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With Michy Batshuayi’s loan spell having expired and a return to Chelsea imminent, Crystal Palace fans will be hoping that Eagles chiefs are lining up a new striker deal in the coming months, with Christian Benteke still not quite back to his best and Alexander Sorloth yet to prove himself in the top flight. On Tuesday morning, they were given exactly that – kind of.

The club announced this week that Connor Wickham had signed a one-year extension to his current deal at Selhurst Park, meaning that he’s on the books until summer 2021.

With just 60 Premier League minutes in 2018/19 and only 42 total appearances since he arrived in summer 2015 under his belt, the big striker’s time at SE25 has been plagued with injuries and he’s struggled to hold down a spot in the first team.

A Crystal Palace fan shares his most gutting moment of the last 10 years supporting the Eagles in the video below…

Fortunately for the 26-year-old, there is a distinct lack of capable, goal-scoring strikers at the club, meaning that he could score once, maybe twice and find himself a first team regular. He will surely be hoping that the next two years are a marked improvement on the previous four.

Here’s what Palace fans had to say about the decision on Twitter…

With safety secure, Newcastle fans can really sit back and enjoy their summer, knowing they will be watching Premier League football again next season. 

Oh wait, no they can’t!

For relaxation to commence, Rafa Benitez needs to sign a new contract with the club, or the same old fears will come flooding right back for those fans. It must be gutting to be a member of the Toon Army under the reign of Mike Ashley, truly miserable.

All the foundations have been laid by Benitez but he needs to be the man to orchestrate the changes at St James’ Park, if he is given a big budget. Everyone knows that. Apart from the Ashley regime, it seems.

Nothing major needs to happen in terms of chopping and changing players but an influx of quality would do no harm. To that end, on a free transfer, the addition of Hull City’s Markus Henriksen (who was linked by the Sun with a move to Tyneside in January) would be one that interests all and it could be very shrewd business for the Magpies.

Henriksen, (who is valued at £3.6 million on Transfermarkt) has without a doubt been one of the shining stars for Nigel Adkins and Hull this season and he would prove to be a steal for a team like Newcastle. His quality is obvious and there is no question that he is good enough to play higher up in the Premier League.

With 37 Championship matches to his name this season, Henriksen has added 3 goals and an assist during those as well.

Newcastle were rightly interested in the Norwegian international during the January transfer window but now he is completely free, the deal makes so much sense and they should look to beat the competition to secure his signature. Surely it makes too much sense not to.

Surely.

Midfield quality is something Rafa Benitez has been vocal about getting so his answer – sign Markus Henriksen.

Newcastle fans, do you agree? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Oh dear Liverpool: when Divock Origi is your backup for the Champions League you know it is time to invest.

Look away now Liverpool fans: Roberto Firmino is a doubt for the Champions League clash against Barcelona after suffering a small muscle tear in training last week.

The Belgium forward has been tipped to step in if Roberto Firmino misses Liverpool’s huge trip to Camp Nou to face Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Brazilian was rested during last week’s 5-0 battering of Huddersfield Town after suffering what manager Jurgen Klopp called a “small muscle tear”.

Understandably the Liverpool boss is hopeful that the star forward will be available to play in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final in Catalonia, for what might be their best shot at European glory, despite reaching the final last year.

In the disastrous case of Firmino’s absence though, Origi has been nominated as the man to replace him, according to Anfield legend Mark Lawrenson.

“No Roberto Firmino would be a massive miss for Liverpool , he is the common denominator in the front three,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“He just dovetails brilliantly with the other two [Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah] and he’s such a clever player, too.

“…Origi gives Liverpool something different to what Firmino does. He has great pace does Divock and can play alongside that frontline. He can even drift off to the left if he’s asked too and we’ve seen that this season.

“I wouldn’t say missing Firmino ‘weakens’ Liverpool as Origi just offers something a bit different, but I’d like them to go to Barcelona with Roberto Firmino in the squad.”

Unfortunately, we would have to disagree with this hopeful statement. Missing Firmino seriously weakens the Liverpool attacking line-up, and it brings to light just how necessary it is for Klopp to invest in the summer to bring in a suitable replacement. Someone, maybe, more like-minded and with similar qualities as the Brazilian. Someone that isn’t Divock Origi.

It is not that Origi is a necessarily bad player. He is not particularly good, no – but he does a job off the bench. However, when you are asking him to start in a Champions League semi-final then you are setting yourself up for a fall.

Liverpool fans, do you think you need to sign a new striker in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Marcelo Bielsa has caused concern after he appeared coy on his future in the event that Leeds aren’t promoted this season. He’ll surely have some big offers if they don’t, but the Whites must keep him at all costs.

As quoted by Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “It’s not up to me and I don’t have any response to that. It’s not a decision that we have to take now and it’s not the right time to give my opinion.”

That quote seems to suggest the club might not even want him to continue next season, but it certainly shows he’s avoiding the subject, and that should be a major worry for the Elland Road faithful. He’s transformed Leeds since his arrival and all that’s left is gaining Premier League status.

Yes, it’ll be disappointing if they don’t go up considering they looked certain to make it in the first few months. But the Championship season is arduous, as we all know, and perhaps it’ll take another summer to get things right. It certainly doesn’t mean he’s not up to the job.

Teams around the world will be fighting for his signature if he continues to avoid speculation, so Leeds must do everything in their power to make sure he stays. They’ll need to promise him more money to spend and maybe even more money for himself too.

Some might say he shouldn’t have to receive more money to want to stay, but that’s the reality of football now. Unless Leeds are in the Premier League, he’s staying at the club out of goodwill and a belief he can bring them up. Surely that’s worth a pay rise?

The last month or so have been disappointing but the fans and the club mustn’t forget the impact he’s had since arriving at Elland Road. They need to do all they can to keep him, or their style of football and excitement around the club could turn sour.

Leeds fans, would you throw more money at Marcelo Bielsa to convince him to stay if United don’t go up? Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Goal are reporting that Manchester City man and Wolves target Nicolas Otamendi is after a move to Valencia after reduced game time under Pep Guardiola this season.

What’s the word?

Last week, Marca Argentina claimed that Wolves were showing an interest in the Argentine who was seeking a move away from Man City.

But Goal has now suggested that the centre back is favouring a transfer back to Valencia, where he played for a season during 2014/15.

The same publication previously reported that Otamendi was looking to leave Man City in search of more game time and it now appears that he sees his future in Spain.

Rated at £27m by Transfermarkt, he was a pivotal part of City’s title-winning side last season but has been overtaken by Aymeric Laporte in the pecking order.

Even if Otamendi’s desire is to go back to Spain, Wolves must convince him to stay in the Premier League and join Nuno Santo’s exciting project.

European ambitions

Last October, Managing Director of Wolves, Laurie Dalrymple claimed the ultimate aim was to get into Europe, per quotes relaid by Birmingham Live, after an appearance on BBC’s Football Focus. Signing Otamendi would more than help the club realise these ambitions.

Wolves won’t need much in the transfer market. Their main concern will surely be about adding depth to a particularly thin squad.

However, given some of the defensive inconsistencies we’ve seen from Nuno’s team in recent times, Otamendi would be a stellar acquisition.

In attack, Wolves more than have the capability to threaten in Europe but it’s in defence where some questions arguably still lie.

What’s your club’s best chant? Check out the video below for a Wolves epic that surely has to be one of the best in English football…

Willy Boly and Conor Coady have had fantastic seasons but the club are lacking a third defender with real consistency. Both Ryan Bennett and Romain Saiss have only shown glimpses of their true capabilities in defence and as such, Otamendi would significantly improve the team.

Not only could he benefit them domestically, but if they were to qualify for the Europa League, they’d boast a player with international and European pedigree aplenty.

With safety secure, Newcastle fans can really sit back and enjoy their summer, knowing they will be watching Premier League football again next season. 

Oh wait, no they can’t!

For relaxation to commence, Rafa Benitez needs to sign a new contract with the club, or the same old fears will come flooding right back for those fans. It must be gutting to be a member of the Toon Army under the reign of Mike Ashley, truly miserable.

All the foundations have been laid by Benitez but he needs to be the man to orchestrate the changes at St James’ Park, if he is given a big budget. Everyone knows that. Apart from the Ashley regime, it seems.

Nothing major needs to happen in terms of chopping and changing players but an influx of quality would do no harm. To that end, on a free transfer, the addition of Hull City’s Markus Henriksen (who was linked by the Sun with a move to Tyneside in January) would be one that interests all and it could be very shrewd business for the Magpies.

Henriksen, (who is valued at £3.6 million on Transfermarkt) has without a doubt been one of the shining stars for Nigel Adkins and Hull this season and he would prove to be a steal for a team like Newcastle. His quality is obvious and there is no question that he is good enough to play higher up in the Premier League.

With 37 Championship matches to his name this season, Henriksen has added 3 goals and an assist during those as well.

Newcastle were rightly interested in the Norwegian international during the January transfer window but now he is completely free, the deal makes so much sense and they should look to beat the competition to secure his signature. Surely it makes too much sense not to.

Surely.

Midfield quality is something Rafa Benitez has been vocal about getting so his answer – sign Markus Henriksen.

Newcastle fans, do you agree? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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With survival achieved this season at the earliest point since they returned to the Premier League in 2013, Crystal Palace have a number of players to thank for that achievement.

Vicente Guaita has been a huge boost in net, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been immense at right-back and Wilfried Zaha has been up to his usual tricks.

The Eagles number 11, having said outright that he wants to play Champions League football, could be out the door this summer after another impressive campaign – a departure that would shake Selhurst Park to the core.

However, there is at least one positive for Palace fans to consider.

On the chalkboard

Zaha brings bags of pace, strength and flair to Palace’s attack and he is the main reason why the SE25 outfit are seen as one of the most dangerous counter-attacking teams away from home. They have beaten Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and nearly got the better of Liverpool at Anfield – results that put them second in the table based on away form in the last 10 games.

However, it isn’t the same story at home, with the Eagles sitting in a lowly 17th place and taking just nine points from their last 10 at Selhurst Park.

With an atmosphere that’s the envy of the Premier League, Palace should be making their home ground a fortress, not taking it with them on their travels.

How, then, can Zaha’s departure re-balance their polarised form both home and away?

Blessing in disguise

Roy Hodgson’s side is built to do damage on the counter and, when on their travels, the Eagles sit back a little more and allow their hosts to have possession – this ultimately allows them to get the best out of the threat they have on the break, to which Zaha is crucial.

Currently, Palace’s plan A both away from and at home is to give the ball to the talismanic winger and let him do what he does best but, without him, their ability to hit teams with speed is significantly weakened, meaning that they will inevitably pick up fewer points on the road.

There’s some exciting changes happening at Crystal Palace next summer. Find out what in the video below…

At Selhurst Park, though, it would see them think of other avenues to attack and create.

This would benefit the likes of Christian Benteke, who would see a lot more crosses headed his way with Zaha no longer there to chop back inside and win penalties.

With Hodgson surely forced to completely change his side’s approach with Zaha out of the picture, Palace fans could see their team pick up more results at SE25 next season should the Ivorian seek pastures new, thus re-balancing their home and away form.

Ultimately, season ticket holders pay their money to see their team get results at home and Zaha’s departure could see them finally get value for their hard-earned cash.

أكد فيكتور فونت المرشح لرئاسة برشلونة أنه يمكن أن يتعاقد مع قائد ريال مدريد سيرجيو راموس خلال فترة ولايته للنادي الإسباني.

سيرجيو راموس من المفترض أن ينتهي عقده مع ريال مدريد في نهاية الصيف المقبل، وما زال حتى الآن لم يتم التوصل لاتفاق رسمي بين النادي الملكي واللاعب على تجديد العقد.

طالع أيضًا.. نيكول: انتقال راموس لـ ليفربول؟ خيار جيد.. ولكن!

فونت أكد في تصريحات لشبكة “كادينا كوبيه” الإسبانية: “ليس لدي مانع في التعاقد مع راموس لتدعيم دفاع برشلونة”.

فونت وعد بأن في حالة توليه رئاسة برشلونة، سيعيد تشافي هيرنانديز للنادي مجددًا، ولكن في منصب المدير الفني أو في اللجنة الفنية.

وأضاف: “إذا طلب مني تشافي التعاقد مع راموس وكان ذلك مجديًا اقتصاديًا سأفعل ذلك، لأن القرارات الرياضية سيقررها تشافي هيرنانديز إنه أفضل شخص ممكن لقيادة المشروع في برشلونة”.

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Caglar Soyuncu has been a man left in the shadows after arriving at Leicester City last summer. He struggled to get into the side and even a change of manager from Claude Puel to Brendan Rodgers failed to help his cause.

The Turk arrived at the club as a hugely promising centre-back but his stock has decreased since he moved to the Premier League. He’s currently rated at £16.2m per Transfermarkt after an initial £19m move last year.

Le10 Sport claimed last month that Monaco had shown an interest in the player and now with the transfer window open, Leicester fans have been debating the future of the 22-year-old.

On Twitter, a poll was posted which saw 47% of people voting to see him remain as a squad player.

Below the post, supporters gave a mixed verdict on the 22 cap defender as one individual claimed he clearly had the talent. Another hinted that Soyuncu needed a period of games to bed in.

A further fan urged the Foxes to use him in a deal to bring Youri Tielemans back to the King Power permanently. The Belgian has only just recently returned to Monaco following his loan spell.

Soyuncu only played in six Premier League matches this term, appearing four times from the start.

Here’s the best of the debate.

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Arjen Robben will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Indeed, the 35-year-old is leaving Bayern Munich following the expiration of his contract at the end of June.

Robben joined Bayern from Real Madrid in 2009 and went on to make 309 appearances for the German giants – scoring 144 times and contributing 101 assists.

The Dutchman has won eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokal crowns and the Champions League during his time at the Allianz Arena.

Meanwhile, the attacker has also lifted league titles with PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Real Madrid during a quite wonderful career.

Injuries have harmed Robben in recent seasons but the winger is not hanging up his boots and there will not be a shortage of interest this summer.

A few Everton fans have been on social media discussing a potential move for the 96-time Netherlands international.

However, it seems that the club’s supporters are not interested in a swoop – a selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: