Category Uncategorized

According to reports in The Mirror, Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles is a £25m summer target for Everton, who have joined Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign the highly-rated defender.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that the Merseyside outfit want to strengthen at the heart of their defence and are ready to splash out the same £25m fee on the Magpies skipper that they got Burnley’s Michael Keane for last summer.

Lascelles has been one of the Tyneside outfit’s standout performers this term as they preserved their Premier League status with five matches left to play following a four-match winning run during March and April, and he still has five years remaining on the six-year deal he signed to stay at St James’ Park last summer.

How has Lascelles done this season?

He has been brilliant, and a real leader in the backline.

There have been times when Newcastle have looked in real danger of being dragged into the relegation scrap, but they have fought back every time and 24-year-old’s displays committed displays epitomise just how they did it.

The vocal centre-back isn’t afraid to throw his body on the line for his team, and in many ways it is no surprise that he is attracting interest from other Premier League clubs – Toon fans on Twitter are certainly not impressed with the latest report, however.

[ad_pod ]

Would Newcastle really sell him this summer?

If Rafa Benitez stays, he simply won’t accept the club selling Lascelles unless it is for an extraordinary fee – likely at least double what Everton are reportedly willing to offer for the centre-back.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Spanish manager will want to continue to build his side around a leader that clearly cares for the Tyneside outfit, and there is no doubt that if he carries on his form from this season into the 2018/19 campaign that he will be in Gareth Southgate’s England squad on a regular basis.

£25m isn’t enough for a player that still has five years left on his contract in this day and age, and Newcastle have no need to accept anything lower than what they would demand after preserving their Premier League status for another year.

Forget all the recent underwhelming signings (Roberto Firmino aside), the Reds may have a big name waiting in the wings.

He made headlines for exhibiting a temper during an international match. He’s a hot-headed South American centre forward with more than 15 La Liga goals this season.

No, Luis Suarez won’t be returning to Anfield. But it seems Liverpool do have a type.

After failing to meet Aston Villa’s £32.5million valuation for Christian Benteke, as reported by the Express, Liverpool have turned their attentions to Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca for second first big-name signing of the summer, according to MailOnline.

The Colombian international most recently made the news for a brawl involving Brazil’s Neymar following a Copa America group stage match, for which both players received red cards.

Bacca was much more well-behaved during the La Liga season, however. The striker led Sevilla with 20 league goals, and found the net seven more times while helping the club to their second successive Europa League title.

Despite his biting and fighting, Suarez provided a much needed boost for the Reds when he arrived in January 2011. The Uruguayan led Liverpool offensively in every one of his three seasons at Anfield, including 23 league goals in 2012-13 and 31 goals and 21 assists the following season.

Bacca will reportedly cost Brendan Rodgers a £21.5 million release clause, but could very well be worth it. Similar to Suarez, the Colombian is known for his finishing ability and as an indirect set-piece threat.

Bacca is also approaching the peak of his career, a great sign for Liverpool, who are most definitely not peaking in the slightest. The 28-year-old averaged 127 minutes per goal across all competitions this season, his most productive year yet, and is an adept penalty taker as well.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Bacca does his best work in front of the goal and doesn’t shy away from high-stakes games. All of his goals this season came from inside the penalty box, and he scored twice for Sevilla in the Europa League final. He is used to playing as a lone striker, but could also provide support for Daniel Sturridge, who has struggled since Suarez’s departure.

All-in-all, Bacca offers Liverpool many of the same benefits that Suarez did, with superb goalscoring and great ball movement. And, hopefully, without all the drama.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Arsenal have told Julio Cesar that he will have to take a significant pay-cut if he is to complete a summer move to the Emirates Stadium from QPR, according to reports from The Metro.

The Brazilian stopper has been heavily linked with a switch across London of late, with the Gunners said to be keen on drafting in a new goalkeeper.

Cesar was one of the Super Hoops’ standout performers in a disappointing relegation season, which has seen his stock rise.

But, the 33-year-old is on a vast contract at Loftus Road that was dished out by the club to lure him away from Inter Milan.

Arsenal see the South American as the deal man to add some solidity to the rearguard, yet they are unwilling to match his current £45,000-per-week salary, which includes significant bonus payments.

Arsene Wenger values him at closer to the £30,000-per-week mark, and is hopeful that Cesar’s desire to play at the highest level ahead of the 2014 World Cup may be enough to see him drop his demands.

The north London club have received a major boost in the race for the samba star, after rivals Napoli swooped to secure a season-long loan deal for Liverpool’s Pepe Reina.

Should Arsene Wenger spend big for Julio Cesar?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Tell us what you think below!

[cat_link cat=”arsenal” type=”grid”]

Everton defender Leighton Baines will make his first competitive start for England away to Moldova tomorrow night, according to The Guardian.

It is perhaps good for the 27-year-old Baines that he is a down to earth character, as his first competitive start for the Three Lions arrives two-and-a-half-years after he made his full international debut in a 3-1 victory over Egypt.

Baines has been mightily impressive for Everton over the past couple of seasons, enticing interest from Manchester United. However, Baines has to accept that when it comes to international acclaim, he is clearly number two to arguably the greatest left-back to have ever worn an England shirt, Ashley Cole.

If Cole would have been fit over the international break, then he would have been the first full-back to have won 100 caps for his country. Cole, who is currently on 98 caps, will be hoping that his injury problems heal in time to win the historic 100th cap for games against San Marino and Poland next month.

As for Baines, he accepts that because of the quality of Cole, he can’t become too disheartened with himself, “I can’t get too frustrated when the guy in front of me is such a good player. I have so much respect for him, so you just bide your time. If I had been doing it since I was 20 and eight years down the line I’d got only eight caps, then maybe the frustration would build a bit more. But I came into it later, I’m still keen to get involved and get games. Along the way you pick up caps and that keeps you going.”

Baines refuted a journalist’s leading question when asked whether the Moldova game was an opportunity for him to stamp his authority on the left-back position for England. The Everton man philosophically conceded that the Moldova game probably won’t make a difference;

“It’s difficult because of what Ash brings to the table. For me it’s just going to be one or two games really. It’s difficult but my mentality has always been to do as I well as I can for Everton first. I’ve done enough now to be second choice left-back for England for a while but not been able to push on that next level. Ash is just so good and there are other things that play a part, like not playing at the top level – in terms of the Champions League.”

This answer evoked a successive question about Baines’ future at Everton. Baines said in response to his rumoured transfer to Manchester United: “I pretty much ignored it but it was getting to the point where people were asking me and yet I didn’t know anything. It was getting mentioned so often I was getting puzzled by it. As far as I know, there was not a great deal in it, so there was no point worrying about it.”

Tottenham Hotspur fans are feeling very proud that Real Madrid have reached the final of the Champions League, but not because of the Spanish club’s achievements.

The North London outfit have no affinity to Los Blancos, so when Zinedine Zidane’s side ousted Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, Tottenham supporters’ praise was for their own team.

The reason being that Spurs are only one of two teams to inflict defeat onto Madrid in the tournament this season.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side earned a 3-1 victory at Wembley in the group stage, three weeks after recording a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

Tottenham, who have not won a trophy for a decade, made it into the last 16, but were eventually beaten 4-3 by Juventus on aggregate.

The Italians went on to face Madrid, and in their quarter-final tie they managed to claim a 3-1 win on away soil, but Real’s 3-0 triumph in the first leg meant that the club progressed into the semi-finals.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Zidane’s side did not comfortably seal a place in the Kiev showpiece as they sneaked past Bayern 4-3 on aggregate, but their ability to reach a third consecutive final gave Tottenham confidence about their own team’s quality.

Madrid will face either Liverpool or Roma in the final, with the Reds edging it courtesy of their three-goal lead from the first leg.

An email, a phone call, a taxi ride and a 12-hour flight later, we found ourselves in Mexico City, about to meet the fourth-highest goal scorer in Champions League history, a man who won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award twice while a Manchester United, a man who courted success and controversy in equal measures…We were, of course, meeting Ruud van Nistelrooy – poacher extraordinaire and current assistant manager of the Netherlands.Ruud was in Mexico City for Heineken’s #ChampionTheMatch, where he would watch Real Madrid v Juventus with mere mortals like ourselves, while answering questions from fans all around the world.We met at Heineken House in a swanky part of Mexico City, a property that boasted the finest chandelier we’ve ever seen (it was made out of beer bottles) and naturally was set up to host one hell of party.Once the main man arrived, we sat down to grill him on what it was like to be on the end of the infamous Fergie Hairdryer, his toughest opponents and whether United should’ve got rid of Paul Pogba, but before long it was game time and our chance to attempt an arty photo like this…Back to the day job and Juventus surprised Los Blancos by booking their place in the final – much to the disappointment of former Real star van Nistelrooy.Not that he had time to be glum, as he was whisked away for an interview with local television – an interview he conducted in fluent Spanish (see action shot below.)And after all that, what was the fruits of the Heineken and the Dutchman’s labour? This fantastic video – that’s what!

Roberto Carlos will be taking over the reins for the Champions League Final so tweet your questions to @Heineken using the #ChampionTheMatch hashtag and grill this Brazilian legend!

The problems are clear as day, and I’m a little uncomfortable with the notion that the tides are shifting against Barcelona and that all the power in European football is now centralised to Germany. Skimming over Real Madrid will leave them furious at this stage, I’m sure. But Madrid never had a grasp over all of Europe at any point in the last decade. To entertain the idea that Barcelona are a spent force would be to completely ignore how good they are as a team and how strong their foundation is.

This summer we may very well see the makings of a new Barcelona side, yet primarily in faces rather than style.

It said as much with reports of Barcelona’s hunt for a new goalkeeper. There’s a reason why Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Vicente Guaita and Pepe Reina, among others, are being linked as the replacement for Victor Valdes. The team still need a goalkeeper good enough to play the ball out from defence rather than going long and surrendering possession; there will be no drastic change in the way Barcelona play the game.

But it’s also incredibly easy to ignore the problems that have existed at Barcelona this season, problems that have hindered their progress and effectiveness in European competition. It’s problems that came to the surface and really made their capture of the La Liga title around December all the more valuable.

Barcelona have had to deal with the illness to Tito Vilanova and Eric Abidal. Carles Puyol’s age has finally caught up with him and no one is there to guide Gerard Pique at centre-back. Not to suggest Pique is a shadow of the player he is alongside Puyol, but the Barcelona captain ensures 100 per cent commitment and focus for the entire game.

Adding to that, Javier Mascherano has been out with injury for quite some time and Alex Song has not done what he was brought in to do, that being to add another body more than capable at centre-back. Barcelona are paying for their frugality in the market, with both Vilanova and Jordi Roura being forced to draft in full-back Adriano into the centre-back position.

To compound those problems, the forwards have simply not been doing the business in front of goal. Lionel Messi scored his 45th and 46th league goal of the season against Real Betis on the weekend. The next top scorer is Cesc Fabregas with 10. This team are currently in desperate need of something else in attack. David Villa is out of sorts and Pedro’s two years in the sun seem so distant that it’s as if they were from another era. For Barcelona, it’s not about creating a Plan B, but rather about having the right personnel to perfectly execute Plan A.

Barcelona’s fall from Bayern Munich’s lofty grasp in the Champions League was made all the more sensational because it was Barcelona. It was a team who had dominated with the most intricate of styles now suddenly being unravelled by a stronger, fitter and better prepared Bayern side. Not even a team led by the best midfielder in the world, the greatest Spanish international and the greatest footballer of all time could overcome the relentless onslaught of the Bundesliga champions.

But is Europe really too small for two superpowers – and I don’t just mean two football teams?

Barcelona know what’s needed of them. To battle against Bayern Munich and all that may come alongside Guardiola, the Catalans will need to match the Bavarians’ ambition in the market. Instead of planning against Javi Martinez and what he may do to prevent you from winning, go out and get him and seriously address the flaws in team.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The upcoming Confederations Cup won’t help either. Barcelona’s Spanish stars have been called away on international duty each summer for what seems like an age and are desperately in need of a rest. But essentially, Barcelona need their manager around throughout the entire campaign. It told how much the players missed Vilanova when the inexperienced Jordi Roura took over at the turn of the year. They lacked decisiveness and seemed to lose their personality on the pitch; another hack to the ridiculous idea that anyone can manage Barcelona.

I’m not convinced we’ll see a seismic shift in the Barcelona approach or their status in world football. It’s not the end of an era, and that can only be a good thing. There will be tweaks and additions, but this style of play that conquered the world under Pep Guardiola is far too ingrained in the makeup of this team for it to change after one disappointing season.

Manchester United and Tottenham will face of at Wembley in the semi-finals of this season’s FA Cup, knowing that the famous old trophy represents their final chance of clinching any silverware this season.

2017/18 has seen both sides make progress. United look set for their highest league finish since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, although their Champions League departure – and its manner – against Sevilla was deeply disappointing.

Spurs exited Europe at the same stage as United – although it was against undoubtedly stronger opponents in the shape of Juventus – but should have guaranteed that they will be in the Champions League for a third straight season going into their new stadium.

That’s why we asked you – who’s had the better season? The response was overwhelming and it was not good news for Jose Mourinho or United. 76 per cent of you thought that Spurs and Pochettino had enjoyed the more impressive campaign. Check out the full results of the poll below…

[ad_pod ]

‘We are United – An Evening with Norman Whiteside and friends,” is taking place this Friday at 7.30pm at the Loop Bar, 19 Dering Street, Mayfair, London, W1. 

Norman will talk about his career, United today and a Q&A, with a preview of the semi-final against Spurs.  We’ve billed it as Norman and friends as we have a number of celebrities attending including Alex Best, Gary Webster and Ron Brand who has intimated that Russell may possibly come with him.  All the celebs will be available for selfies and autographs and mingling with the audience.  After we have finished the show , there will be music and a bar which will stay open until 3.00am.  Thank goodness the game on Saturday doesn’t kick-off until 5:30!! 

The following link will take you to the ticketing page where there is further details of the night. 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e

/we-are-united-with-norman-whi

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

teside-an-evening-with-norman-

and-friends-tickets-4470620245

5

Nothing is official as of yet, but there are massive rumours that Jurgen Klopp will be managing a Premier League side next season. Twelve months ago the British media had Klopp lined up to replace Arsene Wenger. That rumour never came to fruition, but a year on Klopp has now announced he will be parting ways with his Borussia Dortmund side. With the German standing down, will this result in a Premier League raid of Dortmund?

Klopp has made it clear that when he does leave Borussia Dortmund on July 1, he will not be taking a year out from football. Klopp’s departure has gotten everyone in football talking, and it is massively rumoured that he could replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City. Should Klopp go to City, just who would he take to the Premier League with him? It would be no surprise if Klopp signed one of his current Dortmund squad to his new club – I mean, how many time did Harry Redknapp sign and re-sign Niko Kranjcar?

One Dortmund player Klopp could bring with him, and it would be no surprise if he did, is Marco Reus. Reus has stuck by his manager and his team, even when his team-mates Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski moved on to bigger things. Yet, on the other hand, Reus may be adamant to commit his loyalty to the club.

[ad_pod id=’football-friends’ align=’center’]

He already has experience in the Premier League, so Shinji Kagawa could make a return with Klopp. Kagawa’s time in England may not have been perfect, but under this manager, he is sure to have plenty of playing time. Playing for a direct rival of his former club could be an issue, but it is not unheard of.

Klopp leaving Dortmund could be perfect for Manchester United. They have been linked with Mats Hummels heavily, and this could be the time for them to finally seal the deal. Hummels would be a great fit for Louis Van Gaal’s side – a world class defender is exactly what they need.

Ilkay Gundogan is thought to be on the radar of both Manchester United and Arsenal. With Klopp out of the picture, it’s thought Manchester United have upped their interest in the midfielder.

But could Dortmund really lose so many players? It would absolutely cripple the Bundesliga side. But, no doubt, quite a few will depart, particularly to England. Hummels to United is one rumour that refuses to go away, and Klopp’s departure has the rumour mill on overload.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Wigan’s eight-season stay in the Premier League came to end on Monday night as a second half gifted Arsenal victory as they climbed back into the top-four.

Just 72 hours after beating Manchester City at Wembley to win the FA Cup the Latics are facing up to the sobering reality of life in the Championship next season after defeat at the Emirates Stadium sealed their fate.

At the opposite end of the table Arsene Wenger’s side leapfrogged north London rivals Tottenham back into fourth ahead of the final round of fixtures and are now in pole position to qualify for the Champions League.

A breathtaking start from the Gunners forged the opening goal in the 11th minute as Lukas Podolski profited from negligent Wigan marking to head in Santi Cazorla’s corner. The visitors were looking susceptible at the back and were almost undone again from a corner but were spared by Laurent Koscielny, who stabbed wide.

With the half time whistle imminent Wigan picked the appropriate moment to draw level. Shaun Maloney went down under minimal contact from Mikel Arteta and left Arsenal incensed by curling a sublime free kick past the despairing glove of Wojciech Szczesny’s from 20-yards.

Wigan carried that momentum into the second period and were only prevented from taking the lead when Szczesny got down to thwart Arouna Kone from close range after Arsenal were sliced open by a near one-two with James McCarthy. It proved a crucial save as Theo Walcott put the hosts back in front just after the hour, converting Cazorla’s cross from inside the six-yard box.

And there was no coming back for Roberto Martinez’s side five minutes later. Paul Scharner played Podolski onside as he raced on to Cazorla’s headed and the German international showed great poise to lift the ball beyond Joel Robles. Aaron Ramsey applied the gloss with 19 minutes remaining as he charged into the penalty area from the left and fizzed the ball past Joel to consign Wigan to the second tier of English football.

Arsene Wenger post-match…”First of all I’m happy we won the game, after 20 minutes we became too conservative and let Wigan back into the game. We had problems keeping the ball. But when they got tired after the Cup final, we got a good win as it was becoming difficult for them.”

Roberto Martinez post-match…”I never expected this. I know we were in a difficult position, but the players are an incredible bunch and they don’t deserve this. It’s a tough day for the football club. We had an incredible eight years in the Premier League and we need to build for the future.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Man of the Match…Lukas Podolski: Got Arsenal up and running with the first goal after 11 minutes and bagged the crucial third mid-way through the second half to

Flop of the Match…Paul Scharner: