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According to a report by Italian news outlet Il Milanista, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, West Ham United are eyeing Marseille ace Jordan Amavi – with manager David Moyes and co reportedly interested in this potential summer free agent.

West Ham eyeing Amavi

Amavi, who has suffered from a fair share of injury problems this season (Transfermarkt), resulting in little game time, hasn’t put pen to paper on an extension at the Stade Velodrome – resulting in some clubs taking note ahead of the summer window.

Il Milanista relay that as well as West Ham, Serie A giants AC Milan and Napoli are taking note – with the latter side keeping tabs after a bad injury to their left-back Faouzi Ghoulam.

The 27-year-old, who has Premier League experience with Aston Villa having played there from 2015-2017, is now on the Hammers radar – and GSB could theoretically sign him for free in the summer as his contract expires at the end of this season.

Transfer Tavern take

Despite his fitness concerns over 2020/2021, former Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas has allegedly been quoted as calling him ‘amazing’ (HITC) for his exploits at the start of the season.

As well as this, former Premier League boss Tim Sherwood called Amavi a ‘top player’ when the duo worked together at Villa Park back in 2015 (official).

Still nearing his prime and having averaged an impressive 2.1 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per 90 in Ligue 1 over 2019/2020 when playing regularly (WhoScored), it is clear he could be a coup for the east Londoners on a free summer deal if they decide to take their interest any further.

In other news: West Ham fans flocked to this ExWHUemployee news, find out more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na atividade desta terça-feira, o técnico Levir Culpi definiu o time que enfrenta o Internacional, no Mané Garrincha, pela semifinal da Primeira Liga. Sem Fred, que cumpre suspensão na competição e ficou fazendo um treinamento específico separado do elenco, o comandante optou pelo retorno de Magno Alves ao time titular. Para a vaga deixada por Diego Souza – que foi liberado para acertar os últimos detalhes com o Sport – Osvaldo foi o escolhido.

Desta forma, o time que foi ao gramado foi composto por DiegoCavalieri, Jonathan, Henrique, Gum e Wellington Silva; Pierre, Cícero, Gustavo Scarpa e Gerson; Osvaldo e Magno Alves. A atividade foi marcada por um coletivo em campo reduzido, seguido por um treinamento com ênfase na bola parada, tanto ofensiva quanto defensiva. Levir conversou com os jogadores e ajustou o posicionamento dos atletas em ambas situações.

No final, os jogadores tricolores ainda treinaram cobranças de pênalti. Em caso de empate no tempo regulamentar com o Internacional, nesta quarta-feira, a vaga para a final da Primeira Liga será decidida nas penalidades máximas.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O meia Ibson chamou atenção dos jornalistas ao aparecer no Ninho do Urubu, na manhã desta quinta-feira. O ex-jogador do Rubro-Negro fez um pedido à diretoria do Flamengo para tratar uma lesão no joelho esquerdo no centro de treinamento, mais especificamente no Centro de Treinamento e Performance, recentemente inaugurado.

– Conversei com o Rodrigo Caetano (diretor executivo), pois já o conhecia. Não há nada melhor do que poder voltar ao clube que me lançou no futebol e onde fui muito feliz. Tenho um carinho enorme pelo Flamengo e pela torcida. Fui muito bem recebido aqui e estou me sentindo em casa. A estrutura está sensacional, está tudo muito bonito. Fico muito feliz em poder ver como está o Flamengo hoje – disse.

A tendência é que Ibson permaneça fazendo trabalhos de recuperação no Ninho do Urubu até o dia 19.Aos 32 anos, o jogador atualmente veste as cores do Minnesota United (EUA)e tem contrato até o fim de 2017.

وجه خوان لابورتا رئيس نادي برشلونة رسالة بعد توديع بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا عقب خسارة الأمس أمام فريق بايرن ميونخ.

وخاض برشلونة مباراة في الجولة السادسة والأخيرة من دور مجموعات دوري أبطال أوروبا على ملعب الأليانز آرينا، حيث خسر أمام بايرن ميونخ بثلاثة أهداف دون رد. أهداف مباراة برشلونة وبايرن ميونخ في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وخرج برشلونة بتلك الهزيمة من منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث سينتقل إلى ملحق دور الـ16 من بطولة الدوري الأوروبي.

وقال لابورتا في تصريحات مقتضبة عقب خروجه من ملعب بايرن ميونخ، ونشرتها شبكة “esport3” الإسبانية: “الآن، أكثر من أي وقت مضى، يجب علينا جميعًا أن نجتمع معًا في نفس الاتجاه”.

وأضاف: “اليوم نحن جميعًا نشعر بالحزن، لكن يجب علينا المضي قدمًا ومواصلة العمل لعكس هذا الوضع”.

وواصل: “لقد فعل اللاعبون كل ما في وسعهم وأكثر ضد فريق عظيم، علينا التغلب على هذا الوضع”.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Tottenham Hotspur legend Gary Mabbutt has been left blown away by teenage record-breaker Dane Scarlett’s progress.

The 16-year-old became the youngest-ever player to feature for Spurs after Jose Mourinho brought him on as a second-half substitute in their 4-0 win over Ludogorets in the Europa League last month, surpassing John Bostock’s 11-year record.

Scarlett has been in fine form for the academy set-up this season having scored 13 goals in 10 matches in the U18 Premier League, and his form has earned him a call-up to the U23 squad, where he has scored in his only appearance, which came just two weeks ago, as per Transfermarkt.

On Saturday afternoon, the teen prodigy was omitted from the youth squad entirely, which could signal Mourinho’s intention to play him this evening as they head to Stoke City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

He may not start with Carlos Vinicius and Gareth Bale both pushing for minutes, but he may well feature from the bench should things go to plan against the Championship outfit.

And Mabbutt has been taken aback by his rapid progression…

Speaking to FFC, he said:

“Of course, I mean, 16 years of age and he’s playing in the Spurs first team!

“That must have given him so much confidence and proof to him of what he can achieve.

“He’s been doing fantastically in the U18s, and yes, the manager is prepared to give youngsters a chance if you prove yourself. As I said, it is all about proving yourself and having that desire to be the best.

“It’s [a] competition. It is a constant competition. Every single day of your life as a player, you are proving yourself and that you are worthy of being in the first XI.”

Indeed, when you are sticking three or four goals past some top academies at youth level, you’re going to get noticed, and after the ‘Special One’ took a keen look at him in pre-season, it’s obvious that he’s seen something in the young gem.

There now won’t be a better chance to see Spurs’ future in action than in this very competition with the side advancing through into the Europa League knockout stages and battling for a place in the Premier League’s top four.

AND in other news, Forget Aurier: £85k-p/w Spurs star who lost possession 24 TIMES vs Leicester let Mourinho down abysmally…

Leeds United are currently in the middle of a huge defensive crisis after Liam Cooper picked up an injury against Manchester United. He joins Robin Koch on the sidelines ahead of their clash with Burnley at the weekend.

Speaking to Lancashire Live, Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Diego Llorente will return to training ahead of the Elland Road clash, but there is no guarantee that he will start.

Pascal Struijk, Leif Davies and 20-year-old Oliver Casey are currently the only central options the boss has to choose from unless he dips into the youth team.

The former came on in place of Kalvin Phillips in midfield last time out, but Bielsa now has no other choice but to deploy him in his natural position in defence.

Bielsa must start Struijk vs Burnley

Despite being an excellent option to select, Struijk has made just three Premier League starts so far, tallying five appearances in total this season.

However, his absence is not something that’s new. Since joining the club’s youth ranks in 2018, the Dutchman has made a total of 11 appearances for the Whites, as per Transfermarkt.

In the absence of key players like Koch and Cooper, now could be the perfect opportunity for Struijk to show his worth at the Yorkshire outfit. It would be a huge confidence boost for the £25k-per-week workhorse, but it will also resurrect team morale following their lofty 6-2 defeat to Man United.

According to MOT Leeds News, Paul Robinson has expressed his concern over Leeds’ injury worries. He described the loss of captain Cooper as a “massive blow” that would “cripple any team”.

Indeed, the Whites will be fearful of Burnley’s star striker Chris Wood, who could seriously trouble their backline on Sunday. They should know all too well about his abilities.

Bielsa has been deploying Luke Ayling in the middle of the defence recently, but to maximise his chances of coming away with a result, the Argentinian needs to put faith in Struijk.

The 21-year-old could be vital against Burnley, allowing Ayling to perform more comfortably in his natural role at right-back.

In other news, Orta must move for “real talent” Michael Olise to replace Forshaw…

Manchester United have a huge selection headache on their hands ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain after Edinson Cavani spared Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s blushes against Southampton on Sunday.

The Uruguayan striker came off the bench to inspire the Red Devils to a remarkable comeback victory over the Saints at St Mary’s at the weekend, scoring two goals in the second half to secure an unlikely three points and stake his claim for a place in the starting line-up.

There’s no doubt that this will be one of the biggest dilemmas that Solskjaer will have had to deal with since he first took over at Old Trafford.

Whilst Anthony Martial has been the club legend’s trusted man for the big occasions, Cavani could keep his place with Martial still seeking his best form.

As per WhoScored, the veteran versatile forward is averaging more shots in the Premier League than the France international so far this season, whilst he has also managed to score more goals than Martial, despite the fact that he hasn’t started a single game in the top flight as of yet.

In five appearances in the Premier League this season, Cavani has scored three goals and supplied one assist. WhoScored lists one of his main strengths as being able to hold onto the ball and that has been proven as he hasn’t been dispossessed in the Premier League at all so far.

It’s worth remembering his former boss Thomas Tuchel favours a possession-based style of play, as PSG tend to start their attacks from the back, so United’s ability to retain possession in forward areas could prove useful to disrupting their supply chain for the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Valued at £10m via Transfermarkt, it’s safe to say that the monster striker has turned out to be an absolute bargain so far, as he proved to be the decisive factor in turning the tide against the Saints at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Now Solskjaer must reward him with a start against his former club as he still has a point to prove having left the French Ligue 1 league leaders in the summer after seven seasons in Paris.

AND in other news, Manchester United must cash in on Timothy Fosu-Mensah in January…

West Bromwich Albion’s disastrous start to life in the Premier League continued as they were well-beaten by Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

It’s just one point from their opening four matches, meaning Slaven Bilic’s side are toying with the prospect of being early favourites for relegation and an instant return to the Championship.

Going by reports in the press, the Croatian feels that he needs a new striker in the form of Karlan Grant, who they have been pursuing for several months now but he’s hardly going to be the answer to all of the Baggies’ woes.

The Midlands outfit have leaked a whopping 13 goals already – that’s currently the most in the Premier League. Their backline does not look fit for a top-flight campaign whatsoever.

And one name displayed that during the Saints defeat.

Kyle Bartley was particularly poor with Bilic keeping the faith in the 29-year-old despite swapping a back three for Albion’s old 4-2-3-1 system.

Per SofaScore, the Englishman managed to lose 84% of his six duels whilst also losing possession 12 times, committing two fouls and recording a wasteful passing accuracy of 63%.

It’s no wonder the Saints peppered Sam Johnstone with 13 shots, eight of which coming from inside the box, which suggests Bartley wasn’t doing his job.

Grant may well come in and score goals but having the likes of Bartley and Semi Ajayi as your centre-backs all season could prove very costly.

When you’re letting in an average of over three goals per game, questions have to be asked defensively – splashing around £18m on Grant is risky business as it leaves the Baggies’ bank empty for any further reinforcements at the back.

That could well be the deciding factor come to the end of the season for Albion.

AND in other news, West Brom have dodged a bullet with one mooted transfer target…

When Curtis Edwards made his senior debut for Darlington Football Club at nineteen years old he would never have guessed that seven years later he would be lining up for the Swedish Champions, Djurgården. 

Edwards’ story is as remarkable as it is unique. The midfielder is a product of the Middlesbrough academy system where he was considered a gifted player. He began his career at Darlington before signing for Thornaby and Spennymoor Town. Despite playing well for the Northern League clubs, Edwards later admitted that he spent too much time partying and clubbing.

It was then he was offered a lifeline signing for Ytterhogdals IK, a Swedish football team playing in the fifth tier of Swedish football. In the remote northern Swedish countryside, away from distractions he found his form.

Edwards was then offered a trial at Östersunds, a club playing in the Allsvenskan, the top tier of Swedish football. He impressed the team’s coach, and ex footballer, Brian Wake in a friendly and was signed in 2016. He would go onto become a cult figure at Östersunds, making 81 appearances and winning the Swedish Cup. Edwards also played in the club’s famous Europa League campaign, in which the Swedish minnows beat teams such as Galatasaray, PAOK and Athletic Bilbao before losing to Arsenal 2-4 in the round of 32.

As he neared the end of his three year contract with Östersund, Edwards was courted by a number of top tier Swedish clubs. Eventually it was Djurgården, the Stockholm based club and twelve time Swedish champions who signed the then 25-year old midfielder. Edwards scored on his debut and would go onto make twelve appearances for the club as they were crowned Champions in his first season at Djurgården.

Unfortunately Edwards’ first season in the Champions League ended in defeat during the first round to Hungarian team Ferencvárosm who would later knock out Celtic.

Djurgården are currently fifth in the Allsvenskan with 20 matches played. They are only three points behind second placed Häcken. The bookies have Edwards’ Djurgården as fourth favorites to win the title. If you are based in the US then make sure to use the 888Sport bonus when betting on any European league.

Manchester United face stiff competition from Arsenal in the race to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille, reports claim.Â

Gabriel finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar amid interest from a number of European clubs this summer with Arsenal among them.

According to Goal, Lille still haven’t decided where his future lies, and he is currently considering his options ahead of a potential move.

It is understood that the Ligue 1 club want at least £25m for the highly-rated centre-back.

Recent reports had suggested that the Red Devils were close to completing a deal for the defender but this doesn’t seem to be the case.

While Man United have made contact with his agent, Fabrizio Romano revealed they are not in talks with Lille at the moment.

The Italian transfer expert tweeted that Arsenal are ahead of their fierce rivals as they have started discussions with Les Dogues to sort out a deal, while Napoli remain interested but are waiting to see what will happen with United’s other defensive target, Kalidou Koulibaly.

It is common knowledge that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a centre-back to play alongside Harry Maguire at the back, as Victor Lindelof has struggled for consistency, and Eric Bailly has barely played at all.

The 22-year-old Brazilian is exactly the sort of player he needs to bring to Old Trafford this summer.

Gabriel, who has been described by Lille president Gerard Lopez as an “absolute machine,” has the pick of the crop after putting in a string of impressive performances at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy last term.

United are a more attractive option than Arsenal, as Solskjaer can offer Champions League football, while their top-flight rivals will have to settle for playing in the Europa League next season.

Admittedly, Mikel Arteta’s side may have an advantage, as Raul Sanllehi worked with Lille chief executive Marc Ingla during their time together at Barcelona, which is believed to have worked in their favour while negotiating for Nicolas Pepe.

Ed Woodward will have his work cut out as it seems as though the centre-back has dropped a huge hint on social media. However, there are bound to be plenty of twists and turns as the transfer saga continues to unfold in the coming days.

United fans, do you think Woodward will sign Gabriel this summer? Let us know down below!