for Gerrard that he can cross one more interested party off the list and plan for the upcoming campaign with his captain in tow.

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

Loads of Leeds United fans on Twitter have predicted that 17-year-old midfielder Mateusz Bogusz will be the winner of the club’s 2019/20 Young Player of the Year award.

The teenager has been heavily involved during pre-season despite never having made a first-team appearance for the Yorkshire outfit, and he has impressed including scoring a brilliant goal in the victory against the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.

There are plenty of other candidates in the running given the Whites have the likes of Jamie Shackleton, Jack Clarke, Leif Davis and new boy Ben White in their ranks, and despite the fact that you might well expect those players to get more minutes than Bogusz for the Championship club this term, that hasn’t dissuaded some supporters who were asked their thoughts by a fellow fan on social media.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Plenty have selected the young Polish talent as the man that can make his breakthrough and impress Marcelo Bielsa, and he certainly put himself in his manager’s thoughts with his goalscoring display Down Under which drew a 7/10 rating from the Yorkshire Evening Post.

While one individual said he “hopefully gets about 20 games this season”, another backed up his choice by saying  “he looks outstanding”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

[ad_pod ]

[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

For much of last season, Jordan Ayew cut a forlorn figure up top.

The Ghana international struggled for the majority of the campaign, scoring just one league goal whilst drawing criticism from some supporters who had grown tired of his ineffective performances.

Speaking of ineffectiveness, it was this particular adjective that the former Swansea man was not against Everton on the opening day.

Ayew was voted as Man of the Match by the Eagles supporters for his efforts against the Toffees, and it is hard to argue with that decision given how well he played.

In attack alongside Christian Benteke, the 27-year-old was one of Palace’s most influential players on the day.

The 6 foot forward was involved in some of the best attacking moments for Roy Hodgson’s side, having had one shot, recorded one key pass and embarking on one dribble against the Merseysiders.

He had a chance to equal last season’s goal tally in just the first game of the campaign when Christian Benteke put him one on one with Jordan Pickford, although unfortunately, the England international was equal to his effort.

Speaking of Benteke, it was alongside the Belgian on Saturday where Ayew looked far more potent than he did when alone last season, as the former Liverpool striker was unavailable for a large period through injury – he missed 22 games last term with a knee problem, meaning he was barely around to play alongside the Ghanaian.

Ayew is a fairly diminutive figure on the pitch and doesn’t win a massive amount of aerial duels, so having him next to a more physical presence in Benteke seemed to do him a world of good in terms of getting involved – as aforesaid, it was Benteke who slid Ayew in on goal with some nice combination play, so you can definitely argue that there is a potential partnership there.

After a troublesome campaign last term, Palace look to have found a way to get a bit more out of Ayew.

[ad_pod ]