Category Uncategorized

An update has emerged on reported Leeds transfer target Glen Kamara regarding his future at Rangers.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old is closing in on an agreement over a new contract with the Scottish champions. The Finland international is due to extend his current deal, putting an end to speculation over his future for now.

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing the midfielder, along with his teammate Ryan Kent, but could now have to wait until another transfer window to secure his services.

Fans will be gutted

Leeds fans will likely be gutted with this news as it shows Kamara’s willingness to extend his contract with the Scottish giants rather than moving to the Yorkshire club, who may need to be patient in this particular pursuit and could shelve their interest until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Whites could watch Kamara’s development closely for another year in Scotland before swooping for him in 2022. Another year of growth and improvement could give him a better chance of being able to make the step up to the Premier League, although that may also alert other clubs to his talents further down the line.

Kamara averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 6.99 for Rangers in the Premiership last term. He won 59% of his defensive duels, whilst registering one goal and one assist. This suggests that he has talent but could still improve upon his offensive contribution and work on winning a higher percentage of his duels.

Neil McCann, his former manager at Dundee United, called him a special talent despite his small physique. He said of Kamara: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect.

McCann added: “He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

This shows that Kamara has potential, and another year of regular football for Rangers could do the world of good for his development. Therefore, whilst this is a blow for Leeds in the short-term, it could work out for Bielsa and Victor Orta in the long run, should they retain their interest and go back in for him next summer.

However, this might not stop Whites fans from being sickened that the club will miss out on a deal for the Finland international ahead of this season. Kamara could have made the improvements he needs whilst working with Bielsa in England, whilst providing healthy competition in the centre of midfield.

That is why supporters will likely be unhappy that the 25-year-old is set to stay at Rangers rather than being lured by a move to Elland Road, with the added risk that somebody else could swoop for him further down the line, especially if he improves to a point where he is outside of Leeds’ price range.

AND in other news, Leeds preparing offer for beast whose “fitness is incredible”, Bielsa would love him…

أكد الاتحاد البرتغالي لكرة القدم أن مهاجم ليفربول دييجو جوتا عانى من مشكلة في الفخذ أثناء قيامه بواجب دولي.

كان اللاعب البالغ من العمر 25 عامًا بديلًا في الشوط الثاني للبرتغال، في هزيمتها 1-0 أمام سويسرا في مباراة دور المجموعات بدوري الأمم يوم الأحد.

اقرأ أيضًا | لاعب مغربي: داروين نونيز مزيج من كافاني وسواريز.. وسيواجه عائقًا في ليفربول

ويُقال إن جوتا اشتكى من آلام في العضلات في نهاية المباراة، وبعد التشخيص الطبي تم التأكد من إصابته بمشكلة في الفخذ.

أكد الاتحاد البرتغالي لكرة القدم، إبلاغ ليفربول بالإصابة والإجراءات التي تم اتخاذها بحضور طبيب المنتخب.

وكان جوتا قد بدأ مباراتي البرتغال السابقتين في دوري الأمم، وقدم تمريرات حاسمة في المباراة الأولى ضد سويسرا أيضًا.

استمتع جوتا بموسم مثمر مع الريدز، حيث سجل 21 هدفًا في جميع المسابقات، وكان آخر أهدافه في التعادل 2-2 ضد مانشستر سيتي في 10 أبريل على ملعب الاتحاد.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly showing no signs of signing a new contract with the club.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s Oliver Kay, the 28-year-old is, so far, unwilling to put pen to paper on a fresh deal at Old Trafford after entering the final year of his current contract.

He tweeted: “#MUFC have a problem. Paul Pogba’s contract expires next summer and he shows no sign of wanting a new deal. No surprise, given he’s wanted out for 3 yrs. Do they 1) make an offer he can’t refuse, 2) lose him on a free next year, 3) sell now? (It’s 3 for me)”.

Solskjaer will be absolutely gutted

The latest update regarding Pogba’s future will surely leave Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling absolutely gutted.

United have taken great strides under the Norwegian tactician, finishing second in the Premier League standings last term while reaching the Europa League final.

Although a penalty shootout defeat to Spanish outfit Villarreal in the showpiece event extended the club’s lengthy trophy drought, Solskjaer has been backed in the current transfer window.

The addition of former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has significantly strengthened the Old Trafford outfit’s ranks, and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has also been heavily linked with an imminent arrival.

However, losing Pogba would be a substantial setback in United’s progress. The France international became the world’s most expensive player when the Old Trafford outfit re-signed the midfielder for £89 million back in 2016, although he’s often struggled to live up to that price tag.

How much of that fault lies at Pogba’s door is up for debate, though, and he often splits opinion amongst fans, pundits and members of the media alike.

An apparent lack of work rate has often been an unfair stick to beat the former Juventus ace with, although he’s undoubtedly failed to produce consistent top-level performances expected of a player of his ability.

Nevertheless, Pogba has often found himself surrounded by underwhelming teammates playing in a dysfunctional side under a manager failing to live up to United’s expectations; hardly an environment built for stars to flourish.

It’s no surprise then, that the World Cup winner has produced his best performances in a United shirt under Solskjaer.

The added quality of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Edinson Cavani, alongside the stability and harmony that the ex-Molde boss has brought to the red half of Manchester, has allowed Pogba to produce his best football while on English shores, making his potential exit even more distressing.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano provides exciting Man Utd transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing 

Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has successfully completed his medical at Brentford, ahead of a £13.5 million transfer [Daily Mail].

The Lowdown: Celtic face outgoings as 2021/22 gets underway

Finally kicking off the competitive 2021/22 season with a 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland in the UEFA Champions League, new Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou will be acutely aware of the sizeable rebuild needed at Parkhead this summer.

Outgoings are expected to be a key part of the procedure, with Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham two of a number of players who have been linked with a departure away from Scotland this window.

One man who looks set to imminently move on to pastures new is 23-year-old Ajer following recent reports.

The Latest: Ajer completes Brentford medical, announcement due shortly

Keen to bring in a centre-back before the start of the Premier League campaign, the Bees have been in talks with the Norway international over the last week [Daily Mail].

Now, it is said that an agreement has been thrashed out for his signature, with an announcement expected in due course.

Despite Celtic previously throwing out a £10 million bid for Ajer from Norwich City earlier in the window, he has now got the go ahead to formalise his move to Brentford after passing health examinations in a move worth £13.5 million plus add-ons.

The Verdict: Cashing in on Ajer is the correct move by Celtic

Facing a dilemma at the start of the transfer period, the Celts look to have made the correct decision by cashing in on one of their top assets before his value takes a nose dive.

Looking at the possibility of losing him for dirt cheap in January or even nothing upon the expiration of his contract in summer 2022, Celtic are now set to inherit a handsome profit on the man they paid £500,000 for in 2016 [The Celtic Star].

In 2020/21, the 6ft 6in giant was in excellent form, registering two goals and four assists in 46 appearances [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, he impressed with his awareness to danger in the defensive third, making 3.4 clearances per fixture across the year [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by fellow Bhoys defender Stephen Welsh, the Norway international certainly has the potential to establish himself in England’s top-flight [Daily Mail].

Moving forward, Celtic must now look to use Ajer’s sizeable prospective fee to bring in a suitable replacement.

In other news, Celtic face a blow in a transfer pursuit.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has suffered a setback ahead of the new Premier League campaign, and it’s one that will have him worried.

What’s the story?

The likes of Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings, Douglas Luiz and Emi Martinez have enjoyed superb runs on international duty with England, Brazil and Argentina respectively, with the four involved in the European Championship and Copa America finals.

The Express and Star’s Matt Maher had initially revealed: “The quartet will be given a sufficient break to recover once their involvement in the international summer has concluded.

“It means Grealish, Mings and Martinez are unlikely to report back until toward the end of the month, though midfielder Luiz is not expected back until August and will likely miss the start of the season, after being selected for Brazil’s Olympics squad. Boss Dean Smith was keen to give his players as much recovery time as possible after completing the most congested season in Premier League history.”Since that report on July 3rd, England, Argentina and Brazil have all reached the finals of their respective competitions, and thus now won’t finish their international duties until the end of this weekend.Dean Smith will be worriedIf you were going to name a top four or five of the most important Villa players, then the likes of Grealish, Martinez and Mings would surely feature on that list.Grealish, in particular, has already proven what a big miss he is for Smith’s side, with the Midlands club winning just three of the 12 Premier League games that he was out for during the closing couple of months of last season.And, after hearing the news, former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny said: “If you don’t give them time to recuperate, they could break down, you could see them miss a longer period rather than just having to miss a game or two.”The sports science department will have it all planned out. You do need that two or three weeks break though. I’d be surprised if they don’t get that off.”Being without your club captain, and your number one goalkeeper, who coincidentally Lionel Messi just called a “phenomenon”, is a massive blow. Then add to that losing Mings who is one half of Villa’s tried and trusted back-line alongside Ezri Konsa, and a virtual ever-present in Luiz, and you’ve got a recipe for a early season disaster.It’s exactly why Smith will be worried about them missing the majority, if not all of pre-season, and them possibly not being ready for the the start of the new campaign too.Meanwhile, Villa are now interested in this “unbelievable” star…

Reliable reporter John Percy has had his say on Aston Villa’s links to Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.

The Lowdown: Bailey links

Villa’s interest in Bailey emerged on Wednesday, with reports suggesting the club were eyeing up a £30m swoop for the wide man.

The 23-year-old is viewed as an attainable target by Villa and are thought to be readying an approach to the Bundesliga side.

Bailey, who scored 15 goals and registered 11 assists last season, has just under two years left on his Leverkusen deal.

The Latest: Percy’s post

Percy, who writes for The Telegraph, responded to a Villa supporter on Wednesday evening suggesting Bailey fits the criteria for Villa in terms of position and price, however, he didn’t feel a move is imminent.

Another Villa fan then quoted his tweet, sharing his disappointment, with Percy replying to the supporter in question, saying:

“Never said he wasn’t on the list mate”

Percy, who has over 120,000 followers, can get hundreds of retweets and thousands of likes on his transfer posts, but as this was a reply to a fan, it seemed to go under the radar with just two retweets.

The Verdict: Sign

Bailey could well be on Villa’s shopping list, according to Percy, and a move for the Jamaican could turn out to be an excellent piece of business.

He’s capable of playing on either flank or as a centre-forward, with his main position coming on the right.

Should he move to the Midlands, Dean Smith may well then decide to use Jack Grealish in a central role, if he stays at Villa Park of course.

A front four of Bailey, Grealish, Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins looks dangerous on paper, but a lot could happen between now and Villa’s opener against Watford on August 14.

In other news: Everton ace keen on Villa move, find out more here. 

South African captain Shaun Pollock was unhappy with the state of the pitch for Thursday’s loss but blamed his batsmen.”The pitch played its part. It deteriorated and the ball held onto it. It became difficult and difficult to bat on it but I don’t think it was the main reason for our defeat,” Pollock said at the post-match conference.He added: “Dismissals (of Jacques Kallis and Gary Kirsten) and then the batsmen’s inability to hang in there was the reason. But then when you play on such a pitch knowing that Muttiah Muralitharan will come sooner or later, its definitely plays apart in the back of your mind and in the end we were left chasing 214 to deny them a bonus point.”Muralitharan conceded 12 runs from his eight overs and allowed Dilhara Fernando, Upul Chandana and Sanath Jayasuriya pick seven wickets between them from the other end.Pollock didn’t feel his bowlers gave away too many runs and instead praised Aravinda de Silva who scored an unbeaten 73 off 84 balls.”We didn’t concede too many boundaries. We just failed to stop the single and that’s because Aravinda batted beautifully. He worked the ball into the gaps and kept the scoreboard moving”.The Warwickshire player believed it was now do-or-die for them in the remaining two matches.”We have to win both the games. We know if Sri Lanka win one matchthey go through. But we are fortunate because we play last and will know what to do.”Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya defended his decision of fielding first in the first game against Pakistan.”I thought the wicket was damp and the overcast conditions would assist the bowers. I admit we misread the wicket. But today, we all know what we have to do if we win the toss,” he said.The left-hander said the first 15 to 20 overs will be very crucial because the ball would soften up and the wicket would also lose its bounce and the ball would tend to stay low.Jayasuriya was not happy with the format of this tournament in which Sri Lanka has to play four matches in six days.Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore said it would be fair to say that batting first would be the best option after what had happened in the first three games.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith could sign his club’s new Nobby Solano in Burnley winger Dwight McNeil.

What’s the story?

The Telegraph had recentlly claimed that Villa still have McNeil high up on their target list as they look to reinforce their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

And now, Football Insider have suggested that the Midlands club will turn their attentions towards the England U21 international if they can’t get a deal done for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.

It’s said that: “A Villa source has told Football Insider that manager Dean Smith is prioritising the capture of a versatile forward capable of operating in various positions across the attack.

“Villa are willing to pay a major fee for McNeil and are expected to submit a bid if they don’t land Smith Rowe.”

Villa’s new Solano

In a piece by The Birmingham Mail back in March on wingers that Villa fans loved to watch, it said of Solano: “Despite being at Villa for just 18 months, he was both player-of-the-season and top scorer, albeit it with eight goals, during his only full campaign. Arriving for £1.5 million from Newcastle in January 2004, his best form under then Villa boss David O’Leary came the following season.

“His winner in a Monday night home match against Tottenham showed off his dexterity as he worked room for an acrobatic finish in a confined six-yard box, while he also curled in a sublime free-kick equaliser against Liverpool at Villa Park and provided a sumptuous finish in a win over Portsmouth.”

And in the equally gifted McNeil, Smith could land a winger just as exciting and with an eye for goal like Solano.

The £34m-rated winger has been one of the few standout players for the Clarets since breaking onto the scene, and it’s something which has led to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp raving about him.

He said: “Dwight McNeil is such a good player, lovely left foot, doesn’t stop running. Every time I watch him he gets better and better, he’s got real quality and certainly a player that the top six to eight clubs will be looking at, and that’s no disrespect to Burnley because I don’t like saying that sometimes, but he is that good.”

With his ability to beat players one-on-one – his average of 1.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League was the highest of any Burnley player last season – McNeil could bring that same kind of flair that Solano brought to the table, with his Burnley boss Sean Dyche a big fan of his development.

He said: “He’s a real talent. He’s a really good player, he’s improving, his calmness at the end – I’m saying get it in the corner – but he cuts in, and his calmness to cross it into a dangerous area, and then gets his reward. Before then, his calmness to dribble out of trouble – he’s a really good player, really good, and he can only mature.”

And like Solano, he can really strike the ball from distance, with four out of his seven Premier League strikes coming from outside the box according to Understat (only one has come inside the six-yard area).

With a penchant for the spectacular – his long-range stunner against Everton is a testament to that – McNeil could be the kind of exciting winger that Solano was at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa are now interested in this “unbelievable” star…

Hampshire Under-17s crashed out of the ECB County Championships after losing by five wickets to Surrey YCs at Reigate yesterday (THURS).

Mike Vimpany15-Aug-2002Hampshire Under-17s crashed out of the ECB County Championships after losing by five wickets to Surrey YCs at Reigate yesterday (THURS).The damage was done in the opening hour of the scheduled two-day 100 overs per side national quarter-final when Hampshire, put into bat on a damp and under-prepared surface, lost their first four wickets for only 34 runs.Portsmouth’s Michael Barnes (52) and latterly Michael Boyd (25) tried hard to rescue the situation, but some generally irresponsible batting led to Hampshire slipping to a disappointing 137 all out (Nick Grist 4-15).King Edward VI all-rounder Boyd (2-13) achieved two breakthroughs but Chris Murtagh (39) guided Surrey to a comfortable five-wicket win in the 40th over.Hampshire Under-19s will be aiming to do better when they face Herefordshire in their two-day ECB quarter-final tie at Long Marston, near Tring on Tuesday.

كشف مصدر بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن أسماء المدربين الذين تم عرضهم على طاولة الاجتماع بالجبلاية خلفًا لكارلوس كيروش المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر.

وكان الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة جمال علام، أعلن عن إنهاء عقد كيروش بالتراضي، وذلك بعد عدم صعود الفراعنة لكأس العالم بعد الهزيمة من السنغال بركلات الترجيح.

وقال المصدر لـ “بطولات”: “خلال اجتماع مجلس الإدارة الجاري حاليًا، حازم إمام عرض اسم البرازيلي أندريه چاردين، المدير الفني السابق للمنتخب البرازيلي الأولمبي والذي تُوج مع السامبا بأولمبياد طوكيو الأخيرة”.

طالع أيضًا.. خاص | اتحاد الكرة يتواصل مع مدرب كوت ديفوار لقيادة منتخب مصر.. ويبلغهم بموقفه

واختتم: “إلا أن الاتجاه السائد داخل الاجتماع حاليًا المدير الفني المصري، والحظوظ الأكبر لإيهاب جلال لأنه حظى على النسبة الأكبر من التصويت، فيما كان صوت جمال علام لصالح حسام حسن”.