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West Bromwich Albion have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their Championship fixture on Saturday.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the club’s official website, Valerien Ismael confirmed that both Grady Diangana and Matt Clarke look set to feature against Luton Town on Saturday, with each player having recovered from their respective injuries.

Diangana managed 64 minutes in Albion’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend before being withdrawn due to a knock, while Clarke missed the fixture after picking up a hip injury on the morning of the game.

However, both players now look ready to return to action, with the Frenchman stating: “Grady is ok. He’s recovered well and we’ve had a long week to prepare him for Saturday’s game.

“We managed him quite well at the start of the week and then he trained the last three days with the full squad. We’re happy he’s available for the game.

“Matt Clarke is also back after he suffered a very small injury before the game against Bournemouth last weekend. It’s great for me to have the choice and the players need to make it difficult for me to pick the team and the squad.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Diangana was for Albion in their most recent Championship campaign, and that Clarke would very much appear to be an upgrade on his replacement last week (Cedric Kipre), West Brom fans must be buzzing that both players look set to play a part against Luton this weekend.

Diangana’s availability is a particularly big boost, with the winger having scored eight goals, registered six assists and created eight big chances over his 30 Championship appearances for the Baggies back in 2019/20.

These returns saw the £9m-rated man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as the club’s third-best performer in the second tier that season.

Meanwhile, over Clarke’s 42 Championship appearances while on loan at Derby County last season, the £2.7m-rated man helped his side to keep 12 clean sheets, as well as averaging 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 4.3 clearances and winning a whopping 8.1 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £21k-per-week centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as the Rams’ third-best player in the league.

As such, both players very much seem to have the ability to make a real difference in Ismael’s promotion push this season, with the manager undoubtedly hoping that Diangana and Clarke can help him secure his first Championship win with West Brom against Luton on Saturday.

In other news: West Brom in the running for “phenomenal” £5k-p/w goal-machine, he’d be a huge coup

An update has emerged on reported Aston Villa transfer target Pape Sarr regarding the interest in his services so far this summer.

What’s the talk?

Metz president Bernard Serin has confirmed that there have been no offers for the 18-year-old so far in this window, stating that Sarr “hasn’t received any serious offer”.

Villa have been touted with an interest in the midfielder in the transfer window, but Serin has made it clear that no club has come in with a concrete move.

When asked about his future, Sarr remained committed to Metz by outlining his aims for the Ligue 1 side next season. He said: “At FC Metz, our first objective is to keep the team in Ligue 1. But winning trophies with them is also part of my ambitions for next season.

“I want to have a better season than in the 2020/21 [campaign] and if possible, score more goals.”

Get it done

Johan Lange must get a deal done for Sarr before the end of the window. Villa have just under a month left to complete their summer business and a swoop for the midfielder could be a shrewd addition in the short- and long-term, which is why they must react to this update from Serin by making their move.

With no other clubs acting on their potential interest in the teenager, Villa could snap him up with little to no competition if they move swiftly. However, if Lange dawdles and waits until the end of the window, that could allow time for other clubs to become desperate and then enter the race for Sarr if they do not get their other targets.

Metz head coach Frédéric Antonetti recently claimed that Sarr “will go far” in the game and praised his hardworking nature on and off the pitch. He stated: “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play.

The club’s general manger Olivier Perrin added: “He will be able to go as far as he wants to go. He must work, be as he is there, modest, regular, hardworking. He must continue to love football and he will do like the great players, he will go far. I think he will go very far.”

This shows that he is highly-rated by his club and has the attitude required to continually improve as he progresses in his career. Therefore, this could be an excellent investment opportunity for Villa if they are able to bring him in for a reasonable price, as they could sign him and develop the midfielder over the course of the next few years, leading to him either being sold on for a profit or becoming a key player for Villa.

The 18-year-old averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 6.82 in 22 Ligue 1 appearances for Metz last season, scoring three times. This shows that he is already able to consistently perform in the French top flight despite his young age, and he could arrive at Villa Park to provide competition in midfield whilst learning from the likes of John McGinn and Douglas Luiz to continue his development.

AND in other news, Lange must sanction dream Villa deal for £70k-p/w “machine”, he’s an upgrade on Luiz…

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford should sign a new Whites contract in the near future, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Bamford stars for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa’s side shone in their first season back in the Premier League, with a number of individuals standing out, from Kalvin Phillips to Raphinha.

It was Bamford who was arguably Leeds’ star man, however, scoring 17 goals, registering seven assists and clearly improving in his all-round game under Bielsa’s guidance.

The 27-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, so the Whites run the risk of losing him on a free transfer soon if they don’t take action.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Hay provides update

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic on Friday [via MOT Leeds News], Hay said he is confident that Bamford will extend his stay at Elland Road: “They have been talking for a while and it’s never sounded like it was widely complicated.

“I’m pretty sure they’ll get there and an announcement on that shouldn’t be too far away. But whereas it became clear last night that Meslier was about to sign new terms, I’m yet to get the nod about Bamford.

“Suffice to say, he’s still massively part of the plans – and set up to be Bielsa’s number nine again this season.”

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The Verdict: Extend his stay

Ensuring Bamford signs a new deal is of the utmost importance, considering how superbly he has led the line under Bielsa.

He has improved his game so much, both in terms of attacking output and defensive work – he averaged one clearance per game in the league last season, compared to 0.4 and 0.5 during two years at Middlesbrough in 2016/17 and 2017/18 – and he is at an age where he can go up another gear as he enters his prime.

Bamford’s performances will again be vital to Leeds having a successful season and if he can replicate his 2020/21 form, an England call-up could even come his way.

In other news, a fellow Premier League club have reportedly hijacked Leeds’ attempts to sign one player. Read more here.

According to transfer journalist Ekrem Konur, Celtic have now tabled a seven-figure bid to sign towering OH Leuven forward Thomas Henry.

The Lowdown: Major Celtic rebuild underway…

New Bhoys boss Ange Postecoglou has already overseen a flurry of new summer signings since his appointment at Parkhead.

Indeed, Kyogo Furuhashi, Carl Starfelt, Liel Abada, Joe Hart, Liam Shaw, Osaze Urhoghide and James McCarthy have all arrived in Glasgow as Celtic aim to take back their SPFL crown off bitter rivals Rangers (Transfermarkt).

In the last few days, claims have emerged of the Hoops eyeing yet another player as they enter the race to sign Henry (Scottish Sun).

The Latest: Hoops table seven-figure bid for Henry…

As per Konur, backing other reports, Celtic have actually now made an offer for the Jupiler Pro League forward as they look to reinforce Postecoglou’s options for 21/22.

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse, who bagged a fantastic 21 goals and six assists in 31 league appearances last season for Leuven, is the subject of heavy interest from the Hoops with a bid finally submitted.

It is believed that Celtic have lodged an approach to sign the 26-year-old with a seven-figure fee on the table at £7 million – a big statement by the Scottish giants as they eye yet another new arrival.

The Verdict: Battle on the horizon…

Henry’s physical presence combined with his proficiency in front of goal mark him out as a real potential coup for Celtic, even for £7m, and he could provide a real injection of quality.

However, The player’s UK representative, Paul Tait, recently told Football Insider that his client will ‘consider all his options’ before making any final decisions on a move – with offers coming from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Britain.

Celtic could face a real battle sign the striker who is clearly in high demand, as confirmed by his agent. If they win the fight however, they’ll be getting a real physical presence up front coming off the best goalscoring campaign of his career thus far.

In other news: Advanced talks: Celtic now closer to signing ‘very good’ defender, find out more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

Os presidentes de São Paulo e Corinthians vão solicitar às autoridades e órgãos de segurança para que os jogos das semifinais do Campeonato Paulista voltem a ter duas torcidas. A iniciativa foi discutida durante o Conselho Técnico na sede da Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) que definiu as datas das partidas decisivas da competição. O jogo de ida do Majestoso será no próximo domingo, às 19h, no Morumbi, e o de volta no dia 23, na Arena Corinthians, às 16h.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalSemifinais do Paulistão serão no domingo. Palmeiras pega a Ponte às 16h e Majestoso será às 19hFutebol Nacional11/04/2017Futebol NacionalPalmeiras, Corinthians, São Paulo e Ponte Preta somam sete jogadores na Seleção das Estatísticas do PaulistãoFutebol Nacional11/04/2017Humor EsportivoRivais tiram sarro do Santos após eliminação no Paulistão; veja memesHumor Esportivo11/04/2017

– Vamos sair daqui e falar com as pessoas responsáveis por isso, o secretário ou o promotor. Vamos fazer uma solicitação, não se trata de um ofício mas será uma conversa. Se eles tiverem um pouco de bom senso e acharem que está na hora de fazer isso, vamos fazer – afirmou o presidente do Corinthians, Roberto de Andrade.

-Temos que reconhecer que as torcidas estão contribuindo. Nós percebemos isso e digo pelo São Paulo que em nossas torcidas há um processo de conscientização e de contribuição para que possamos reivindicar e obter essa melhor solução que seria a participação da torcida adversária – comentou o presidente do São Paulo, Carlos Augusto de Barros e Silva, o Leco.

A torcida única nos clássicos paulistas foi imposto há cerca de um ano após a morte de um torcedor no clássico entre Palmeiras e Corinthians, pelo Paulistão do ano passado. Apesar do esforço para tentar reverter a decisão, o próprio dirigente são-paulino afirmou que será difícil ter as duas torcidas no clássico.

-É uma tarefa inglória a nossa de pretender que isso mude. Mas seria bom que isso acontecesse, no mínimo com os 10% mas é difícil – completou Leco.

Presente no Conselho Técnico, o presidente do Palmeiras também defendeu a posição dos dirigentes dos clubes rivais.

-Com torcida única, o espetáculo perde. A emoção do futebol também passa pelo torcedor no estádio e a torcida única afasta o consumidor do seu produto – comentou Maurício Galiotte.

Especialista em direito esportivo, o advogado Carlos Eduardo Ambiel, que foi um dos autores do Estatuto do Torcedor, deu a sua opinião sobre os jogos disputados com uma única torcida.

-A gente espera que sejam encontrados meios, a partir do que a legislação prevê, de punir os indivíduos que praticam violência, e, assim, permitir que o cidadão comum, que vai ao estádio apreciar o espetáculo, possa acompanhar os jogos – afirmou Ambiel.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco está duplamente classificado. A zebra laranja não passeou em Moça Bonita, e o Cruz-Maltino derrotou o Nova Iguaçu, por 2 a 0, neste domingo, pela sexta rodada da Taça Rio, garantindo a vaga nas semifinais do segundo turno e, de quebra, a presença nas semis do Carioca-2017.

O Gigante da Colina não fez uma partida brilhante, mas conseguiu o resultado que precisava para terminar com 12 pontos no Grupo C e com 21 na classificação geral.Ou seja, o adversário em uma semifinal do turno será o Flamengo. Independentemente do que acontecer na Taça Rio, o Vasco também já sabe que vai enfrentar o Fluminense na semifinal do Estadual.

O Nova Iguaçu, apesar da derrota, terminou a participação no Carioca de forma honrosa, já que ficou em quinto na classificação geral.

O sucesso vascaíno em Bangu começou a ser construído graças ao zagueiro Rafael Marques, que jogou com a camisa com número certo (ninguém pegou a dele enganado desta vez, não é Jomar?). O defensor, na reta final do primeiro tempo, aproveitou a jogada de escanteio e – como uma flecha, em um espaço aberto por uma falha defensiva do time da Baixada – apareceu para tocar de cabeça.

E se Luis Fabiano ainda persegue o primeiro gol com a camisa Cruz-Maltina, quem virou arma fundamental no time de Milton Mendes é Yago Pikachu. A fase artilheira do meia (esquece essa de lateral) continua. Foi dele o segundo gol do Vasco, após tabela com Nenê e conclusão de carrinho, já no segundo tempo.

Por falar em Fabuloso, apesar das dificuldades físicas (não adianta mandar bola esticada para ele), o atacante chegou a assustar o Nova Iguaçu com uma cabeçada na etapa final.

Essa foi uma das chances que o Vasco poderia ter aproveitado para fazer um placar ainda mais elástico. O Nova Iguaçu deu espaços porque chegou à última rodada com chances de classificação, e isso proporcionou, por exemplo, espaços para os meio-campistas vascaínos na etapa final. Douglas, que fez boa partida, também lamentou oportunidade perdida. Para o volante, destaque vascaíno na temporada, o jogo também foi de discussão com Nenê, ainda no primeiro tempo.

Mas o que não gerou discussão mesmo foi o merecimento da classificação vascaína. A moral cresce na busca pela Taça Rio e pela conquista estadual.

NOVA IGUAÇU 0 X 2 VASCO
Local: Estádio de Moça Bonita, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Data/Hora: 2/4/2017, às 16h
Árbitro: Rodrigo Nunes de Sá
Assistentes: Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima e Gabriel Conti Viana
Cartões amarelos: Iuri, Caio Cezar, Patrick, Renan Silva (NIG); Rafael Marques, Jean (VAS)
Gols: Rafael Marques, 38’/1ºT (0-1); Yago Pikachu, 31’/2T (0-2)
Renda/Público: R$ 66.220,00 / 2.798 pagantes

NOVA IGUAÇU: Jefferson, Vinicius Matheus, Raphael Azevedo, Murilo Henrique e Menezes; Iuri (Renan Silva, 13’/2ºT), Caio Cezar, Paulo Henrique e Wescley (Patrick, 33’/2ºT); Marlon (Alex Souza, 33’/2ºT) e Adriano. Técnico: Edson Souza.

VASCO: Martín Silva, Gilberto, Rodrigo, Rafael Marques e Henrique; Jean (Wagner, 42’/2ºT), Douglas, Yago Pikachu (Manga, 34’/2ºT), Kelvin (Julio dos Santos, 24’/2ºT) e Nenê; Luis Fabiano. Técnico: Milton Mendes

RelacionadasVascoNúmeros da Bola: Estatísticas de Nova Iguaçu 0x2 VascoVasco02/04/2017Futebol NacionalFlu marca no fim, Fla empata aos 45′ e dupla perde vantagem na Taça RioFutebol Nacional02/04/2017BotafogoSassá faz de bicicleta, Botafogo supera o Resende e pega o FluBotafogo02/04/2017

Writing on Twitter, Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari has made a West Ham United transfer claim involving Sweden international and AS Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new goalkeepers?

Despite current number one Lukasz Fabianski recently signing a contract extension at the club, West Ham have still been tipped to target new goalkeepers this summer.

The Hammers have mainly been linked to West Bromwich Albion shot stopper Sam Johnstone as they scour the market for Fabianski’s long term replacement.

The Poland international, 36, has entered the twilight phase of his career and West Ham will need to start thinking about who may be his rightful heir.

The Latest: West Ham now want Olsen…

Longari, writing on his social media, has now claimed that West Ham are one of the clubs eyeing Sweden international Olsen – with the ace impressing at times over Euro 2020.

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Indeed, the journalist says the Irons, Real Sociedad and Lille are among the clubs contemplating a move this summer.

“Confirmation of strong interest in Robin Olsen of the Roma,” explained Longari (via Twitter).

“More polls concerning West Ham and Lille which, however, could focus on Leo Jardim as a starter next season.”

The Verdict: Good option?

Despite finding game time severely limited whilst on loan at Everton over 2020/2021, with the 31-year-old starting just seven Premier League matches, Olsen has perhaps emerged as a good depth option depending on the price.

He enjoyed a fine Euro 2020 in parts, earning high praise for his individual heroics, while Olsen has also drawn acclaim from Italian goalkeeping great Walter Zenga.

The Inter Milan legend is a huge admirer, branding him ‘amazing’ in an interview with the Athletic last year.

Much will depend on his valuation, though, with West Ham apparently prioritising other positions in the shape of a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, new centre-back and star striker (Claret & Hugh).

In other news: ‘Exciting’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Here we go’…West Ham fans flock to official club announcement, find out more here.

Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign Porto winger Otávio as their summer recruitment drive hots up [A Bola via Rousing The Kop].

Enjoying an impressive 2020/21 season, the Brazilian winger chipped in with 17 goal contributions in 42 fixtures for the Liga NOS runners-up; five goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt].

Interestingly, reports say that despite the 26-year-old being used prominently as a wide-man, his versatility could see him become a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum who departed for Paris St Germain last month [Rousing The Kop].

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has allegedly made an ‘express request’ to lock up an agreement for Otávio, owing to the fact his release clause of £35 million increases to £51 million by the end of the month [Rousing The Kop].

In light of this, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to Twitter to react to these latest developments.

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Liverpool fans react:

Replying to multiple Liverpool fan outlets on Twitter, here is how some fans summarised their feelings upon hearing the latest news:

“He reminds me of Coutinho ngl”

Credit: @LFCNickkk

“Genuinely think this is a good signing”

Credit: @FTBL_Tom03

“More Brazilian sauce”

Credit: @_Riddxck

“Expires in Wednesday, Edward masterclass again”

Credit: @dnlfc_

“I know nothing about him but I like his name, so I’m in.”

Credit: @_triplebeam

“Brazilian #10 good on the ball at his feet and can also play out wide I’m listening..”

Credit: @LFCTanmay

In other news, an ex-Liverpool player warns the Reds against signing a Premier League attacker.

Aston Villa are ‘on pole’ to sign Aaron Ramsey this summer, according to Outlet Sportmediaset, via tuttomercatoweb and Birmingham Live.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been sharing their thoughts on the links on social media.

Villa have already signed Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young this summer, with NSWE sensing a real opportunity to catch and leapfrog the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham with their off-field business.

Ramsey, who wants to leave Italy this summer, is one of the latest players to be linked with a move to Villa Park and isn’t in Juventus’ plans.

The Wales international, currently at Euro 2020, is thought to be on £187,000-a-week in Turin and has two years remaining on his deal.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the links to Ramsey on Twitter during Thursday, with their posts receiving plenty of interaction from Villa fans.

This is what some had to say on the rumours, with one questioning whether he could be next season’s Ross Barkley.

“This would be a fantastic signing – I really believe Ramsey would be the key to trophy success for Villa – really hope they can convince him to come.”Credit: @rlancaster1″Super player, would be a great addition.”Credit: @DavidKe24236510″Is Ramsey next season’s Barkley?”Credit: @rlancaster1″In a heartbeat”Credit: @ged_egan”Only one Aaron Ramsey in my book who already plays for us”Credit: @johnchurchley”In Deano we trust”Credit: @MartinSkel_

In other news: Vila have big-money bid turned down for English midfielder, find out more here. 

According to a report by The Athletic, during recent discussions between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City over Harry Kane, Sky Blues star Riyad Mahrez was mentioned as a possible makeweight.

The Lowdown: Swap deal summer?

Amid financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and diminished matchday revenue, swap deals have been touted as a possible solution for the transfer market this summer.

The lack of funds available at most clubs, including Tottenham, mean the Lilywhites need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy if they’re going to secure signings this summer.

As such, amid Manchester City’s heavy interest in Kane, there have been numerous reports of City stars being offered to Spurs this summer in a potential sweetener for chairman Daniel Levy.

The Latest: Spurs offered chance to sign Mahrez…

This is now backed by the Athletic, who say that Man City star winger Mahrez was mentioned as a possible makeweight for Kane during recent transfer talks.

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As well as the Algerian, a plethora of Citizens were also touted, with Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte all allegedly put on the table.

However, as explained by the reliable source, Tottenham were not interested in taking Mahrez or any of the above for Kane with Levy remaining adamant that the 27-year-old isn’t for sale.

The Verdict: Surely must reconsider…

Tottenham need a major rebuild this summer, and while losing Kane would be a heavy blow, it would allow them to shore up other weakened positions in the squad.

We believe, if Spurs were to take up the option of a swap deal, Mahrez should definitely be a name considered alongside centre-back Aymeric Laporte and striker Gabriel Jesus.

Mahrez in particular displayed absolutely stunning form over 2020/2021 under Pep Guardiola and played a key role in Man City’s run to the Champions League final.

The £120,000-per-week star dazzled over two semi-final legs against Paris-Saint Germain in particular, with figures in the media branding him ‘elegant’, ‘merciless’ and an ‘underrated genius’ (The Guardian).

Guardiola also lavished the 30-year-old as an ‘extraordinary player’ with ‘huge quality’ after his heroics against PSG (beIN SPORTS), and it’s clear Spurs could do far worse in regards to makeweights for Kane this summer, assuming they would get a hefty chunk of cash too.

Levy must take into account the wishes of Kane to leave and Tottenham’s own need to make signings this summer.

In other news: ‘Tottenham will’…Alasdair Gold makes encouraging N17 transfer claim, find out more here.