According to Tuttomercatoweb, Tottenham have submitted an opening bid for Napoli midfielder Amadou Diawara.
What’s the story?
The report from Italy claims Spurs are leading the way for Diawara, and that Napoli would be willing to sell the midfielder if their price is met.
Tottenham are of course on the hunt for a long-term replacement for Mousa Dembele, who has hinted he could leave the club this summer.
PSG have also enquired about the Guinean midfielder, though the French champions have not submitted an official bid.
Diawara for Dembele?
If Tottenham are going to lose Mousa Dembele this summer, then they absolutely have to make signing a central midfielder their number one priority.
Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko are both good squad options due to their versatility, but neither are the type of potential superstar you need to carry a title charge.
Diawara is by no means a superstar yet, having started just five league matches for Napoli, but he certainly has the potential to be a world class midfielder.
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The 20 year-old is most comfortable in a defensive midfield role, and outside of his inability to win aerial duels he has every trait to succeed in that role in North London.
The young midfielder has played 26 times in all competitions this season, and boasts an incredible 92 per cent pass success rate. He doesn’t have the wiry dribbling ability of Dembele, but his passing is much better than the Belgian.
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Diawara also possesses impressive intelligence and game reading ability for such a young player, and is great at breaking up play before building up the little passes that Pochettino would love in his midfield.
If Tottenham do sign Diawara but lose Dembele, they would likely need a more experienced midfielder to help bed the youngster in, but there is a really special player in there just waiting to be unlocked by a manager like Pochettino.
So, Tottenham fans, would you back a summer swoop for Diawara? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
According to ESPN FC, Arsenal are at the head of the queue to sign Hamburger SV teenager Josha Vagnoman in this summer’s transfer window.
What’s the story?
Arsenal are expected to be busy this summer, with Unai Emery now confirmed as head coach of the Gunners.
There is absolutely no question that the London club need to boost their defensive unit this summer, and Emery will already have plenty of targets in mind.
Bringing in experienced players will be important, but according to ESPN FC, Arsenal are leading Chelsea and Everton in the race to sign 17-year-old defender Vagnoman.
Vagnoman is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in German football, but his Hamburg contract expires this summer, and he looks set to move on, with Arsenal seemingly at the head of the queue.
What are Vagnoman’s credentials?
Vagnoman became the second youngest player in history to play in the Bundesliga when he represented Hamburg against Bayern Munich at the age of 17 years and three months back in March.
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The youngster featured in every game of Germany’s Under-17 World Cup campaign, meanwhile, and his versatility is another attraction for interested clubs.
Indeed, Vagnoman is capable of operating at either left or right full-back, and his progress over the last 12 months has seen a number of clubs sit up and take notice.
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According to ESPN FC, Arsenal feel that they are in a strong position to complete the deal due to their connections, and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat has already scouted the teenager on a number of occasions this season.
The Gunners are certainly in need of some experienced signings this summer, but securing one of the best young talents in German football would be a huge coup for the London club.
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As Gareth Southgate prepares to take perhaps the youngest and least experienced England World Cup squad of all time to Russia 2018, the biggest source of optimism lies in how the Three Lions gaffer has set up his side in the last four friendlies. The utilisation of a system that combines 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 (perhaps best described therefore as 3-1-4-2) has produced respectable performances and decent results against traditional footballing nations in Germany, Brazil, Italy and the Netherlands.
And there’s a logic to Southgate’s setup as well, especially compared to the mentality shared by many of his predecessors – shoving square pegs in round holes and hoping by some miraculous fortune that England suddenly emerge as a well-balanced, cohesive unit.
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Rather, Southgate’s formation seems to get everybody in their natural positions and even the one exception, Kyle Walker, has brought something crucially different to the back three in his pace and quality with the ball.
Much more than that though, it seems to address England’s two long-term problems at World Cups; breaking down teams of lesser ability and being continually pinned back by sides of similar or superior calibre.
Indeed, if England aren’t struggling to beat Algeria or USA in the Group Stages, they’re failing to gain territory as one-or-two-person counter-attacks against top teams amount to incredibly little. Eventually, that pressure and lack of control over the game tells as the attacking traffic moves in only one direction.
But the ball-playing tendencies of the three-man defence lure the opposing forward line and midfield that bit closer to the ball. A few cute passes in tight areas to beat the press and suddenly the key strengths of this England team – it’s dynamism, energy and mobility – really come to the fore.
This England side has the ability to stage counter-attacks from every department, it’s just a question of having the space to do so. That, more than anything else, is what Southgate’s setup creates in the areas where England are usually so congested.
Yet, there is a worrying counterargument which will resonate with anybody who has watched England at major tournaments over the last 20 years; is Southgate bringing something new and fresh to the World Cup with his 3-1-4-2 formation, or are England once again one or two tournaments tactically behind the rest of the world? For how quietly effective Southgate’s system has proved to be in friendlies, it’s not a revolutionary idea. Four years ago in Brazil, however, it very much was.
Coinciding with Antonio Conte’s success at Juventus, where 3-4-3 became a key part of the Old Lady’s armoury, three-man defences took an incredibly unspectacular Netherlands team to the third-place Playoffs and saw Chile emerge as the Group Stage entertainers before a penalty shoot-out exit to Brazil in the Round 16.
Since then, three-man defences have really hit a new wave of popularity, especially in the Premier League where Conte’s utilisation of it at Chelsea has resonated throughout the division.
It’s original impact remains unequivocal; not only Conte’s utilisation of the system but also his ability to implement it so quickly in a team and a top flight with almost no experience of it, at least at the division’s summit, left the rest of the Premier League trailing in Chelsea’s path en route to the 2016/17 title. It’s long-term effects, however, probably haven’t been as deep as you might think.
Two seasons ago, all but four Premier League clubs took Chelsea’s lead and attempted a three-man defence in at least one game. Amongst the top six, meanwhile, it’s success appeared to directly influence team selections at Manchester City, Tottenham and even Arsenal – a club that hadn’t previously used such a setup since the first year of Arsene Wenger’s reign, but embraced it to provide a positive end to an otherwise disappointing season.
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Compare that to last term. Aside from Chelsea, there were just 40 occasions from a possible 190 in which big six clubs used three-man defences in the Premier League. That’s still a massive gain from prior to Conte’s arrival in England, but it’s still less than a quarter of all the games in question. Likewise, Tottenham stopped using the formation in November, while Arsenal reverted back to type in January after a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth and Chelsea – sticking with it indiscriminate of results – finished in fifth place.
So, what is the top tactical setup across the world right now? Well, it may sound like old hat from a few years ago, but the story of this season has really been the quick revival of 4-3-3 – at least, in the Premier League. That was the most regular formation for the two clubs who finished top of the table, and it also took Liverpool to the final of the Champions League where they lost to a Real Madrid team that only really took control of the match after the introduction of Gareth Bale changed their diamond setup to a 4-3-3.
England too, have all the tools to play in that way. In fact, the World Cup squad includes eleven members who ply their trades with teams that finished the season using 4-3-3, and pretty much every position – perhaps excepting the ever-problematic left flank – has an obvious natural candidate. So, Three Lions fans, should Soutgate make a sudden switch to 4-3-3 for the World Cup? Let us know by voting below…
According to club insider ExWHUEmployee, as many as nine first-team players could leave West Ham United in this summer’s transfer window.
Indeed, in an exclusive column for TheWestHamWay, ExWHUEmployee provided an update on who would leave the London Stadium ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.
Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll, Aaron Cresswell and Javier Hernandez were among those on the list as new head coach Manuel Pellegrini considers his options in this summer’s transfer window.
It is expected to be a busy transfer market for the Hammers as Pellegrini looks to put his own stamp on the club, and that is only right following the departure of David Moyes at the end of last season.
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The West Ham fans have been reacting to the speculation on social media, and it would be fair to say that they have differing opinions when it comes to the future of a number of first-team stars.
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Indeed, a few supporters have claimed that they would be happy to see every player on the list leave, although many others want the likes of Carroll and Cresswell to remain at the club this summer.
A selection of the Twitter reaction from the West Ham fans can be seen below:
England’s squad may lack the star names of years gone by but the healthy atmosphere in the squad and competition for places has given Gareth Southgate no shortage of selection headaches.
Ahead of today’s against Tunisia – his side’s first of World Cup 2018 – the former Middlesbrough manager has had a number of marginal calls to make all over the pitch.
However, it is reassuring for both Southgate and the Three Lions fans that the quality of the players in battle for the starting berths is largely comparable, which could also create healthy rivalry should England progress into the later stages of the competition.
One such dilemma is at right wing-back where, with Kyle Walker permanently moved inside to centre half, the choice is between Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier – valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has enjoyed a sensational season to force himself into Southgate’s thinking.
But who should start as England look to capitalise on some slack starts among the traditional big-hitters and get off to a flier? Let us know by voting below and keep your eyes peeled for the results pre-match…
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Everton are interested in signing Hertha Berlin defender Marvin Plattenhardt in this summer’s transfer window, as covered by Sky Sports News earlier this month.
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The Germany international entered the 2018 World Cup off the back of a fine season at Hertha – registering eight assists in 38 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit during the 2017-18 campaign.
Plattenhardt is very much the modern-day full-back when considering that he can both attack and defend effectively, which is so important in the Premier League.
It would be fair to say that the 26-year-old struggled to make his mark against Mexico in Russia on Sunday afternoon, however, as Germany suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in their opener.
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Plattenhardt was not the only one to struggle in a Germany shirt, but his performance has led to some Everton fans doubting whether he would be a good signing this summer.
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That said, there are still plenty of Everton supporters who want to see the defender make the move to Goodison Park in this summer’s transfer window.
A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Premier League club’s fans can be seen below:
Scottish football fans are not amused with the Scottish Football Association’s decision to give Neil Lennon a touchline ban for a celebration against Rangers at the end of last season.
The Hibernian manager will be in the stands for the first three domestic matches of the 2018/19 season, having been found guilty of misconduct by the governing body for his ‘aeroplane’ celebration after Hibs equalised late on against the Light Blues at Easter Road in May.
He received a one match ban for that incident, which also triggered a suspended two-match ban handed out in March.
It’s fair to say though that supporters are not happy, feeling that the celebration was just a natural reaction to the events in the match and a jovial response to the abuse he gets from football fans across the country.
Are the SFA right to clamp down on this behaviour or out of order?
Fans of Scottish football took to Twitter to share their thoughts…
Another day and more activity in the Transfer Tavern for Newcastle fans. Rafael Benitez will be itching to bring in new some reinforcements this summer as he looks to push up the table next year.
It remains to be seen how much money Mike Ashley will give Rafel Benitez this summer. Rumours have linked the club with moves for Joshua King and Daniel Ings to bolster Newcastle’s frontline, while fan favourite, Matt Ritchie has been rumoured to be included in a possible swap deal for King. One player, however, who Rafael Benitez may want to consider signing, is Jack Wilshere.
The Breakdown
As reported earlier this month by the Daily Star (h/t Chronicle), Newcastle are interested in signing the midfielder who will be leaving Arsenal when his contract expires. According to the same report, West Ham, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Everton are also keen on signing the England international, therefore the Magpies may face some stiff competition for his signature.
Yes, the one huge drawback to Wilshere is his terrible injury record. After suffering from continual injury problems, a loan spell at Bournemouth saw the England international manage 27 games while last season he played 20 times in the Premier League and also featured heavily in Arsenal’s unsuccessful Europa League campaign. With his contract expiring, however, taking a risk on Wilshere might just provide a great reward.
The Magpies need some creative talent going forward. While Wilshere might be the 30-goal striker the club need, he still possesses incredible talent Newcastle could do with. The 26-year-old would be great in a number 10 role for Newcastle and if Benitez can surround him with some extra talent, a free transfer might just turn out to be a bargain for Newcastle.
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Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has flown home to Jamaica to be with his seriously ill mother
Peter English17-Nov-2009Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has flown home to Jamaica to be with his seriously ill mother, leaving him in doubt for next week’s first Test. Gayle departed Allan Border Field before the start of the tour game against Queensland to begin the journey back to visit her in hospital in Kingston.Team-mate Ramnaresh Sarwan said it was disappointing to lose Gayle and the squad would have to wait to learn whether he will be able to turn out at the Gabba. “He’s got something very important to go back to, his mum is not well,” Sarwan said. “We’re hoping for him to come back for the first Test, if not the second. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”Gayle’s absence means Denesh Ramdin, the wicketkeeper, is leading the side in the four-day tour match in Brisbane. The 15-man squad is already short of experience and will rely on Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Sarwan to lift it in the lead-up to the Test on November 26.”The thoughts of the management and players in the team as well as the WICB are with Chris and his family at this time,” Joel Garner, the team manager, said. “We also want to wish his mother a speedy recovery.”While the squad hopes Gayle will return quickly, the move is a further blow to the tourists, who have come together following a strike between the players and the West Indies Cricket Board. Gayle, who has played 82 Tests, has also been criticised for his attitude since being re-appointed captain following the player strike. When the team arrived last week he spoke of unifying the side and challenging Australia in the three-game series.
Allrounder using an oxygen chamber to try and speed his recovery from the fractured rib that has threatened his participation in the opening Test
Andrew McGlashan in East London10-Dec-2009Jacques Kallis is using an oxygen chamber to try and speed his recovery from the fractured rib that has threatened his participation in the opening Test against England at Centurion Park.Kallis suffered the injury during the Champions League Twenty20 in October and was ruled out of the recent one-day series. It is a race against time to get him fit for the opening five-day encounter, with some suggestions that he may struggle to make the starting XI in any capacity or be unable to bowl during the four-match series.However, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur was not ruling out one of his key players and was still holding onto hope that he can play a part with the ball. He echoed Mike Proctor’s view after the convenor of selectors said Kallis was 50-50 to appear at Centurion Park, although Arthur was more positive about Kallis’ prospects as a batsman.”We certainly haven’t ruled him out of bowling during the series and we are still working hard with him ahead of the first Test,” Arthur told Cricinfo. “He has been using an oxygen chamber to try and speed the recovery and is doing extensive rehab every day.”At the moment the best-case scenario is that he bats and bowls at Centurion which is probably 50-50, the next best is that he just bats which is probably around 60-40 and the worst case scenario is that he is only fit for Durban.”Kallis would not be the first player to use oxygen therapy to aid recovery from injury. Simon Jones underwent similar treatment in 2005 when he was trying to be fit for the final Ashes Test although the process was ultimately unsuccessful for him. The benefit of the chambers is that they can supply 100% pure oxygen which helps the body fight injury compared with the normal air which contains only about 20% oxygen.Kallis played in the second Twenty20 international against England before the extent of the rib injury was confirmed. He will be fully assessed when the South African squad meets up in Potchefstroom on Friday for a three-day training camp. “Our priority was the Test series which is why he was pulled from the one-dayers so he didn’t do further damage,” Arthur said. “We will have a far better idea of where we stand on Sunday.”Arthur also confirmed that Dale Steyn was progressing well after his hamstring injury and that the paceman bowled six overs in the nets on Wednesday. Steyn was ruled out of the final two ODIs but now looks set to lead the pace attack alongside Makhaya Ntini, who will reach 100 caps, and probably Morne Morkel.