All posts by h79snht.top

It will come as a real shock to many football fans that a experienced 25-year-old England international could be available to sign for as little as £8m. But that is the case with Aston Villa man Fabian Delph, who has a remarkable release clause in his Villa Park contract.

Delph signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal in January, at the time as his deal was running out at the end of the season, and Villa were genuinely worried about a free transfer.

But this surprisingly low release clause – which only applies to teams in European competition – in the deal has alerted interested clubs such as Manchester City, and possibly long-term admirers Manchester United, who could now to step up their interest in the Three Lions regular.

It is thought that Delph agreed a compromise with Villa chairman Randy Lerner to insert a cheap buy-out clause, just in case Villa were relegated – which was a possibility at the time.

There will be a lot of teams interested in Delph for such a price. Especially as over the last two seasons the improvement in Delph’s game has been massive.

It does look like quite a strange deal for Villa to make for a player who is a prized asset, but former Villa striker Tony Cascarino said he understands why it has happened in an interview with Sky Sports.

“The circumstances why Delph has a contract that has a release clause is he was nearly at the end of his previous contract.

“We’re at a stage where literally players have a blank sheet of paper and clubs say fill in the blanks and tell us what you want.

“Players have got so much power in the modern game.

“Villa tried to broker a deal where they will get something. I feel sorry for the club, it’s the way the modern game is.”

It is true that is the way that the modern game is going, and in the modern day a player of Delph’s quality for as little as £8m could be a really great bit of business for a Premier League club competing in European competition.

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He is a good Premier League player, has a great engine, is strong in a tackle and possesses all the qualities that are needed for the modern day athletic box-to-box midfielder. And for Manchester City specifically the signing of Delph could give Yaya Toure the cover he needs to flourish once more.

The fact that Delph has a lot of quality and is available for such a cheap fee tells you that it will be very difficult for Aston Villa to keep him this summer, and it does look very likely that the former Leeds man will move on considering the situation Villa are in.

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Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll scored a brace in West Ham United’s last-gasp 2-1 victory against fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion at the London Stadium on Tuesday night, and Magpies fans have urged their club to re-sign the 28-year-old.

The centre-forward scored 33 goals in 91 matches in all competitions for the Tyneside outfit before he was sold to Liverpool in a £35m deal in 2011, but he has struggled with injuries at Anfield and then with the Irons since then.

Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez’s men lie just two points above the Premier League relegation zone and having netted just 20 times in their 22 top flight matches this term, the Spaniard may be looking for a new striker during the January transfer window.

Newcastle supporters were quick to have their say on the Geordie player via social media, and while one said he “would love Carroll back at the Toon”, another simply said “come back home”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Aston Villa fans are not best pleased that manager Steve Bruce has decided to pick Glenn Whelan for the late kickoff against Nottingham Forest.

Many fans were hoping that Mile Jedinak would return to fitness to claim a place in the middle of the park.

However, Whelan has been selected to play in his 24th Championship game of the season.

Elsewhere on the pitch, John Terry was a named in defence, despite being a doubt earlier in the week.

The former Chelsea captain rolled his ankle in training on Wednesday, but judging by the team announcement, the 37-year-old has made a swift recovery.

While some fans were happy to see the experienced defender back in the team, others felt that Tommy Elphick, who played during the Christmas period, did not deserve to be dropped.

Villa head into today’s encounter fifth in the league table, five points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

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Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has made some very interesting comments about transfers.

The 24-year-old has been in a rich vein of form for over a year and it looks like there is no slowing down.

Nine days into 2018, and Kane has already scored twice, increasing his tally to 26 goals in all competitions.

It is understandable that a player in the England international’s is likely to attract attention from other clubs.

Widespread media outlets have linked Kane with a big-money move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, who lured Gareth Bale to the Bernabeu from Spurs in 2013.

Philippe Coutinho’s recent transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona may have fans of other big clubs worried that they too will lose their best player.

Kane has not spoken in depth about the speculation surrounding him, but he has confirmed that he will not be talking to the club any time soon regarding an extension to his current deal, which expires in 2022.

The striker also suggested that a player should not be stopped if he desires a move elsewhere.

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The Daily Star quotes Kane as saying:

“None are planned, that I know of. I think if a player wants to go then why would you stop him? He’s not going to be in the club, he’s not going to play every game, he’s not going to put his heart on the line.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been without Toby Alderweireld since November due to a hamstring injury, but it seems that they will be getting their defender back sooner rather than later.

The Belgian has been an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s back line since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2015.

This season, though, the 28-year-old was struck down with a hamstring problem in the first half of Spurs’ 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The club have always maintained that Alderweireld would be ready for action in February, but it seems that he may return slightly earlier than scheduled.

The defender has told Sky Sports News that he is in the right shape to jump back into the team immediately.

“I feel good. I feel fit. I’m strong. I feel ready to give 100 per cent again, like I always do. I worked very hard to come back to the training group as quickly as possible. Not one thing in my head is doubting about the injury. Now it’s up to me to prove that I’m ready again to the manager. It’s always up to the manager. I’m looking forward to give my all on the pitch.”

Pochettino’s men will switch their attention to the FA Cup this weekend when they take on Newport County in the fourth round of the competition.

Given the level of opposition, Pochettino may give Alderweireld a runout in order to get him closer to match fitness.

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As expected, fans are delighted that their star player is back.

As reported by The Scottish Sun, FC Zenit star Branislav Ivanovic is struggling for fitness ahead of their massive clash with Celtic this Thursday in the UEFA Europa League.

What’s the story?

Brendan Rodgers’ side are up against it this week with the visit of the Russian Premier League side, who are the current top scorers in this season’s Europa League.

However, they could be without one of their defensive mainstays after boss Roberto Mancini admitted time is running out on his recovery from an eye injury suffered during their winter break.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Zenit boss said:

He must undergo a physical examination. He must meet with a doctor and then we can say when Ivanovic returns to the squad and when the period of recovery will finally end. All we can do is rejoice at the fact that, fortunately, we do not have other serious injuries.

The paper report that although taking part in specialist training sessions last week, the Serbia captain failed to take part in the Russians’ final friendly warm-up game against Maribor at the weekend.

How big a loss will he be?

The versatile Ivanovic has a regular for Roberto Mancini since joining from Chelsea last year, making 27 appearances in all competitions for the Russian side so far this season.

Only two players have made more, so clearly he’s seen as a vital component of their defensive line, starting most of their matches at centre-back, also deputising at right-back.

Given his experience at the highest level of the game with Chelsea, losing him is a big blow to Celtic’s visitors, although they can still call upon the likes of Portugal international Luis Neto and Slovenian star Miha Mevlja to partner Emmanuel Mammana.

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However, as Celtic fans will know, any change in a defensive line can have a destabilising effect and perhaps the injury to Ivanovic is something that the Hoops can capitalise on.

Can Moussa Dembele and the rest of the Hoops attack overwhelm what could be an untested back four unit?

As reported by The Daily Mail, Aston Villa star Ross McCormack could be on the verge of an exit from the club with Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids interested in signing him.

What’s the story?

The new MLS season kicks off at the start of March meaning clubs across North America are looking at available talents on the fringes of squads around Europe.

The English Championship can be a great hunting ground and it appears one team has cast their eye on Aston Villa.

The Daily Mail report that Colorado Rapids are interested in signing Villa outcast Ross McCormack, alongside Wolves forward Joe Mason.

The Scottish attacker has failed to win a place back in Steve Bruce’s first team squad after returning on loan from Melbourne Victory, where he scored an impressive 14 goals in 17 appearances this season.

Is it time for him to exit the club again?

Unrecoverable?

It’s fair to say that Ross McCormack has been a major flop at Aston Villa. Signed for a reported £12m in 2016, the attacker has scored just three goals for the club since then.

A return to Bruce’s attack seems unlikely too, despite his excellent loan spell in Australia. Villa signed Lewis Grabban in January to provide cover in the same position, even though McCormack had returned to the club.

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Now rated as worth £4.5m by Transfermarkt, Villa are unlikely to receive much of their £12m back, bu it’s best for all involved if he again leaves Birmingham, even if it just means the club don’t have to pay his wages.

For the player too it makes sense, he clearly enjoyed his time on loan given his scoring form and a move to pastures new can only benefit him compared to languishing on the fringes of the Villa squad.

As reported by Australian outlet The Canberra Times, Rangers are monitoring Sydney FC midfielder Brandon O’Neill ahead of a potential switch to the Scottish Premiership next season.

What’s the story?

The Light Blues have shown a willingness to do plenty of business in the transfer market recently and this summer is likely to be just as busy with a few of their current first team stars only at the club on loan deals.

One player they could sign is Sydney FC star Brandon O’Neill.

That’s according to The Canberra Times, who say that the Gers are interested in signing the Austrailian youth international after establishing himself as a first-team regular in the A-League.

Reportedly able to move to Ibrox without a work permit due to holding an Irish passport, is he a player that can enhance the Rangers first team?

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Do Rangers need him?

Rated at £315,000 by Transfermarkt, he is well within the Light Blues’ budget, but with their midfield in exceptional form right now, there seems little need to bring in more first team talent right now, with other areas needing more work.

The Gers have Ryan Jack and Ross McCrorie on hand to provide a defensive midfield job and the likes of Greg Docherty to create chances in the final third from the middle of the park.

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With Graham Dorrans set to return from injury and other established midfielders on hand to provide back-up, even if they can’t sign Sean Goss permanently, there’s no need to be spending money in that area.

Improving their defence will be a priority in the summer with Bruno Alves failing to impress and a lack of cover available at centre-back and right-back. That’s where their resources should be diverted.

Arsene Wenger has preferred to play three at the back this season, with Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinic or Nacho Monreal operating as wingbacks in a 3-4-3 formation this season, but it hasn’t exactly worked wonders in recent games.

The Gunners were torn apart defensively on Sunday in the League Cup final against Manchester City playing out of a three-man defence, as Shkodran Mustafi was completely out of position for Sergio Aguero’s goal and Callum Chambers was outflanked too easily for David Silva’s finish to make it 3-0.

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The four-man back line has had its issues too, with it featuring in Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to Swansea at the end of January and February 10th’s 1-0 defeat to Spurs.

Arsenal fans came out strongly in favour of the latter tactic in our poll though, with 76% of them saying that they wanted their team to go back to having four defenders at the back for tomorrow night’s revenge clash with City in the league.

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Here’s the full results of our poll:

Manchester United attacker Alexis Sanchez has suggested in an interview with Chilevision that he will not end his career at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

The 29-year-old moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal in the January transfer window, much to the surprise of many given that he was heavily linked to Manchester City.

There was plenty of excitement following the surprise transfer, but the attacker has failed to live up to expectation so far.

In 10 appearances in all competitions for United, Sanchez has scored just one goal and has barely been influential on the pitch.

Judging from his latest interview, the former Barcelona star has already decided that he will return to his homeland and play for Universidad de Chile before retiring.

In an interview with Chilevision, Sanchez said:

“I think it would be my family’s dream. My father who is now in heaven was a supporter of La U and I think the truth is that a lot of my family would like me to end up there. My dad was the pillar of the family and sometimes people do things for their family as well.

“I played for Colo Colo and the truth is that it was great and I won a lot of things with them, but I think people are going to understand it because it’s a dream my dad had and god willing I am going to fulfil it.”

Is Sanchez likely to stay at United long term?

Nobody can ever be certain when it comes to football transfers due to the up-and-down nature of the business.

Plenty will depend on how Sanchez progresses during his four-and-a-half-year contract, but at the moment, the fans are less than impressed with his performances on the pitch.

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The Chile international was always the main man at Arsenal and arguably the first name on the teamsheet, but it is safe to say that Sanchez has been anonymous at times while playing for United.

It would be ridiculous to even contemplate selling the attacker this summer given that he is new to Jose Mourinho’s team.

However, at this moment in time it is difficult to see Sanchez becoming a legend among the United faithful.

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There are many other factors to consider, though, including Mourinho’s management, which has come under fire at various times of the season.

Perhaps Sanchez is simply not thriving due to the manager’s formation and positioning.

Only time will tell.