Newcastle are battling it out with Juventus for the signature of Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The Magpies have been tracking the French international for some time and could make a move during January with manager Alan Pardew keen to bolster his squad in a bid to improve their Premier League form.
Russian big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala were thought to be front-runners for his signature, but reports have now emerged that Juventus are Newcastle’s main opponents.
Sissoko is a key member of the Ligue 1 outfit’s squad, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, a transfer appears to be on the cards.
It’s unclear whether the St James’ Park club will look to force through a move in January, or simply attempt to agree a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
The Frenchman has made over 150 appearances for his current club since breaking into the first-team set-up during 2007.
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He has been on the radar of many of Europe’s top clubs for some time, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool having been linked with moves on numerous occasions.
Everton are expected to be one of the busier teams in the transfer window this summer both in terms of departures and arrivals. And one name that has been linked with a move to Goodison Park is Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles. However, according to the Evening Chronicle, Everton have cooled their interest in the central defender, which could end up being a mistake.
The Breakdown
There’s no doubt that Everton will be in the market for a centre-back during this transfer window. Funes Mori has already left the club with Ashley Williams set to follow, according to the Daily Star, while captain Phil Jagielka is at the age where his defensive performances are no longer as solid as they used to be.
Therefore, the interest in Lascelles made complete sense. The 24-year-old, who is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, was one of the standout centre-halves in the Premier League last season and helped inspire Newcastle to a 10th place finish on the Tyneside club’s return to English football’s top division.
Lascelles inspired form and overall standing at the club has undoubtedly seen his valuation rise to a valuation Everton may be unwilling to meet.
The Toffees, though, thanks to billionaire majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, have the funds and if they are looking to reinforce their defence, then Lascelles is exactly the kind of player that can help them do so.
On the other hand, new head coach Marco Silva and Director of Football Marcel Brands may just simply have other targets in mind for the centre-back position.
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But if last season is anything to go by, then the duo at Goodison Park will struggle to find a better defender than Lascelles.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez was desperate to add a new striker to his squad during the January transfer window with Joselu and Dwight Gayle struggling to do enough up top in the first-half of the season, and with Aleksandar Mitrovic out of favour at St James’ Park.
The Spaniard had said at the end of 2017 that he wanted all of his transfer business completed by January 20, but by January 31 and with hours until the deadline he still didn’t have the centre-forward that he wanted, despite the fact that goalscoring was proving to be one of his side’s biggest issues in their battle to beat to drop.
The Tyneside outfit had been heavily linked with the likes of Feyenoord’s Nicolai Jorgensen and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge in the lead-up to the climax of the window, but they failed to agree a fee with the Eredivisie outfit for the former, while the latter joined relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion instead.
At one stage it looked as though the Magpies may not get anyone, but the club managed to get a deal for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani over the line, with the Algerian coming to St James’ Park on loan until the end of the season.
The club announced at the time that the 29-year-old wouldn’t be available right away as he was suffering from a thigh strain.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Leicester City vs Huddersfield Town – King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain – January 1, 2018 Leicester City’s Islam Slimani celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates REUTERS/Darren Staples EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Benitez would have been hoping that the striker would play a key role in the run-in as Newcastle looked to avoid making an instant return to the Championship, and while he always looked likely to miss the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on February 4, the Spanish boss would have been hoping to have him available for the home clash against Manchester United last month.
That didn’t happen though and one day prior to the huge clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on February 24, Benitez announced that the Algerian had suffered an injury setback and would be out for a further fortnight.
That setback means he will definitely be out for the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday, and potentially the huge clash against Southampton at St James’ Park the following weekend.
The Tyneside outfit could find themselves in the bottom three by the time they play Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday evening if other results go against them – they only lie two points above the drop zone prior to their trip to Merseyside – and they may stay there with the trip to a free-scoring Reds team looking hugely difficult on paper.
The Magpies then host Saints in what is likely to be a huge six-pointer, which Slimani could be absent for, before they have a 21-day break until their next top flight fixture.
They could find themselves in a big predicament if they slip up against the south coast outfit, and they will have just eight matches left to save themselves when Slimani is finally fully fit to make his return – barring any more setbacks – when they host Huddersfield Town at St James’ Park on March 31.
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Considering the player was injured when they signed him just hours before the deadline, you have to question whether the 29-year-old was a bit of a panic buy, and if Newcastle made a mistake signing a player that has missed so many matches that have been crucial in the Magpies’ battle against the drop.
Of course, time will tell as to whether that proves to be the case, but the Tyneside outfit may have been wrong to sign Slimani rather than getting another player who was fully fit at the end of January.
Even though the transfer window has closed, that doesn’t mean that West Ham cannot get yet more business done. Sam Allardyce has shown a willingness to delve into the bargain basement in the past, with Carlton Cole a product of the freebie market, which could tempt him back in in the coming weeks.
Although the Hammers enjoyed a fine summer transfer window, a few more bodies could benefit their push for a top half finish, and there are a few tempting options out there for them.
In case ‘Big Sam’ hasn’t had time to scour the market, we at Football FanCast have been researching, and here are six free agents for the Irons to consider…
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CLICK ON RONALDINHO TO REVEAL THE SIX
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Jonas
Football – Stoke City v Valencia UEFA Europa League Second Round First Leg – Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England 11/12 – 16/2/12Jonas – Valencia Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed Sykes
A Brazilian international who represented the Selecao as recently as two years ago available on a free transfer? A bit of a no brainer for West Ham if they can pull the deal off. The versatile forward can play as a lone frontman or in a withdrawn role and is only currently without a club after agreeing a contract termination with Valencia due to Spain’s strict non-EU player quotas.
At 30, his best days are not too far behind him, and with his mix of pace, power and technique he could be a wise addition for Sam Allardyce as he looks to produce a more ‘easy on the eye’ Hammers XI. Let’s face it, he can’t be any worse than Carlton Cole.
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Hugo Almeida
Football – Germany v Portugal – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group G – Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil – 16/6/14Hugo Almeida – PortugalMandatory Credit: Action Images / Paul ChildsEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
‘Big Hugo’ is actually a player West Ham tracked over the summer following his release from Besiktas. Wage issues were understood to have scuppered the deal, but the burly Portuguese striker may be more willing to relent on his demands now that the transfer window has closed.
With Andy Carroll out of action, Almeida would be a good stand-in, and he can certainly do a job at the top level at 30.
Sotiris Ninis
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Once the golden boy of Greek football, Ninis has endured a woeful few years which were capped with his release from Parma over the summer. The impish attacking midfielder has had his injury problems, but at just 24 he could be a big, big talent if he can be kept fit and firing.
After being dropped from Greece’s World Cup squad he has a point to prove, and he might add more guile to the Irons’ attack.
Ronaldinho
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It’s mad to think that the player dubbed the best on the planet less than ten years ago is now in the football wilderness. Everyone’s favourite buck-toothed trickster has bounced around the Brazilian top tier in recent seasons, but his time at Atletico Mineiro was brought to a close earlier this year, leaving him without a club.
The 34-year-old captained his country in 2013 and would certainly be a ‘wow’ signing for the Hammers if they could match his, almost certain, massive wage demands. A move to the MLS or Middle East is an option for ‘Ronny’, but it would be great to see such a star in the Premier League.
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Andrea Dossena
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A disappointing spell at Sunderland was brought to a close over the summer, leaving the former Liverpool left-back searching for a new employer. At 32, he could be a good back-up option for Aaron Cresswell and offer Sam Allardyce more depth as he sets about securing a top half finish.
Dossena impressed in Italy with Napoli and is adept in a 3-5-2 formation, which appears to be the new Premier League trend…
Anthony Reveillere
Football – France Training – London Colney – 10/11 – 15/11/10Anthony Reveillere – France during trainingMandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston
Champions League experience and bags of ability, Reveillere is a decent right-back available on a free transfer. Joey O’Brien has long been a dependable option, but the Frenchman could well be an upgrade on the reliable full-back.
Napoli opted to release the 34-year-old recently, but he could well have a few good years left in the tank for West Ham to make use of.
Swansea City midfielder Leon Britton is adamant that he can still earn his place within the England set up, despite being 30 years old.
Britton feels he has now adapted to the Premier League and if he can keep up his good form then he can earn international recognition in a similar manner to 31-year-old Everton midfielder Leon Osman.
The Swansea ace is now looking to make an impression on Roy Hodgson and believes that if he is delivering for his club it does not matter what age he is.
Osman was the third oldest debutant since 1954 when he pulled on the Three Lions shirt on Wednesday night, and Britton feels this is encouraging for players such as himself.
“The manager is showing if you are playing well in the Premier League, he will pick you, whether you are Leon Osman at 31 or Raheem Sterling at 17,” Britton told Alan Brazil’s Breakfast show on talkSPORT.
“It gives everyone hope out there that it is never too late or it is never too early. If you are playing well week in, week out in the Premier League there are people watching the games and there is always an opportunity.
“I’ll never give up, I’ll try and do well for Swansea and if something comes from that then I’ll be absolutely over the moon.”
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Leon Britton will be looking to consolidate his bright start in the Premier League at St James’ Park this weekend, when his Swansea side take on Newcastle United.
Sceptics may argue Panama represent amongst the least formidable opposition to make any World Cup, but after a half-century of hurt England fans are entitled to dream again following Sunday’s 6-1 demolition of the Central American side.
It was England’s first ever World Cup win by that handsome margin and considering Panama are usually the kind of plucky underdog team the Three Lions end up painfully toiling against, the manner in which they were dispensed of before half time gives genuine cause for optimism.
So much optimism in fact, that it’s starting to feel like England can actually come back from Russia with the trophy. But is that the type of pressure-cooker-creating naivety that has forced English football to endure such relentless misery since 1966, or could there be sound logic to all the sudden hype? Here’s three reasons it’s coming home this summer…
They’ve got the World Cup’s top scorer
It may sound obvious but having the World Cup’s leading goalscorer is inevitably a huge advantage and Harry Kane is currently at the forefront of the Golden Boot race (at the time of writing) after netting a hat-trick against Panama – although Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukakua aren’t too far behind.
It of course highlights the extra cutting edge he gives England, which could well prove to be the difference between victory and defeat in the knockout stage, but gives Kane a crucial personal incentive too.
The Tottenham man is desperate to finish up as the tournament’s top scorer and that personal ambition can help drive on this England team, especially in terms of their attacking play.
Set Piece goals are key
England have already scored four times from set pieces at this World Cup, partly due to fantastic deliveries from Kieran Trippier and Manchester United’s Ashley Young and partly because it’s clearly something Southgate’s spent a lot of time working on in training.
There’s sound logic behind that too – set pieces have the capacity to decide any game at any level, but the statistics from Brazil 2014 are incredibly telling.
Three of the four countries to reach the semi-finals finished up in the top four for set piece goals, which shows how far they can take you in the tournament even when you’re not playing the best football. England arguably are though, which brings us nicely onto…
Playing better than any of the top teams
Starting is certainly less beneficial than ending a World Cup strongly and there are no prizes for simply playing the best football – it must be matched with efficiency in results as well.
On top of that, England’s opening two opponents have been of rather modest standard; although Tunisia are probably a little better than they’ve shown at times during the tournament, Panama are pretty strong contenders for being the least qualified side involved in Russia 2018.
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But from the opening rounds of fixtures, very few ‘top’ sides at the World Cup has produced football with as much freedom and flair as the Three Lions.
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Germany lost their first game against Mexico and required a stoppage time wondergoal to beat Sweden, France have nervously stumbled their way through both matches so far, Brazil drew with a physical Switzerland team and were a goal-filled stoppage time away from suffering the same result against Costa Rica, and Argentina are on the verge of elimination.
In fairness, Spain and Belgium have shown their quality – but also some of their frailties – more consistently, while Portugal will always have the tournament’s biggest match-winner in Ronaldo. But has any team really rivalled the relentlessly expansive philosophy England have adopted?
Providing that doesn’t result in too many sloppy goals at the other end, it could take Southgate’s side a very long way this summer.
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Celtic reaffirmed their nine-point lead atop the Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen.
Moussa Dembele turned in a cross from James Forrest at the back post to open the scoring for Celtic just before half-time, but the visitors risked letting Aberdeen back into the game when Mikael Lustig was sent off for a second yellow card with 15 minutes remaining.
Kieran Tierney doubled Celtic’s advantage just seven minutes later, though, and Dons’ Sam Cosgrove received his own marching orders when he lunged in on Scott Brown.
Dembele was perhaps the visitors’ most accomplished player on the day, having opened the scoring and produced a superb assist for Tierney to seal the deal in the final moments.
This was not a commanding performance by a Celtic side who are used to controlling their Scottish opponents with ease, but who do the club’s fans think was their team’s best performer at Aberdeen?
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Let us know by voting below and giving each player a performance rating out of ten…
The one thing that was frustrating for West Ham with Mohamed Diame was that his potential wasn’t lived up to in his last two seasons at Upton Park.
They had seen what he was capable off after his free transfer from Wigan in 2012 when he was putting in some great displays playing behind the striker, down the middle of the park-scoring and creating goals just for fun.
When on top of his game, the Senegal international is unplayable. He has a great ability to take on defenders when on the ball, and create a shooting opportunity for himself out of nowhere. He scored some very important goals for the Hammers during his two year spell at Upton park and most of them were in the “spectacular” category.
The problem he faced was inconsistency in his performance. A lot of fuss has been made at the fact he would often be played out of position for West Ham – Sam Allardyce often him on the left side of the midfield rather than in the centre where the player said himself that he was most comfortable. A big reason for this, which Sam Allardyce would later go on to confirm, was that Diame was too much of a liability in the centre, often giving away the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch and gifting the opposition goalscoring chances when the team could ill afford to concede a goal.
He was often sloppy in possession, choosing to keep the ball at times where a pass to open up a chance for his team mates would have been the better option.
His fitness was also a worrying issue with him usually looking quite tired by the 70th minute of a game and having to be substituted, which made him a more effective player coming on as a substitute rather than starting the game. It was frustrating for the Hammers faithful and the manager himself to see the player not live up to his full potential – there is no denying the fact that when he fancied putting in the effort he was arguably West Ham’s finest player on the day.
This summer’s transfer window linked the midfielder with a move away from West Ham, with Everton being mentioned in the gossip columns seemingly on a daily basis at one point. It was like a game of ping-pong with reports coming out that he was leaving and the club answering them with the usual hands-off statement and quashing the rumours, denying any approach had in fact been made. Despite the player having already made his unhappiness at the club rather public, saying that Allardyce was holding him back from fulfilling his potential as a player. Diame also famously, and quite bizarrely claimed that he should be playing for a top six team which, even to his most loyal of supporters, found quite laughable.
Then transfer deadline day worked its magic and he was eventually sold to Hull City. Not a top six team but instead, with all due respect to Hull, another mid-table/bottom half team with similar ambitions. It seems like the move has done the player a world of good as he has come into his element since signing for the Tigers, scoring two goals in his first two games for them; one of which came against West Ham on his debut in a thrilling 2-2 encounter.
He is being played down the middle and showing off his ability and skill as he wanted to all along for West Ham. But West Ham will not miss him. He already started to show some signs for his new club that he is still unable to play past 70 minutes without getting knackered and having to come off. He is already showing signs that he is too greedy on the ball at times and tends to give it away a lot, despite two goals in two games.
West Ham are currently flourishing with their own summer signings and playing some ‘sexy football’ which has seem them look a real force going forward. They are creating a lot of chances – putting even the Liverpool defence under a lot of pressure and making them look second class. The Hammers do not need Diame, they have enough quality remaining, and even Stuart Downing has found himself playing well in a similar role to the one Diame was playing for the hammers.
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The player is quite simply a liability who will from time to time play really well. If Hull find themselves in a relegation scrap this season, they could do with Diame changing his attitude and sloppiness, otherwise he will prove to be more of a problem than a solution for the Tigers.
It was announced yesterday afternoon that Hearts have been issued with a winding-up order over an unpaid tax bill of £450,000, but in total The Jambos have generated a debt of over £2 million.
The Scottish club have a week to pay or face being closed down and will be the second team in the SPL in a matter of months to file for bankruptcy following the financial demise of Glasgow Rangers, who were officially liquidated in June.
The board have released a statement urging fans to contribute what they can in order to ensure the club’s survival. One of the initiatives suggested is for investment from supporters into a recently launched share-issue or to buy tickets in advance for future games such as the clash with champions Celtic at Tynecastle on November 27th.
The club’s official website reads: “Without your help now, we could be entering the final days of the club’s existence. There are limited options for the Board of Directors to take to avoid the catastrophic consequences that a funding shortfall would mean for the club.
“The power is still in the hands of every Hearts supporter and for that reason we want to be as honest and transparent with you in the hope that you, too, believe that this club is worth saving.
“Now please make every effort you can to take any or all of the four steps outlined above and help this great sporting institution survive.”
The club will also be hit with a 17 point deduction should they be forced to file for bankruptcy, which would further damage Hearts’ chances of survival.
A journalist for Scottish Newspaper the Daily Record, told talkSPORT this afternoon: “We are in a very, very serious situation with Hearts.
“Hearts have a week to pay the best part of £500,000.
“They don’t have the money to pay, and unless the fans come up with the money the club will close down.
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“They have no money to pay for it, it must come from supporters
“It is catastrophic for Scottish football” he added.
Also backs the retired Imad Wasim to make Pakistan comeback ahead of T20 World Cup following his stirring run in the PSL playoffs
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Mar-2024If Shadab Khan came across as slightly unsure about receiving the Player of the Tournament award after the PSL final on Monday night, he certainly didn’t feel undeserving. Quite the opposite in fact.” (Nothing like that, I deserve it),” he quipped after leading Islamabad United to their third PSL title.It’s difficult to argue. Captain of the title-winning team, joint fifth-highest wicket-taker with 14, ninth-highest run-getter with 305 runs at a strike rate of 142.52 (neck and neck with Babar Azam’s strike rate), eight catches and a couple of run-outs.Related
Imad Wasim the hero as Islamabad scramble to two-wicket win in epic PSL final
PSL 2023-24: Babar, Imad and Naseem headline star-studded team of the tournament
Shadab was instrumental in the thrilling final-ball win over Multan Sultans in Karachi in the PSL final, picking up 3 for 32 including the wicket of his Multan counterpart, Mohammad Rizwan. It made Islamabad the most successful PSL franchise, with a third title, and Shadab’s second after the 2018 win. There was little doubt which triumph was more memorable.”This title is the really big one,” Shadab said. “In 2018, it was only my second season. I had had success very quickly in my career. This one has been a lot of hard work, and built on the belief of a lot of people, including our owners, Rehan ul Haq (the team manager) and the other management. Our belief as a team is such that we never let any doubt in. That is how you recognise a good team, because it doesn’t let in any doubt. So very satisfied that we’ve won.”It wasn’t a straightforward campaign for Islamabad by any means. They stuttered early on with three consecutive losses after a season-opening win. That included an almighty collapse against Peshawar Zalmi when they fell from 181 for 3 to 191 for 9, also losing four wickets in an over.But belief in their ways and methods remained firm and some old hands came good, not least Faheem Ashraf and the player of the final – and the playoffs – Imad Wasim.”The way we started, then lost three consecutive games, our belief remained the same. The matches we lost were close ones, last-over games, or we controlled games and then lost. Cricket doesn’t let you relax,” Shadab said.”From the Karachi [Kings] game, it had become knockout matches for us, and we took it one game at a time. We’ve always had the belief in our group that we have players who can win us games from anywhere.”Imad Wasim was Islamabad’s main man in the PSL playoffs•Pakistan Super League
Imad’s return to form was especially critical, a series of match-winning performances starting from the must-win group game against Multan. After a torrid start to the tournament, Imad won the Player of the Match award in every game in the playoffs, taking wickets and finishing games with the bat.The run has been accompanied by increasing chatter to get him back into Pakistan colours, Imad having retired last November from international cricket, not entirely content. Shadab was unequivocal in his support.”He must have had some issues to take such a big decision [when he announced his retirement],” Shadab said. “It’s his own decision if he wants to take it back. If someone talks to him about it, I think he might return. It is a World Cup season. Our best players, and those in the best form should play. That’s my wish that he plays. What his own thinking is, that’s different.”Indirectly, part of the reason for the clamour for Imad has been Shadab’s own form for Pakistan. After a disappointing Asia Cup and ODI World Cup at the end of last year, he was not picked for Pakistan’s T20I series in New Zealand at the start of the year. As such, his performances and form in this PSL have served as an audition for a return, even if he hasn’t seen it as such.”Whatever team I play for, I want to help them win,” he said. “Even this tournament, I wasn’t playing so that it would get me back in the Pakistan side. My effort was just to improve and do the things I can do. Playing for Pakistan is not in your hands. Your discipline and process is in your hands. Sometimes you’ll perform, sometimes you won’t, sometimes you’ll be in the team, sometimes out of it. But if the process is consistent you will improve. Everybody wants to play for Pakistan and in a World Cup, that is my wish too. But it’s not in my control.”I understand criticism on performances, but when it becomes personal then it is difficult. We are a one-sport nation, so everyone wants the team to win, or players to perform. That pressure is there every day you have to perform.”I believe in the process, if that is good, then results will come. When you don’t do well, you have to accept it. You can’t deny that. If your attitude is 100%, that’s it, you can’t control beyond that. If there is too much focus on results, then that process suffers.”