West Ham United attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini suffered a hamstring injury that manager David Moyes described afterwards as “worrying” in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the London Stadium on Saturday, and Irons fans have urged the club to get a deal for Inter Milan’s Joao Mario done following the blow.
Lanzini played the full 120 minutes in the east London outfit’s FA Cup third round replay tie against Shrewsbury Town during the week, and he was taken off in the 64th minute against the Cherries after suffering a hamstring issue.
Meanwhile, the Hammers have been strongly linked with a move for Joao Mario in recent days, with Inter willing to let the Euro 2016 winner leave on loan before the January transfer window slams shut.
West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the situation via social media, and while one said “with Lanzini’s potential injury, Joao Mario would be a huge signing now”, another said “we need to bring Joao Mario in before the next game”.
Reported long-term Arsenal target Julian Draxler was pictured with a number of the north London outfit’s players at NBA London Live on Thursday night, and Gunners fans are confident that they are set to sign the Paris Saint-Germain winger.
The Mirror reported last month that Arsene Wenger has been told by the Ligue 1 giants that he would need to pay £40m to sign the Germany international during the January transfer window, with Alexis Sanchez seemingly edging closer to the exit door.
The 24-year-old has found starts hard to come by in the French capital following the summer arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at the Parc des Princes, although he has still scored three goals and provided a further five assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this term.
Draxler featured in pictures and videos with the likes of Sead Kolasinac, Shkodran Mustafi, Hector Bellerin and Alexandre Lacazette on Thursday, and Arsenal supporters were quick to have their say on the photos.
While one simply said “welcome to Arsenal”, another said “sounds like a deal to Arsenal is done”.
This week will inevitably be something of a balancing act for the Premier League’s top clubs, who will have to stretch their resources across games on Tuesday and Wednesday night and the weekend.
That especially rings true with Tottenham Hotspur, who will need to rotate as they embark on a run of five games in the space of two weeks that encompasses their hopes for a top four finish, a trophy in the FA Cup and notable progress in the Champions League.
Which all leaves Mauricio Pochettino facing some difficult choices as he prepares to host Manchester United on Wednesday, before travelling to Anfield on Sunday.
But the Spurs boss does have a larger squad than in previous seasons and that could open up an opportunity for 23-cap Argentine Erik Lamela to come back into the side after recovering from an injury problem.
He seems likeliest to replace Dele Alli, not least because the England international – who Transfermarkt value at £72million – is a young player who probably shouldn’t be playing in two high-intensity games in such a short space of time.
So, United fans, which attacker would you start against United on Wednesday night? Let us know by voting below…
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Former director of the Arsenal youth academy Liam Brady has incredibly claimed that the Gunners deemed Harry Kane to be too chubby during his early football career.
Kane was on Arsenal’s books at the age of eight, but the now Tottenham Hotspur forward was released shortly after.
The 24-year-old has since developed into one of the best strikers in world football, and he recently reached 100 Premier League goals for Tottenham.
Brady has admitted that Arsenal were unsure about Kane’s body shape during the early stages of his youth career, but has paid tribute to the Englishman’s will and desire to reach the summit.
Kane scored the winner in Saturday’s North London derby against Arsenal to make it 131 goals in 198 appearances for Tottenham’s first team.
This season, the forward has netted 32 times in 33 appearances in all competitions as he continues to go from strength to strength.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Brady told Corriere della Sera:
“He was chubby, not very athletic and we were wrong. But even Tottenham loaned him three or four times to teams in the lower divisions. But with his determination, he is building a great career. And he deserves it.”
Kane will have the chance to add to the six Champions League goals that he has scored this season when Tottenham face Juventus in the first leg of their last-16 tie this week.
Newcastle United are considering a summer move for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, according to The Sun.
What’s the story?
Pope has been the surprise package at Turf Moor as he has impressed during Tom Heaton’s absence.
The Clarets’ number two was thrown into the deep end when his teammate suffered a dislocated shoulder in September.
Since then, the 25-year-old has made 27 appearances in all competitions, keeping 11 clean sheets in the process.
According to The Sun, Newcastle could make a move for Pope at the end of the season.
The Magpies already recruited a new keeper in January by signing Martin Dubravka from Sparta Prague on loan.
Right move from Newcastle?
There is no denying that Pope has been in great form in the Premier League since replacing Heaton.
The dilemma for him will be when Burnley’s first choice returns to action because it is likely that the former Charlton Athletic stopper will drop back to being number two.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As for Newcastle, it would be a strange move from the club given that Dubravka has started his spell at St James’ Park so positively.
At the moment, the 29-year-old is only at the club on a temporary deal, but if a permanent one can be struck then there would be no need for Pope.
According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United are ready to enter the race to sign West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans at the end of the season.
What’s the word, then?
Soccer Football – Premier League – West Bromwich Albion vs Huddersfield Town – The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, Britain – February 24, 2018 West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans warms up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please c
Well, The Mirror says that Irons boss David Moyes is a huge fan of the £25m-rated centre-back, who can also play as a left-back, and he could be available for as little as £3m at the end of the season if the Baggies are relegated from the Premier League because of a clause in his contract.
The Mirror says that Moyes is keen to sign at least one central defender this summer after Jose Fonte left to go to the Chinese Super League last month, but he could face competition from top flight rivals Leicester City and Everton, while Arsenal and Manchester City also wanted the Northern Ireland international during the January transfer window.
How has Evans done this term?
It’s fair to say it’s been a poor season for West Brom and they lie bottom of the Premier League table and seven points from safety with just 10 matches of the campaign remaining.
[ad_pod ]
Evans has been one of their most consistent performers however, even though he captained the team on a run of 19 top flight fixtures without a win, before he finally tasted success for the first time against Brighton and Hove Albion on January 13 having missed the two victories they picked up against Bournemouth and Burnley at the start of the campaign.
Manager Alan Pardew stripped the 30-year-old of the captaincy after he was one of four players that stole a taxi during a mid-season break in Barcelona last month, although he was reinstated one match later.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
While things haven’t gone brilliantly well for West Brom or Evans this season, there is no doubting the quality and leadership skills that he has, and he would certainly add something to the Irons’ backline.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The 30-year-old is a good defender and is also experienced and comfortable on the ball, and if the Baggies do go down and he can be purchased for just £3m then it would certainly be a no-brainer for West Ham to move for him.
However, if the west Midlands outfit do stay up the Northern Irishman would likely cost a lot more, and Moyes would be wise to look elsewhere instead.
According to the Daily Echo, Southampton winger Josh Sims says he is determined to help the club stay in the Premier League over the course of the remaining 10 matches of the season following a long spell on the sidelines in 2017.
The 20-year-old made his big breakthrough in the first team last term and assisted Charlie Austin just one minute into his top flight debut for the club, while he also set up Shane Long for the goal against Liverpool at Anfield last February that ensured Saints reached the League Cup final.
However, the wide man then suffered a chipped cartilage knee injury that kept him out of action for nine months, before he made his first appearance of the current campaign as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw against Watford on January 13.
Sims was once again named on the bench for the trip to Burnley on Saturday, but he made a big impression by going close on one occasion and being on the pitch when Manolo Gabbiadini scored the visitors’ late equaliser.
The 20-year-old said, via the Daily Echo: “I need to get ready to start strongly next season, but we’ve got a few games left and hopefully I can make an impact towards the end of the season and keep us up. That’s the main thing.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Sims will be pushing for a starting spot when Southampton host Stoke City in a huge six-pointer at St Mary’s on Saturday.
West Ham United’s 3-0 defeat to Burnley will be overshadowed by the unsavoury scenes at the London Stadium.
The Saturday afternoon clash was interrupted a handful of times by separate pitch invaders.
One grabbed the corner flag and held it aloft after making his way onto the field, while another was thrown to the floor by West Ham captain Mark Noble.
The Telegraph reports that a large number of fans flooded the standing area in front of co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan to hurl abuse at the businessmen.
The publication claims that fans accused the pair of “destroying our club”, which mirrors the constant bashing that the West Ham figures receive on Twitter.
Supporters have been angry for some time, particularly after the club left Upton Park to move into the Olympic ground in Stratford in 2016, and it seems that the fury has boiled over.
For rival fans, though, the unsavoury scenes were met with amusement.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Tottenham supporters, who have been feeling miserable since their club were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, were among those on social media mocking the East London outfit.
Monaco forward Thomas Lemar has reportedly been a long-term target for Liverpool, and the Reds fans certainly seem keen on the idea of signing him.
The player himself has also now said that he would like Jurgen Klopp to come back in for him during the summer transfer window.
By that time, Lemar will be focused on trying to secure World Cup glory for France but Les Bleus suffered a setback in their preparations for this summer’s showpiece in Russia on Friday, losing 3-2 at home to Colombia.
Despite the result, the winger – valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt – put in an impressive performance that should have impressed Klopp.
To go with his goal, Lemar also looked to set up chances for his team-mates. Three crosses and two key passes showed his creative side and on another night, he could have had an assist or two.
He was heavily involved, with 73 touches – which fits with Klopp’s all-action style at Anfield and he also hardly gave the ball away, with 95 per cent pass accuracy.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
There is little doubt that Lemar would be an impressive signing for Liverpool; Klopp’s biggest challenge would be integrating him into his front three. He just has to find the money to buy him.
If Lemar performs like this at the World Cup, then his price tag is only going to increase, so Klopp might want to pounce early and get ahead of the game.
Liverpool boosted their top four ambitions in the English Premier League on Saturday, winning 2-1 away to Crystal Palace thanks to a late Mohamed Salah goal.
The Reds required a second half comeback to secure the victory after going behind to an early penalty but found their way to the kind of ugly win that will help them qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
It’s a massive week for Jurgen Klopp’s side with a European quarter-final against Manchester City in just a few days time before facing Everton in a Merseyside derby next weekend.
[ad_pod ]
Central to Saturday’s win was James Milner, whose hardworking display in the middle of the park caught the eye of supporters. He also provided the cross and assist for Sadio Mane to score the equaliser shortly after half-time.
Fans were overjoyed with his performance, believing he was the only central midfielder to perform to the standard required across the 90 minutes.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
They took to Twitter to share their thoughts after the match…