West Brom manager Steve Clarke is worried about the possibility of Romelu Lukaku being recalled in January by misfiring Chelsea.
Clarke has admitted that plans are already in place for Albion to snap up a new striker in the transfer window if Rafa Benitez decides to bring back the Chelsea loanee in the new year.
“It’s a situation I cannot control, but I can’t spend my time worrying about it,” Clarke told Sky Sports.
“It won’t be a problem. We know the possibilities that could happen in January and we know what we will do if that happens.
“I’m not telling you my plans.
“But I have to manage a football club with the help of my staff and scouts.
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“We have six scouts having a planning meeting about potential targets and you have to think ahead.
“January’s a window and there’s one in the summer, so you plan towards those windows and for a number of circumstances that may happen.”
Southampton announced on Tuesday afternoon that Stuart Armstrong had joined the club from Celtic on a four-year contract.
The 26-year-old scored five times and provided six assists in 41 appearances for Celtic last season, and it is understood that he has cost Southampton in the region of £8m.
The six-time Scotland international has become Mark Hughes’ first signing as Southampton boss, and more are expected to follow in this summer’s transfer window.
The Southampton fans have been reacting to the news on social media, and it would be fair to say that they are pleased with the arrival.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”258359″ player=”12034″ title=”The World Cup Twitter Report”]
Armstrong is perhaps not the type of signing that would capture the imagination in the shape of a Xherdan Shaqiri or a Paco Alcacer, but the Saints supporters can certainly see the value of the midfielder.
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After scoring 28 times and registering 25 assists in 144 appearances for Celtic in all competitions, Armstrong will be looking to make his mark in the Premier League.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
As reported by The Daily Record, Rangers boss Graeme Murty has been blasted by QPR manager Ian Holloway after admitting he would love to sign Sean Goss on a permanent basis.
What’s the story?
After another impressive performance in the Scottish Premiership this week, Murty admitted he would love to add Goss to his squad this summer, despite Queens Park Rangers’ insistence that he is not for sale.
That’s provoked a furious reaction from Loftus Road boss Ian Holloway, claiming Murty is ‘out of order’.
As quoted by The Daily Record, Holloway said:
I’d rather talk to Graeme about that myself because he is out of order talking about my player. He’s my player, nobody else’s. It’s not right he’s talking about trying to buy one of my players when that player is not for sale.
Strong words indeed and no doubt not great for Rangers fans who have been growing quite attached to the talented 22-year-old.
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Is Goss worth the fuss?
It’s no surprise that Ian Holloway is feeling protective about one of his talents given the way he’s started his Rangers career. At QPR he struggled to make an impact, but is showing at Ibrox exactly why he’s been a highly-rated talent for a number of years.
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He may not be the flashiest of players but he’s been a driving force in the heart of the Light Blues’ midfield, winning plaudits with supporters, some of whom have even dubbed him the best midfielder in Scotland.
Still improving with every game, he’s a valuable asset and not one that QPR are likely to give up cheaply. He was sent north of the border to get first team games under his belt and rather that it being a potential route to a Loftus Road exit, it appears the player is definitely in Holloway’s plans.
The theme is the same: the selling club shouldn’t be selling, and the buyer, Manchester United, are parting with an extraordinary amount of money in order to take advantage of a situation that has long pointed to an eventual sale.
Just as Chelsea had been crying out for Juan Mata’s invention during the first half of last season (and certainly for periods during the second half of the campaign), Real Madrid lacked the spark and drive of Angel Di Maria in their loss over two legs to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, with the midfielder only seeing limited minutes during the first leg.
There isn’t enough contrast to the styles of Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in Real’s midfield. It’s to an extent that there really shouldn’t be a need for all three, and if three in the midfield is Carlo Ancelotti’s choice (which might not be the case upon Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to full fitness), the team need someone notably different who can roam and create further up the pitch.
If Gareth Bale had generated doubt about Di Maria’s future at the Bernabeu, James Rodriguez’s arrival following the World Cup made sure that not only did the Argentine not have a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, but his sale was now a necessity, with James having cost the European Champions £63 million from Monaco.
WANT MORE? >> Man United transfer news | Latest transfer news
The Spanish side are set to recoup that now, with Manchester United the direct beneficiaries of Paris Saint-Germain’s inability to shake the grip of Financial Fair Play.
His requirement isn’t immediately clear at Old Trafford, but that doubt washes away seamlessly at the thought of Louis van Gaal converting to a 4-3-3 on a regular basis – which, even with his reluctance, he may have to do. United have lacked a truly world-class presence on the wings since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid in 2009. It’s about time they addressed an area of the attack that has proven to be such a hallmark of the team’s success over the past two decades.
And what a lift Di Maria will provide to the club. It’s telling that Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos reportedly requested for Real Madrid to keep hold of the Argentine this summer, such is his importance and improvement in the Spanish capital. He stood out in the Champions League final in Lisbon in May; he starred against Barcelona, tearing down the Catalans’ right flank in their league clash at the Bernabeu in March, and scoring in the Copa del Rey final against their heated rivals; and he registered 17 assists in the league alone last season.
A major criticism aimed at United is that they haven’t always bought big, signing players that would support the notion that this club is England’s equivalent to the might of Real Madrid. Juan Mata’s signing served more of a purpose for off-field failings; Di Maria will do the same, but there is no doubt that the parting of such a fee for a genuinely world-class talent is what United need at this time to improve their uninspiring on-pitch performances.
United’s league opener at home to Swansea was proof that this team isn’t ready yet for a move to a back three with wing-backs. The personnel simply aren’t good enough. The Dutch-flavoured 4-3-3, however, will bring positive results based on those available to the manager.
WANT MORE? >> Man United transfer news | Latest transfer news
Argentina’s use of Di Maria in the centre of midfield at the World Cup supported Ancelotti’s initial conversion of the winger to a more central role. If Marcos Rojo was bought to play on the left of a back three, he should be able to play as the left-sided centre-back in a back four. And if rumours are to be believed that the club are looking to tie up a deal for Daley Blind from Ajax, van Gaal will have three first choice pieces in Blind, Ander Herrera and Di Maria to effectively play three in the middle.
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Real Madrid are losing a player they don’t have elsewhere in the team, whereas Isco can comfortably substitute James, and, as mentioned Alonso, Modric and Kroos serve similar roles.
On the receiving end is Manchester United. I have no doubt that the club have stumbled upon this deal, rather than it being the product of any long-term thinking. But there will only be positives to take from a deal that will shatter the club’s previous transfer record.
Those looking for a goal fest better look away now as tonight’s clash between West Ham and Stoke see two of the clubs with the best defensive records in the Premier League pitted against each other.
The two sides have conceded just 21 goals between them in 22 matches and both Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis have put together squads that are extremely hard to break down.
Four points against Manchester City and Newcastle will give Hammers fans hope going into tonight’s game while the Potters’ record of no wins in the last 15 away games means the home side are certainly favourites.
Comparisons have been made between the tactical styles of Big Sam and Pulis with both teams favouring tight defensive qualities and long balls aimed at the heads of Messrs Carroll and Crouch, but Allardyce believes the parallels stop there.
“They are not the same”, Allardyce said.
“Mine are not the same as Tony’s. I’m an individual. Nobody copies Sam Allardyce. I don’t copy anybody else.”
The Hammers boss did however, sympathise with the criticism often levelled at Pulis’ Stoke suggesting that actually, his philosophy isn’t too far from the Welshman’s.
“Tony has suffered his fair share of criticism down the years for the way his teams play – but not from me.
“I believe the art of good defending is the catalyst to your team’s success – or otherwise,” he added.
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It is thought that Allardyce will fortify his defence by returning James Collins to his starting XI, but Matthew Taylor, Jack Collison and Ricardo Vaz Te will all miss out.
Stoke will be hoping that Glenn Whelan can shake off a hamstring injury picked up in the Republic of Ireland’s match with Greece midweek and Dean Whitehead is suspended. Jonathan Walters and Charlie Adam have a 50/50 chance of featuring.
Prediction: West Ham 1 – 0 Stoke City
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As reported by The Scottish Sun, Australian international Jamie Maclaren would love a return to Hibs this summer, after a successful period on loan at Easter Road last season.
What’s the story?
Maclaren plays for German second-tier side SV Darmstadt but moved to Hibs on loan in January, impressing supporters with a series of strong performances, banging in enough goals to help the Leith side qualify for European competition.
Now it appears he wants to leave Germany behind for good.
The Scottish Sun say he has made it clear he wants to reunite with Neil Lennon at Hibs.
The paper say that a few would be required to make his switch to the Scottish Premiership permanent.
The player is currently rated as worth £900k by Transfermarkt.
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Should Hibs spend money on him?
Maclaren showed enough on loan last season to be worth a healthy bid from the Easter Road side this summer, especially given his desire to play for the club.
He scored eight goals in 15 appearances on loan, including a goal against champions Celtic, one against arch rivals Hearts and an incredible hat-trick in a 5-5 draw with Rangers in the final game of the season.
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Still just 24 years of age, he not only already has the ability to shine in the Scottish top-flight but also excellent long-term potential and resale value should Hibs take the plunge and pay the money to get him.
With Florian Kamberi already signed up ahead of next term, adding Maclaren is something the club should be prioritising this pre-season.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255571″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Five outrageous World Cup stats you won’t believe are true”]
According to a from The Guardian published earlier this month, Steve Walsh’s tenure as Everton’s Director of Football could come to an end after just four transfer windows at the helm.
The last two have seen Everton shell out an incredible £200million, described by The Guardian as the costliest recruitment drive in the club’s history and the sixth-biggest spend of any team in Europe during that period, but the Toffees have suffered from an imbalanced squad – which many would argue was the underlying factor behind a torrid start to the campaign that saw Ronald Koeman dismissed in October.
Successor Sam Allardyce has weighed in as well, questioning the mental strength of the club’s signings and claiming they haven’t gelled as such an expensively assembled collection of high quality footballers should. Accordingly, Walsh’s position is said to be under review as criticism continues to grow.
But how many of Everton’s signings under Walsh have been complete disasters, and how many have actually proved to be good additions for the Mersyside club? We’re giving Toffees fans the chance to have their say on each acquisition by rating them as a transfer hit or a transfer miss…
Idrissa Gueye
The tough-tackling midfielder was snapped up from Aston Villa for just £7.1million following their relegation and has only rarely been left out of the starting XI when fit, particularly in the Premier League. But he hasn’t always protected Everton’s defence as well as expected and poor discipline has cost the Toffees dearly at times.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Arguably Steve Walsh’s best value-for-money purchase, Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks set for an incredibly bright future having already lifted the U20 World Cup with England and enjoyed runs in the starting XI under Ronald Koeman, David Unsworth and Sam Allardyce. He’s still lacking consistency though and has struggled to lead the line on his own at times.
Jordan Pickford
He’s been the undisputed No.1 since arriving at Goodison Park but Jordan Pickford’s performances have divided opinion. Even when bearing in mind the paltry efforts of those in front of him, the England international has conceded a staggering amount of goals, only keeping clean sheets in eight games. £25million is a heck of a sum to pay for a goalkeeper, especially one who appears perpetually hindered by his modest 6 foot 1 stature.
Ademola Lookman
Certainly an exciting asset but Ademola Lookman hasn’t quite made his way into the starting XI since arriving from Charlton Athletic in January 2017. Seemingly not content with a bit-part role on Merseyside, the promising winger is now on loan at Red Bull Leipzig for the remainder of the season.
Morgan Schneiderlin
A key player during Koeman’s time at Southampton, Morgan Schneiderlin had all the makings of a smart addition when he reunited with the Dutchman at Goodison Park. But the French enforcer has struggled for form – and even a place in the starting XI – and looks a shadow of the player who once earned a big-money move to Manchester United.
Davy Klaassen
Probably Everton’s biggest disappointment from the summer window. Davy Klaassen arrived with a preceding reputation from his time in the Eredivisie but has hardly made a mark on Merseyside, managing just 13 appearances across all competitions. Perhaps the Dutchman can fight his way back into the starting XI in time for next season, but it’s going to be a challenge.
Sandro Ramirez
He was one of the best strikers in La Liga last season but now finds himself loaned out to Sevilla after failing to fill Romelu Lukaku’s almighty void. Sandro Ramirez never looked like the right fit for the Premier League or Everton and there are understandable doubts over whether he has any future on Merseyside. On the other hand, the club will surely make a profit on his original transfer fee which was sourced through a cheap release clause.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney has been arguably Everton’s best player this season, albeit struggling to truly influence games at times, but his preference for the No.10 role has created an endless selection headache also involving Gylfi Sigurdsson and has been key to the imbalance within the squad. Aged 32 and certainly past his best, Everton’s short-term gain in signing Rooney as part of the Lukaku deal has created more significant long-term issues.
Cuco Martina
It’s pretty obvious Cuco Martina will never be the greatest full-back to grace Goodison Park but capable of playing on either side of the defence and picked up without a transfer fee, he’s proved a useful acquisition at times this season. Then again, the former Southampton man’s lack of quality has been painfully evident and clearly had an impact on Everton’s modest defensive record this term.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
We’re still waiting for Everton’s club-record signing to reproduce the level of form he showed at Swansea City, where his dead ball deliveries and finishes from long range kept the Welsh outfit in the top flight. That’s no doubt a consequence of how poorly assembled this Everton squad is though, rather than a question of the Iceland international’s ability, and most Toffees fans will be optimistic of seeing more from Gylfi Sigurdsson next season.
Nikola Vlasic
A relative unknown before Everton snapped him up from Hadjuk Split but Nikola Vlasic has shown real promise during his early outings for the Toffees, the 20-year-old impressing as part of both the midfield and the attack in different systems and under different managers. There’s still a long way to go but £10million is a modest investment for a promising young player in this day and age.
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Ashley Williams
It’s safe to say Everton fans haven’t exactly warmed to Ashley Williams and his performances at times have been nothing short of catastrophic, with the Toffees often paying the price for the Welshman’s individual errors. But he wasn’t a particularly costly acquisition and has been involved in the most clean sheets of any signing under Steve Walsh – 24 from 71 appearances.
Cenk Tosun
Cenk Tosun was billed as the Romelu Lukaku replacement Everton failed to find during the summer but he’s endured a difficult start to life under Sam Allardyce, not being used in three of the six games he’s been available for since arriving at Goodison in January. The Toffees gaffer already appears unconvinced by the former Besiktas star.
Theo Walcott
A signing that appeared more Allardyce than Walsh-inspired, Theo Walcott’s enjoyed a strong start to his Everton career and has already given them some much-needed penetrative threat in attack. Toffees fans will be expecting a good end to the season too, with the England international’s place at the World Cup hanging delicately in the balance.
Michael Keane
Rated as one of the best defenders in the Premier League this time last season, Everton spent big on Michael Keane but are yet to truly reap the rewards. Injuries have been a factor too but the England international just hasn’t quite looked himself in Toffees colours and the form he produced for Burnley remains some way off. Nonetheless, Keane’s shown what he can do in the top flight and can still improve at 25 years of age.
In what is clearly a PR stunt to show the world how Manchester City plan to use their New York City franchise in the coming years, Frank Lampard was officially announced as a City player today.
Chelsea’s all-time top goal scorer once insisted that he would never play for another Premier League club once he eventually left the Blues. But, in an inevitable but extremely weird twist in his career, he’s joined the Premier League champions on loan until the new MLS season in the New Year.
This has prompted an expected reaction of sadness amongst the Chelsea fans who adored him and excitement amongst the City fans who are basking in the knowledge that their club can literally tempt whoever they want to sign up to their money-fuelled success story.
Here are some of the best tweets as the news initially broke and the first images of him wearing City training gear emerged this afternoon…
One of the all time classic Premier League fixtures takes place on Sunday, as Liverpool take on Newcastle United at Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers will have to pick his team up quickly, not for the first time this season, following a bitterly disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Swansea in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
Rodgers openly admitted his team were outplayed after the game, despite bringing on big guns Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez at half time.
Their last league outing also ended in disappointment, being denied a 3-2 derby win over Everton thanks to a wrong decision by the linesman. Luis Suarez was on target that day and in midweek, taking his goals tally this season to 9 in all competitons.
Newcastle go into the game on the back of a win, beating West Brom 2-1 last time out thanks to a late deflected Papiss Cisse goal.
Top scorer Demba Ba is a doubt, currently nursing a shin injury, with veteran Shola Ameobi hoping to deputise.
Liverpool may welcome back Pepe Reina, who has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s link to Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish seems to be growing by the day.The 22-year-old’s future has become a talking point due to his club’s failure to beat Fulham in the Championship playoff final in May.Grealish’s controversial off-the-pitch moments seem to be behind him as he had a positive season in Steve Bruce’s team.In 31 appearances in all competitions for the Midlands outfit, the midfielder scored three goals and created eight assists.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255797″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Are Russia the worst World Cup host team of all time”]Tottenham swiftly emerged as leading contenders for Grealish’s signature and the latest reports coming from Sky Sports NewsÂclaim that the North London outfit have tabled a £15m offer.The report states that Villa value their midfielder at closer to £30m and would prefer to strike a deal with Chelsea as they believe that he will be loaned back to the club for next season.The Championship club are going through some financial difficulties, but it is believed that they do not feel pressure to sell their top star.Tottenham fans have been tweeting their thoughts on the latest development.