Throughout the season, Toby Alderweireld’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has dominated the conversation on social media.The Belgian centre-back is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract, which has sparked rumours that he could be on his way out of the door.Alderweireld’s future will become clear this summer, but many have tried to read between the lines.Since recovering from a hamstring injury in February, the defender has been in and out of the team.[ad_pod ]In fact, the 29-year-old has made just four appearances, and in only three of those did he play the full 90 minutes.On the final day of the Premier League season, Mauricio Pochettino’s side secured third position in the table in what was a dramatic match against Leicester City.In the end, the team earned a 5-4 victory, with Harry Kane and Erik Lamela getting on the scoresheet.Alderweireld started in what could end up being his last ever match for Spurs, and his post-match tweet sparked a big reaction from the fans.
Gareth Southgate announced his World Cup squad on Wednesday, and Newcastle fans are absolutely certain he will regret not taking Jonjo Shelvey to Russia.
Every time an England squad is announced, there are always shouts from sides lower down the Premier League that their players have been overlooked.
Most of the time, it’s simply fan bias (we’re looking at you West Ham fans still waiting for Mark Noble’s cap), but Southgate’s decision to not take Jonjo Shelvey does seem a mistake.
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The 26 year-old has been a momentous figure for Newcastle this season, and it’s not hard to imagine where the Magpies would be without Shelvey and captain Jamaal Lascelles, who also missed out.
Shelvey’s range of passing is undoubtedly better than any player in Southgate’s squad, and as if not picking the midfielder wasn’t bizarre enough, the explanation for not picking him is almost incomprehensible.
Many media and fans alike suspected it was Shelvey’s lack of discipline that would see him miss out, which is unfair given the 26 year-old has not even been carded in the Premier League in 2018.
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Whatever the reason for leaving Shelvey at home, Newcastle fans are certain England will regret the decision, and some are even thankful he’ll be fresh and ready for next season.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Tottenham are looking to add more firepower to their attack this summer, and the latest reports suggest they are eyeing up a swoop for Florian Thauvin.
What’s the story?
According to French outlet RMC Sport, Tottenham are one of three clubs eyeing Marseille winger Florian Thauvin.
Spurs will face competition from Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
The report from RMC says Thauvin, who flopped in the Premier League after his 2015 transfer to Newcastle, is happy to stay at Marseille.
Still, could the prospect of redeeming himself in the Premier League in a similar manner to Mohamed Salah tempt him into a move?
Terrific Thauvin for Tottenham?
There’s no doubt about it, Thauvin was a complete failure in the Premier League with Newcastle. However, the Frenchman joined a struggling Newcastle side headed by Steve McClaren, quite a stark contrast to joining Mauricio Pochettino’s swashbuckling young Spurs team.
As Salah has proved at Liverpool this season, the same player can yield completely different results in a different team and system, and Thauvin could be the perfect upgrade on Erik Lamela.
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Lamela grabbed a brace in the final day win against Leicester, but the Argentine is not the type of player that’s going to help challenge for silverware, and has been talked about as a player who could leave.
Thauvin on the other hand has been nothing short of sensational since his return to France, grabbing a remarkable 37 goals and 20 assists in 73 Ligue 1 games over the last two seasons.
The 25 year-old, who has been included in France’s World Cup squad above the likes of Dimitri Payet and Anthony Martial, has some incredible statistics in Ligue 1 this season, averaging 3.7 shots, 3.4 dribbles and 2.2 key passes per game.
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Thauvin is a fantastic dribbler, has a far better eye for a pass than most wingers, and his clinical finishing has grabbed him 25 goals in all competitions this season.
The left footed wing wizard, who was instrumental in Marseille’s run to the Europa League final, is younger and less injury prone than the heavily linked Gareth Bale, and would cost half the price.
So, Tottenham fans, would Thauvin be a good addition this summer? Let us know by voting in the poll below…
According to reports from Mirror Football, Everton’s new Director of Football Marcel Brands is aiming to offload up to twelve players, fearing manager Marco Silva has inherited too large a squad from Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce.
And while it’s unclear who will definitely be heading out of Goodison Park this summer, former Crystal Palace man Yannick Bolasie is one of the names speculated by Mirror Football’s David Maddock.
Bolasie – who Transfermarkt value at £16.2million – and Wilfried Zaha provided the potent attack that helped keep the Eagles in the top flight after their promotion in summer 2013 and secure a tenth-placed finish during the 2014/15 season.
After leaving in a big-money deal two summers ago, the Congo international’s Everton spell has been thwarted with injury problems, limiting him to just 29 Premier League appearances during the last two seasons.
In that time, Palace have managed to replace Bolasie’s influence with the similar services of Andros Townsend, a tricky and dynamic winger of likewise unpredictability.
But, Eagles fans, should Roy Hodgson attempt to bring the 29-year-old forward back to Selhurst Park this summer? Let us know by voting below…
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Everton fans are split on the latest reports on Brendan Galloway, as the young defender wants to leave the club this summer.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Galloway wants to leave Goodison on loan this summer in search of more playing time.
The speedy youngster showed a lot of potential when he broke through into the first team, but two unsuccessful loan spells have certainly set him back.
The 22 year-old made just three league appearances after joining West Brom back in 2016, and struggled to make an impact at Sunderland last season, playing just seven times in the Championship, and not once in 2018.
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Galloway might have fancied his chances of getting more playing time as Leighton Baines reaches the end of his Everton career, but the emergence of Antonee Robinson has likely pushed him back down the pecking order.
Fans aren’t sure what to make of the exit talks, with some fans still hoping he can develop further at Goodison.
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Others aren’t so convinced though, as by 22 he really should be making his mark on the first team.
You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…
The 2018 World Cup is well underway and there are a number of nations that have impressed and players that have already made a big impression for their country in their opening group game, and surely some of them will have caught the eye of Southampton manager Mark Hughes.
The Welshman will be determined to strengthen his squad this summer after they came within a whisker of suffering relegation to the Championship last season, and he has already lost out to Leicester City after agreeing a club-record fee for Norwich City for attacking midfielder James Maddison.
The former Stoke City chief, who only needs to make two signings this summer if he keeps his squad together, certainly will look to bounce back from that blow and add more quality additions to his side in order to ensure they don’t find themselves in a similar predicament again next term, with defensive and attacking additions surely a priority given the south coast outfit’s poor record at both ends of the pitch during the 2017/18 campaign.
He will already have his targets in mind, but he may well have been convinced by the displays of a number of individuals in Russia, too.
Here are three World Cup stars that Hughes has surely added to his summer transfer wishlist…
It was clear to see last season that Southampton were missing a real experienced leader at the heart of the back four following the departures of two captains in Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk over the course of the last 18 months, and it is something that Hughes needs to put right this summer.
The likes of Wesley Hoedt and Jack Stephens struggled without a senior player alongside them, and the south coast outfit may have their ideal answer in the form of Schar, who helped Switzerland pick up an impressive 1-1 draw against pre-tournament favourites Brazil in their opening group game on Sunday.
The 26-year-old reportedly has a release clause of just €4m (£3.5m) following Deportivo La Coruna’s relegation from La Liga, and he could be a bargain buy.
Another experienced centre-back who could fill the void left by the likes of Fonte and Van Dijk is Mexico international Moreno, who was brilliant for his country as they kept a clean sheet and picked up a 1-0 win against the World Cup holders Germany on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Real Sociedad defender has plenty of experience in European football and almost 100 caps for his country, and he would prove to be a really useful addition to the Saints backline both in terms of being a leader, as well as his defensive qualities.
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Southampton are in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements this summer after scoring just 37 goals in their 38 Premier League matches during the 2017/18 campaign, and they probably need some options out wide with the likes of Sofiane Boufal and Nathan Redmond often failing to deliver.
One option for them could be Peru winger Carrillo, who was brilliant in his nation’s 1-0 defeat against Denmark on Saturday.
Despite a disappointing season-long loan spell with Watford last term in which he scored two goals and provided two assists in 30 appearances in all competitions for the Hornets, the speed, skill and strength he showed against the Danes suggest he could make a big impact for Saints in the Premier League.
According to a report by Turkish media outlet Sabah on June 23, Leicester City have launched a €12m (£10.5m) offer for Besiktas centre-back Domagoj Vida, and Championship side Birmingham City should be watching developments closely.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Sabah report that the Foxes are keen to bring the 29-year-old defender to the King Power Stadium this summer, and they have lodged a bid in order to try and beat Premier League rivals West Ham United, Everton and Fulham to his signature.
The Croatian, who is currently starring alongside Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren at the heart of his nation’s defence at the 2018 World Cup, only joined the Turkey giants during the January transfer window, but Sabah report that he could be set to leave already.
Should Vida link up with Claude Puel’s men he would likely line up alongside England ace Harry Maguire in the backline, and his arrival in the east Midlands would surely push captain Wes Morgan closer to the exit door.
Why should Birmingham be monitoring the situation?
Well, while the Blues have decent centre-back options with the likes of skipper Michael Morrison, Harlee Dean and Marc Roberts, Monk will always be looking to improve his squad and it would be difficult to see how Morgan wouldn’t be a great addition for them if he became available.
It is only just over two years since he captained the Foxes to the Premier League title, and while he is 34 years of age there is no doubt that he could be a big hit for them in what could be a crucial Championship campaign for the club.
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The Jamaica international would bring some real strength, steel and vital experience to the Birmingham backline, and it could be vital to have a leader like him in the spine of the XI if City, who would be making their best signing in years if they snap up a 19-year-old World Cup starlet, are aiming for the play-offs in the upcoming season.
The Newcastle fans in and around the Transfer Tavern are optimistic for next season, despite there being a lack of transfer activity in and out the club this summer so far.
Rafa Benitez has proven his worth to the board but thus far hasn’t been rewarded with any new players. If Newcastle want to achieve another 10th place finish or even higher, they need to entrust Benitez with significant funds to strengthen his squad. The current squad have reached their maximum capabilities and now our punters deem it necessary for the Magpies to target new, hungry players like Ollie Watkins, who is valued at £3.1 million on Transfermarkt.
The Brentford forward produced some eye-catching performances in his first season for the Championship side since arriving from Exeter. Watkins managed 10 goals and 5 assists during his 45 league appearances, only missing one game which shows just how vital he was for Brentford in achieving a 9th place finish. Newcastle could certainly be the team to ensure another lower league player has made the top flight and seeing as Kenedy has gone back to parent club Chelsea, Watkins has the potential to equal at least the quality the Brazilian showed when on-loan with the Magpies.
The Englishman has pace to burn, good crossing ability and adds versatility to the front line seeing as Ollie Watkins can play on either side, upfront as the main man or an attacking midfielder role. Newcastle should look to the 22-year-old as a player with great potential and one they must sign this summer.
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Cordel Jack and Pamela Lavine delivered England a surprise defeat as West Indies cruised to a 40-run win in the first ODI in St Kitts
Cricinfo staff05-Nov-2009
ScorecardCordel Jack and Pamela Lavine delivered England a surprise defeat as West Indies cruised to a 40-run win in the first ODI in St Kitts. Jack made an unbeaten 81 in West Indies’ 235 for 6 and was well supported by Lavine, who also picked up three wickets in England’s chase.The visitors battled to cover for the absence of Claire Taylor and Sarah Taylor and it was left to Charlotte Edwards to guide the chase. She top scored with 58 opening the innings and while Lydia Greenway (41) remained at the crease England had hope of a victory.But Lavine removed Greenway and then picked up two more wickets in her next two overs to expose the England middle order, before Chedean Nation chipped away at the lower order. Nation grabbed 3 for 22 as the visitors sunk into a hole as the required run-rate ballooned to 13, and they were all out for 195 in the 48th over.The strong West Indies performance had been set up by their top order. Lavine and Stefanie Taylor built a 75-run opening stand before Lavine and Jack continued to apply the pressure to England’s bowlers.Lavine’s 49 combined with her 3 for 26 made her a contender for the Player of the Match, but that prize went to Jack. She struck ten fours and one six in her unbeaten 81, which gave West Indies a formidable total.England’s coach Mark Lane said: “I’m bitterly disappointed with the result today. We were outplayed in all three disciplines and in all honesty we just weren’t good enough. We need to show plenty of character tomorrow, we’re a great team so we’ll dust ourselves down and I’m confident that we’ll perform far better tomorrow and play at the level we know are capable of.”Jack said winning against the best side in the game was a special moment she will always cherish. “This is the moment for which I have been waiting. I felt really good when I was batting, and I am so pleased that we were able to beat England.”I was not really nervous and I did not feel any pressure. We had a very good start, and I put my head down and decided to carry on the good work. We are back in the field again [on Thursday], and we will be looking to do our very best again. We want to win [on Thursday], and take
the series.”The teams return to Warner Park on Thursday for the second ODI before the third and final match on Saturday. Three Twenty20 internationals, also in St Kitts, follow the one-dayers.
The South African and New Zealand players associations have pushed for a separate window for the annual IPL and the Champions League
Cricinfo staff11-Dec-2009The South African and New Zealand players’ associations have pushed for a separate window for the annual IPL and the Champions League, in such a way that it does not disrupt other international fixtures.”Yes, there is a need for an IPL and Champions League window but then they must not expand outside this window,” Tony Irish, CEO of South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), told PTI. “International cricket, IPL and Champions League must co-exist and not compete. Players should not be put in a position of having to choose between playing one or the other.”Two editions of the IPL have been completed, but not all international players have been able to participate, owing to their international commitments. The England players in particular have found it hard to take part because the IPL coincides with the start of their county and international home season.Heath Mills, the CEO of the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association (NZCPA), said players in his country could be tempted into opting for cash-rich Twenty20 leagues if there is a constant clash of schedules.”It is absolutely essential that there are windows created for the IPL and the Champions League,” Mills said. “If they do not create a window for the IPL then I am certain our best players in New Zealand will not sign central contracts in the future so they can choose to play in the IPL ahead of any clash that may occur with the Blackcaps’ schedule.”The ICC said in July that it wasn’t considering the proposal for a permanent window for the IPL. The president David Morgan said that only players in the brink of retirement were likely to opt for such domestic leagues over their international commitments. Shane Warne, who captains the Rajasthan Royals, had earlier called on the ICC to create a window going by his rewarding experience in 2008.