All posts by h716a5.icu

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Following three successive seasons of Championship football and a narrow defeat in the 2018 play-off final, Aston Villa have returned to the top-flight.

Villa have been determined with their summer recruitment having already secured four acquisitions, including a club-record deal for the striker Wesley from Club Brugge and the permanent arrival of playoff hero Anwar El Ghazi. A purposeful start to the summer indeed.

And while the club have been decisive in their transfer conduct, perhaps the most important signing of all has yet to be completed. The Guardian reports that Aston Villa are interested in signing Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu on a season-long loan. The 18-year-old was restricted to a mere five first-team appearances in all competitions last season, yet during his limited outings for the Europa League winners and in his eight international caps for Wales, Ampadu has proven to be a fearless player.

With a combative nature and authoritative demeanour, Ampadu is one of the most promising talents in the Premier League – after all, how many other 18-year-olds have featured regularly for their country and stuck themselves on the periphery of a top four squad? Whenever he plays, the Wales international is in constant dialogue with teammates on the pitch, instructing more senior players where to position themselves. For such an inexperienced player, Ampadu plays with a staggering degree of maturity.

Proficient at either centre-half or at the base of midfield – where he thrives for Wales – the teenager displays an excellent understanding of the game, but he’s also so comfortable in possession. He can deliver intelligent and measured passes and his passing accuracy in Europe last season was a whopping 91.6%.

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

Not many 18-year-olds shoulder such importance on the international stage as Ampadu. The Chelsea youngster has amassed eight international caps and has held his own against the likes of France, Denmark, Spain and Croatia. Wales are a more accomplished side in Ampadu’s presence, a testament to his versatile and refined skill set.

One senses that the youngster requires continuity to further his progression, and a loan move to a team of Villa’s stature and top-flight experience would be hugely beneficial. Dean Smith experimented with a variety of formations in the Championship last campaign, with Villa often alternating between the 4-1-4-1 and 4-4-1-1 formation. Therefore, a player of Ampadu’s versatility and tactical flexibility should be of great use to Villa.

Furthermore, given the departures of Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak, Villa’s need for a commanding midfield presence, one that can balance the creativity that John McGinn and Jack Grealish provide, is abundantly clear. The Welshman would be the perfect anchor in Villa’s creative and skilful midfield.

While it remains to be seen whether seemingly soon-to-be Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will look to utilise Ampadu in his squad next season, Villa provide an exciting alternative to the Welshman. The know-how and immense success that John Terry has enjoyed coupled with the presence of other Welsh internationals James Chester and Neil Taylor should make the Villans an attractive proposition for Ampadu.

As Smith embarks on the task of restoring Villa’s former glory, the acquisition of a gifted and courageous young player would be a significant step in the right direction, continuing what has already been a very promising start to the summer transfer window.

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West Ham United Director of Football Mario Husillos is involved in protracted negotiations with Celta Vigo over the transfer of Maxi Gomez and is likely to remain as such until the final days of the transfer window, sources have told Football FanCast.

The Hammers are attempting to restructure their squad this summer and Manuel Pellegrini is keen to secure at least one striker in this transfer window.

Pablo Fornals has already been signed from Villarreal to add depth to the attacking midfield positions but the Irons currently have just Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez as their senior forwards.

Chicharito, however, has been made available for transfer and if he departs, the club will be left with just Arnautovic and utility man Michail Antonio as their striking options.

As such, Pellegrini has instructed the club to once again pursue a deal for Gomez, who has a €50m (£44.7m) release clause in his contract.

The Hammers initially identified the Uruguay striker as a target in January amid concerns that Arnautovic could leave for China.

Of course, he ended up signing a new contract and that development put paid to their plan of signing Gomez, with the money recouped from selling the Austria international set to be reinvested, wholesale, into the acquisition of the 22-year-old.

He scored 13 goals in La Liga as Celta avoided relegation – if they had gone down, his release clause would have halved – and Husillos is now attempting to negotiate a deal that could see Gomez link up with Arnautovic in east London.

However, sources have confirmed to Football FanCast that the Irons first face the issue of Gomez’s release clause, with his current club keen to see his asking price paid in full.

Secondly, the player would prefer to remain in Spain and there is a belief at the Hammers that Celta are merely holding out in the hope that a rival bidder will emerge. Valencia tabled an offer earlier this summer but it was not entertained, while West Ham had a £25m bid rejected.

Watch West Ham United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Gomez, sources have said, would like to play for one of Spain’s “big three”: Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.

However, West Ham do not believe that the trio will register any sort of interest in him, and are confident that negotiations can be drawn to a favourable conclusion, eventually.

Indeed, one source within the club told FFC that they expect the deal to drag into the final few weeks of the transfer window, with another even claiming that it may be done on deadline day.

It remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached over a fee but there is a belief that Husillos can strike an agreement for a lower figure than the £45m clause in Gomez’s deal.

Pellegrini has explicitly requested the signing of the forward and FFC has been told that “what Pellegrini wants, Pellegrini gets”.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to the Daily Star, Leeds United have a plan in mind which will help them keep hold of Kalvin Phillips this summer.

The midfielder has been targeted by numerous Premier League clubs, but Aston Villa seem to be the frontrunners for his signature at the moment.

The 23-year-old was key to the Whites’ promotion push last term, having played 44 games in the league, so it is clear to see why the Yorkshire outfit are so keen on keeping their homegrown star.

What’s the story?

The Daily Star state that Leeds have come up with a plan to keep Kalvin Phillips at the club by selling less important players.

There are a few players who you could safely say are going to be in danger if this policy is implemented. Returning loanees such as Vurnon Anita and Hadi Sacko have both reportedly been told they can go, but a man who was a bit-part player last term may also be set to leave.

Forshaw could go

The article states that Leeds could let some of their ‘less key’ players go, and the 5 ft 9 midfielder certainly fits into that bracket.

He was a decent squad player, but he completed a full 90 minutes just 19 times last campaign, so he is rather expendable in Bielsa’s side.

With the emergence of Jamie Shackleton, the former Middlesbrough man could find minutes on the pitch even harder to come by next term.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

With Fulham reportedly interested, this transfer plan which Leeds are hoping will help them keep Phillips seems to point towards the departure of the 27-year-old.

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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, Noel Whelan has stated that Kemar Roofe is worth £10m rather than the £5m that Rangers want him for.

It was confirmed earlier in the week by Adam Pope that the striker’s move to Scotland has legs, and Whelan believes Leeds could lose their top scorer, but that they should hold out for a higher fee.

What’s been said then?

The 43-year-old has given his view on the rumours surrounding the 26-year-old.

Whelan told Football Insider: “Leeds are vulnerable to losing Kemar.

“They are not in a good position and they are there because they failed to give him a new contract last season, when they should have.

“You cannot allow your top goalscorer to come to the final year of his contract. It’s not the way to go about keeping players. Now we could lose one of our best players because the club haven’t done their job right.

“I’ve read Rangers want to get Kemar for £5million. He’s worth double that, around £10million. Easily. It appears the player’s head has been turned with a huge contract offer from Rangers.”

Could fall on deaf ears

Unfortunately for Leeds United, Whelan’s words could fall on deaf ears. Earlier in the summer, the former striker stated that the Whites should sell Pontus Jansson for £10m, and he’s just departed for an initial £4m.

A striker who scored 15 goals in the Championship last term should probably be worth more than £5m, as we have seen the likes of Britt Assombalonga and Jordan Hugill move for more despite scoring just 14 and 12 respectively the season prior to their exits.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Whelan says that Roofe should go for around £10m and he’s right, but that doesn’t mean that he will as Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani have already shown that they aren’t the best negotiators. Roofe could very easily go for less than what he is worth, especially if he has had his head turned as the pundit suggests.

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Celtic summer signing Christopher Jullien had his first taste of football in Glasgow on Saturday and fans were pleased with his display.

The Hoops were hosting French Cup winners Rennes in friendly action, with Neil Lennon’s side continuing their preparations for the season ahead.

Watch a tribute to Celtic’s late Lisbon Lion and greatest ever captain, Billy McNeill in the video below…

The fixture was sandwiched between the two-leg UEFA Champions League qualifying tie against FK Sarajevo, so it proved to be a good opportunity for Lennon to utilise some of his fringe players and give recent arrivals like Jullien and Luca Connell their first minutes in a Celtic shirt.

Jullien signed for a reported £7m from Ligue 1 side Toulouse in June, an expensive transfer by Scottish Premiership standards.

There’s a bit of pressure on the 6 foot 5 centre-back to perform with the Hoops needing someone who can fill in for Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic in defence, both of whom left at the end of last season.

Supporters think he looks the part already, taking to Twitter during and after the match to share their thoughts on his display in Saturday’s 0-0 draw…

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Arsenal’s first big challenge of the 2019 summer pre-season tour was navigated rather successfully.

The Gunners faced German giants Bayern Munich and managed to win the game 2-1, a victory that should serve to boost morale at the club.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played quite a big role in their performance despite not being on the score sheet as the speedy forward caused all sorts of trouble for the opposition.

Still, a strike from Eddie Nketiah and Louis Poznanski’s own goal made sure Robert Lewandowski’s header didn’t salvage a draw for Bayern.

After the game, Aubameyang shared a brilliant

/B0DFYyxnbRW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram snap with his ex-teammate and good friend.

The tandem played together at Borussia Dortmund before their big moves.

Lewandowski ended up donning Bayern’s kit while Aubameyang moved to north London.

Still, that short period they’ve spent together was seemingly enough for a great friendship to emerge.

Aubameyang simply captioned the snap with “happy to see your my brother” and followed it up with some emojis and tagging Lewandowski in the process.

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According to Turkish media outlet Fanatik, Fenerbahce are targeting a move for Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke, and Eagles fans have been quick to react on Twitter.

Fanatik report that the Super Lig club are looking to buy another two or three players before the transfer window shuts having already strengthened their squad this summer, and the Belgium international is one of the names they are keen on.

The report suggests that sporting director Damien Comolli will go to London for talks over a move, with Fenerbahce wanting a deal that would see them loan him with an option to buy.

Watch Crystal Palace Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

That could easily prove to be a tempting proposal for Palace if the money is right, given the 28-year-old only has one year remaining on his contract and has hardly been prolific of late – the centre-forward netted once in 19 appearances in all competitions last term.

Eagles supporters were quick to give their views on the exit link, and many seemed happy at the potential of the goal-shy centre-forward leaving.

In the video below, find out which Chelsea academy prospect is reportedly being lined up to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Crystal Palace…

However, there were those that said they wanted a replacement first, and who can blame them given Alexander Sorloth and Connor Wickham are there only other senior options available right now – the former is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League while the latter has made 42 appearances in four years at Selhurst Park.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Olympique Lyonnais star Moussa Dembele will be on Manchester United’s shortlist of centre-forwards should Romelu Lukaku leave for Internazionale, according to Sky Sports News.

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United are willing to sell Lukaku, however, after rejecting a £54m bid from Inter, are waiting for the right price.

Talks between Inter and the Old Trafford giants have reached a stalemate, with the Italian club wary they must meet financial fair play rules to move for the Belgian forward.

Dembele is seen as a centre-forward as opposed to Nicolas Pepe, who the club have also been linked with, who is seen as a winger.

Links with Dembele would make sense, given the realism over signing the forward as opposed to other targets. Earlier in the summer’s transfer window, Manchester United were linked with a move for Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The links were shot down immediately with Unai Emery saying he won’t be willing to sell the striker.

You can see why Manchester United would put Dembele on their shortlist for strikers to sign after the last few seasons the France youth international has had. In the past three seasons, Dembele has scored a massive 71 goals in all competitions for both Celtic and Lyon.

Looking at the current lack of forwards in the transfer market, you could argue that Dembele represents both the most realistic and best option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

As mentioned above, any deal for Aubameyang has already been shot down.

So we come back full circle to Dembele, and after looking at his goalscoring record in two different leagues in Europe, he looks to be the natural goalscorer who can fill the potential void left by Lukaku.

Manchester United fans, would Dembele be a good replacement for Lukaku? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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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 Betfair, Brazil legend Rivaldo has told Fred to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place.

What did he say?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the midfielder could be set for an Old Trafford exit this summer after enduring a rather difficult campaign.

However, Rivaldo has now insisted that it wouldn’t be the right decision for him to leave the club and instead urged him to showcase his true abilities.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

He said: “Things haven’t been easy for Fred at Manchester United and some people say he should find another club. But I disagree with that. He is a good player who needs to be patient and keep working hard to earn a starting position in the United midfield. I don’t think leaving would solve his problems, and it would be preferable to stay and keep fighting for his place.”

A point to prove

There’s no doubting that since his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer, Fred has failed to really live up to the potential that heralded his arrival. The 26-year-old joined the Red Devils in a reported £47m deal amid claims that United’s rivals Manchester City were keen to take him to the Etihad.

But in a rather underwhelming campaign, the midfielder managed just a goal and assist apiece in 26 games across all competitions, and found himself on the periphery of United’s season.

However, the Brazilian could put that down to simply trying to adjust to the pace and physicality of English football, and if he can return to the sort of form that marked him out as an impressive player at Shakhtar, then there is no doubting he can still succeed at Old Trafford.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

In the season before his move to United, the 26-year-old averaged 2.9 tackles and 2.3 dribbles per game in the Champions League for Shakhtar; the kind of all-action displays United could do with in the middle of the park. As Rivaldo says, if Fred can knuckle down and really kick on his second season in the Premier League, he could become one of those cliche ‘like a new signing’ players at Old Trafford next season.

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Aston Villa didn’t kick off their Premier League return in winning fashion but there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

Beginning your first top-flight campaign in three seasons against the Champions League runners-up, Tottenham Hotspur was never going to be an easy task.

Villa took the lead and looked competent for large periods of the game but it was a mistake from club captain Jack Grealish, who was caught on the ball close to his own box, that cost the Villans a goal.

Following the match, he tweeted his thoughts:

A number of Villa supporters reacted by throwing their weight behind the 23-year-old and the team.

One fan said it was because of him that the club are in the Premier League playing Champions League opposition rather than playing a team of Luton Town’s calibre whilst another added that it was a brilliant effort to keep them at bay for 75 minutes.

Others asked the midfielder to prove people wrong with one supporter claiming that it was a learning curve, using the old cliche that Rome wasn’t built in a day in comparison to Villa’s ambitions.

Here’s the best of the reaction…

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