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Newcastle and Watford are both eyeing Rennes wonderkid Ismaila Sarr, according to reports.

What’s the story?

According to L’Equipe, Rennes have rejected a €30m bid from Watford for Sarr.

The report claims both the Magpies and Hornets are chasing the 21 year-old winger, and while Newcastle have not submitted an official bid, one could soon materialise.

The player is reportedly interested in a switch to England.

Can Newcastle make the top 6 next season? The Magpie Channel name the one player who could make that happen in the video below…

Pure pace and bye bye Perez?

If Newcastle are to beat Watford to Sarr’s signature, one would have to assume Ayoze Perez is on his way out of Tyneside.

The Spaniard has flirted with an exit in the past and also been linked to Tottenham this summer, and it’s hard to imagine a world where Newcastle splash big money on a position they are already strong in.

Assuming Sarr does replace Perez, the combination of the Senegalese international and Miguel Almiron on opposite wings could be devastating, as both players possess electrifying pace.

Sarr scored 13 times and added eight assists last term, with four of those goals coming in European competition.

The youngster impressed at the World Cup last summer as well, completing 1.7 dribbles per game. His ability to dance past defenders as if they aren’t even there will light up St. James’ Park every time he touches the ball.

If Rafal Benitez, providing he stays, is looking to build a ferocious counter-attacking side with the pace to stretch teams at any given opportunity, then putting Sarr and Almiron on the wings would be an excellent way to go about it.

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have lavished praise upon Harry Winks despite a difficult season after an official club tweet.

The England international struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and missed the final six games of the Premier League season with a groin problem.

It is perhaps little surprise that Spurs won just two of those games – against Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion – with Winks their best ball-player in deep midfield.

He returned for the Champions League final against Liverpool as Spurs lost 2-0 in Madrid, and fans are hopeful that he can stay fit for the entirety of the 2019/20 campaign as they look to kick on once again.

Winks, after all, was benched just twice in the top-flight season when available and is clearly trusted by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

He has also won three England caps but missed out on the Nations League finals, potentially because of his injury woes.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Take a look at the best of the reaction on Twitter below!

أكد توماس توخيل مدرب فريق تشيلسي أن فوزهم أمام بيرنلي اليوم في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز يمنحهم الكثير من الثقة.

وفاز البلوز بهدفين دون رد في الجولة الحادية والعشرين من البطولة في ملعب ستامفورد بريدج. أهداف مباراة تشيلسي وبيرنلي

ويُعد ذلك الفوز هو الأول لـ تشيلسي تحت قيادة توخيل بعد التعادل مع ولفرهامبتون سلبيًا في الجولة الماضية.

وقال توخيل في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “كان لدينا الكثير من أنصاف الفرص ولكن كان علينا الانتظار لفترة طويلة”.

وأضاف: “ما أثار إعجابي هو أننا لم نفقد السيطرة أبدًا، كان لدينا الشجاعة والثقة لفرض أسلوبنا في المباراة، لم نخف أبدًا وظللنا صبورين”.

وواصل: “الموقف والطاقة كانا جيدين جدًا، استقبلنا تسديدة واحدة من الخصم في الدقيقة 94، كان مجهودًا جماعيًا شاقًا وفوزًا مستحقًا”.

وتابع: “نحن نفتقر في الوقت الحالي إلى تلك الدقة الأخيرة في منطقة الجزاء، سنعمل على هذا، لكن في النهاية نحن سعداء بما حققناه اليوم”.

واختتم: “أنا سعيد جدًا بالأداء والطاقة، إنه يمنحنا دفعة كبيرة للثقة، عليك دائمًا إقناع اللاعبين بالنتائج، قاتلنا وكنا أقوياء واستحقينا الفوز”.

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Leeds United fans are gutted that Sheffield United are set to sign Luke Freeman after they were linked with the attacking midfielder earlier in the window.

The number ten is one of the top talents in the Championship, and his seven goals and six assists last season had seen him gain some admirers, including the Blades.

His move to Chris Wilder’s side looks imminent, and Leeds supporters aren’t best pleased about this development.

It was reported that the Whites were having a look at the QPR midfielder earlier this summer, but they have seemingly failed to capture his signature, much to the annoyance of the fanbase.

The Yorkshire club are yet to make a signing this summer, and their hesitancy to get involved in the transfer window has cost them one of their reported targets.

Freeman seemed like the perfect replacement for Samu Saiz, but it’s looking increasingly unlikely that he will be pulling on the famous white shirt next term.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Ham United have been heavily linked with a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Sebastian Haller this summer, with Sky Sports reporting that the two clubs have entered into talks over the possible transfer of the Frenchman.

On the chalkboard

How good is Haller, though, really?

A natural centre-forward who formed a fearsome partnership with Luka Jovic last season, he scored 20 goals in all competitions. Jovic, who netted 27, earned himself a move to Real Madrid.

Haller could be the next to move to the Premier League if reports are to be believed, with Manchester United also credited with an interest.

Haller is a truly dynamic forward, as emphasised by his statistics.

Per Understat, he averaged 2.23 shots on goal per 90 minutes played, with a key pass per 90 of 1.57 in 2018/19. Not only is he constantly looking to score, he can also tee up his team-mates.

He had an expected goals (xG) rate of 13.69, too, which he outscored. That suggests Haller regularly takes chances that he shouldn’t, the sign of a truly prolific striker.

He also had an xG per 90 rate of 0.57 – more than a goal a game – and an expected assist (xA) rate of 0.30.

These are genuinely exceptional statistics.

Compare with Romelu Lukaku, the United striker who he could potentially replace if he moves to Old Trafford.

Lukaku averaged an xG of 13.11, which is similar to Haller. He scored just 12 goals in the Premier League, however. This is a striker who does not score all of the chances that he should. He has an xG per 90 rate of 0.56, again, similar to Haller, but he has not scored as many goals as the Frankfurt forward. His expected assist rate of 0.10 is, quite frankly, appalling and he failed to register a single assist in the top-flight.

United are said to value Lukaku at around £80m. Haller could move for £40m. Work those sums out.

A Premier League quality striker

Haller is more than capable of playing in the Premier League.

It remains to be seen if he will move to the London Stadium or Old Trafford but one thing is for sure: he is likely to score goals in the English top-flight.

Haller has exploded as a player in the past 12 months; per Understat, he scored just nine goals in 2017/18.

This speaks to him approaching his peak and it appears that he is now nearing a big move. Add to that his natural physicality, measuring in at 6 foot 3, and a Premier League switch certainly feels like the right choice.

Watch West Ham United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Haller has seen Jovic make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu and it now appears likely that the 25-year-old will be on the move too. Frankfurt will likely struggle to replace him but, at the end of the day, the forward is unlikely to care.

He’ll just keep on hitting the back of the net.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

According to London Football News, Leeds United are interested in signing Queens Park Rangers midfielder Massimo Luongo.

This isn’t the first time they have been linked with QPR players as earlier in the transfer window it was reported that they were after Eberechi Eze and Luke Freeman.

The Australian has been fantastic at the London club in recent years, winning the Supporters’ Player of the Year award in 2018.

With Marcelo Bielsa seemingly pretty set on his midfield this may seem a rather unnecessary signing, but in reality it could be a masterstroke as he provides depth in multiple ways.

Leeds’ midfield roles

The Argentine’s 4-1-4-1 system requires different skillsets to play in the three midfield roles. Kalvin Phillips operates as a destructive ball winner who recycles possession whenever he wins it back.

Mateusz Klich operates as a more creative midfielder who looks to exploit space and kickstart attacks while also contributing to them.

The other midfield role has recently been occupied by Tyler Roberts, who operates as a number 10.

It’s clear to see that these roles aren’t often interchangeable and these players require quite specific skillsets to operate in these positions.

Luongo’s versatility

If Leeds brought in Luongo he may find it hard to displace any of the midfielders as a starter, but he would bring some extra depth in two key positions.

He could operate as a ball winner just as effectively as Phillips as he made 3.1 tackles per game last season, which is actually more than the 23-year-old made.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Not only could he play as a holding midfielder, but he could easily slot into Klich’s place too.

Luongo already plays a role similar to Klich’s at QPR and he completes one key pass per game, which is comparable to the Pole’s 1.4.

The 26-year-old is seemingly a jack of all trades, and while he may not get in above either Phillips or Klich should he sign, he could certainly act as a brilliant back-up option for both men.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to Football Insider, Darren Bent has tipped Aston Villa’s Andre Green to be an option in the Premier League next season.

What’s he said?

With Villa adding numerous new faces to the side over the summer, it’s easy to forget about a host of their fringe players.

Henri Lansbury and Birkir Bjarnason have both scored in pre-season whilst Scott Hogan even got in on the action last weekend.

However, one man who hasn’t been talked about much over pre-season is 20-year-old Green.

The winger became a bit part of the squad in the second half of 2018/19, but Bent is tipping him to remain an option in the upcoming campaign despite the jump to the Premier League. He told Football Insider:

“I’ve seen a little bit of him. Hopefully, he can get the opportunity, I thought he did well. I’ve seen him a couple of times and he’s impressed me.

“We’re dealing with a completely different animal in the Premier League, to stay in the Premier League you need goal scorers.

“I’d have him there as an option, maybe not as a first choice, he’s got time on his hands which is great.”

Green needs to be involved

The wide man spent the first half of last term on loan at Portsmouth, scoring once in six games in League One.

Therefore, it may have been somewhat of a surprise to see him brought back into the first-team set-up at Villa.

Green struggled for consistency but did show glimpses of the promising quality he has, scoring as a substitute against Sheffield United whilst also claiming an assist versus Sheffield Wednesday.

The fact he only contributed to two goals after returning might mean he’d struggle to make the step up to the top-flight but it would certainly be foolish if he wasn’t retained as an option.

Last season Villa somewhat struggled on the right-hand side with Albert Adomah scoring just four.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Jota has been brought in to bolster that area of the pitch but behind him, Green can still make an impact if afforded the opportunities.

Of course, the Villans have been linked with another wide player in Trezeguet but there should still be enough games for the youngster to make an impact.

It’ll be a challenge for him, but as Bent says, Green has time on his hands.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Tanguy Ndombele has explained exactly what he hopes to achieve at Tottenham Hotspur after completing his move from Lyon, per the club’s official website.

What’s the word?

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The France international became the club’s record signing on Tuesday, joining in a deal that, per BBC Sport, is worth £53.8m.

Spurs, of course, reached the Champions League final last season and Ndombele has already set his sights on going one better and lifting the trophy in 2019/20.

He said: “For me, I hope we can win the Champions League, just like everyone does.

“You know, the Champions League is a really tough competition to win. Things are decided by small margins and the strongest team doesn’t always win.

“I just hope I can win it next season with Tottenham – that would be perfect for me.”

The signing they needed

This may seem like a pie-in-the-sky statement from Ndombele but there is a precedent.

Spurs reached the final with a relatively weak squad that had received precious little investment last season – they went two transfer windows without making a signing.

Indeed, Liverpool reached the final in 2017/18, lost, and then went on a spending spree, signing the likes of Alisson Becker and Fabinho. They beat Spurs in Madrid.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men have now done similar, acquiring a midfield player ahead of the likes of Manchester United, while spending a lavish sum.

They were greater than the sum of their parts last season; Ndombele’s signing could be just what they need to push them over the line this time around.

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According to Turkish media outlet Fanatik, Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is a €6m (£5.5m) target for Fenerbahce, and lots of Eagles fans have been quick to react to the rumour on Twitter.

The Belgium international has already been linked with a move to the Turkish giants this month as he enters the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, and the recent Fanatik report suggests that Fener sporting director Damien Comolli is in talks with the south London outfit over a deal for the 28-year-old.

The story adds that it is hoped that a swift £5.5m deal can be completed, with manager Ersun Yanal wanting the centre-forward in his team for next season.

Watch Crystal Palace Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The departure of Benteke would leave Palace short of options up top as things stand though, with Connor Wickham and Alexander Sorloth the only other out-and-out first-team strikers in Roy Hodgson’s squad.

That is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by many Eagles supporters who have had their say with one claiming his exit “would be a disaster”, however there are others who feel it is time to move the former Aston Villa man on with one individual telling their club to “take the money and run”.

An understandable reaction on both sides with Benteke only netting four goals in the previous two seasons, but with the south London outfit being linked with a double swoop for Ollie Watkins and Fedor Chalov suggests they could be preparing for a departure.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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أكد محمد عبد العظيم مدرب الأهلي الأسبق أن الفرص بين القلعة الحمراء ومنافسه بايرن ميونخ متساوية خلال المواجهة المرتقبة بينهما ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للأندية.

وفاز الأهلي على الدحيل القطري بهدف دون رد، ليتأهل الفريق إلى دور نصف النهائي من البطولة، لمواجهة بايرن ميونخ الألماني، يوم الإثنين المقبل.

وقال محمد عبد العظيم في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “الأجواء في الدوحة كلها أهلاوية وهذا يساعد الأهلي، وبايرن ميونخ لعب مباراة اليوم الجمعة وأمامه يومين استشفاء فقط وهذا سيكون حمل بدني عليهم، والأحمر كان لديه يوم زائد ويعيش حالة معنوية عالية”.

وأكمل: “الأهلي بالنسبة لـ بايرن ميونخ فريق مبهم، والبافاري فاز على برشلونة 8-2 ولكنه كان يحفظه ويلعب معه في دوري ابطال أوروبا”.

وتابع: “لاعبو البايرن سيدرسون الأهلي، ولكن لن يكون بنفس التركيز مثلما يدرسوم لاعبي الفرق الأوروبية”.

طالع | خالد مرتجي: الأهلي سيلعب أمام بايرن ميونخ للاستمتاع وبدون ضغوط

واستطرد: “قدمنا شوط أول جيد جدًا أمام الدحيل وكان المنافس متوترًا جدًا، بين الشوطين حدث العكس، ولكن الأهلي لم يتوتر بل استسهل المباراة ولم يأخذ الأمور بجدية، والجانبان النفسي والمعنوي مهمان جدًا، والحديث قبل مباراة بايرن هام جدًا”.

وأوضح: “أرى نسب الفوز في المباراة متساوية، لأن البايرن فريق محترم جدًا وخططيًا على مستوى عالي، وفريق الأهلي مبهم بالنسبة لهم وهذا سيكون لصالحنا”.

واختتم: “الأهلي نادي كبير ويمتلك فريقًا جيدًا وقدمنا مباراة عالمية في الشوط الأول، وإن شاء الله نقدم مباراة جيدة أمام البايرن”.