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Southampton are edging closer towards securing their Premier League safety after opening up a five point gap on 18th-place Cardiff City.

With Ralph Hasenhuttl at the helm it seems like the Saints should have enough to remain in the division this season, but they cannot afford to spend another season treading water following two thoroughly underwhelming campaigns.

The summer transfer window will be key to providing Hasenhuttl with the tools he needs to transform Southampton into the top-ten side they once were.

A recent report from The Sun earlier this week suggests that the club have already identified a summer target in the shape of Birmingham City hitman Che Adams, although Everton, Burnley and Norwich City are also interested.

And the rumour has sparked plenty of debate at Football FanCast towers regarding Adams’ potential to thrive in the top-flight and whether he would actually represent an upgrade on Danny Ings.

Take a look at what our writers have said about Southampton’s link to the Championship goal-machine…

James Beavis

“He wouldn’t be an upgrade on Ings, but I would be interested to see him playing alongside Ings next season. Ralph Hasenhuttl has preferred a 4-2-2-2 system in his previous jobs, and the duo could form a strong partnership together. Ings is undoubtedly a penalty-box striker and given his consistent injury issues, he could do with someone alongside him to do the running for him. Step forward, Adams. The impressive striker is something of an all-round centre-forward given his pace, strength and work rate. In my opinion, they’d be Saints’ best striker partnership since Pelle and Mane.”

Matt Dawson

“Undoubtedly. Adams has been a revelation for Birmingham this season and definitely deserves a Premier League move. It’s unlikely there will be a shortage of suitors this summer and it would be extremely exciting to see how he’d fare under Ralph Hasenhuttl. He’s an extremely progressive coach and Adams would suit Southampton perfectly.”

Jack Saville

“I’m a huge fan of Adams and it could prove to be a stroke of genius if Southampton sign him for the £15 million which Birmingham are believed to be demanding for his signature. While Ings has the potential to be a fantastic top-flight striker, his torrid record with injuries proves that he cannot be relied upon for more than a few weeks never mind a full season. Bringing Adams in to the club would give the Saints a talisman for the fans to worship and he certainly has the potential to establish himself ahead of Ings in the pecking order.”

Harry Elnaugh

“I think he could be an upgrade on Ings. Southampton’s front line has been plagued by injuries this season and, while Ings is a fantastic finisher who could score 15 goals a season under Hasenhuttl, he isn’t guaranteed to stay fit, so relying on him so heavily for goals could be a mistake. Adams, meanwhile, has played 40 games in the league for Birmingham this season and epitomises the never-say-die attitude that Hasenhuttl has instilled at St Mary’s. He’s got raw pace, power and an incredible engine, all of which are attributes that make him the perfect man to lead a high-intensity front line.”

وافق النادي الأهلي على بيع أحد لاعبيه لصفوف بيراميدز خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية.

وقال مصدر داخل الأهلي لـ”بطولات” إن الأهلي تلقى عرضًا من بيراميدز لضم أحمد الشيخ.

وأضاف المصدر: “الجهاز الفني للفريق بقيادة بيتسو موسيماني رحب برحيل اللاعب في الفترة القادمة”.

طالع أيضًا.. عاجل ورسميًا.. الأهلي يعلن التعاقد مع بدر بانون 4 مواسم

يذكر أن بيراميدز قد قدم أحمد فتحي لاعبه الحالي والظهير الأيمن للأهلي السابق في مؤتمر صحفي خلال الأسبوع الحالي.

جدير بالذكر أن الأهلي يستعد لملاقاة الزمالك في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا وذلك يوم 27 من نوفمبر الجاري.

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Southampton are on the brink of securing their Premier League status for next season after a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night, a result that saw them go within three points of the 40-point target.

The result continued an impressive run for the Saints that has seen them win four of their last nine games, including wins against Tottenham and Wolves, and an impressive showing against Manchester United and Liverpool as well.

Despite their resurgence under Ralph Hasenhüttl, one player has come under particular criticism from the Saints’ faithful.

25 year-old Jack Stephens has been subject to much online criticism throughout Southampton’s bid for survival, but has remained involved under the Austrian manager despite some difficult individual performances.

These fans weren’t afraid to show how they feel about Stephens…

Southampton fans have enjoyed a plethora of talent in the centre-back position, with World Cup finalist Dejan Lovren, Southampton legend Jose Fonte and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk all wearing the red and white stripes in recent years.

Despite the quality that fans have had the pleasure of enjoying in that position, there are many who continue to support Stephens amongst all the criticism, and have taken to Twitter to defend the centre-back, who’s been at the club since 2011.

Arsenal fans everywhere are extremely disappointed that they couldn’t secure Champions League football via the top four, instead resting all their hope on winning the Europa League. Risky, risky stuff for the Gunners. 

Clearly, that is a dangerous game and probably not one Unai Emery intended to happen but that is the current situation the Gunners find themselves in nonetheless. With a distinct lack of confidence in the team during the closing stages of the season, all potential for the next campaign is resting on who they can bring in this summer.

Unai Emery must do everything he can to demand a sizeable budget so he can really make a difference, because as he probably well knows, there are a number of positions that need improving.

Starting with left-back, Arsenal (touted as a potential landing spot by A Bola via the Sun earlier this week) should consider Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo to be a fine acquisition. Grimaldo, (who is valued at £25.2 million on Transfermarkt) is usually one of the first names on the team sheet for Benfica, given his commitment to the club since 2016.

He cost the Portuguese giants just short of £2 million and what a deal that has transpired to be.

This season alone, Grimaldo has played a staggering 52 games in all competitions, going on to provide seven goals and 11 assists.

He not only provides defensive stability but as shown by his statistics, going forward is where he really thrives. Playable further up the pitch as a wide midfielder, Grimaldo is used to darting up and down the wing, providing balls into the box for his team-mates, or going alone himself.

At the age of 23, his stock is very high considering the performances he has put in this season. It would surely be an expensive deal but one that could solve Arsenal’s left-back problem for the next five years at the very least. As a potential heir to Nacho Monreal’s throne, he could make the side so much more exciting.

Heaven knows they need to be…

Gunners, how much would you like to see Grimaldo arrive? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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According to ESPN, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic on a permanent deal this summer.

Grujic is currently on loan at Hertha Berlin, and has scored four times in 20 Bundesliga appearances during the 2018-19 campaign.

According to ESPN, Atletico are keen to sign the 23-year-old, but the Reds value Grujic in the region of £35m, which could prove to be an issue.

The Liverpool fans have been on social media offering their views on the transfer report, which has come as a bit of a surprise.

A number are keen for Grujic to be given his chance to secure a spot in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield next season, but others feel that it would be some story if the club’s sporting director Michael Edwards managed to secure £35m for the midfielder.

Has Alisson been Liverpool’s most important signing of the season? Check out the video below to find out why Jurgen Klopp thinks so…

The eight-time Serbia international has only actually made 14 first-team appearances for Liverpool despite joining the club from Red Star Belgrade in 2016.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Reds faithful can be viewed below:

Aston Villa fans must be loving life at this moment in time as their side continue to dominate proceedings in the Championship, with a play-off spot now secured. 

The Villans’ rise in form can be put down to a number of players, including the likes of Tammy Abraham, John McGinn, Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings. All of the players listed above should arguably be playing in the Premier League and still could next season, so securing promotion will be vital.

Steve Bruce may not be adored by fans at Aston Villa but one thing they can’t ignore is the fact he secured the services of John McGinn for just £2.59 million (as per Transfermarkt).

It’s safe to say that signing the Scotsman has proved to be a genius decision as he’s already left his mark on proceedings in the Championship in what is his first season at the club. He’s produced six goals and 10 assists in the current campaign, which is quite astonishing when you consider the fact he operates in the middle of midfield.

McGinn has already repaid the Villans’ for the fee they paid back in the summer transfer window and he could still go on to attract a big fee if the Midlands club were to ever sell him in the future.

But, right now, he’s absolutely priceless at Villa Park. His passing ability in the middle of midfield has worked wonders up until this point, as well as his forward runs to help support Tammy Abraham. Also, he’s a great player to have in the defensive third as he adopts a dogged approach and always gives his all when tracking back.

He’s the kind of player who could fit into any side and do a quality job, so Aston Villa will forever be thankful for Bruce’s decision to bring him to Villa Park back in the summer.

Aston Villa fans, surely McGinn has to be one of the signings of the summer? Join in with the discussion by commenting down below!

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According to The Mirror’s live transfer blog (May 16, 3:25pm), Celtic are plotting a move to sign young Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori this summer, and if they get him they would quickly forget all about Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the talented 21-year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell with Derby County in the Championship this term, helping them reach the play-off final and scooping up both the fans’ and the club’s player of the year awards.

The Mirror report that the Rams would be keen to extend the deal for the defender should they beat Aston Villa at Wembley, but it won’t stop Celtic testing the water over a permanent move themselves.

The Bhoys may be short of options at centre-back this summer with Boyata looking set for an exit following the expiry of his contract next month, and with Benkovic due to return to Leicester City when his own loan move ends.

Would Tomori be a good signing?

He certainly would be.

“Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s James McFadden!” – Watch Scottish football fans name their clubs’ Lionel Messi in the video below…

The centre-back has come on leaps and bounds under Frank Lampard this season, and the fact that a loan player has made such a big impression tells you all you need to know about the quality he has.

The fact that he has only made one Premier League appearance suggests that he may not have a long-term future at Stamford Bridge, but it would be a different story were he to join the Glasgow giants.

If any Celtic supporters are concerned about losing both Boyata and Benkovic this summer – it remains to be seen whether the latter could yet return seeing as he is open to the idea – they will forget about the duo in a flash if Tomori signs on for the Scottish Premiership holders.

Decent in possession and a great tackler, the 6 ft 1 talent has all of the attributes to make it to the very top.

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A number of West Ham United fans want forgotten man Edimilson Fernandes to be given the chance to impress for the Hammers during the 2019-20 season.

Fernandes moved to England from Sion in 2016 and has made 48 appearances for his Premier League club in all competitions.

The midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, however, ultimately being sent on loan to Fiorentina.

The Switzerland international has been in good form this term – scoring twice and contributing two assists in 28 Serie A appearances.

As it stands, the 23-year-old will return to the London Stadium this summer with the view to battling for a spot in the XI next season.

And it would be fair to say that the majority of West Ham fans are keen for Fernandes to be given the chance to prove his worth under Manuel Pellegrini.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

A selection of the Twitter reaction in relation to the 6 ft 3 midfielder’s future can be seen below:

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John Obi Mikel is not known for his goal-scoring but in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win over Rotherham on Sunday he scored his first goal in English football for five years.

The goal itself was a fine left-footed strike from the penalty spot that flew into the roof of the net and the Nigerian captain looked to be sending his new team to the playoffs.

Sadly, however, Derby beat West Brom 3-1 which meant that they finished sixth and Boro seventh. In truth Boro made very hard work for themselves when they lost six in a row between March and April.

Form though picked up in recent weeks, winning five out of their last six, and Derby drawing with Swansea City in midweek gave the Teesiders hope that they would make the playoffs.

For a period of time they were finishing sixth, after Stefan Johansen had equalised for the Baggies at Pride Park, but Derby scored a quickfire double. They will now play Leeds in the playoffs.

Boro were disappointing for most of the season but Mikel proved to be an inspired signing as his vast experience and calmness on the ball steadied the midfield.

Middlesbrough fans may not want Tony Pulis to stay but they certainly want the 6 foot 2 midfielder to, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

One fan said “Don’t go John” whilst another added “Sign him up.”

See the best of the Boro fans’ reactions down below.

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Tottenham Hotspur take on West Ham United this weekend aware that a victory will place them in the driving seat to finish in the top four this season.

The club are currently four points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal and, with three games of the season remaining, could take a massive step towards qualification with a victory over the Irons.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side, meanwhile, are mathematically safe from relegation but are unlikely to overhaul Wolves and finish seventh.

The carrot of becoming the first team to beat Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, however, should be motivation enough for the Irons.

Football FanCast takes a look at where the game will be won and lost this weekend.

The Key Battle – Son Heung-Min vs West Ham’s full-backs

Son is almost certain to start against the Hammers.

A Champions League semi-final against Ajax looms for Spurs but Son is suspended for the first leg next week.

The South Korea international, then, will surely play this weekend and his form this season should worry the Irons; he has scored 20 goals and laid on 10 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.

With Aaron Cresswell struggling with an injury – he has only just returned to training – Arthur Masuaku a decent attacker but a poor defender at left-back, and Pablo Zabaleta ageing at right-back, Son will have his pick of players to target throughout the encounter.

He is truly two-footed and could drift from the left flank to the right, terrorising each full-back in turn.

Pellegrini, then, would do well to instruct his wingers to track back routinely and offer protection to their defenders; stopping Son is integral to the Irons’ chances of victory.

The Key Dynamic – Rotation vs Consistency

Mauricio Pochettino is likey to rotate his squad with the Champions League semi-final clash with Ajax looming.

The two sides will play their first leg in north London on Tuesday, perhaps the biggest game in Spurs’ history.

Pochettino made a number of changes to his XI for the encounter with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League, having seen his side knock Pep Guardiola’s men out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

The likes of Juan Foyth, Kyle Walker-Peters, Oliver Skipp and Vincent Janssen could all potentially play, with key first-team stars kept fresh for the encounter with the Dutch giants.

The opposite is true of the Hammers, with this perhaps the biggest game of their season.

Pellegrini, then, is likely to go for broke and pick his strongest XI. West Ham may well be confident, then, that they can potentially hand Spurs their first defeat in their new stadium.

The Deciding Factor – Goals, goals, goals

Harry Kane is injured, of course, and Fernando Llorente is becoming something of a burden to the team. His performance against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week was roundly terrible.

The pressure, then, is on Son to again find the net without Kane in the side, or else they will be hoping for a repeat of Christian Eriksen’s late heroics against the Seagulls.

West Ham, meanwhile, can select from the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Lucas Perez and Javier Hernandez. It is essentially out-and-out strikers versus versatile forwards.

Son is good enough to win that battle but so too is Arnautovic; it remains to be seen who will come out on top this weekend.

The Impact Subs – Vincent Janssen vs Manuel Lanzini

Vincent Janssen made his astonishing return to action on Tuesday night, coming on as a substitute for his first appearance for the club since 2017 as Spurs attempted to break Brighton down.

He has endured a difficult time in north London, scoring just six goals in total, but has been needed as back up to Llorente with Kane injured.

He could again be called upon this weekend if Spurs are on the back foot and he will be chomping at the bit to prove his worth.

For the Hammers, meanwhile, Manuel Lanzini has a small chance of playing in the game, per ClaretandHugh.

He has been sidelined with a groin injury and, while he is more likely to play against Southampton, the club have not ruled out the possibility of him featuring versus Spurs.

A brilliant attacking midfielder with the ability to carve defences apart, Lanzini could have a major impact if introduced as a substitute, particularly if the scores are level in the second half.

Indeed, he is far more likely to positively influence the game than his Dutch counterpart, injured or not.