Spurs journalist issues superb transfer update

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Tottenham Hotspur could target both Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Grealish this summer, according to Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold.

Spurs have not signed a single player since January 2018, when they recruited Lucas Moura from PSG.

What’s the word?

Spurs were heavily linked with Grealish throughout last summer but a deal ultimately failed to materialise.

Per Sky Sports, the club tabled a bid worth £25million for the attacking midfielder but saw the offer rejected by the Championship outfit.

Tottenham have also been continually linked with Sessegnon, Fulham’s 18-year-old wing-back.

And Gold has now claimed that both deals could potentially come off this summer as the club looks to bring an end to their transfer exile.

Speaking in a Q&A session, Gold said: “The club are closely following the situation with Ryan Sessegnon and I wouldn’t be surprised if they return for Jack Grealish after being so close to getting him last summer only to fail to pull the trigger.

“The young midfielder has been proving in recent weeks just how much of a game influencer he can be after returning from his injury.

“Spurs have always needed someone to challenge or replace Eriksen and Grealish might just be a British solution for that problem.

“The likely departures from the club should also open up the field for new foreign signings. It could be set to be an interesting summer after the last two windows.”

Spurs need to move forward

Spurs can’t afford not to bring in reinforcements this summer and both Sessegnon and Grealish fit the bill perfectly.

The latter has not been tested at Premier League level but, such is his ability, he has the potential to reach another level entirely under Pochettino. Indeed, he has scored twice in his last three outings for the club.

The same is true of Sessegnon’s potential, with the full-back likely to see his current employers relegated in the coming weeks.

The deals will not be cheap but Spurs have to speculate to accumulate; standing still is not going to help the club break through the glass ceiling that they keep running up against.

Sessegnon and Grealish should be just the start.

Tottenham fans react to Ryan Mason news

[ad_pod ]Ryan Mason is set to be in the dugout for the first ever football match to be held at Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium, the club have confirmed.The former Spurs star will join Head of Player Development John McDermott on the sidelines as the club’s Under-18 side take on Southampton.Mason enjoyed something of a meteoric rise at Tottenham, making a total of 70 first-team appearances for the club, scoring four goals.He made his full first-team debut for the club in the north London derby against Arsenal at the age of 23, after spending a total of six years within the academy system.Mason left Spurs in 2016 and joined Hull City, though he was forced into retirement after an accidental clash with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill that left him with a fractured skull.

The ex-midfielder was something of a cult hero at Spurs and returned in a coaching capacity in April 2018.

Fans have unsurprisingly reacted with genuine delight at the news that he will be at the new stadium on March 24th.

Rangers simply must go back in for Karlan Ahearne-Grant

Alfredo Morelos’ sending off in the Old Firm derby has landed him in hot water with Steven Gerrard once again. If the manager’s patience finally runs out, he should swoop for Huddersfield’s Karlan Ahearne-Grant.

The Rangers forward signed a new deal just last month, but his hot head could be his downfall at Ibrox with pundits such as Charlie Nicholas and Andy Gray suggested he should be sold. Steven Gerrard is earning a no-nonsense reputation with regard to the media and now he must be looking to do the same with his players, so that means the club should plan ahead so they don’t rely on him too much.

Ahearne-Grant has impressed in the Premier League since arriving in January, and that’s despite his club already being relegated. He’s scored three goals in seven and a further 14 in 28 for Charlton between August and January, proving his worth at all levels of the footballing pyramid.

The Scottish Sun claimed back at the start of the year that the Gers were interested, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they still were considering their main striker is unreliable, not in front of goal, but with his discipline. Indeed, if Rangers are to challenge for the title next season they need a reliable, on-form marksman.

Ahearne-Grant can be that insurance policy if Morelos’ attitude doesn’t improve. If anything, it’d be less of a risk than having Morelos as their sole main man.

The 21-year-old has a bright future ahead of him and surely he’d relish the chance to be managed by Steven Gerrard and maybe even pick up some silverware and become a club legend way before he would do playing for a Championship side or Premier League relegation fodder.

Simply put, if Gerrard doesn’t have the trust in Morelos, he should sign Ahearne-Grant to give Rangers a better chance of sustaining a title challenge next season.

Rangers fans, how do you think Alfredo Morelos’ career at Rangers will pan out? Join the discussion by commenting below.

The Chalkboard: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to avoid a repeat of the FA Cup defeat to Wolves

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In Manchester United’s last meeting with Wolves, the Red Devils tasted defeat, succumbing to a 2-1 loss at Molineux.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men were excellent on the night, with Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez causing the United backline all sorts of trouble.

What did Solskjaer get wrong?

It may sound strange, but Solskjaer set his team up too high and too attack minded against Wolves last month, which was the beginning of the 20-time Premier League champions’ downfall in the Midlands.

Obviously, for a club as big as United, they are expected to take the game to any team they face and look to pin them back, deploying their centre-backs close to the halfway line and their full-backs deep in the opponent’s final third.

Which “global superstar” has just been named Man Utd’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video above…

This plan would work well against a team such as Burnley for example, a side lacking pace on the break, although against Wolves, it plays perfectly into Nuno’s hands.

With Jota and Adama Traore up top, in addition to Jimenez and his excellent hold-up ability, Wolves are one of the most dangerous counter-attacking teams in the league and have already put a number of the ‘top six’ to the sword this season.

Wolves have beaten Chelsea, Tottenham, United and Liverpool, and have also recorded draws against Arsenal and Manchester City by soaking up the pressure and hitting them on the break – Solskjaer must avoid falling into this trap.

How should he go about it?

Well, as we saw in Wolves’ last game against Burnley, and against a number of other bottom-half sides, they don’t like it when the space in behind is limited.

When teams sit deep, Wolves seem unable to break them down when the ball over the top is completely cut out.

It would be a hugely controversial tactical decision for Solskjaer to set his side up to sit deep and play Wolves at their own game – something they can easily manage with the pace of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku – especially if it backfired.

However, that is the trap that most of the Premier League’s top six have fallen into this season when playing Wolves – with a place in the top four yet to be secured, Solskjaer needs to be bold in order to get the three points.

Newcastle fans loved Dummett’s performance against Bournemouth

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Newcastle United came from behind to pick up a point away to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, with Matt Ritchie netting a late equaliser for the Magpies.

Salomon Rondon had actually sent Newcastle ahead at the Vitality Stadium, but Josh King netted a double for the hosts before Ritchie levelled in the 94th minute.

All in all, it was a good point for Rafael Benitez’s side.

And a number of the club’s supporters took to social media after the match to lavish praise on Paul Dummett.

According to WhoScored, the 27-year-old – who sported the captain’s armband – won two aerial duels and made two tackles against the Cherries. He also made one stunning goal-line clearance.

It was certainly a strong performance from the defender and a whole host of Newcastle fans were keen to offer words of praise.

The point has left Benitez’s team in 13th position in the Premier League table, seven points clear of the relegation zone, which is currently occupied by Cardiff City, Fulham and Huddersfield Town.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

هيثم فاروق: تشجيعي لـ الزمالك أفضل قرار في حياتي.. وباتشيكو رجل المباراة

أكد هيثم فاروق، نجم الزمالك الأسبق، أن البرتغالي جايمي باتشيكو، المدير الفني للفريق الأبيض، أدى مباراة رائعة أمام الرجاء المغربي، في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

فاز الزمالك على الرجاء المغربي، بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم الأحد، في ذهاب دور نصف النهائي ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، المقامة على استاد محمد الخامس بالدار البيضاء.

اقرأ ايضًا.. ميدو يشيد بـ لاعب الزمالك ويتغنى بـ باتشيكو بعد الفوز أمام الرجاء

وأضاف هيثم فاروق خلال تحليله للمباراة على “بي إن سبورت”: “باتشيكو أدى مباراة رائعة والزمالك قدم أداء بطوليًا”.

تابع: “الشوط الثاني كان هناك قتال وخوف على النتيجة، رغم الغيابات وافتقاد العناصر الأساسية مثل فرجاني ساسي ولكن أحيي الزمالك”.

وواصل: “باتشيكو رجل المباراة الذي أغلق على لاعبي الزمالك رغم كل الصعوبات والمشاكل التي تحدث في النادي”.

واستكمل: “باتشيكو مكسب كبير للزمالك، المدير الفني قرار مثل اللاعب ومثل أي شخص في الحياة”.

واختتم: “أنا أيضًا آخذ قرارت صحيحة وأخرى خاطئة، ولكن أعتقد أن أفضل قرار اتخذته في حياتي هو أنني أشجع الزمالك”.

Pompey must win promotion to sign Bogle

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Portsmouth do not hold an option to buy Omar Bogle this summer, manager Kenny Jackett has confirmed per portsmouth.co.uk.

Bogle joined the club on loan from Cardiff City in January and has already impressed in front of goal.

What’s the word?

Pompey have enjoyed Bogle’s talents thus far, seeing him score four times in just eight outings.

The 25-year-old has not played for Cardiff this season and instead spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Birmingham City.

During his time with the Championship club, he scored once in 15 outings.

He is enjoying a more prolific spell at Fratton Park as Pompey look to secure promotion to the second-tier – they are fourth, four points behind second-placed Barnsley and nine behind leaders Luton Town.

Manager Jackett, though, says the club do not have the option to purchase Bogle, who has a year remaining on his current Cardiff contract, in the summer transfer window.

He said, per portsmouth.co.uk: “He’s got a year left on his contract at Cardiff.

“There have been no discussions with what we do in the summer.  Cardiff will obviously see which division they’re in but he has got a year left at Cardiff and we will see which division they’re in.

“But he has a year left and there have been no discussions yet.”

Promotion required

Portsmouth will likely need to win promotion to convince Bogle to stay.

The 25-year-old may not want to remain in League One for another season, particularly if his parent club are relegated from the Premier League.

As it stands, he is enjoying a purple patch but Pompey are unlikely to be able to afford him if they are again in the third-tier in 2019-20.

Plus, if the Bluebirds go down, they may need to call on Bogle’s talents to take them back up.

Jackett claims he will see which division Cardiff are in before making a decision; it may have to be the other way round this summer.

Arsenal: Emery should not be sympathetic when it comes to Danny Welbeck

There are few players at Arsenal who are as universally loved as Danny Welbeck.

The deadline day signing from 2014 has gone from an unwanted signing to a cult favourite in north London, with his winning goals against Manchester United and Leicester City stitching his name into Arsenal folklore.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the season, with reports that Unai Emery is willing to renew his deal further into the future, and although Welbeck is a popular figure both with the fans and within the team, the club should avoid keeping the former United striker at the club beyond his current contract.

Since joining the Gunners five years ago, Welbeck has only made 88 Premier League appearances out of 177 games the English striker could have played in. Like many talented footballers at Arsenal, the 28-year-old attacker has been plagued with injuries since his move to north London, and Emery can’t afford to be sympathetic with Welbeck taking the club forward.

Welbeck has also only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored for the Gunners since his move to north London 18 months ago, and Arsenal are in need of letting go of deadwood this summer in order to facilitate transfers in positions the club need improvements in.

Renewing Welbeck for another season would also mean one of Arsenal’s talented youngsters will likely have to wait longer for first-team opportunities, with the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson all in jeopardy of losing minutes in the starting XI if the English international stays at the club.

Some of Welbeck’s goals will forever be part of the Gunners’ history, and as much as fans would like him to stay at the club, the reality is that the striker does not fit in the long-term future of Arsenal, and Emery will be costing the team if he does renew the contract of the former United striker.

Arsenal fans, should Emery keep hold of Welbeck? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa’s side must take advantage of Blades slip-up

Is anyone going to land the final blow in this year’s race for the top two in the Championship?

Whereas Norwich City look almost certain to secure their return to the top flight of English football, Leeds United and Sheffield United have switched positions in the league standings on four occasions in the last 25 days. The latest momentum swing occurred on Wednesday night as the Blades were held to a 1-1 draw at Birmingham City, a result which saw Chris Wilder’s side fail to regain second place from the Whites.

Whether this will prove to be the decisive moment in this almighty battle between the two Yorkshire-based clubs will depend largely on if Leeds can maintain their composure over the coming weeks.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side currently hold a one-point advantage over United and are just five games away from securing the historic achievement of promotion to the Premier League. However, in order to realise their dream, they must first overcome clashes with Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa who have both experienced a resurgence in recent months under their respective managers.

With both fixtures occurring at Elland Road, Bielsa’s side will be confident of securing maximum points if they can produce a similar level of performance which has seen them light up the Championship at times this season. However, if they slip-up in either match, they could hand the advantage back to the Blades at the worst possible stage of the year.

Ideally, Leeds will want to embark on a run of five victories which will guarantee their passage into the top flight yet if they cannot achieve this, they must try to accumulate as many points as possible between now and May.

What do you think Whites fans? How many points do you think your club needs to overcome United? Does your club have what it takes to maintain their composure between now and the end of the season? Get in touch below.

Rangers: Sadiq outburst smacks of sour grapes and desperation

Nigerian striker, Umar Sadiq, will not be a player that is remembered in Rangers folklore for generations to come following his disastrous, short-lived loan spell at Ibrox.

His reputation was already tarnished to the blue half of Glasgow after a move that heralded much… but failed miserably, and whose only lasting memory at the club was to be publicly criticised by manager, Steven Gerrard, having gone to ground in a League Cup’ semi-final defeat, when he could have stayed on his feet and scored.

Speaking to the Sunday Post this weekend, it is clear that Sadiq is not a fan of Gerrard — whether the public criticism is a mitigating factor or not remains to be seen — and now suggests that he didn’t really want to join Rangers in the first place.

He said: “Gerrard proved to be very different from what I believed he would be.

“At the beginning, I didn’t know anything about the Rangers move. The negotiations were all between Roma and my representatives.

“And when my agent told me about it, I expressed my doubts. I wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do. But he kept arguing it would be good for me and my career.”

It would be hard to find a Rangers fan who would wish, in hindsight, that the move had not happened either.

Making just five appearances, and only two starts, the writing was on the wall for his Rangers future as early as September, when Gerrard implied that the Nigerian was not giving all he could to the cause, and needed to improve to be considered, despite receiving support from both the club and fans.

Still, in his interview, the striker claims his treatment was harsh and unfair, and that it was the club’s signing of Kyle Lafferty that led to his downfall, and he even claimed that Rangers still owe him part of his salary.

“I believe absolutely that I was not given a fair chance to show what I can do. They made me feel like a stranger.

“I started only once (in the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen) and that was when there were no other strikers available.

“As I say, for me everything went wrong after they brought in another striker [Lafferty].”

“Once I put a ‘like’ on Instagram to a post from a fan – and I was fined £20,000, which was absurd.

“And Rangers didn’t even pay me up everything I was due. They still have to give me my salary for December.”

The whole issue sounds like sour grapes from a player who was simply not good enough. His desperation to pass the blame off onto everyone else and accept no responsibility for himself, speaks volumes about his attitude and it comes as little surprise he was shown the door.

His attitude and lack of commitment to Rangers is all too evident, when asked about the club’s future: “I honestly don’t care how they do.

“As long as I was a Rangers player, I behaved like a professional, giving everything I could of myself to the shirt. But now I don’t want to hear about them and what they are doing any more.”

I am not sure anyone at Rangers would agree that he gave everything to the shirt, as he claimed.

Rangers fans demand, and deserve, players to wear the blue shirt with pride, and accept nothing less than someone who would be willing to run through brick walls for the club.

They did not get either of those things from Sadiq.

He may be glad to be rid of Rangers, but it would be fair to say the fans are more glad to be rid of him.

What are your thoughts about Sadiq’s spell at Rangers? Was anyone other than the player to blame? Let us know below…

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