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Southampton are reportedly closing in on their third signing of the summer… 

What’s the talk?

According to TalkSport, Southampton are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Brandon Williams on loan from Manchester United for the 2021/22 campaign

Ralph Hasenhuttl has targetted fullback additions this summer and Williams is now set to become his second signing in that area, following the arrival of Romain Perraud, and his third signing overall, as Theo Walcott also arrived earlier in the summer.

The report claims that the United defender wants to join the Saints in order to compete for regular game time after struggling to establish himself at Old Trafford last season.

Fans will be delighted

Southampton fans will be delighted with this news as the arrival of Williams helps to solve a problem position for the club ahead of next term. Kyle Walker-Peters and Perraud are currently the only senior fullback options at Hasenhuttl’s disposal, with youngster Yan Valery having been out on loan in the Championship last season, and the lack of depth is a concern.

As it stand, the Austrian coach is an injury away from needing to play other players out of position to fill the right-back or left-back spots, which is why Williams joining the club could be a shrewd piece of business by Martin Semmens.

Without this deal, the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Mohamed Salisu and Jack Stephens could end up being slotted in at fullback and taken away from their desired positions, which is not ideal when trying to find a rhythm and balance within the side.

Williams is also the perfect fullback signing because he can operate on either side. He has played at left-back and right-back for United at senior level, which means that he could compete with both Perraud and Walker-Peters. This means that the Saints are essentially bringing in two players for the price of one, with Semmens avoiding the need to sign a left-back and a right-back as cover because the 20-year-old can do both roles.

He is also a quality addition to the side in terms of the level of performance he can bring on the pitch. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once praised the defender as being “brave” after he awarded him his debut for the club in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar in 2019.

He told MEN:

“The performance and debut of Brandon, fantastic. You can’t see any nerves, he’s so brave, the courage to take the ball and go forward. Great defending, very pleased, some big, big pluses today.”

The versatile beast averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.19 in eight Europa League starts for United in the 2019/20 campaign. This shows that he has the quality to compete at the top level, which is another reason why fans will be delighted by this move. The Saints supporters will enjoy seeing an adaptable, quality, player come in and play a key role in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

AND in other news, Hasenhuttl may already have his Ings heir at Southampton, he’s their “biggest talent”…

Many Sunderland fans are delighted after the club announced the signing of Alex Pritchard on Friday.

The Black Cats narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last term, and Lee Johnson and co will once again be targetting a place in the second tier. However, their summer started on a difficult note, losing a number of players such as Max Power, Josh Scowen, Grant Leadbitter (The Northern Echo) and Charlie Wyke (newsandstar.co.uk) while no-one came in to replace them.

However, it seems that Sunderland are finally getting themselves into gear in the transfer market. They have confirmed the signing of Pritchard (safc.com), who recently left Huddersfield Town. He has impressed in the Championship before, with 40 goal contributions in 125 appearances at that level, so it is something of a coup for the Black Cats to sign him.

The news was shared by Sunderland’s official Twitter channel, and it unsurprisingly attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Pritchard’s arrival

“Get in!!!”

Credit: @leech_tom

“Absolutely love that”

Credit: @Jamestweddell

“Fantastic. More please”

Credit: @SAFCSarah

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @SAFCLJ25

“Outstanding signing for us..”

Credit: @ShaunGunner1973

“beautiful.”

Credit: @jxdesafc

In other news, Sunderland are interested in this prospect.

692 (av

John Ward14-May-2002

BAC = Bulawayo Athletic ClubHSC = Harare Sports ClubQueens = Queens Sports Club, BulawayoTEAMSHIGHEST TOTALS644/9 dec      Mashonaland v Matabeleland, at BAC600/3 dec      South Africa v Zimbabwe (First Test), at HSC574            Manicaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SC519/8 dec      South Africa v Zimbabwe (Second Test), at Queens513/9 dec      Manicaland v Mashonaland, at Mutare SC506            Mashonaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SCLOWEST TOTALS116            CFX Academy v Midlands, at Kwekwe SC122)           CFX Academy v Mashonaland, at Country Club128)LARGEST MARGINS OF VICTORYinnings and 163 runs     Mashonaland beat CFX Academy, at Country ClubNARROWEST MARGINS OF VICTORYtwo wickets              Mashonaland A beat Manicaland, at Alexandra SCVICTORY AFTER FOLLOWING ONMashonaland (226 and 506) beat Manicaland (513/9d and 146) by 73 runs, at Mutare Sports ClubMATCH AGGREGATES OF OVER 1400 RUNS1451 runs      Mashonaland (644/9d and 82/2) beat Matabeleland (392 and333) by eight wickets, at BAC1403 runs      Mashonaland (362/8d and 340/3) beat Mashonaland A (483 and218/3d) by seven wickets, at HSCHIGHEST FOURTH-INNINGS TOTALS340/3 (to win)      Mashonaland v Mashonaland A, at HSCBATTINGCENTURIES247     G J Whittall, Manicaland v Mashonaland, at Mutare SC235*    G W Flower, Mashonaland A v Mashonaland, at HSC220     G Kirsten, South Africa v Zimbabwe (First Test), at HSC210     C N Evans, Mashonaland v Manicaland, at Mutare SC210     N R Ferreira, Manicaland v Matabeleland, at mutare SC199*    A Flower, Zimbabwe v South Africa (First Test), at HSC189*    J H Kallis, South Africa v Zimbabwe (Second Test), at Queens180     M A Vermeulen, Mashonaland A v CFX Academy, at Country Club163     C N Evans, Mashonaland v Midlands, at HSC157*    J H Kallis, South Africa v Zimbabwe (First Test), at HSC156*    A Flower, Mashonaland v Mashonaland A, at HSC154     P A Strang, Manicaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SC147     H H Gibbs, South Africa v Zimbabwe (First Test), at HSC147     C N Evans, Mashonaland v CFX Academy, at Country Club142     A Flower, Zimbabwe v South Africa (First Test), at HSC135     N R Ferreira, Manicaland v Mashonaland A, at Alexandra SC121     T J Friend, Midlands v CFX Academy, at Kwekwe SC118     C N Evans, Mashonaland v Matabeleland, at BAC114     A Flower, Mashonaland v Mashonaland A, at HSC112     A P Hoffman, CFX Academy v Matabeleland, at Country Club109     G M Strydom, Matabeleland v Mashonaland, at BAC108     A J Mackay, Mashonaland v Matabeleland, at BAC106*    G M Ewing, Matabeleland v Mashonaland, at BAC106     G F Barrett, CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SC106     N R Ferreira, Manicaland v CFX Academy, at Mutare SC103     W T Siziba, Matabeleland v Midlands, at BAC101*    G C Goosen, CFX Academy v Matabeleland, at Country ClubCENTURY ON FIRST-CLASS DEBUT106     G F Barrett, CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SC106*    G M Ewing, Matabeleland v Mashonaland, at BAC (second innings)400 RUNS IN THE SEASON692  (av. 230.66)        A Flower684  (av. 114.00)        C N Evans650  (av. 72.22)         N R Ferreira537  (av. 67.12)         G M Strydom423  (av. 42.30)         W T Siziba423  (av. 47.00)         G J Whittall412  (av. 58.85)         G M EwingHIGHEST BATTING AVERAGES  (Qualification: 6 innings)M   I  NO  Runs    HS     Av.    100 50A Flower (Mashonaland)             3   6   3   692   199*  230.66    4   1C N Evans (Mashonaland)            4   6   0   684   210   114.00    4   -J M Cornford (Midlands)            5   7   3   314    98*   78.50    –   3N R Ferreira (Manicaland)          5   9   0   650   210    72.22    3   2G M Strydom (Matabeleland)         5  10   2   537   109    67.12    1   4G W Flower (Mashonaland A)         4   7   2   324   235*   64.80    1   -G M Ewing (Matabeleland)           5   9   2   412   106*   58.85    1   4D J R Campbell (Mashonaland)       5   7   1   311    79    51.83    –   3THREE OR MORE CENTURIES IN THE SEASON4  –  C N Evans, A Flower3  –  N R FerreiraTWO SEPARATE HUNDREDS IN A MATCH142 and 199*        A Flower, Zimbabwe v South Africa (First Test), at HSC114 and 156*        A Flower, Mashonaland v Mashonaland A, at HSCFASTEST CENTURIES45 balls       A J Mackay, Mashonaland v Matabeleland, at BAC54 balls       G F Barrett, CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SC75 balls       T J Friend, Midlands v CFX Academy, at Kwekwe SC84 balls       P A Strang, Manicaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SC95 balls       G M Ewing, Matabeleland v Mashonaland, at BACYOUNGEST BATSMEN TO SCORE A CENTURY17 yr 329 dy   G M Strydom, Matabeleland v Mashonaland, at BACMOST RUNS OFF AN OVER26  (666440)   G F Barrett, off K P R Went, CFX Academy v Manicaland, atMutare SCMOST SIXES IN AN INNINGS10   A J Mackay (108), Mashonaland v Matabeleland,7    G F Barrett (106), CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SC (first innings)7    C N Evans (163), Mashonaland v Midlands, at HSC6    G F Barrett (80), CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SC (second innings)5    J H Kallis (157*), South Africa v Zimbabwe (First Test), at HSC5    G F Barrett (42), CFX Academy v Matabeleland, at Country ClubMOST SIXES IN A MATCH11   G F Barrett (106 and 80), CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SCMOST BOUNDARIES IN AN INNINGS38  (35×4, 3×6)     G J Whittall (247), Manicaland v Mashonaland, at Mutare SC34  (33×4, 1×6)     G Kirsten (220), South Africa v Zimbabwe (First Test), at HSC34  (33×4, 1×6)     C N Evans (210), Mashonaland v Manicaland, at Mutare SC30  (28×4, 2×6)     H H Gibbs (147), South Africa v Zimbabwe (First Test), at HSCCENTURY PARTNERSHIPS1st wicket:256  H H Gibbs (147)/G Kirsten (220), South Africa v Zimbabwe, at HSC152  A D R Campbell (77)/D D Ebrahim (71), Zimbabwe v South Africa, at Queens117  H H Gibbs (74)/G Kirsten (65), South Africa v Zimbabwe, at Queens106  N R Ferreira (210)/T K Mawoyo (37), Manicaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SC2nd wicket:199  G Kirsten (220)/J H Kallis (157*), South Africa v Zimbabwe, at HSC143  B R M Taylor (82)/G W Flower (235*), Mashonaland A v Mashonaland, at HSC121  N R Ferreira (210)/L J Soma (75), Manicaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SC3rd wicket:181  J H Kallis (189*)/N D McKenzie (88), South Africa v Zimbabwe, at Queens146  L S Malloch-Brown (78)/A Flower (156*), Mashonaland v Mashonaland A, at HSC135  R W Sims (75)/G J Whittall (247), Manicaland v Mashonaland, at Mutare SC132  N R Ferreira (135)/G J Whittall (53), Manicaland v Mashonaland A, at Alex127  J H Kallis (157*)/N D McKenzie (52), South Africa v Zimbabwe, at HSC116  C B Wishart (61)/D A Marillier (59), Midlands v Manicaland, at Kwekwe SC4th wicket:186  H Masakadza (85)/A Flower (199*), Zimbabwe v South Africa, at HSC177  B G Rogers (96)/C N Evans (118), Mashonaland v Matabeleland, at BAC125  W T Siziba (76)/G M Strydom (91), Matabeleland v CFX Academy, at Country C119* A Flower (156*)/D D Ebrahim (43*), Mashonaland v Mashonaland A, at HSC116  A P Hoffman (112)/I M Chinyoka (52), CFX Academy v Matabeleland, at Country5th wicket:133  C N Evans (147)/D R Matambanadzo (49), Mashonaland v CFX Academy, at Country128  T J Friend (121)/S M Ervine (43), Midlands v CFX Academy, at Kwekwe SC125  A Flower (114)/D R Matambanadzo (41), Mashonaland v Mashonaland A, at HSC102  D P Viljoen (55)/J M Cornford (52), Midlands v Matabeleland, at BAC6th wicket:173  N R Ferreira (210)/P A Strang (154), Manicaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SC162  M G McKillop (68)/G M Ewing (83), Matabeleland v Mashonaland, at BAC103  S M Ervine (55)/J M Cornford (98*), Manicaland v Midlands, at Kwekwe SC7th wicket:189  C N Evans (210)/ D J R Campbell (54), Mashonaland v Manicaland, at Mutare SC107  G J Whittall (237)/ A Kugotsi (34), Manicaland v Mashonaland, at Mutare SC104  G M Strydom (109)/G M Ewing (106*), Matabeleland v Mashonaland, at BAC8th wicket:105  D J R Campbell (79)/A J Mackay (108), Mashonaland v Matabeleland, at BACHighest for 9th wicket:95   P Utseya (58)/H K Olonga (37*), Mashonaland A v Manicaland, at Alexandra SCHighest for 10th wicket:77   C N Evans (163)/B T Watambwa (14*), Mashonaland v Midlands, at HSCBOWLINGFIVE WICKETS IN AN INNINGS8/35      R W Price, Midlands v CFX Academy, at Kwekwe SC6/37      C N Evans, Mashonaland v Manicaland, at Mutare SC6/132     R W Sims, Manicaland v Mashonaland A, at Alexandra SC5/61      H H Streak, Matabeleland v Mashonaland A, at Queens5/64      G B Brent, Manicaland v Matabeleland, at Mutare SC5/68      R W Price, Midlands v Mashonaland, at HSC5/71      D T Mutendera, Mashonaland A v Matabeleland, at Queens5/78      R W Price, Midlands v Mashonaland A, at Kwekwe SC5/80      G M Ewing, Matabeleland v Midlands, at BAC5/94      K M Dabengwa, CFX Academy v Matabeleland, at Country Club5/98      G M Ewing, Matabeleland v Manicaland, at Mutare SC5/181     R W Price, Zimbabwe v South Africa (Second Test), at QueensTEN WICKETS IN A MATCH12/79 (4/44 & 8/35)      R W Price, Midlands v CFX Academy, at Kwekwe SC15 WICKETS IN THE SEASON36  (av. 22.63)     R W Price20  (av. 30.95)     G M Ewing19  (av. 24.47)     A J Mackay18  (av. 21.16)     J S NicolleBEST BOWLING AVERAGES  (Qualification: 50 overs)M     O     M    R    W     Av.    BB   5wI 10wMG B Brent (Manicaland)          2    64.4  18   142   10   14.20   5/64   1  -D P Viljoen (Midlands)          3    76.2  15   189   11   17.18   3/34   –  -C N Evans (Mashonaland)         4    53    15   138    8   17.25   6/37   1  -M J Vaughan-Davies (Midlands)   5    88.5  22   281   14   20.07   4/21   –  -J S Nicolle (CFX Academy)       5   132    34   381   18   21.16   4/46   –  -R W Price (Midlands)            6   337.3 100   815   36   22.63   8/35   4  1H P Rinke (CFX Academy)         4    88    21   252   11   22.90   4/39   –  -ALL-ROUNDERSCENTURY AND FIVE WICKETS IN A MATCHC N Evans (11 & 210; 0/23 & 6/37), Mashonaland v Manicaland, at Mutare SCG J Whittall (247 & 24; 4/38 & 4/80), Manicaland v Mashonaland, at Mutare SCWICKET-KEEPING4 DISMISSALS IN AN INNINGS4 (all ct)          G C Goosen, CFX Academy v Mashonaland A, at Country Club15 DISMISSALS IN THE SEASON16 (14 ct, 2 st)    N R FerreiraFIELDING3 CATCHES IN AN INNINGS4         I M Chinyoka, CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SC3         J M Cornford, Midlands v Mashonaland A, at Kwekwe SC3         H P Rinke, CFX Academy v Mashonaland A, at Country Club3         R W Sims, Manicaland v Mash, at Mutare SC3         D P Viljoen, Midlands v Matabeleland, at BAC5 CATCHES IN A MATCH5         I M Chinyoka, CFX Academy v Manicaland, at Mutare SCMISCELLANEOUS40 EXTRAS CONCEDED IN AN INNINGS60 (b 25 lb 6 w 7 nb 22)      Matabeleland v Mashonaland (644), at BAC41 (b 13 lb 4 w 2 nb 22)      Mashonaland v Matabeleland (392), at BAC

Sri Lanka team manager Chandra Schaffter has denied that MuttiahMuralitharan was forced to play at Edgbaston after media speculation that hewould have preferred to sit out the match and allow his shoulder to fullyheal.”That is the last thing I would do. We left the decision entirely to him andhe did not confirm that he was playing until the morning of the match,” saidSchaffter.He also claims that team morale had not been affected by the remarks made bykey bowler to the media after the Edgbaston game.Muralitharan had criticised team mates, saying: “Sometimes I have to takeall the wickets. But you can’t expect a miracle bowling spell from me everytime. The rest of the bowlers weren’t up to the mark in this match”.”There is no reaction from any player. They know Murali well now, not totake what he says seriously,” said Schaffter.Muralitharan also said that he was not certain whether he would play in thenext Test at Old Trafford because he ‘felt ugly to play without being 100percent fit’.Schaffter said Muralitharan was asked to play only for his bowling atEdgbaston and the rest of the team members were to protect him on the field.Batting was not a requirement from him, said the manager.Muralitharan bowled a marathon 64 overs and took five wickets for 143 runs,but complained of pain and soreness in his injured left shoulder. He facedonly one ball in the entire Test swishing his bat one handed in the firstinnings. He did not bat in the second.Team coach Dav Whatmore said Muralitharan bowling more than 60 oversvindicated their decision to play him, and added that he would be incontention for the third Test starting on June 13 at Old Trafford,Manchester.The British press have been unhappy over the restrictions imposed on them bymanager Schaffter in talking to the Sri Lankan players. Only the captain,coach and manager are available to them.”I have to take such precautions because some of our players are not sofluent in English and what they say can always be misinterpreted in themedia. Murali’s case is just one of them,” said Schaffter.Today’s British newspapers said that Muralitharan “had been pressurized intoplaying” and that “the rest of the bowlers seemed deflated by his return asa one-dimensional bowling machine who had to be coddled in the field”.

Andover’s bid to cling on to their new found ECB Southern Electric Premier League leadership has suffered a double blow.They go into the key match against Havant at London Road 14 points clear at the top – but minus broken-wrist victim Toby Radford and former skipper Jeremy Hayward.It’s a bitter blow for Andover, who boast the only unbeaten Division 1 record after three straight wins against South Wilts, Calmore Sports and Liphook & Ripsley.Radford, the former Middlesex and Sussex batsman who joined Andover from Hungerford in the close season, broke his wrist in last Sunday’s Hampshire Board match against the Channel Islands.His place goes to Marc Kavanagh, with Ian Gardner’s reward for a 2nd XI century last weekend a call up as Hayward’s replacement.”It’s obviously a great shame we’ve lost Toby and Jerry, but I’ve every confidence that Marc and Ian will come in and do a good job for the team,” said Andover skipper Roger Miller.In contrast Havant, who saw their unbeaten start perish at the hands of Bashley (Rydal) last week, expect to be back to full strength.MCC Young Professional Steve Snell and all-rounders Mackie Hobson and Bevis Moynhan, who all missed the Bashley defeat, should return for Havant.Dominic Carson, anticipating a stern workout, says : “Andover will be buzzing after three straight wins and we haven’t forgotten the defeat they inflicted on us at Havant Park when we took the title a couple of seasons ago."”London Road is a difficult place to win at normally and with Andover top of the league, it promises to be doubly difficult.”Watching the outcome with interest will be reigning champions BAT Sports, who lie in second place. They expect to be unchanged and at full strength for the visit of Bournemouth, whose season has hardly got off the ground.”We’ve had two blank weeks out of three so far and lost to South Wilts, so we desperately need to get ourselves motivated,” said Bournemouth skipper Matt Swarbrick.”We’ve assembled a pretty decent, balanced side at Bournemouth, butwhen you can’t get out and play it’s difficult – almost impossible – to get anything together.”Bournemouth go into the match minus Somerset’s Tom Webley, whose place goes to Andy Bell.Fourth placed South Wilts have a weekend double against Portsmouth, who visit Lower Bemerton for a Premier League match tomorrow and an ECB Club Championship third round tie on Sunday.Hampshire’s James Tomlinson is on British Universities duty, so Rob Down comes into the South Wilts bowling line up. Portsmouth, bottom of the pile after two defeats, are back to full strength, with Lee Savident returning from holiday.Burridge have opening batsman Paul Hawkins back for the visit to revitalised Bashley (Rydal), who should have opening bowler John Whiting fit after missing the Havant victory because of a hamstring problem.Neil Taylor lines up three spin bowlers for Bashley – Chris Sketchley, Ross Grierson and Andy Sexton, who took three Havant wickets last week.Calmore Sports look to their top order batsmen to get amongst the runs against Liphook & Ripsley at Loperwood Park.The Totton club’s first five batsmen were bundled out for just 29 runs by South Wilts last week and skipper Tom Pegler is demanding more application from his senior players.

There is a considerable sell-on clause in Sam Johnstone’s West Bromwich Albion contract.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed in a post on Twitter that the Baggies’ steep asking price for the 28-year-old shot-stopper is likely down to the fact that Manchester United have a sizeable sell-on clause in the £7.2m-rated man’s deal.

Nixon said: “There’s a sell on. But that’s probably why West Brom are pricing him high.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have recently been linked with a move to bring their former player back to Old Trafford this summer, while West Ham United are also believed to be keen on the ‘keeper, although David Moyes is thought to have been put off by the £20m asking price.

Fans will be gutted

While the West Brom faithful will undoubtedly be disappointed by the prospect of losing their first-choice shot-stopper this summer – especially when considering how important he has been within his side in recent seasons – this latest update will surely leave them even more gutted.

Despite the fact that the Baggies suffered relegation to the Championship, Johnstone nonetheless impressed for Sam Allardyce’s side over his 37 Premier League appearances this season, helping his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 4.5 saves and 0.4 successful runs out per game, in addition to making a total of 166 saves in the league.

These metrics saw the £28k-per-week ‘keeper – whom Allardyce dubbed a “magnificent” player – earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking the 28-year-old as the club’s second-best performer in the top flight.

As such, it is no wonder why a number of clubs are believed to be interested in the former Manchester United man this summer, and why West Brom are asking for a considerably large amount for the goalkeeper.

However, this will not change the fact that West Brom fans will be devastated about Johnstone’s sell-on clause, as, if Man United were to offer the £20m asking price for the shot-stopper and the clause was, for example, 20%, the Baggies would be losing out on a whopping £4m for one of their star players – meaning less money for the club to reinvest on incoming signings.

In other news: Dowling could rock West Brom’s squad by hiring “aggressive” 45 y/o with 56.8% win rate

MatériaMais Notícias

O primeiro jogo-treino do ano, vencido por 2 a 0, já deu um indício de como o técnico Roger Machado deverá escalar o Atlético-MG neste início de temporada. Isso significa que, pelo menos por enquanto e no início das partidas, os artilheiros Fred e Pratto não deverão atuar juntos.

– Essa é uma decisão difícil de tê-la, porque como treinador desejamos ter os mais talentosos dentro de campo. São dois jogadores que, embora terem características diferentes, o Fred se aproxima do Rafael Moura. O Pratto sai mais da área, embora saiba jogar na área. Precisamos de equilíbrio, com um jogador de meio que, de repente, saiba o tempo certo de enfiar uma bola, de dar profundidade ao time. Depende da situação de jogo. Mas acho difícil desde o começo. Nada impede que possamos utilizar em alguns momentos – falou.

No setor de criação, o garoto Cazares pode voltar a ter uma chance no time titular. Após o primeiro ano de altos e baixos no Atlético, o equatoriano chamou atenção de Roger, que gostou do que viu.

– Gostei do Cazares, ele dá dinâmica ao time e que quando passa a primeira linha sempre busca jogada de profundidade. É muito inteligente e rápido. De repente, ele por dentro e Robinho pela esquerda podem fazer essas duas funções por ali – disse.

Aston Villa are set to face significant transfer competition as they look to sign West Brom star Matheus Pereira.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are monitoring the 25-year-old ahead of the transfer window opening.

And now, according to French publication, Foot Mercato, Villa will face a battle with fellow Premier League side West Ham in the race to sign Pereira this summer.

The report adds that the two English sides aren’t the only ones interested in the Brazilian however, with clubs from Germany, Italy and France also said to be keeping a close eye on the play-maker.

Lange must act now

Hailed as a “genius” who “who has a technical ability that I have never seen before” by former Nurnberg coach Nate Weiss, Pereira was one of West Brom’s best players last season in the Premier League.

He scored 11 goals and provided a further six assists in the top-flight alone, and did his absolute best in recent weeks to perform an improbable rescue act for his side – in fact, his last eight games in the competition saw him score six times and set up another three as well.

After a sparkling performance earlier this year, Match of the Day pundit Jermain Jenas said of the £17m-rated gem: “He’s just silky. When he’s on it, he’s just got that lovely left-foot, (tucked) his penalty away, the delivery into the box for set-pieces was brilliant, and he wanted to showcase his skills.”

It’s no surprise then that Smith is keen on bringing him to Villa Park, and it’s exactly why Johan Lange appears to be risking the manager’s wrath by potentially letting West Ham steal a march and swoop in.

Given how Villa performed last season, Smith will be keen to ensure his new signings are made as soon as possible so as to help integrate them into pre-season training ahead of the new campaign.

Just dawdling and letting other clubs, and that too a Premier League rival when it comes to a European place next season, would be an absolute nightmare.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/villa-dean-smith-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-premier-league-buendia-berge-mcneil-trezeguet-villa-park” title=”Read the latest Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

Not only would it have Smith fuming, but it would also make the club’s fans livid too. These Villa fans have already made clear just this month how much they want Pereira to be signed and letting him slip through their fingers into the Hammers’ hands, would have them up in arms.

Meanwhile, Villa are heading for another major Charles N’Zogbia disaster…

It would take a brave man to say that Celtic’s managerial chase was finally reaching a conclusion.

It has now been over three months since Neil Lennon resigned from his position with the Hoops with an arduous saga taking place since.

The Bhoys missed out on Eddie Howe but now have another man in their crosshairs.

What’s the word?

After their ploy to lure Howe to Celtic Park fell through, Ange Postecoglou has been the primary target for Celtic.

They’ve reportedly been tracking him for months and now view the Australian as the man to finally replace Lennon.

A compensation fee has been agreed with his current club Yokohama Marinos but a hugely promising update emerged late on Saturday night.

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have now agreed personal terms with the 55-year-old over a move to Parkhead.

The outlet goes onto claim that barring any other hitches, a move will be concluded in the next 72 hours.

Exciting times for Celtic

If you told supporters when Lennon quit that on the eve of the transfer window they’d still be searching for a new manager, they’d have looked at you in disgust.

Unfortunately, that’s the reality of the situation for the despairing Celtic fan base.

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They have been left disgruntled this season and embarked on mass protests at Paradise against the club’s ownership.

You can hardly blame the anger when you consider a trophyless campaign and an abject summer on the recruitment front 12 months ago.

Therefore, the news that Celtic are well and truly finally on the verge of announcing a new manager should come as great comfort.

It might not be their first target in Howe but Postecoglou is still a fabulous choice for the hot seat.

First and foremost, he has more experience than Howe. He’s taken charge of Australia and began his managerial career back in 1996; 24 years ago.

Since then, he’s acquired expertise throughout Asia and had one spell in Greece, the country of his birth.

Postecoglou also ensures his team plays a vibrant style of football, something that will no doubt suit the Hoops hierarchy.

Raheem Sterling and Pep Guardiola have both complimented the way he gets his players to move the ball while his relentlessly high press can cause nightmares.

His Yokohama Marinos team have also enjoyed the highest percentage of possession of any team in the Japanese top-flight this season. That serves as a further plus point in their bid to lure him to Celtic.

Supporters should be excited that not only is this long-running saga set to end, but it’s coming to a climax with a manager who ticks plenty of boxes from a stylistic point of view.

AND in other news, Celtic can find a new Jullien by signing “special” 6ft4 tank, he’s “one of the best”…

Leeds United could sign a new version of club legend Mark Viduka in the form of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham amid Jon Newsome’s transfer verdict.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the England international could be available this summer after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge, and now, Newsome has suggested Marcelo Bielsa’s side enter the race to sign him.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I see they’ve put a price tag of £40m on Tammy Abraham. Do you push the boat out and go and buy Tammy Abraham? I’ve watched him since he was out on loan at Bristol City as an 18-year-old and I think he’s a fantastic player.

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“He leads the line, he just needs that club where he’s the number one target and the number one man and I think he’ll just blossom again. So do the club do something like that?”

A new Viduka

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, Abraham has got all the physical attributes that make him a very similar threat to the one Viduka provided in his glory days at Elland Road.

In a piece for Leeds Live, Jon Howe wrote about the Australian: “He was an ominous physical specimen, an old-fashioned centre forward in many respects, but mixed a formidable presence with a delicate technique that made him the purest example of a ‘good touch for a big fella’ player you are ever likely to see.”

Dubbed as being “clinical in front of goal” and as a “natural goal-scorer” by former Leeds man Noel Whelan, Abraham combines both his pace and power with real technical quality, and has managed an impressive 12 goals in 32 games despite barely starting.

Speaking after he netted during a loan spell against Swansea a couple of seasons ago, Aston Villa boss Dean Smith said: “Tammy is a handful and he knows better than me that he should have been walking away with the match ball tonight. But he scored the winning goal, he’s a hell of a talent. Tammy put in a hell of a shift up front on his own and proved he is a fine player.”

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The £36m-rated Abraham has all the tools in his locker for Bielsa to discover a new Viduka for Leeds.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing up this winger who’ll “torment defenders everywhere”…