Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur won’t accept anything less than a top four spot in the current campaign, despite their recent run of poor form, as they’ve enjoyed plenty of success under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, one big worry for fans in recent times has been Mauricio Pochettino’s future, as according to The Sun, Tottenham fear that the Argentine will quit for Real Madrid in the summer.

Interestingly, the report states that Pochettino has told Daniel Levy that his burning ambition is to win titles and he wants the financial backing to compete for the game’s top honours.

Pochettino has completely transformed Spurs over the years, as well as establishing himself as one of the best managers in the whole of world football, so making sure he stays in North London is vital.

One thing that Levy must to do show the 46-year-old that he means business is to splash out on a number of big-name signings in the summer transfer window. Indeed, the North London club have been hugely disappointing on the transfer front in recent times as they’ve failed to spend a single penny in the last two windows.

Spurs already have a strong squad but Levy needs to draft in some reinforcements if the Lilywhites are to stand any chance of challenging for silverware and top honours, so backing the Argentine and making promises prior to the summer transfer window would be a good start.

Also, Levy can show his ambition by gettingChristian Eriksen to sign a long-term deal, as the Dane’s contract runs out at the end of the current campaign. Eriksen has been one of the shining lights for Spurs in in recent years and he’s arguably one of the best attacking midfielders in world football, so offering him whatever he wants in order to get him to put pen to paper would show Pochettino that he’s willing to go the extra mile to keep talent at the club.

The Newcastle United ownership saga’s taken a new twist. A terrible one at that. 

Mike Ashley, openly looking to sell the club, has taken a u-turn in now deciding to stay as their owner. Indeed, a decision which will definitely have polarizing opinions, it’s also going to have an effect on disgruntled manager Rafa Benitez.

He’s clearly not been entirely happy at how Ashley’s treated him at Newcastle and his lack of ambition displayed earlier this season, creating a painfully awkward situation in many a press conference earlier on in the campaign. While the Spaniard’s done a commendable job in getting the Magpies out the relegation zone and giving rise to prominent youngsters, he’d reportedly want more guarantees before committing to the club.

Benitez’s complained about not being given enough resources to rebuild Newcastle’s squad, as Ashley’s been very tight in terms of financing moves, everyone knows that. However, the point is more that Newcastle are a club who haven’t been allowed to dream under his ownership.

Under Ashley, the Magpies are asleep, but they aren’t dreaming. If anything, it’s more like being in a coma.

While latest signing Miguel Almiron has certainly displayed his sizzling ability for the Magpies, they obviously need more to compete higher in the Premier League.

The Spaniard cannot afford to be undermined by managing a lower-table team, which itself is hampering his reputation. Unless and until Ashley gives him better assurances of making key signings which can help Benitez reshape Newcastle for the better next season, he could witness his manager leave.

He’ll find work elsewhere without problems, possibly in bigger clubs looking for experienced candidates. Ashley, however, will find it difficult to replace Benitez with a man of similar qualities. He needs to give into the Spaniard’s demands and give positive responses on the future business of Newcastle or be ready to bid adieu to Rafa in the summer.

Newcastle fans, how much would you miss the potential departure of Benitez? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

[ad_pod ]

According to reports from BBC Sport, West Bromwich Albion are set to sign Jefferson Montero on loan for the rest of the season.

What’s the word?

West Brom are flying high in the Championship this season and developed a real lust for scoring goals, netting a division-highest 57 in 28 games so far.

Darren Moore’s attacking ranks, however, have been depleted throughout the January transfer window. Harvey Barnes was recalled by Leicester City, Oliver Burke joined Celtic on loan and Bakary Sako was allowed to return to Crystal Palace.

Montero, meanwhile, is yet to actually start a Championship game this season despite making 12 substitute appearances and grabbing two assists from the bench back in September.

West Brom appear to be taking advantage of Montero’s bit-part status, by swooping for a player who has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League previously – during his first season at Swansea, he grabbed seven assists in the top flight.

A new weapon for Moore

If there’s one thing Montero undoubtedly offers, even if his consistency can be questioned, it’s service and trickery in wide positions. Per ninety minutes this season, he’s averaged 2.7 accurate crosses and 4.9 successful dribbles according to Whoscored.

While those statistics are skewed somewhat by the fact Montero has only featured as a substitute, no West Brom player to make more than 10 Championship appearances this season has averaged more than two successful dribbles per ninety minutes, although Matt Phillips matches his return for accurate crosses.

Montero then, offers something a little different in terms of his ability to carry the ball and as we approach the final run-in, that potential to change games by introducing Montero from the bench could be crucial for the promotion-chasing Baggies.

Tottenham Hotspur should probably start looking ahead to next season as this one is increasingly looking like a complete write-off.

Jose Mourinho’s men crashed out of the Champions League in midweek, meaning they only have the Premier League to compete for, and even then, they face an almighty task to reach the top four.

They currently sit seven points adrift and have lost five of their last six in all competitions.

If reports are to be believed, the Portuguese boss is already planning for the summer as Turkish outlet Takvim claim Spurs are looking to reignite interest in Fenerbahce striker Vedat Muriqi.

Which has resulted in fans discussing the news on social media.

The 25-year-old could reportedly cost €20m (£17.6m) with the north Londoners clearly in the market for another striker to Harry Kane.

Some supporters even see him as a replacement for their skipper…

Additional reports this month have suggested that Kane’s future at Tottenham is somewhat in doubt. It was first claimed by the Telegraph that the club would face a battle to keep the England frontman if they fail to land silverware this campaign – well, it’ll now take a miracle for that to happen.

And then, just this week, Tuttosport suggested that Serie A giants Juventus could launch an audacious bid for him to partner Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Kane is of course currently absent through injury, so it remains to be seen how things will turn out.

It appears that further members of the Spurs faithful are fully behind the idea of signing the Kosovan forward irrespective of the situation involving their captain.

Muriqi has been in good form for the Turkish outfit this campaign, bagging 15 goals in all competitions whilst he has also provided six assists, via Transfermarkt, which would suggest that he good be an ideal sort for teammates to play off of.

One supporter compared him to Fernando Llorente, believing he could certainly be a new target man for Spurs.

Although, not everyone was behind the potential move with many slamming the report…

He was one of several strikers courted during the January transfer window, and although it remains to be seen if Spurs will go back in for him this summer, they ultimately need to find support to Kane as they have evidently suffered in his absence this calendar year.

Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…

While in other news, Clinton Morrison believes Mourinho could lose the dressing room at Spurs… 

Everton fans have taken to Twitter to destroy Jordan Pickford for his display in Sunday afternoon’s meeting with Manchester United.

The England international – who was performing under the watchful eye of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – made a mistake in allowing Bruno Fernandes’ effort to fly past him when in truth, the ball was close enough to him for it to be saved.

That particular error came just seconds after Pickford had passed the ball short, when it would’ve been safer to go long with Manchester United players in close proximity when he initially distributed the ball.

It was the second game in a row at Goodison Park in which the former Sunderland glovesman made a mistake.

Last time out on Merseyside for Everton, Pickford let Christian Benteke’s shot skid under his body when it looked easier to save it.

Following his mistake, Sky Sports portrayed a graphic on live TV showing the fact that the 25-year-old has made seven errors leading to goals since the start of last season – the joint-most of any other keeper alongside David de Gea.

Let’s see what the Everton fans on Twitter have said about their No.1…

To kick off the reaction, The Gwladys Street said that Pickford’s performances this season cannot be defended – he was also guilty of looking far from solid when Newcastle scored two late goals to grab a point at Goodison Park earlier this term, with the glovesman spotted behind the line for one of Florian Lejeune’s two strikes.

Emperor Carlo then mentioned that Pickford has the talent, but has no focus whatsoever – the player himself admitted that personal allegiances affected his mistake-ridden display against Newcastle last season, given his ties with the Magpies’ rivals Sunderland.

James Wharton then referred to Roy Keane’s half-time comments on the Englishman, in which the former Manchester United hardman said he doesn’t care about stats and that he knows Pickford isn’t a good goalkeeper – ouch.

Lastly, Iain Young said that Pickford should be dropped next week.

Premier League Inflation: You won’t believe how much these famous transfers would cost today…

Ancelotti could select academy graduate Joao Virginia as a backup if he did want to drop his No.1, with the young Portuguese stopper on the bench against Manchester United.

In other news, these Everton fans weren’t happy with this pre-match decision from Ancelotti…

Newcastle’s Jetro Willems could be edging closer to a permanent move to the north-east as he admitted himself that there has been progress in talks, as reported by the Chronicle.

What did he say?

The left wing-back has adapted to life in England very well with two goals and has established himself as a firm part of Steve Bruce’s plans, with 19 appearances made so far.

His loan deal will see him stay at St. James’ Park until the end of the season but the Magpies do have the option to make his move permanent if they activate the €11m [£9.4m, via Bild] clause agreed with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Supporters have long been calling on the club to tie the Netherlands international down for the long-term, and the January window may have provided the opportunity for that to take place, according to Willems.

Speaking to the Chronicle, he said:

“I feel the same – I’ll keep going. I heard some things that the club have already agreed with Frankfurt.

“I haven’t spoken to them. We will see, but it will be nice.

Big boost

Willems has been a great addition to the squad since signing in the summer and his energy is exactly what is required in the wing-back role he fulfils.

His 1.2 dribbles per game and two assists highlight his adventurous nature in getting forward, but two tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game show that he is more than capable at defending, too.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Newcastle signings…

It is little surprise, therefore, that the Newcastle faithful have taken to him so well, and if a permanent move is announced it will be welcome news to both supporters and Bruce.

The Magpies boss began the season starting Matt Ritchie at left wing-back but since his injury, Willems has come to the fore, and Newcastle have been better for it as they now sit in 13th position.

The Dutchman’s age is also a factor worth considering as he still has years left to develop and offer the north-east outfit at 25, and that means a price of £9.4m is really quite a bargain that fans should be supportive of.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are in the market for one player who could help to solve a key worry of Steve Bruce.

Arsenal host League One outfit Blackpool in an FA Cup Third Round clash at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday.

The Gunners head into the game on the back of a 4-1 mauling of Fulham, which will have given Unai Emery’s men a welcome confidence boost after their humiliating defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Pl>ymaker FC believes Arsenal fans won’t have to wait long to see Unai Emery’s long-term ambitions for the club come to fruition. Watch the video below to find out why…

The north London outfit will, of course, be heavy favourites to win against their lower league opposition, and Emery may well treat this fixture as an opportunity to rotate his squad.

One young Arsenal ace who will be hoping for inclusion in the starting XI is attacker Bukayo Saka. The 17-year-old has made three appearances for the senior side this season, including coming on as a late substitute for his Premier League debut against the Cottagers last time out.

In his few outings for the Gunners, the England under-19 international has been very positive and aggressive in possession, and looks to be an exciting talent with huge potential. Emery would be wise to hand him his first senior start of his career this weekend, as Saka looks ready for that test.

What do you think, Arsenal fans, should the teenager start against Blackpool?

Celtic suffered a miserable trip to Austria on Thursday night as 3 second half goals in the space of 18 minutes saw them lose ground in their bid for qualification to the knockout stages with two tricky looking fixtures against RB Leipzig in waiting. 

Celtic’s clash against RB Salzburg had the makings of a European night to savour for the Hoops when Odsonne Edouard scored the opening goal with less than 2 minutes on the clock, but a comeback looked increasingly inevitable throughout proceedings and the hosts thoroughly deserved their win in the end.

Brendan Rodgers’ pre-match preparation was slightly scuppered by a hamstring injury obtained by Scott Brown and Yussuf Mulumbu did an excellent job in central midfield in his absence, but Mulumbu’s brilliance couldn’t hide the fact that Celtic lacked the presence of a genuine leader on the night.

And with an SPFL clash against St Johnstone to come on Sunday afternoon, it appears that Celtic will have to find a way to win without their influential lynchpin as after the defeat in Salzburg Rodgers revealed: “I don’t think he’ll (Brown) be available for the weekend. Mulumbu came in with limited games and I thought he did really well.”

For however commendable Mulumbu’s performance was Olivier Ntcham’s was equally as disappointing.

The 22-year-old’s inconsistency is one of the most frustrating aspects of his game; he can play like a world beater in one fixture and a distinctly average footballer in the next, depending on his appetite for the occasion.

Considering Brown looks likely to miss the upcoming trip to St Johnstone, Mulumbu will inevitably be handed a second consecutive start, but with little by way of alternative options in midfield Rodgers is likely to give Ntcham another chance despite his abject showing in Austria.

Brown’s absence is always a sore point for Celtic supporters who simply adore their club captain, but with Ntcham’s poor form also to take into consideration it’s a concerning time for both Rodgers and the Hoops faithful.

Celtic fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Birmingham City have been dealt a major transfer blow after their number one goalkeeping transfer target Bartosz Bialkowski signed a new three-year contract with Ipswich Town, according to the Birmingham Mail.

What’s the latest, then?

The Birmingham Mail report that Garry Monk is prepared to get rid of the two senior goalkeepers currently on the books at St Andrew’s, David Stockdale and Tomasz Kuszczak, and left the duo out of his pre-season plans.

He was hoping to use the money raised by selling the pair to sign Bialkowski but his new deal at Portman Road has reportedly dealt Monk a major blow.

Also, Stockdale’s proposed move to Leeds United – his hometown club – looks off as the Whites have signed Jamal Blackman on a season-long loan to challenge Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the number one shirt at Elland Road.

Is this the best World Cup ever? Give us your thoughts here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Free agent Krul is the ideal candidate

Monk has been forced into a major rethink where his goalkeepers are concerned; he has now ruthlessly outcast two senior options on big wages, with no discernible target with which to replace them.

Add in the transfer embargo that the EFL have slapped onto the Blues and Monk could be forgiven for panicking.

So free agent Tim Krul, who has 157 Premier League appearances under his belt as per Transfermarkt, could be the solution; Bristol City and Reading have both reportedly been looking at the former Dutch international, who would be a fantastic option in the second tier.

It would also help Birmingham’s financial situation that the 6ft 4in man would come in for nothing, meaning that the departures of Stockdale and Kuszczak are only required to raise the money for his wages.

According to Foot Mercato, West Ham and Everton and both keen on signing Juventus midfield maestro Mario Lemina.

What’s the Story?

West Ham and Everton are among a number of clubs chasing Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina this summer. Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen are also thought to be interested in the 23-year-old, who is valued at £6.3million by Transfermarkt.

How good was Lemar last season?

For the second season in a row, Lemina has had a difficult time establishing himself as a mainstay in the Juventus starting line-up. While he can hardly be blamed for failing to beat the plethora of talent at the Old Lady’s disposal to a spot in the first eleven, the Gabonese star is running the risk of his career stagnating if he doesn’t move soon.

Lemina managed just 11 starts in all competitions for the Italian Champions last season and, while he did impress in patches, did not make a significant enough impact for Juventus to want to keep him around any longer.

Who should Lemar sign for?

The question that Mario Lemina will need to ask himself if he is in a position to choose between West Ham and Everton is whether he desires to play regular first team football or whether he wants to be in a team likely to succeed more than the other.

The 23-year-old will likely be a regular at West Ham; his talents significantly better than most central midfield options at the London Stadium. However, Everton have had an outstanding summer of transfer activity on paper and while he would face tougher challenges to break into the first team at Goodison, he is more likely to gain trophies and European football with the Toffees.

WATCH THE LATEST 442OONS VIDEO BELOW…