All posts by h716a5.icu

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According to BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone, West Ham United have ‘no interest’ in selling Issa Diop in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

Sky Sports News recently claimed that Manchester United wanted to sign Diop ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

And ExWHUemployee has said that United had offered Phil Jones as part of their bid to acquire the former Toulouse youngster this summer.

According to Stone, though, the Hammers are simply not interested in selling Diop ahead of the new season, to United or indeed ‘anyone else’.

And that is absolutely the right stance from the capital outfit, who must keep hold of their key players if they are to move forward next season.

It is shaping up to be a very interesting transfer window for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, with the signature of Pablo Fornals from Villarreal already secured.

Losing Diop would be a huge blow but Stone has provided an update which will surely please the West Ham fans.

Why are West Ham right to hold firm?

It is going to be difficult for the top six to be broken up next season but the fight for seventh during the 2019-20 campaign should be absolutely fascinating.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were the ‘best of the rest’ last season, ultimately finishing nine points off sixth-placed Man United.

West Ham were down in 10th, just five points adrift of Nuno Santo’s men.

And with the right transfer window there is no question that the Hammers can claim a top-seven finish next term.

The capital outfit will find it difficult to resist interest from United if a huge bid were to arrive for Diop in the latter stages of the transfer window.

West Ham are trying to build something substantial, though, and keeping hold of a 22-year-old who only looks set get better and better is absolutely vital to their chances of success.

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Everton fans aren’t impressed by Marcel Brands’ latest target, as the director of football is reportedly pursuing Lyon winger Bertrand Traore.

According to Football Insider, the Toffees are eyeing a move for Traore, which they will pursue after they wrap up a deal for Andre Gomes.

The outlet claimed last week that a deal for Gomes is close, and they now say Brands will turn his attentions to Traore once the deal for the Barcelona man is wrapped up.

The Lyon youngster, who came through the youth academies at Auxerre and Chelsea before joining the Ligue 1 outfit, scored 11 times last season in all competitions.

He has excellent pace, dribbling and movement, and is capable of playing right the way across the front three, even as a false nine.

However, the Toffees fans on Twitter have not taken too kindly to the rumours, perhaps seeing Traore as a cheap alternative to other winger targets.

Indeed, the report claims a £25m bid is being readied by Brands, a fee that is hardly filling fans with confidence he is a future star and not just another flop.

Take a look at the best of the Twitter reactions down below…

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One of Slaven Bilic’s first tasks as he gets to work at West Brom will surely be to replace Dwight Gayle.

Albion have already made it abundantly clear that they won’t be able to bring the striker back after his fantastic 24 goal season last term.

But with the news that Jay Rodriguez may well leave too, there is a reason to suggest that during the transfer window they need an entirely new frontline.

Bearing that in mind, here are three former academy players they may well now be wishing they never let go.

Kemar Roofe

With the possibility of having no Gayle or Rodriguez next season, Kemar Roofe would now be incredibly useful to West Brom. Arguably he is one of the biggest talents to have escaped their grasp in recent years.

The forward left the Baggies in 2015 for Oxford United when Albion were still in the Premier League. At that point, it wouldn’t have felt like a loss but now a proven Championship performer, he would be ideal for a Baggies side chasing promotion next season.

He scored 14 goals last season for Leeds, building on an impressive couple of terms with the Whites after previously netting 17 and claiming ten assists in 40 League Two outings for Oxford United.

It’s that kind of record that West Brom are crying out for next season, particularly from a player who can also play on the flanks, an area that needs to be improved.

Tyler Roberts

For similar reasons, West Brom will now surely be cursing their luck with Tyler Roberts. His record wasn’t outstanding last season, scoring just three times, but his talent is evident in the fact he started 28 times for one of the Championship’s outstanding sides.

Claiming six assists, the versatile forward is the type of player the Baggies missed last season.

He has the ability to play on the flanks, through the middle and as a number ten. With the likes of Jacob Murphy and Jefferson Montero failing to deliver last term, he could have been a real difference maker.

He’s now proven himself capable in the Championship and could have been a real asset for Bilic if he stuck around. As it happens, he was another academy prospect to bite the dust.

The fans in the video below had some very strong words for Michel Platini who was detained over alleged corruption this week…

Izzy Brown

Hold onto Izzy Brown will have been incredibly difficult when Chelsea came calling but the fact remains that Albion would have been far better off by keeping him.

His performances since moving, however, have been extremely disappointing, scoring just nine senior goals.

But that shouldn’t distract from the fact he still has plenty of talent.

After all, he’s scored 11 and assisted ten in just 37 Premier League 2 outings. For a Baggies team who lacked creativity after Harvey Barnes left, Brown would now surely be crucial for them.

With West Brom needing to add bodies in the final third, they could now be left ruing the decisions they made in years gone by.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

During the 2018/19 season, West Brom weren’t particularly inundated with technically-gifted wide players.

Harvey Barnes was exceptional, scoring nine times and assisting six goals, but after he was recalled by Leicester, they struggled out on the flanks.

Not only that, but they also failed to find much creativity in central areas beyond what was being offered by the strikers when Barnes left.

However, they may have just discovered someone capable of ending their issues on the flanks.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

On the chalkboard

Last week, West Brom were linked with free agent Opa Nguette.

The Senegalese’s contract with Ligue 2 side Metz came to an end this summer and it doesn’t appear as though he’s short on potential new destinations.

Club Brugge and Genk have both made an offer for the 24-year-old whilst Albion have reportedly made an enquiry according to Goal.

If they follow through with the move and offer him terms, the potential arrival could be game-changing for Slaven Bilic’s side.

The Baggies lacked a direct threat on the wings last term but Nguette could help put that issue to bed, having scored seven goals for Metz in 2018/19.

But it’s his statistics in Ligue 1 that stand out, a division the French side were relegated from before last season.

In 2017/18, he proved his direct qualities by completing a hugely impressive 2.2 dribbles per game across 17 matches. Previously, he’d managed 2 dribbles a match in 2016/17, appearing 33 times.

And it’s in that facet where he could prove the difference if he arrives at the Hawthorns.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

The closest anyone came to matching that last term in the Championship was Kyle Edwards, who completed 2 dribbles per 90 minutes for Albion. However, he only started on three occasions.

Next in the list of players still currently on their books was Matt Phillips who managed 1.6, but there was quite a drop after that with Mason Holgate, now back at Everton, making 1.2 dribbles.

Having proven to be a consistent performer in this aspect of the game in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Nguette could be a real danger if he played in the Championship.

As such, West Brom must consider offering him a deal.

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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…

Speaking to Football Insider, Danny Mills has delivered his verdict on Tyrone Mings’ move to Aston Villa, revealing just how good a signing he thinks he’ll be.

What’s the word?

Aston Villa have already confirmed two additions this week, welcoming Ezri Konsa to the club on Thursday morning after initially signing Mings permanently earlier in the week.

The Villans, of course, landed the Bournemouth man on loan in January but have now brought him back after becoming a shining light for the club in 2018/19.

Football Insider claims the centre-back has moved for a fee of £20m, potentially rising to £26.5m but Mills has hinted that will be completely forgotten about in a year, whilst also tipping him for a big season. He said:

“The amount is irrelevant because if he has a good season he could be worth £35m-£40m this time next year.

“He has all the attributes to do well in the Premier League. He has pace, power, height, decent on the ball, left-footed as well, which does help.”

Magnificent Mings

It’s unsurprising to see Mings attract such praise after his stellar loan spell with Villa earlier in the year.

The 26-year-old helped the club achieve promotion, playing a key part in their ten-match winning streak as he scored twice in 18 matches whilst winning three aerial duels in the process.

His height of 6 foot 5 will be imperious in the Premier League whilst his excellent ability with the ball at his feet, completing 78.6% of his passes in the Championship should also come in handy.

Being homegrown, it wouldn’t be a great surprise to see him valued at nearly double what Dean Smith’s men paid for him this summer next year.

After all, Burnley and Brighton both value James Tarkowski and Lewis Dunk at around the £40m mark.

Mings has struggled in the Premier League in the past because of a lack of game time. Yet, at Villa, he shouldn’t find that a problem at all.

If he can discover the form he found in the second tier, there is a reason to believe he could have a similar impact in the top-flight.

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Crystal Palace’s official Twitter account posted a video on Wednesday of an impressive tackle from youngster Tyrick Mitchell, and it’s fair to say that Eagles fans on the popular social media platform were impressed with what they saw.

The 19-year-old is yet to make his competitive first-team debut for the south London outfit having signed a contract extension back in January, but the left-back has been regularly training with Roy Hodgson’s first-team squad.

He was handed a chance by the 71-year-old manager after replacing Patrick van Aanholt in the 65th minute of his side’s pre-season friendly against FC Luzern on Tuesday evening.

He may have only been on the pitch for 25 minutes, but the teenager made a big impression and his well-timed tackle in the penalty area on Christian Schneuwly was quite brilliant.

Palace supporters were quick to respond to the video posted by the club, and unsurprisingly many were quick to compare him to another young full-back in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who of course left for Manchester United for an initial £45m fee earlier in the summer.

Are Crystal Palace right to slap a £100m valuation on Wilfried Zaha’s head? Check out the video below to see why they are…

While one fan demanded to “get him in the first team”, another commented suggesting that he too could be worth “£45m in 12 months”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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According to Sky Sports News, Everton are keen to complete a summer deal for Crystal Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha.

The 26-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks.

However, according to Sky Sports News, Everton are determined to sign the Ivory Coast international and will meet with Palace this week to discuss a possible deal.

Watch Everton Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Zaha enjoyed a strong 2018-19 campaign for the Eagles – contributing 10 goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League appearances.

Everton have thus far secured deals for Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph and Jonas Lossl in this summer’s transfer window.

Whether Zaha arrives at Goodison Park remains to be seen, but the Merseyside club’s fans have been on social media discussing a potential move.

Check out some amazing tekkers in the video below…

There are those who would be pleased to see the attacker arrive ahead of the new season, although others have doubted whether the move is even possible.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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Lots of Everton fans have taken to Twitter to discuss the news that Henry Onyekuru is set for a move to Monaco, as reported by L’Equipe.

The Nigerian striker signed for the Toffees back in the summer of 2017 for a £7m fee, but he has never made a single appearance for the Merseysiders after having issues with obtaining a work permit.

Check out some amazing tekkers in the video below…

The 22-year-old has since spent time on loan at Anderlecht and Galatasaray, scoring 16 goals for the latter last term.

Due to the fact that the 5 foot 9 forward is still having work permit problems, the Toffees look to have made the decision to sell the former Eupen man to Monaco for a reported sum of €15m (£13.7m) as it seems unlikely that he will ever get the chance to play for the Merseysiders.

He will reportedly commit to a long-term contract with the Ligue 1 side.

Let’s take a look at how the Everton fans on Twitter reacted to the news…

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So the Bruno Fernandes transfer saga takes a fresh twist. The Portugal international has been the subject of intense transfer scrutiny during the summer window, and often with conflicting reports over whether he even is a Manchester United target.

Certain reports in recent weeks had claimed that the Red Devils were interested in signing the Sporting Lisbon midfielder, but it now appears the Manchester side could be eclipsed by a team they are all too familiar with.

According to Portuguese publication O Jogo, United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham are in the race to sign Fernandes this summer with just a week left in the transfer window.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

After hearing the news that a swoop for the 24-year-old could seemingly be hijacked by the north London side, United fans took to Twitter to voice their frustrations about the update.

Many Red Devils supporters revealed that the club would have to take a “monumental L” were Fernandes to end up joining Spurs, and criticised Ed Woodward for seemingly failing to get a deal done.

Indeed, some even suggested that the club would be “finito” if a worst-case scenario panned out whereby the club missed out on their prime transfer targets.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

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Potentially good times ahead for Arsenal in the future, then.

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