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Hugo Lloris was linked with a move to PSG earlier this week, with The Sun claiming that he is the “main alternative” to Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea this summer.

On the chalkboard

United are reportedly ready to accept up to £75m for De Gea, whose contract expires next summer, but the Spurs goalkeeper is seen as an effective back-up.

Lloris, of course, captained France to World Cup glory last summer and helped his club to the Champions League final, where they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool.

Which player, though, is better, and who should PSG really be targeting?

Both played at the World Cup and both have featured in the Premier League, the UEFA Nations League and the Champions League.

Lloris made a total of 52 appearances for both France and Spurs and makes, on average, 2.9 saves per game. He made 0.1 saves from shots in the six-yard box, 1.9 in the penalty area and just 0.9 outside of the box. In terms of distribution, Lloris averages 30.5 passes per game, with 7.2 accurate long balls and 8.2 inaccurate.

De Gea, by comparison, makes 2.8 saves per game for Spain and United across 55 games, slightly fewer than Lloris. He made 0.2 saves inside the six-yard box, 1.4 in the penalty area, and 1.2 from outside the box. He passes the ball less, with 23.5 per game, with 7.1 accurate long balls and 8.6 inaccurate.

There is perhaps an argument to be made that Lloris is playing behind a better defence, particularly at club level, but the statistics are slightly tit for tat.

De Gea, clearly, is better at stopping shots from outside the box but worse at denying strikers from close-range. That has perhaps always been evident; the Spurs captain is seen as a world-class shot-stopper and that is, by far, his best attribute.

De Gea with the upside

It is pertinent to compare the ages of the goalkeepers; De Gea is 28, Lloris is 32.

Both, of course, have plenty of gas left in the tank. They are each playing at the highest level possible and they have proved themselves multiple times over.

It may simply come down to which player has the highest upside, then.

The Frenchman has been there and done it all and there are mistakes creeping in. He is not the goalkeeper Spurs signed any more – he made errors against Chelsea, Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven just this season – while De Gea was not his usual meme-worthy self in 2018/19. “Dave saves” but only sometimes.

He is the one who has another decade, though, while Lloris perhaps has half that.

One feels, then, that, given their relatively similar statistics, PSG are more likely to make a move for the United keeper.

If there’s one area where Liverpool are well-stocked, it’s central midfield.

From Jordan Henderson to Naby Keita to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the current Champions League holders are stacked in midfield with seven players who can all naturally play there and all of whom can deliver something unique to the midfield three that Jurgen Klopp typically deploys, yet there is one player who is likely to not get a shot at playing in this exclusive group next season, Mark Grujic.

The Serbian midfielder enjoyed a fine season away on loan at Hertha Berlin last season where manager Pal Dardai called Grujic via the Bundesliga’s official website “by far the best midfielder at Hertha Berlin in 20 years”, and with the news from the Liverpool Echo that the 23-year-old is to depart Anfield again for the season, Klopp could be making a mistake.

Comparing Grujic to the three Liverpool midfielders who made the most appearances last season using stats from WhoScored; Georginio Wijnaldum, Henderson and Fabinho, it’s quickly apparent that the Serbian midfielder had a better defensive season than any of the Reds trio, making the most interceptions (1.3), clearances (2.3) and blocks (0.3) in the group.

Grujic also averaged the most key passes per game out of the three Liverpool midfielders at 0.7 per game as well scoring the most goals in the season with 5, and standing the tallest out of the four players means that the Serbian has also registered the most aerial duels won with 3.2 per game.

With such a congested midfield, it makes sense why Klopp is opting to loan out Grujic for the year, but we believe that the German manager is making a mistake letting the Serbian go for the season when he can clearly offer something new to what Liverpool already have at the club.

Liverpool fans, should Grujic remain at the club this season? Let us know!

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Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths believes he is closing in on a return to Hoops action, speaking in a new interview with the club’s official website this week.

The forward, who was signed by Neil Lennon during the manager’s first spell at the club, will be joining his teammates for pre-season training in mid-June and he can’t wait to try and force his way back into Lennon’s first-team plans.

The Scotland international took a break from the game in December to focus on personal problems but is putting in the hard work to make an impact next season.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

As quoted by CelticFC.net, he said: “The way I’ve been training, and what I’m doing just now, will have me fitter than I have been in the past. It’s about maintaining that fitness throughout pre-season and making sure I do everything right. The hunger is probably greater now than it ever has been.”

It’s a great attacking boost for Celtic, who have been without credible back-up for Odsonne Edouard for a number of months now.

Griffiths has hit 104 goals for the club in a hugely successful career so far and is the kind of player you’d always back to get on the scoresheet whether starting matches or coming off the bench.

Fans are excited about his return, taking to Twitter on Thursday to share their thoughts…

It has been a truly awful year to be a Bradford City supporter, hasn’t it?

Having witnessed their side sack two managers, concede 77 goals and win just 11 games in League One, it would have been understandable if some of the Valley Parade faithful breathed a sigh of relief when their car crash of a season came to an end earlier this month.

With the Bantams now preparing for their first fourth-tier campaign since 2013, it is imperative that boss Gary Bowyer makes the correct calls when overhauling his squad this summer.

Whereas the vast majority of the players who contributed to the club’s relegation should rightfully be allowed to leave in the transfer window, the 47-year-old must resist the temptation to cut ties with Eoin Doyle.

According to Sun journalist Alan Nixon, the forward is reportedly a target for Swindon Town who are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.

Although it is fair to say that Doyle didn’t set League One alight last year and suffered tremendously with his consistency, the fact that he still managed to find the back of the net on 11 occasions suggests that it may be worth prolonging his stay in West Yorkshire.

Furthermore, when you consider that he has a track-record of scoring at a higher standard than the fourth tier, there is no reason why he cannot thrive over the coming years if Bowyer brings in some new additions that compliment the £650k-rated ace’s (via Transfermarkt) style of play.

Indeed, keeping Doyle instead of letting him go for a fee would undeniably be a risk for Bradford to take yet unless they have a sufficient replacement lined up for the 31-year-old, it may turn out to be the correct decision.

What do you think Bantams fans? Should Bowyer sell Doyle this summer? Or would it be more beneficial to keep the forward at Valley Parade? Get in touch below.

نجح مجلس إدارة نادى الاتحاد السكندري برئاسة محمد مصيلحى، في ضم صفقة جديدة، لتدعيم صفوف الفريق في الموسم الجديد.

الاتحاد يستهل مشواره في الدوري الموسم الجديد، المقرر انطلاقه 11 ديسمبر الجاري، بمواجهة بيراميدز.

ووفقاً للموقع الرسمي للاتحاد السكندري، فإن مجلس الإدارة أتم التعاقد مع المهاجم الدولي روماريو وليامز لاعب منتخب جامايكا مواليد 1994 “26 عامًا”.

وشارك اللاعب مع منتخب بلاده في 13 مباراة دولية خلال مسيرته، وسبق له تمثيل العديد من الأندية الأمريكية “أتلانتا يونايتد” و”كولومبوس كرو” وأخيراً نادى “ميامي” الذى سجل معه “روماريو ” 8 أهداف الموسم الماضى، ووقع اللاعب على عقد أنضمامه لصفوف زعيم الثغر والذى يمتد لموسمين.

وجاء التعاقد مع المهاجم الدولى في إطار حرص مجلس إدارة النادى على تدعيم فريق الكرة بعناصر مميزة خاصة فى مركز خط الهجوم، عقب التواصل وإنهاء المفاوضات مع وكيل اللاعب بلال نظير الذى أكد على وصول اللاعب للأراضي المصرية الأسبوع القادم.

طالع | إبراهيم حسن: لم نخسر “كرة قدم” أمام الأهلي.. وهذه رسالتي لـ اتحاد الكرة

وأشاد حسام حسن المدير الفني وإبراهيم حسن مدير الكرة بقدرات اللاعب الفنية والبدنية من سرعة وقوة تسديد ولمسة هداف، وهي الإمكانات التي يتطلبها هذا المركز، واعتبره “العميد” إضافة قوية لخط هجوم زعيم الثغر خلال المرحلة المقبلة.

يذكر أن الاتحاد السكندري أتم التعاقد مع 6 لاعبين في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الحالية، هم حسام عاشور وكريم يحيى وعمار حمدي وفوزي الحناوي من الأهلي، بالإضافة إلي استعارة رزاق سيسيه والحارس محمد صبحي من الزمالك.

With the Europa League just days away, Arsenal fans are preparing not just for the biggest game of their season, but also the most important transfer window in a while.

No matter the outcome in Baku, the Gunners are in desperate need of improvement this summer, with a leaky defence all but costing Unai Emery’s side Champions League football via a top-four spot in the Premier League and a lack of depth in certain positions resulting in the Spaniard having to adapt on the fly with what he has to work with.

Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of defenders from different teams with different playing styles already, and one name to jump out of late is Sampdoria centre-back Joachim Andersen.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via the Metro, the Gunners have the Danish defender on their radar this summer after Andersen’s breakout season in Serie A with I Blucerchiati, starting 32 league games and attracting interest all over Europe, namely Tottenham.

The 22-year-old defender, who is valued at £18 million on Transfermarkt, would be a sensible signing for the Gunners. At such a young age and a full season of professional football already under his belt, Andersen is comfortable enough on the ball and in defence to make the leap from Italy to the Premier League.

Andersen is the latest defender to flourish at Sampdoria, the last one being Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar, and with a valuation that fits Arsenal’s budget restraints, the Danish international would be a smart acquisition for the Gunners that will make fans forget about the horror show that is Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal were inches away from a top-four finish this season, and in Andersen, the Gunners will be defensively more secure for next year and could all but secure Champions League football with the Dane in their team.

Arsenal fans, would Andersen be a good signing? Let us know!

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According to Mediotiempo, Wolves have entered discussions to sign Mexican centre-back Edson Alvarez.

What’s the word?

Alvarez is one of the best talents coming out of Mexican football at the moment, a nation which appears to be flourishing when it comes to football.

In recent years they’ve uncovered the likes of Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutierrez whilst Hector Herrera and Miguel Layun have also played their trade in Europe.

Wolves’ own Raul Jimenez is another to have thrived on the continent.

However, a further could now be making his move to England with Alvarez attracting the interest of Wolves, per Mediotiempo.

They claim that the Midlands club have already contacted the defender over a possible move which could end up costing them $10m (£7.88m) if they pay his termination clause.

The Mexican international has recently signed a new deal with Club America until 2022.

Worth the hassle?

The 21-year-old was a surprising pick by El Tri at the 2018 World Cup but turned out to be a complete flop after failing to impress. The fact he was named in WhoScored’s worst rated team of the tournament tells you all you need to know.

He came off the bench in their opening game against Germany but started their next three games. Featuring at right-back, he looked miles out of his depth, especially against Neymar when Mexico lost in the last 16 against Brazil.

Despite that, Wolves supporters shouldn’t dismiss his capabilities.

Boasting similar traits to former Barcelona man Rafael Marquez, he’s had a brilliant season for Club America, a team Jimenez also starred for before coming to Europe.

The defender has come on leaps and bounds since last summer and his versatility can particularly improve Wolves.

Is it unrealistic to expect another top half finish from Wolves next season? HRH discusses in the video below…

Their lack of depth is a major issue going into next season, but considering the number of positions he can play in, he’d be a player capable of covering multiple bases if Nuno Santo finds himself short.

As well as being able to play in central defence and as a full-back, the 6 ft 1 man is also an effective holding player.

With the Europa League looming, Alvarez would be a smart addition, especially at the low price he may be available for.

Where Tottenham once had seemingly endless options in central midfield, they looked rather desperate throughout the majority of last season. The decline in form for both Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama, alongside the January sale of Mousa Dembele, left the club significantly short of options.

So, as the rumours begin to circulate, we take a look at the potential midfield ahead of next season.

In a fairly familiar scenario for Tottenham fans, the club seem to be linked with every player under the sun. With that in mind, most prominently are Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele, both of whom have received concrete interest (as per Sky Sports).

Indeed, the North London giants reportedly placed a £53m bid for the Argentinian midfielder earlier in the window, while they have now opened talks with Ndombele. Their initial bid for Lo Celso was turned down, while Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio has reported a bid for the French midfielder has also been rejected. Essentially, if Tottenham are to land even just the one, it will cost them a pretty penny.

With the club failing to make a single signing in the previous two transfer windows, it appears questionable that Spurs will splash quite so much.

But would it be so ridiculous for Tottenham to sign both Lo Celso and Ndombele? According to @SwissRamble, Tottenham made £88m on their run to the Champions League final and, additionally, Spurs announced record profits of £113m for the 2017-18 financial year, despite the costs of the new stadium.

Put simply, if Levy is willing to spend the money, it is obviously there. Furthermore, according to the London Evening Standard back in April, Spurs could sell up to 12 players this summer, potentially raising funds.

The Mirror have already reported Tottenham are willing to smash their transfer record twice this summer, adding they have no intention of paying the full asking price for either player.

With the £88m brought in from the Champions League, the £113m record profit and the money brought in from potential outgoings, is it really impossible that Tottenham could start with both in their midfield next season?

It would certainly be unlike anything we’ve ever seen from the club. Still, Pochettino has talked of a new plan and the tools might be there for Tottenham to start spending like one of the biggest teams in Europe.

Tottenham fans, will Tottenham splash the cash this summer? Will you sign both Lo Celso and Ndombele? And do these transfers depend on significant outgoings? Comment below.

After another trophy-laden season, Celtic’s fans have an enjoyable summer to look forward to and can already be excited for what’s to come in the next campaign. With Neil Lennon once again at the helm, will it be just as a successful term as the one Rodgers set them on last August?

Of course, we always sit in awe at Celtic and how successful they are in the Scottish League, but is league dominance all the Celtic board want? I highly doubt it. With another crack at Champions League football to come next season, just how many players will we see perform consistently?

Here’s a couple of players we feel will struggle to perform next year under the reign of Lennon.

Youssouf Mulumbu 

A man that has graced even the heights of the Premier League, but he just isn’t what Celtic need anymore.

After returning from his not so outstanding loan spell with Kilmarnock, it seems fairly safe to say that the 32-year-old midfielder isn’t in Lennon’s plans come the start of next season.

With the likes of Olivier Ntcham and Eboue Kouassi coming in and impressing, Mulumbu may just need to bite the bullet and find himself a new club, or give Lennon the perfect scenario and become the experienced mentor in the Celtic dressing room, helping the younger players really grow into the world of football.

Jonny Hayes 

The 31-year-old right midfielder may just find himself struggling to feature next season, especially with the return of what seems to be a wonderkid in Marian Shved.

Hayes found himself having an in-and-out of the squad type of season, managing to bag just one assist in all of his league appearances. It is clear to see that if Celtic do truly want to compete in the Champions League once again, they need new blood down the right hand side.

Shved, who recently returned back from loan, managed to bag himself 11 goals and three assists in his time away from Celtic, which of course, isn’t great news for the Irishman.

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Many Newcastle United fans are expecting Ayoze Perez to follow head coach Rafael Benitez out of St James’ Park in this summer’s transfer window.

On Monday, Newcastle’s official website announced that Benitez would not be signing a new contract with the Magpies, meaning that he will depart the club at the end of this month.

Perez has been strongly linked with a move away from the English team in recent weeks, having recently suggested that he was ready to depart this summer.

The Spaniard scored 12 Premier League goals for the Magpies during the 2018-19 campaign and is said to have attracted Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old – also linked with Sevilla in recent days – posted a tweet in the aftermath of the Benitez announcement.

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And that led to a number of Newcastle fans either urging the attacker to leave or claiming that an exit was now sure to take place.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: