West Ham United have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their upcoming Europa League round of 16 clash.
What’s the latest?
That’s according to a report by Spanish media outlet Diario de Sevilla, who claim that, after missing Sevilla’s last two fixtures due to a muscle injury, Anthony Martial could now be in line for a return to action against David Moyes’ side on Thursday.
Speaking about the current state of the Sevilla squad, the club’s director of football, Monchi, said: “I am optimistic that between now and Thursday some of them can recover. And before the break, almost all of them.”
Moyes will be fuming
While Martial has endured something of a turbulent start to life in Spain following his loan move from Manchester United in the January transfer window – scoring one goal and registering one assist over his four appearances for Los Nervionenses before picking up an injury – should the 26-year-old indeed make it back in time for Thursday, it will undoubtedly be an outcome that will leave David Moyes fuming.
Indeed, the France international has proven to be something of a rather large thorn in West Ham’s side since his move to the Premier League back in 2015, scoring six goals – the second-most he has managed against any side – and registering five assists – the most he has provided against any team – over his 13 appearances against the East Londoners.
As such, while the current Hammers side are certainly a much better outfit than the ones Martial will have faced throughout the vast majority of his six and a half year spell at Old Trafford, the return of the £28.8m-rated forward will nevertheless come as a huge blow to West Ham’s chances of leaving the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium will a positive result on Thursday – something that is sure to have Moyes concerned in his pre-match planning.
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In other news: West Ham dealt yet another huge injury blow ahead of Sevilla, Moyes will be devastated
Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe was full of praise for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice during the Hammers’ 2-1 victory against Everton on Sunday afternoon.
The lowdown: Ever rising stock
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the last two seasons and has quickly become one of the first names on the team-sheet for both club and country.
Despite failing to make the headlines thanks to Aaron Cresswell’s stunning strike and the goalscoring return of Jarrod Bowen, the man recently heralded as a £150million player was at the heart of yet another workmanlike victory for David Moyes’ side.
As per Sofascore, the midfield enforcer enjoyed 95 touches, blocked two shots on goal and completed an outstanding 77/82 passes (94%%) in a 7.20/10-rated outing.
The latest: Praise from Hinchcliffe
Speaking during Sky Sports’ live coverage at the London Stadium, ex-Everton man Hinchcliffe was full of praise for Rice: “Such an important player. He provides that screen in front of the West Ham backline and gets back in time and time again. He reads the game so effectively.”
That reading of the game was evident in the performance against the Toffees as the 29-cap England ace completed three interceptions during 90 minutes (Sofascore) to help the hosts towards three points.
The verdict: Colossus
Even in light of the eye-watering valuations being branded about, Rice continues to justify the plaudits with each passing display.
Seemingly capable of taking each and every game in his giant stride, the £67.5million-valued star has blossomed as a player under the tutelage of Moyes in east London and so far this season has added eight direct goal contributions to an already well-rounded game (Transfermarkt).
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With the dominant Englishman in this kind of form, West Ham supporters may feel a tilt at the Premier League top four and possible Europa League glory is not beyond the realms of possibility.
In other news, West Ham suspends fresh contract talks with star player. Find out who it is here.
Arsenal are a club with a proud history of developing and promoting young talent.
During his time in the dugout, Mikel Arteta has more than done his part to continue that tradition, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka all getting serious runs in the team under him.
The latest batch of youngsters to come through are perhaps the most exciting in a long time, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri now permanent fixtures in the first team squad and Max Dowman sure to follow suit as the season goes on.
However, Arsenal are clearly looking to bring in young talent from elsewhere as well, and Andrea Berta has already overseen the signing of a teen phenom who could be another Dowman.
Why Dowman is such an exciting prospect
The most successful academy gem Arsenal have produced in the last couple of decades is undoubtedly Saka, as the 24-year-old has already made 285 appearances for the club since his debut.
However, there is a genuine belief among those in the know that Dowman could go on to be an even bigger star than the club’s current talisman.
Don’t just take our word for it, though, as early last season, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig made the bold claim that the then-14-year-old was the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Hale End expert Will Balsam then described the teenager as “one of the greatest footballing brains that’s ever come through Hale End” and “the biggest talent in England.”
That is certainly a lot of praise for someone so young, but the Chelmsford-born gem would more than justify it over the season, as he racked up a tally of 19 goals and five assists in 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes last season.
Dowman in 24/25
Appearances
23
Minutes
1945′
Goals
19
Assists
5
Goal Involvements per Match
1.04
Minutes per Goal Involvement
81.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Such an incredible rate of return for someone so young saw Arteta take him on the pre-season tour, where he played against Newcastle United, a game in which analyst Ben Mattinson pointed out that he “hasn’t even done his GCSE’s but he’s humiliating Premier League players.”
The impressive achievements kept coming into the season proper, as he made his Premier League debut against Leeds United, became the club’s youngest starter and also the youngest player in Champions League history.
In all, the hype might sound hyperbolic, but it’s not, and so Arsenal fans should be seriously excited about the fact that Berta may have just signed the club another Dowman-like talent.
Arsenal's new Dowman
Since being appointed as the club’s Sporting Director, Berta has been ambitious and aggressive with his transfer dealings.
Chalkboard
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He oversaw eight additions to the first team in the summer and has now also helped secure two of the most exciting youngsters in world football.
Earlier this month, Arsenal announced that they had signed Edwin and Holger Quintero from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle, and that, once they were 18 years old in 2027, they’d join the team.
Both youngsters are hugely exciting prospects, but it’s Edwin who could be another Dowman.
One of the reasons for this is that, in the words of Mattinson, he is a wide player who has “the ability to run games and create something out of nothing.”
For anyone who has watched the Englishman at academy level, and even to some extent during his first team appearances, that would be an excellent way to describe him.
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More than that, though, the 16-year-old is, in the words of Kulig, “an absolute joy to watch” and a “10/10 talent.”
Another reason for the comparison and why the Emirates faithful will adore him is that he loves to take opposing players on.
Unlike a lot of modern wingers, the teenager’s first instinct in attacking situations seems to be to go right at his opposite number and, in the words of U23 scout Antonio Mango, is “skilful and fearless” when doing so.
Ultimately, the combination of his incredible close control, desire to make something happen, and the potential so many believe he possesses makes Edwin Quintero look a lot like another Dowman-like prospect, and one Arsenal should be delighted to have on the books.
116 touches & 87 passes: Arteta's 8/10 Arsenal star was better than Saka
It was yet another stellar performance for the Arsenal star, who played even better than Bukayo Saka.
Taking to Twitter, reliable journalist Christian Falk of Bild has just shared a major behind-the-scenes Mohamed Salah update for Liverpool supporters.
The Lowdown: Salah blow…
As reported by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, talks over a new deal for Liverpool’s superstar broke down recently with negotiations over fresh terms now at a stand-still.
Salah is out of contract in 2023 as things stand, putting Fenway Sports Group under a degree of pressure to either extend his current deal or contemplate selling the Egyptian while they still can.
The latter seems quite out of the question but reports have recently suggested that Salah hasn’t totally ruled out the idea of departing Anfield.
Sharing news on the 29-year-old’s exit stance amid his contractual stand-off, Falk has some big news for Reds.
The Latest: Liverpool handed Salah boost…
According to Falk, Salah has personally told colleagues in the Liverpool dressing room that he would like to remain on Merseyside.
“TRUE,” the big-name reporter exclaimed on Twitter.
“In the dressing room (at Arsenal) Mohamed Salah told colleagues that he would like to stay at LFC.”
The Verdict: Big boost…
Given Salah’s stance, it appears the ball is firmly in Liverpool’s court, with FSG and co now potentially needing to table much-improved terms.
Jurgen Klopp may well be boosted by his winger’s stance of preferably staying at Anfield, especially taking into account just how crucial Salah is to this Liverpool team.
The Egyptian mega star stands out as the Reds’ most potent attacking threat, racking up the most goals and assists combined by far under Klopp in the Premier League (20G, 10A).
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He also takes the most shots at goal with a huge 4.3 attempts per match, all while averaging the highest overall match rating out of any Liverpool player (WhoScored).
Keeping Salah is absolutely crucial and this update may well come as an encouraging one.
In other news: Liverpool officials make FSG transfer demand as door now opens for Klopp to sign ‘unplayable’ attacker, find out more here.
Rangers have been hit with a major Old Firm setback over Ibrox centre-forward Alfredo Morelos…
Huge blow
The Daily Record have published an image shared on social media of the Colombian striker leaving an airport on crutches this week.
It remains to be seen how serious the blow is, with the publication claiming that it could even end his season as he is set to see a specialist.
Fuming
Gio van Bronckhorst will be fuming with this news for multiple reasons.
Morelos went away with his country in January and was forced to miss the 3-0 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead, despite not playing a single minute of football during that international break. This meant that Rangers suffered badly in his absence, whilst Colombia gained no benefit themselves as they opted against giving him another cap.
Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will surely have been frustrated by the 25-year-old’s call-up for the March international break in case a similar situation played out and Morelos came back with his confidence knocked.
Instead, he has come back with a potentially season-ending injury, which will leave the head coach infuriated and ruing international breaks. The striker looks set to miss the clash with the Hoops on Sunday at Ibrox, at the very least, and this is a huge blow for the Gers as he is their go-to man at the top of the pitch.
Morelos has scored 11 goals in the Premiership this season, four more than any other Rangers player, and has also provided seven assists – a tally that only James Tavernier can beat. They will no doubt miss his quality in the final third in what could be a decisive game at the top of the table, with Celtic currently three points clear of the Gers heading into the match.
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Van Bronckhorst will also be fuming as this blow could mean that Morelos is out for a number of important games across multiple competitions. Rangers face Portuguese outfit Braga in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final next Thursday and could now be without the striker for that match.
In Europe this season, Morelos has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.13. He has scored four goals in eight starts and will be a huge miss if he is out for next week’s clash, which is why the Gers boss will be sweating on his fitness in the coming days as the club look to find out how long the 25-year-old will be ruled out of action.
AND in other news, Rangers had a major disaster on “complete” 243 G/A ace who’s “like Harry Potter”…
Tottenham winger Lucas Moura is set to be available for Antonio Conte against Everton tomorrow night, Alasdair Gold has reported.
The Lowdown: Bentancur available
Conte has been without a number of first-team players in recent weeks, with the likes of Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga still sidelined.
January signing Rodrigo Bentancur went off injured in the defeat to Burnley and hasn’t featured since, but he is set to make a return to the matchday squad against Frank Lampard’s side tomorrow.
Moura, who former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho hailed as a ‘team player’, missed the win at Leeds and defeat to Middlesbrough due to a dead leg, but he too looks set to be available for the visit of the Toffees.
The Latest: Moura also good to go…
Football.London’s Spurs correspondent Gold relayed comments from Conte in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
He confirmed that Bentancur and Moura are both available against the Toffees, simply stating: “Bentancur is available and the same for Lucas Moura. Skipp and Tanganga still not available.”
Conte has relied on Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski up front while Moura has been out, with Steven Bergwijn the only senior attacking option on the bench with the Brazilian sidelined.
Therefore, having the 29-year-old back around the squad will come as a huge boost as Spurs look to get back to winning ways after their FA Cup exit. With him being the squad’s fourth-best performer this season as per WhoScored, the Italian will no doubt be pleased to have him back to face Everton.
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You’d expect that Moura will feature in some capacity on Monday, with Tottenham knowing that this month is crucial in regards to their hopes of a top-four finish.
In other news: Conte personally green-lights new ‘real star’ target who Spurs could sign for just £21m, find out more here.
According to reports in The Mirror on Thursday, Everton are reportedly confident they will beat Southampton to the £20m signing of out of favour Arsenal winger Theo Walcott this month.
The Toffees are keen to bring the England international to Goodison Park before the transfer window slams shut on January 31, and manager Sam Allardyce confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the club have opened negotiations over a deal for the 28-year-old.
Saints are also keen to re-sign him 12 years after he left for the Gunners, but the player’s reported £110,000-a-week wages and the fact that they are only above the relegation zone on goal difference could prove to be two big issues.
If the south coast outfit do miss out on Walcott they will be forced to look elsewhere for a wide player, and they may well choose to take another look at Pione Sisto, who The Mirror reported they wanted to sign from Danish side Midtjylland in 2016.
The Denmark international ended up joining La Liga outfit Celta Vigo instead, but Mauricio Pellegrino could be making a shrewd move by reigniting the club’s previous interest in the 22-year-old, who is rated at €15m (approximately £13.3m) according to Transfermarkt.
Here are three reasons Southampton must forget Walcott and reignite their interest in Sisto…
Goals and assists
Southampton boss Pellegrino will be looking for goals and assists from a new winger given that his team has only scored 21 goals in 22 Premier League matches this season, and there is no doubt that Sisto would be able to deliver.
The 22-year-old has more assists (nine) than any other player in La Liga this season in 18 Spanish top flight appearances for Celta Vigo, while he has also chipped in with two goals.
Sisto impressed for Midtjylland previously too with 31 goals and 11 assists in 112 games, while he caused the Republic of Ireland all sorts of problems with his speed, strength and technical ability as Denmark thrashed them 5-1 in their World Cup play-off.
Pace
You know that you’re going to get pace if you’ve got Theo Walcott in your side, and if Saints can’t sign him then they won’t be losing out on that acceleration if they buy Sisto instead.
The 22-year-old is super quick and can play on either flank, and there is no doubt that his direct style would prove to be a problem for opposition Premier League defenders.
According to WhoScored.com, the Denmark international has successfully completed 32 of the 68 dribbles he has attempted in 18 La Liga appearances this season, and like Sadio Mane often did for Saints, he would bring an unpredictability factor on the pitch for the south coast outfit.
Potential
Soccer Football – 2018 World Cup Qualifications – Europe – Republic of Ireland vs Denmark – Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland – November 14, 2017 Denmark’s Pione Sisto in action with Republic of Ireland’s Shane Duffy Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
While Walcott is a proven player at this level, his age and his reported wage demands mean that he isn’t the typical Southampton signing.
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The south coast outfit have tended to sign younger players that are out of favour at other clubs, before giving them a platform to play and improve to improve their value.
Signing Sisto, who celebrates his 23rd birthday next month, for a fee in the region of £13m would certainly be more like it for Saints, and the winger has the potential to go and become a big player for them both now and in the future.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has made it quite clear that he will offer ‘fresh slates’ to some of his players who have endured a torrid run-of-form over recent months – including new signing Dele Alli.
The former Tottenham man is yet to register a goal or assist since moving to Everton, but the faith shown in him by his new boss is a significant sign that everyone will be getting their chance to impress.
Alex Iwobi is one player who is showing signs of revival already since Lampard’s appointment, having started the last three games despite not playing a minute of club football since mid-December before.
After impressing at home to Leeds just over two weeks ago, the £34m Nigeria international, who has regularly been branded as one of Everton’s ‘worst purchases’ in recent years, was trusted to start against Southampton and then at home to Manchester City on Saturday.
Despite being on the losing team, the overall Everton performance was encouraging – as was Iwobi’s, who completed 76% of his passes against Pep Guardiola’s high-pressing side, as well as creating one big chance.
The 25-year-old also caught the eye when he breezed past one of the best defenders in the world, Joao Cancelo, with strength and pace before winning his team a corner.
His work rate and defensive efforts were also impressive, as he completed more tackles than teammates Jonjoe Kenny, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate combined, as well as making one key interception and clearance to help keep Everton in with a chance.
For a player who has come under intense criticism from his own fans, being regularly called ‘awful’ and a ‘mistake’ of a transfer from critics, it is commendable to see him apply himself in the best possible way and attempt to turn his career in Merseyside around under his new boss.
He has gone from an “embarrassing” player in the words of the Liverpool Echo’s David Prentice, to someone now beginning to show more promising signs.
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While it is clear that we still have not seen anywhere near the best of Iwobi in a Toffees shirt, it’s certain that his attitude looks to be changing, and fans should get behind him over the next few weeks if he continues to work as hard as he has been since the turn of the year.
And in other news: Moshiri suffered an Everton howler over £27m-rated “monster”, Lampard will be gutted…
Everton have made a number of transfer mistakes over the years since Farhad Moshiri took ownership at Goodison Park and their latest howler could be on his way out of the club sooner rather than later if reports are to be believed.
Dele Alli joined Everton in January on Deadline Day as one of Frank Lampard’s last minute signings brought in to work alongside the new manager to inspire a turnaround for the club after falling into a relegation battle this season, however the ex-Tottenham Hotspur star has failed to make an impact so far.
The 22.5m-rated flop who was branded “lazy” by former manager Jose Mourinho, has struggled to win a place in the Everton team since he joined almost three months ago, and is yet to start a game for the Toffees.
However, he has made six appearances playing 169 minutes so far, with Lampard offering him the opportunity to make a good impression and impact, but hasn’t achieved that in his game time, with no goal contributions and the team has lost all but one game Alli has been involved in so far.
Despite signing a two and a half year permanent deal with Everton, TeamTalk are now reporting that the deal could be cut short for the attacking midfielder, with the 25 year old reportedly told that he is not good enough to start from Everton and that his career could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t change his attitude.
Moshiri could save £10m this summer by axing Alli, as part of the deal required the Englishman to make 20 appearances for Everton before the club would be required to make any payment to the Lilywhites, with a reported instalment plan in place worth up to £40m, but if the reports are true and the player’s time at Goodison Park is cut short, then this could save the club millions ahead of the summer transfer window.
Everton are currently in a particularly vulnerable position despite beating Newcastle United last week in an explosive 1-0 victory at Goodison Park, the side are still unstable just three points safe from the drop zone and still in 17th in the Premier League table.
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With that being said, Frank Lampard cannot afford to take any risks or leave room for error, which further reflects in Alli’s lack of selection as the Toffees boss obviously doesn’t feel the player is trustworthy enough to make a positive impact in the team as they fight for their place in top flight football for next season.
In other news: Everton make contact with “complete” £16.2m-rated star, Lampard desperately needs him
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool, and by extension owners Fenway Sports Group, have now seemingly set their sights on Villarreal sensation Yeremy Pino.
The Lowdown: Klopp eyeing fresh summer faces?
Despite the signing of £37 million star Luis Diaz from FC Porto in January, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has still been tipped to bolster his options with major moves in the summer.
Indeed, Lille star Jonathan David is apparently one player attracting interest from Klopp and the club as new attackers are reportedly eyed at Anfield.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is another forward Liverpool are ‘ready to attack’ for, according to recent claims, with news emerging on another in Villarreal’s sensational young winger Pino.
The Latest: FSG ‘prepare’ offer…
As per Spanish source Fichajes, Liverpool and FSG now want the dazzling 19-year-old winger, but face a fight from Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
It is also believed that both the Merseyside giants and City already ‘prepare their respective offers’ to sign Pino with the talented teenager now ‘having the opportunity to head to England’.
The Verdict: Exciting claim…
Already capped twice by Spain, the La Liga starlet is one of the most exciting players in Europe right now.
It’s little wonder his club, who recently agreed a contract extension with Pino until June 2027, have now slapped a sky high €80 million release clause (£66.6m) on his head ahead of the summer window.
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As Liverpool ready a bid to sign him, it will certainly be interesting whether FSG pay the fee outright or attempt to whittle down that price in possible negotiations.
Scoring four goals in one game against Espanyol on Sunday, Pino has already been described as a ‘top level’ player by reporter Fabrizio Romano and one who could be worth the investment at Liverpool.
In other news: Liverpool now also prepared to move for £177,000-per-week ‘beast’ in boost for Klopp, find out more here.