All posts by h79snht.top

Loads of Sunderland fans have been reacting to the latest news on Josh Maja, who now looks likely to leave the club after deciding not to sign the club’s latest contract offer.

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Maja has told the club that he will not sign a new deal, despite being offered seven times his current wages.

The 20 year-old reportedly had until today to accept the club’s offer, but a last minute U-turn seems to have ended all hope of a new deal.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Owner Stewart Donald even took to Twitter to express his annoyance at the collapse of the deal, saying everything was agreed until the agent and player changed their minds.

Maja has been perhaps the Black Cats’ most important player as they push for promotion back to the Championship, scoring 14 League One goals already this campaign.

Losing him would hurt an awful lot more than the summer departure of Joel Asoro, and the Twitter reactions down below do not make pretty reading…

[ad_pod ]

Darren Moore could lose Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes at any moment, but the West Bromwich Albion manager should not fret and instead make a move to sign Southampton’s Callum Slattery on loan.

What’s the latest?

Claude Puel is yet to announce whether he will be recalling Barnes back to the Foxes or not, with the midfielder impressing during the first half of a season-long loan.

The Leicester manager gave a clear indication last week that a recall is on the cards, however, when he noted that there are more positives for his side should they bring the 21-year-old home rather than allowing the attacking midfielder to see out the season at the Hawthorns.

In the care of Moore, Barnes has featured in every Championship fixture to date, netting nine times and creating a further six goals for his Baggies teammates.

If he were to be recalled, West Brom would have to fill the void left with another clever attacking midfielder, and Southampton’s Slattery would fit the bill.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden was at the crucial relegation 6-pointer between Bolton and Rotherham. Check out the video below…

Who is Callum Slattery?

Slattery may not yet be a household name, but the teenager has a big future set out for him on the south coast having worked his way through the academy system before earning his senior debut in the FA Cup last weekend.

In a starting role, the 19-year-old starred and displayed a similar style of play to that of Barnes, making the transition in Moore’s tactics less of a worry than proceeding in the Championship without a like-for-like replacement.

The former England youth international, who joined the Saints aged eight, is just the latest to break through a prestigious junior programme that brought the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Luke Shaw and, more recently, Matt Targett and Yan Valery to the fore, who are all plying their trade in the top-tiers of football.

Slattery also understands the need to keep things calm when under pressure, and hails the breakthrough of James Ward-Prowse as an inspiration and someone he looks to for guidance.

Leeds United are closing in on a deal to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla to boost their promotion bid this month, but Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Phil Hay has suggested he won’t be the only new player arriving at Elland Road this month.Â

Following weeks of speculation linking Leeds with a move for Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow, it seems that a completely different talent altogether is on his way to the Championship league leaders.

With a rich history in La Liga, where Casilla has played for both Real Madrid and Espanyol, the supporters have plenty of reason to believe they are set to welcome a game-changing talent to the club.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s form has been questionable at times and the need for a stopper to challenge him for the number one shirt has been evident since Jamal Blackman returned to Chelsea, and it appears that notable void will be filled in a matter of days.

But Leeds are crying out for further reinforcements throughout the squad, particularly in midfield after losing both Samu Saiz and Lewis Baker this month. With that said, it is no surprise that the club’s hierarchy are reportedly interested in signing Swansea City prodigy and versatile winger Daniel James, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Previous reports have claimed Leeds would be willing to pay £20 million to secure his signature, but Phil Hay has stepped in to clarify the finer details of Leeds’ interest on Twitter.

Not only does James have the green light from Bielsa, Hay has revealed that he should also be available for a fee in the region of £3-5 millionÂ- which is clearly much more realistic than the £20 million fee quoted in previous reports – but any potential deal will take a back seat until the Casilla deal has been concluded.

Despite James’ lack of experience at this level, there is reason to suggest that Leeds would be wise to secure his signature if he is indeed available for a fee in the region of £3-5 million.

The 21-year-old made the step up into Swansea’s first-team this season under Graham Potter, and he has already managed to score one goal and provide four assists from 12 Championship starts.

That record is far from ground breaking but it must be considered that he made his debut at this level at the beginning of the season and, under a manager of Bielsa’s expertise, he is bound to improve at an exponential rate following a potential move to Leeds.

Whether Andrea Radrizzani will have funds remaining to sanction a deal following Casilla’s arrival remains to be seen, but Hay’s revelation suggests Leeds are showing serious interest in adding to their ranks this month.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to a recent report from The Daily Mirror, Che Adams’ future is far from certain heading into the remainder of the January transfer window. The 22-year-old currently plays his football at Championship side Birmingham City and has done so since leaving Sheffield United back in 2016, with his impressive efforts upfront for the Blues seemingly attracting interest from the Premier League.

And that’s because reports suggest that as many as 12 top-flight teams scouted the £2.25 million-rated sensation (as per Transfermarkt) at the weekend in Birmingham’s defeat against Middlesbrough, and while it’s unclear whether Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United were one of those sides, they certainly should seek to win the race for Adams in a bid to rid them of awful Joselu.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, 22-year-old Adams shone at Sheffield United in the 2015/16 season to thus earn a step up to the Championship with Birmingham that summer, with the striker then very much proving his worth with seven goals in his first season at St Andrew’s, and then nine the campaign after.

Yet the former England Under-20 international has this term taken it up another level by netting a sensational 13 goals in just 27 Championship appearances for Garry Monk’s men, the latest of which coming in front of those 12 scouts in the Blues’ 2-1 loss to Tony Pulis’ Boro on Saturday.

And with four assists as well, Adams appears to be developing into the ideal all round forward – yet the same simply cannot be said of Joselu at Newcastle.

The 28-year-old made the move to St James’ Park back in the summer of 2017 as Benitez sought attacking reinforcements upon Newcastle’s return to the Premier League, although Joselu’s pretty poor record at Stoke City in the years previous, scoring just four times for the Potters between 2015 and 2017, was very much a sign of things to come.

And that’s because the Galicia international has unsurprisingly struggled for goals in the North East with only seven to his name in 49 appearances for the Magpies, just two of which have come in the Premier League this term, and they came all the way back in August.

Yes, the 28-year-old does have ability in the forward role in terms of holding the ball up and bringing others into play, but he simply doesn’t have the necessary predatory instincts in front of goal to turn golden opportunities into goals – there have been plenty of occasions in his Newcastle career in which he has missed glaring chances.

And that simply isn’t good enough for a team seeking to move up the Premier League table in the second half of the season – yes, Salomon Rondon appears to be the main man at the club presently, but that’s not to say that Joselu won’t be used by Benitez as the season progresses.

And that is why the Magpies simply have to win the race for Birmingham’s Adams – he has that predatory instinct in front of goal, and at the tender age of 22, he is surely only going to get better, especially under the guidance of an outstanding coach like Benitez.

Thus, Newcastle must seek to beat their Premier League rivals to the striker, as doing so would not only bolster their forward ranks, but it could also rid them of awful Joselu.

Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!

[ad_pod ]

Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to express their concern at Roy Hodgson’s comments regarding their transfer business this month, with his words not exactly being music to the ears of a fanbase desperate to see a striker arrive.

The 71-year-old Eagles boss said in his pre-match press conference before the trip to Liverpool: “We have two more weeks like everybody else; the work will continue if there are more possibilities that suit us, so nothing changes in that respect.

“But to say I’m expecting it, I’d have to have a definite name in the frame who is on the verge of signing and that’s not the case.”

The Eagles travel to a Liverpool side on Saturday that have conceded just three home goals in the Premier League this season, though Christian Benteke did grab a brace in a recent visit to his former home.

Fans of the south London club are understandably concerned at Hodgon’s comments, as they are in desperate need of a proper goalscorer.

Jordan Ayew is the only Eagles striker to register a Premier League goal this season, and Hodgson’s side are the joint-fourth lowest scoring team in the league with just 20 goals in 22 games.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

[ad_pod ]

Simon Mignolet has told the Liverpool Echo that Liverpool have the squad depth to win the Premier League title.

The Belgian was involved in the Reds’ last title chase, in 2013-14, as the Reds came agonisingly close to winning the league, only to capitulate at the last, allowing Manchester City to become champions.

What’s the word?

Liverpool are currently four points clear of City at the top of the Premier League table, with 15 games still to play.

However, Mignolet has been in this position before, seeing Brendan Rodgers’ side dramatically fail to clinch the title, despite building a seemingly unassailable lead at the top of the table.

The Belgium international, though, says that there is more quality running throughout the entirety of the squad this time around, and believes they have the numbers to weather all but the most serious injury crisis.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: “So much has changed over the past five years here.

FFC’s James Jones has identified the one thing that could cost Liverpool the title. Find out what it is in the video below…

“It’s only Hendo (Jordan Henderson), Studge (Daniel Sturridge) and myself still here from the last time we really fought for the title.

“Back then a lot of it was about Luis Suarez and Studge, whereas now the goals are shared about more. We had a really good team in 2013/14 but the moment we got one or two injuries it became difficult.

“We’ve got a broad squad now which means we can cope with injuries. That’s probably the biggest difference with last time.”

The Reds face Leicester City on Wednesday before a weekend meeting with West Ham United.

Depth is key

In 2013-14, Liverpool were all too reliant on the mercurial talents of Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan scored 31 goals and provided 17 assists in the top flight, as per Transfermarkt, in what was undoubtedly one of the finest individual seasons in Premier League history.

However, this time around the Reds can call on Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, with the likes of Naby Keita, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum all too happy to chip in as well.

Jurgen Klopp is blessed with a fantastic array of talent on his bench; ironically, perhaps only Pep Guardiola can lay claim to having more in reserve than the Reds.

It is set up to be a fascinating run-in, particularly with the amount of talent packed in each squad.

One thing is for sure; if either side slips up, the other is certain to take advantage.

[ad_pod ]

Everton signed Lucas Digne from Barcelona in the summer for £18 million, as reported by the BBC.

The left-back came to Goodison Park to serve as the successor to the veteran Leighton Baines, who at 34 years of age can no longer play week in, week out at the highest level.

As a Toffees hero, Baines left big boots to fill as the club’s first choice left-back, but Digne has quickly become a fan favourite on Merseyside.

His role

The 25-year-old has become an integral part of Marco Silva’s starting XI. The 23-cap France international has now made 23 Premier League appearances for the Toffees, 21 of which have been starts. In that time, he has racked up three goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt’s stats.

Watch the best fails from the world of indoor football in the video below…

Aside from end-product going forwards, Digne has also brought some extra top-level experience to the Everton rearguard, and he is one of the most consistent and reliable defenders at Silva’s disposal.

His importance

Digne’s ability on the ball, honed in his years spent playing with PSG and Barcelona, make him a truly dynamic and modern full-back.

According to WhoScored’s stats, he has averaged 1.1 shots and 1.8 key passes per Premier League game this season. His average record of 2.2 accurate crosses and 1.6 successful long balls per match only serves to further highlight the impact he can have in the final third. 

Digne has been equally impressive defensively. His average of 2.1 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.2 clearances per game demonstrates what a vital contribution he makes for his side at the back.

In what has been a fairly underwhelming season at Goodison Park so far, Digne’s form has been one of the highlights, and Everton fans will hope that they can look forward to watching the French full-back impress for many years to come.

With news of star-striker Danny Ings being out for three weeks, Southampton’s misery could actually work in Charlie Austin’s favour. The experienced striker has had a disappointing season, scoring only two goals in seventeen appearances, mostly from the bench.

However, with new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl trusting his out of form striker to come good, Austin needs to regain confidence in front of goal. The Saints face relegation candidates Fulham and defensively vulnerable Arsenal in the next few weeks, games which are primed for Austin to make a big impact.

The striker got his moment of glory earlier this season when he scored a thrilling winner against Arsenal. The former QPR striker’s goal-scoring ability is well known and he just needs to bring back that fire in him. The powerful Austin has the physical attributes to bully defenders and cause mayhem with his movement, something that could be vital during the business end of the campaign.

Facing the defensively shaky Fulham, amidst a tricky visit to the Emirates Stadium, Austin needs to come good. The Saints are enjoying inspired form under Hasenhuttl and the likes of Nathan Redmond & James Ward-Prowse are at their creative best. He’ll definitely get chances to score but needs to find back his lethal touch which terrorized opponents years ago.

Time is running out for Charlie Austin at Southampton. The upcoming weeks are his final ones to redeem himself at St.Marys’ or surely risk the end of the road for himself in the Premier League.

Rangers will look to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership against mid-table St Johnstone at the weekend.

Celtic maintained their six-point lead at the summit of the standings and Steven Gerrard has a mountain to climb to overtake them in the race for the title. There is still plenty of football to be played and the former Liverpool captain will hope Celtic’s participation in the Europa League plays a factor. Nevertheless, the Gers must focus on winning all their remaining fixtures to have a chance at glory.

Regardless of whether they lift the title, there is no denying that the club have progressed in Gerrard’s first year in management. The former England international will be looking to build on his debut campaign at Ibrox with another strong transfer window in the summer. With many loan deals set to expire, plenty of new faces could arrive.

One man Gerrard should be keeping tabs on is Preston midfielder – Alan Browne. Valued at just £450k by Transfermarkt, the Irishman has developed into a crucial member of the first team after joining from Cork City as a youngster in 2014. Browne is enjoying his finest season to date in the Championship and has been tipped to move to a bigger club in the future.

The 23-year-old is extremely well rounded and has been in remarkable form in front of goal – leading the club’s scoring charts with 11 Championship goals this season. Browne has also chipped in with five assists, highlighting what he would offer Gerrard in the engine room. Not only does the Ireland international excel going forward, but Browne also tracks back and helps out his defence when necessary.

Outside of the Light Blues’ strikers, they’ve struggled for goals this season. Alongside Steven Davis, Browne could help ease that very burden at Ibrox.

With his contract due to expire in the summer, Gerrard should snap up a bargain when the window reopens.

Rangers fans, thoughts?

Leeds journalist Beren Cross has delivered fine praise in the direction of teenager Jack Jenkins after his display for the U23s on Monday evening.

Cross was giving his player ratings after the Whites thrashed Bolton 5-1.

What’s he said?

Carlos Corberan’s team were in mighty fine form at the beginning of the week as a mix of youth and more experienced players took to the field against the Trotters.

Eddie Nketiah started up front and scored twice while Gjanni Alioski also featured and got on the scoresheet.

Jack Clarke was back in the goals too, but it was one of the players in the middle of the park that convinced the most.

It wasn’t Mateusz Bogusz or Alfie McCalmont but instead, it was Jenkins who kept things ticking over.

He earned a match rating of 7 and the following review:

“Overshadowed McCalmont on the night with his midfield display during the first half and then went to right-back in the second period. Quieter there, but another of the under-18s who is well established now.”

Big potential

The 18-year-old recently earned a new deal at the back end of November and it appears as though that has spurred him on in terms of his performances.

Jenkins hasn’t yet featured for the first team but it says a lot about his potential that he’s overshadowing McCalmont, a player that’s featured on two occasions for Leeds’ first-team this term.

Not only that, but the Northern Irishman has even featured for his country at senior level in 2019/20.

It bodes particularly well that Jenkins is making such tremendous strides and the fact he’s a versatile individual should only help his cause in terms of making Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team plans.

A true test for any Leeds fan: Can you match these iconic images with the right results?

Normally a central midfielder, the way he slotted into right-back in the second period should stand him in good stead. Bielsa has relied on versatile players with great regularity this season, particularly with individuals like Stuart Dallas.

He’s another player to have featured both in midfield and in defence, alongside Alioski.

Jenkins currently has a contract until the summer of 2023 so he’s certainly someone to keep an eye on between now and then.

Meanwhile, one Leeds star has shown why promotion is anything but assured this season…