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Liverpool could secure their ideal heir to Jordan Henderson this summer after being linked with a move for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (as relayed by TheHardTackle), the Reds are keen on signing the Italy international over the coming weeks as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his engine room options.

With Gini Wijnaldum departing for French giants Paris Saint-Germain and the future of club captain Henderson far from secure, Liverpool are believed to be searching for added reinforcements in the centre of the pitch.

However, they will reportedly face competition for Barella’s signature, with fierce rivals Manchester United also credited with an interest in the Inter ace.

He’s better than Gini Wijnaldum

The San Siro could be the ideal destination to pick up a superstar this summer as the reigning Serie A champions look to address their financial troubles. Achraf Hakimi has already departed the Nerazzurri for PSG, while Romelu Lukaku is the subject of intense interest from Chelsea.

And Barella could be the next key figure to depart in the current window after several standout performances for club and country over the last couple of campaigns.

After playing a pivotal part in Inter’s first league title victory in 10 years, the box-to-box beast continued to excel on the international stage for Roberto Mancini’s Italy.

Barella bagged one goal and provided two assists for his teammates in six outings as the Azzurri claimed the European Championship trophy in impressive fashion, catching the eye of several onlookers, including Gary Lineker.

The Match of the Day presenter tweeted his admiration for the midfielder after his crucial goal in the quarter-final against Belgium, saying: “Barella the fella as Italy lead with a cracking goal. Superb game this.”

And his figures for the 2020/21 campaign reveal he could even prove to be an upgrade on Wijnaldum, should Klopp pull off an ambition swoop for the former Cagliari gem.

While the Dutch international and Barella both bagged three goals last season, the Inter man laid on a magnificent 13 assists in all competitions, while Wijnaldum failed to record any all campaign.

As per fbref.com, Barella’s underlying attacking figures were also far superiors, with the 5 ft 6 dynamo producing 52 key passes and 2.66 shot-creating actions per 90 to Wijnaldum’s tallies of 23 and 1.50, respectively.

And it wasn’t just in the final third where the Italian excelled, completing 1.33 tackles per 90 and 0.91 interceptions to Wijnaldum’s 0.75 and 0.75.

Whether Liverpool can afford the £58.5m-rated Barella remains doubtful, though, but if Director of Football Michael Edwards can continue to shift the club’s unwanted fringe players, then his excellent negotiating skills may be able to get this transfer over the line.

And, in other news…Liverpool receive boost in their pursuit of £21.3m “livewire”, Klopp would love him 

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as some early team news emerged ahead of their away game at Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking on his Twitch channel (via The Everton End), James Rodriguez admitted that he will not be playing against Marcelo Bielsa’s team.

There has been a lot of speculation that the Colombia international could still leave before the summer transfer window shuts, as he has even admitted that he does not know where his future lies.

Rodriguez missed a fair chunk of matches in his debut season at Goodison Park, whether that would be because of injury or other reasons, and that has carried on into this campaign, leaving a lot of the Merseyside club’s supporters frustrated that he is not playing enough for them, with some even calling to cut their losses.

Everton fans on Rodriguez news

These Toffees fumed as the news from Rodriguez about him not playing against the Whites was shared on Twitter:

“Just get it over with so we can replace him”

Credit: @roygilly86

“Acting like a toddler. Get rid”

Credit: @OsborneP94

“Complete 180 on this fella now. Be glad to see him gone, he’s like a particularly bad episode of Hollyoaks now.”

Credit: @frannyporter

“I’m not convinced he will ever give Everton 100% even if he does play again so time to move on, no player is bigger than Everton FC!!”

Credit: @steveobluenose

“James is a snake like Ancelotti. Pushed for a move like MMA similar to when he wouldn’t sign for Bayern after a loan spell with them. Benitez probably went along with it to get the £200k a week off the wage bill and enable getting players who want to play for Everton”

Credit: @DidcotSkelly

“Troublemaker this kid”

Credit: @atko1977

In other news, find out which Blues ace is nearing an exit here!

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo volta a campo na noite desta quarta-feira, pela Copa Libertadores, para enfrentar novamente o Atlético-PR, mas, desta vez, na Arena da Baixada, às 21h45. Líder do Grupo 4 do torneio sul-americano, com seis pontos, o Rubro-Negro carioca tenta um triunfo para deixar a classificação para a próxima fase bem encaminhada. Com a vitória do San Lorenzo sobre a Universidad Católica (vice-líder), o Fla pode abrir até quatro pontos na ponta.

No primeiro duelo contra o Furacão, no Rio, o time carioca levou a melhor com gols de Guerrero e Diego. Para a partida de logo mais, apenas o peruano estará em campo, já que o camisa 10 sofreu uma lesão no joelho direito e está em processo de recuperação.

O técnico Ricardo deve mandar a campo praticamente o mesmo time que venceu o Botafogo, por 2 a 1, no último domingo, pelo Carioca. A única provável mudança é na zaga. Donatti treinou com bola na terça-feira e, aparentemente, está liberado para voltar ao time.

No meio, segue o esquema com três volantes: Márcio Araújo, Arão e Rômulo. Numa das fotos acima, inclusive, Zé Ricardo aparece conversando com o trio.

O técnico Zé Ricardo espera que o time repita a boa atuação do último domingo, na vitória sobre o Botafogo, para conquistar mais três pontos.

– Temos a partida contra o Botafogo como base. Não necessariamente vão jogar os mesmos atletas, mas temos forma de jogar e sentimos segurança. Nas duas últimas atuações, tivemos bom rendimento e queremos continuar com este crescimento – comentou.

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كشف مصدر مسئول داخل الزمالك حقيقة ما تردد في بعض وسائل الإعلام، عن سفر طارق حامد لاعب الفريق، إلى إسبانيا من أجل الحضوع لكشف طبي تمهيدًا للانضمام لأحد الأندية السعودية.

وقال المصدر لـ “بطولات”: “طارق حامد حصل على إذن بالسفر للخضوع لبرنامج تأهيلي وعلاجي خاص بإصابته في الركبة”.

وفي الوقت ذاته شدد المصدر على أن اذا رغب طارق حامد في الرحيل فهو يملك حرية تحديد مصيره كون عقده ينتهي، ولا يحتاج للمراوغة بأمر إصابته للخضوع لكشف طبي للانضمام لأي ناد.

طالع أيضًا.. ميدو يعلن أولى صفقات الزمالك في الموسم الجديد ويؤكد: تصريحاتي عن “سحر” أنشيلوتي ليست دعابة

واختتم: “طارق حامد اشتكى من عدم قدرته على الأداء بنفس مستواه بسبب تأثره بالإصابة وهو ما دفعه لاتخاذ قرار السفر للعلاج بالخارج”.

The Standard Bank Cup produced more surprises as the smaller unions came out on top after the completion of the matches played on Sunday 10 November.In Kimberley, a depleted Northerns Titans team got off to a fast start with a first wicket, 13 over, partnership of 82 runs between Jacques Rudolph (33) and Johan Myburg (67). Once the two openers departed Johann Louw (4/25) and Alan Kruger (3/22) had a field day reducing Northerns to 174 in 43.2 overs.Apart from Gerald Dros, scoring 29, no other batsmen could get into double figures. Extras being the next highest with 17.Pieter Koortzen with an undefeated 82 and Martyn Gidley scoring 34, took Griqualand West to an unexpected but well deserved win with nine balls to spare.St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth saw Boland come back from 20/4 to win and take a bonus point off Eastern Province.A 87 run, fifth wicket, partnership between Vinod Kambli (39) and man of the match Con de Lange (66) saved Boland from embarrassment but not out of deep trouble, ending the 45 overs on 166/8.Eastern Province, with what appeared to be an easy target, were in trouble from the start and never recovered from 30/5 after 16 overs, being bowled out for 122 in 39.3. The Eastern Province wickets being shared amongst the Boland bowlers.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após bater o Sergipe por 2 a 1 nesta quarta-feira, o Vitória garantiu vaga nas quartas de final da Copa do Nordeste e agora aguarda o sorteio que será realizado nesta sexta-feira para descobrir quais serão seus adversários na próxima fase. Feliz com a classificação, o meia Cádernas comemorou o resultado.

– Encerrarmos a primeira fase da Copa do Nordeste com uma grande vitória sobre um adversário difícil. Merecemos o resultado positivo e a classificação para as finais. Temos que comemorar nossa regularidade e a evolução que tivemos durante os seis primeiros jogos da competição.

O jogador ainda afirma que o grupo está concentrado e tem como objetivo a conquista do título da Copa do Nordeste, que será o quinto do clube baiano.

– O elenco está motivado para conquistar a Copa do Nordeste. Vamos trabalhar para fazer grandes jogos na fase final para levantarmos esse troféu, que é um dos nossos objetivos neste primeiro semestre. Esse grupo e jogadores vai lutar muito para dar essa alegria ao nosso torcedor.

Neste domingo, o Vitória encara o Jacobina pela 9ª rodada do Campeonato Baiano. A partida será realizada no Estádio José Rocha e começará às 18h30. Líder da competição, o Leão acumula 21 pontos. Já o Jacobina, com seis pontos, tenta sair da sétima colocação.

continua após a publicidade

West Ham United remain in talks regarding a move to bring Paul Onuachu to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Belgian media outlet Voetbal Primeur (via Sport Witness), who claim that West Ham are still attempting to negotiate a deal for the Genk centre-forward, with the Jupiler Pro League side hoping to secure a club-record transfer fee for the sale of the 27-year-old.

The report added that a number of Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation of the Nigeria international ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window, although the Hammers are still thought to be leading the race.

Haller’s perfect heir

David Moyes is in desperate need of additions to his attacking arsenal at the London Stadium this summer, as the 58-year-old has only Michail Antonio as an option at centre-forward following the January sale of Sebastien Haller. Considering just how impressive Onuachu was for Genk last season, the 27-year-old would seem to be an excellent replacement for the Ivory Coast international in east London.

Indeed, over his 38 Jupiler Pro League appearances last term, the £18m-rated man scored a whopping 33 goals and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking three shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These returns saw him earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.45, ranking him as John van den Brom’s second-best performer in the Belgian top flight.

The man the Belgian media dubbed an “excellent” striker also impressed over his three appearances in the Beker van Belgie, scoring a further two goals and providing one assist, taking his total haul for 2020/21 to an astonishing 35 goals and five assists (40 goal contributions).

As such, it would very much appear as if the signing of Onuachu this summer would not only serve to replace Haller’s spot in the West Ham attack, he also seems to have the ability to push Antonio for his starting place in Moyes’ XI next season. If the Hammers can get a deal over the line for the 27-year-old, it would be a fantastic piece of business from the club.

In other news: Moyes dealt major blow in talks with £10m goal machine, West Ham fans will be gutted

Interest is growing in Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Brennan Johnson this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that a host of clubs, including Brentford, Barnsley, Leeds United and Leicester City, have shown interest in the 20-year-old ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The Athletic have previously reported that Chris Hughton’s side would demand a fee of around £10m in order to part with the Wales international, with Johnson having signed a new contract at the club back in 2019, a deal that is believed to still have two years left to run.

Hughton must not sell

Considering just how badly Forest struggled to find the back of the net last season, integrating the attacking midfielder who thrived while on loan at Lincoln City last term into the Forest side next year would certainly appear to go a long way to addressing these goalscoring issues.

Indeed, over his 43 League One appearances for Michael Appleton’s side last term, the 20-year-old scored 11 goals, registered 13 assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £2.5k-per-week youngster earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Lincoln’s sixth-best performer in the third tier of English football, playing a huge role in seeing the Imps reach the League One play-off final.

Johnson also impressed in the domestic cup competitions, scoring a further two goals and providing one assist over his five appearances in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy, taking his haul for the season to a highly impressive 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.

As such, regardless of whether or not Forest receive an offer of £10m for the man Sabri Lamouchi dubbed an “unbelievable” player this summer, Hughton should not even consider accepting a bid for the Welshman in the coming months, as Johnson could well prove to be the spark that fires the Garibaldi back towards the top end of the second tier table next time around.

In other news: Taylor drops Forest update over potential summer incoming, Hughton will be buzzing

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and BBC regular Noel Whelan has been left wowed by James Tarkowski and says he has ‘no doubt’ the defender would be a success at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski saga returns…

Last year, the Hammers made a series of failed summer bids to try and prise the centre-back away from Turf Moor and down to east London. Indeed, Sky Sports said that GSB even lodged a third £31m offer for the 28-year-old but Burnley refused to budge.

Football Insider have now claimed that the centre-back is ‘very keen’ on a move to the English capital and would fully grasp a move to West Ham with both hands.

The Latest: Whelan reacts…

Reacting to this development, Whelan told Football Insider that Tarkowski would strengthen West Ham no end, calling him ‘aggressive’ and a ‘leader’ at the back.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest/” title=”West Ham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

“Yeah, absolutely,” the pundit explained when asked if Tarkowski would reinforce David Moyes’ side.

“It’s not the first time they have been interested in him. He’s a very good defender. He’s so experienced and aggressive at the back. One of those leaders every team needs.

“I have no doubt he’ll be a success. Once again Moyes is going British. Most of the players he’s brought in have been British. He’s building a solid foundation at West Ham and he wants Tarkowski to be part of that.

“It’s an ideal signing to make if West Ham want to push on and keep challenging.”

The Verdict: Do it Moyesey…

It is reported that West Ham want to invest in three main areas this summer transfer window. Claret & Hugh believe that the Irons want to seal a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, sign a new forward and bring in a solid centre-half option.

Tarkowski would certainly be the perfect acquisition for the latter task, and a possible West Ham swoop may be more realistic going by his precarious situation at Burnley and contract length, with just one year remaining on his current deal. With all that in mind, the Irons need to take advantage and get it done.

In other news: ‘Have started negotiations’…Journalist drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, find out more here.

أكد بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، أن مواجهة أتلتيكو مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا، ليست منحنى يتعلم منه، وأشار إلى أنه يتعلم من مواجهة ليفربول قبل المباراة المرتقبة غدًا.

وتأهل مانشستر سيتي على حساب أتلتيكو مدريد لنصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا في مباراة شهدت مشادات قوية بين اللاعبين وحرب كلامية بين جوارديولا ودييجو سيميوني مدرب الفريق الإسباني.

مانشستر سيتي يواجه ليفربول غدًا في نصف نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، وتحدث جوارديولا في مؤتمر صحفي خاص بالمباراة.

وسُئل جوارديولا هل المباراة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد كمنحنى تعلم له، ورد: “لا، لا، أعرف لاعبي فريقي تمامًا بعد ستة مواسم، لم أتعلم أي شيء، أنا لا أتحدث عن حادث النفق (العراك بين سافيتش وجريليش)”.

وانتقل جوارديولا للحديث عن مواجهة ليفربول وقال: “أنا وكلوب لا نلعب لذا لا يمكننا مفاجأة أي شخص، المفاجأة ليست في المديرين الفنيين كما هي مع اللاعبين”.

عن كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي الموسم الماضي، أردف مدرب مانشستر سيتي: “في ستة مواسم، نجحنا معًا في بلوغ نصف نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، إنه رائع”.

وأكمل جوارديولا: “كان الموسم الماضي مشابهًا تمامًا لليوم، آمل أن نتمكن من تقديم أداء أفضل قليلاً مما فعلناه ضد تشيلسي الموسم الماضي”.

طالع | جوارديولا يوضح حالة دي بروين ووكر وروبن دياز قبل مواجهة ليفربول

وواصل: “لدينا فرصة للوصول إلى نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي مسابقة مرموقة في بعض الأحيان أكثر من الدوري الإنجليزي”.

وتابع جوارديولا: “كنت أتمنى الوصول إلى خمس نهائيات، كان من الممكن أن يكون هذا حلمي، لكن ليس لدي أي ندم، الفوز أو الخسارة أنا قريب منهم، نحن الآن على بعد شهر واحد من نهاية الموسم، نحن في نصف النهائي، نحن في صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، نحن راضون جدًا ولكن هذا ليس كافيًا”.

وعن التنافس بين مانشستر سيتي وليفربول حيث خاضا الفريقين مؤخرًا مباراة في البريميرليج، أفاد جوارديولا: “تمامًا كما هو الحال في برشلونة، لعبنا مع ريال مدريد أربع مرات في عشرة أيام، إنها المرة الثانية التي نقاتل فيها نفس الفريق”.

وأكد جوارديولا: “تتعلم دائمًا عندما تلعب مع ليفربول، عندما تلعب في وقت قصير تتعلم المزيد، إنها مثل كرة السلة”.

وبشأن الاعتماد على حارس المرمى زاك ستيفن أساسيًا، أوضح جوارديولا: “سوف أفكر في ذلك، سنناقش مع الأخصائي، بالطبع في كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي ألعب مع زاك لكننا سنرى”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. على طريقة كلوب.. مواجهة جوارديولا وسيميوني من مباراة تكتيكية إلى حرب تصريحات

وفيما يتعلق بشكاوى جدول البث ومواعيد المباريات، أردف جوارديولا: “أفضل ما قاله يورجن كلوب (طالع تصريحات كلوب كاملة)، لكنني لن أقول كلمة واحدة لذلك لن يتغير، لا معنى له”.

وأكد: “أنا أؤيد كلوب بنسبة 100٪، يورجن، السير أليكس فيرجسون، أرسين فينجر، جوزيه مورينيو، لقد قالوا نفس الشيء ولكن يجب أن تتأقلم، لن يتغير الأمر، المذيعون سيكونون دائما هناك، افعل ما تريد لأنني مشغول جدًا في إعداد فريقي”.

وواصل: “أنا لا أقول أي شيء، في بعض الأحيان تلعب أوقاتًا مختلفة، فهذا هو الوضع الذي هو عليه، حدث ذلك لسبب واحد لأننا نكافح من أجل كل الألقاب، لا يحدث ذلك إذا كنت لا تقاتل من أجل الألقاب”.

واسترسل: “ليس من المثالي أن نعرف ذلك، فأنا أقول للاعبين أن يناموا وأن يحصلوا على تدليك، في الساعة 4.30 مساءً، سنكون هناك لمحاولة الفوز بالمباراة”.

وسُئل جوارديولا عن اسم شهرة لاعبه جاك جيرليش، وأجاب: “لا أعرف ما إذا كان يُدعى بيكي جاك، أنا لست في غرفة خلع الملابس، إنه محبوب للغاية منذ انضمامه إلى الفريق، إنه فتى محبوب واستقر بشكل مثالي وسريع جدًا

وبشأن مقارنة جريليش وجاسكوين (لاعب إنجليزي سابق)، أتم جوارديولا: “بول جاسكوين لاعب جيد لكنك تعرف أكثر مني عن جاسكوين ومقارنته بجريليش”.