All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool have made contact to bring Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Rabiot wants PL move

Football Insider claim that Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his ranks with at least two central signings in the summer as a result of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all being likely to leave Anfield.

The French international’s contract at the Allianz is set to expire at the end of the season and it’s likely that he will be available as a free agent having not yet signed an extension.

The 27-year-old has previously admitted that he would be keen to one day make the move to the English top flight and it sounds like he’s not short of potential suitors.

The Latest: Liverpool make contact

According to 90min, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United have all ‘asked’ to be ‘kept abreast’ of any negotiations by Rabiot’s camp ahead of the upcoming window.

Juventus, however, haven’t given up on retaining the midfielder’s services, with their manager Massimiliano Allegri a ‘huge fan’ of his player’s attributes.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/liverpool-transfer-news-and-rumours/” title=”Liverpool Transfer News and Rumours” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-2021-03-07T155652Z_1459311687_UP1EH3718ASBK_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LIV-FUL-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Perfect for Klopp?

Rabiot is a complete midfielder who is strong in both the defensive and offensive aspects of his game, so he would be the perfect reinforcement for Liverpool.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the maestro would be able to add a different dimension to the centre with his height, as he’s currently averaging 1.5 aerial wins and 1.8 tackles per league game (WhoScored).

The Saint-Maurice native is also a threat in the final third having scored seven goals and provided two assists across all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).

Rabiot has been dubbed a ‘monster’ by journalist Robin Bairner with his collective attributes making him the ideal candidate to put pen to paper on Merseyside.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has shared a positive update regarding Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara.  

The Lowdown: Injury ‘blow’

Kamara has made a positive impression during his first season at Villa Park after arriving on a free transfer last summer, with Gregg Evans recently describing him as almost irreplaceable.

The 23-year-old has made 21 appearances in all competitions but suffered an ankle injury against Crystal Palace earlier this month after being out with a knee problem back in October.

Initial reports suggested he was expected to miss at least five Premier League games, with Evans labelling it as a ‘blow’, however, it looks as if he is already making good progress at Bodymoor Heath.

The Latest: Dinnery’s comments

Dinnery, who contributes for The Athletic and Sky Sports, was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Kamara in a story shared on Monday evening. The expert shared some positive news he’s heard, saying that the player has ‘responded really well to treatment’ and there was an ‘outside suggestion’ he could be back involved soon.

“I think initial prognosis was that it didn’t look great and there were fears that maybe it could be a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“But he responded really well to treatment, and there was even maybe an outside suggestion that he could have been involved this weekend, although, realistically, that was never likely.”

The Verdict: Good news

Kamara has been Villa’s fifth-best performer in the top flight, as per WhoScored, making more tackles per 90 than any of his teammates, while also ranking highly for passes and interceptions made each game, so his long-term absence would leave a big void in Unai Emery’s side.

However, it looks as if he could be back sooner rather than later, something that will be welcomed by all associated with the club. The club won’t want to rush a potential return, but if he is fully fit, Emery could look to bring Kamara back into his starting XI at the earliest opportunity, especially as Villa are still in the mix for a top-half finish.

Another player who could be in line for game time before the end of the season is defender Diego Carlos, who returned to the matchday squad on the weekend for the first time since August.

Carlos and Kamara were two key signings under former manager Steven Gerrard last summer, so hopefully, they can feature in the run-in and go on to star in Emery’s first full season in charge.

Manchester United's proposed bidders from Qatar are confident the Premier League club will view their bid as the best option for the club.

What's the latest in Man United's potential takeover?

On Thursday, the potential sale of the Red Devils took the next step following the soft deadline which was set last month for bids to arrive.

The Premier League giants welcomed representatives of the Qatar-based party to Manchester and provided them with a tour of Old Trafford along with a visit to Carrington training ground.

Friday saw Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrive for the same treatment as the club seemingly look to whittle down their options with a sale before the summer likely wanted by all parties.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, the reliable Fabrizio Romano has suggested Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is confident in the Qatar bid being best for the club:

"Sheikh Al Thani is still convinced that their proposal is the best one and Qatari delegation is in Manchester today [Thursday]."

"The Qatari group is really insisting, Sheikh Al Thani is convinced that their bid is the best one because they want to invest on the training ground, on the facilities, on the stadium, on new players, of course, and so on improving the team, but also on the academy.

"So they will be 100% interested in Manchester United, and they would buy 100% of the club, also minority shareholders."

Who should the Glazers sell to?

On the back of United welcoming both parties to Manchester this week, it has been reported that both sides are expected to table more detailed offers over the coming week or so.

And what is interesting was Sheikh Jassim was not in attendance on Thursday for the visit around the club's facilities, whereas, Ratcliffe was determined to be there in person.

However, the issue may lie for both parties in the belief that neither of them have been able to match the valuation set by the Glazers, who are said to be looking for at least £5bn.

What will be attractive to some at United will be the huge financial backing behind the Qatar bid which would clear the club's debt left behind by the current owners.

And with this in mind, the club would likely have funds made readily available for not just matters on the pitch.

The club's facilities have been questioned by one previous player, in particular, which could suggest the Qatar bid could be the ideal party to offload the club to.

However, selling to Qatar will raise its own issues which were seen through the sale of Newcastle United to Saudi Arabia and the recent World Cup.

In comparison, Ratcliffe's proposed bid is believed to be for the 69% ownership held by the Glazer family, unlike the Qatar bid which is looking to take on the entire club.

Lionel Messi's "priority" this summer is to return to Barcelona rather than prolong his stay in France, according to a report.

What's going on with Messi at PSG?

The Argentina superstar's contract at Paris Saint-Germain runs out this summer, and it previously appeared as though he was going to extend his stay in the French capital.

However, following PSG's disappointing Champions League exit in the round of 16, there have been reports that Messi is unhappy with manager Christophe Galtier, and it has now been claimed that his priority in the summer is to return to Barcelona.

The World Cup winner originally departed Camp Nou when it was no longer possible to keep him at the club due to Barcelona's financial position, and while this would remain an issue, discussions have been ongoing between President Joan Laporta and Messi's representatives over the last few weeks.

The report in FootMercato from Santi Aouna, claims that Messi sees a return to Barcelona as a "golden opportunity", and also detailed that whilst Xavi regularly speaks with the attacker, the finances at Barcelona would need some significant adjustment in order to facilitate the deal. However, it is thought the La Liga giants will "find solutions" to secure a sensational return.

Meanwhile, there are thought to be "ongoing discussions" for PSG to hold onto the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Would Messi returning to Barcelona be a good move?

Although he has been in good form for most of this season with 18 goals and 17 assists in 31 games, the 35-year-old has come under scrutiny at PSG, with it being suggested that Messi was to blame for their disappointing campaign in Europe.

Messi is still performing at a high level, but given Barcelona's finances, it is likely that some major sales would be needed to make room for him.

Xavi has a lot of attacking talent at his disposal, and one or more of Raphinha, Ferran Torres or even Ansu Fati may have to be sacrificed in order to make space. Whilst none of the three have managed to come even close to matching the Argentinian's output this season, all are much younger assets who could prove to be capable long-term options for the club.

Whilst Messi returning to Catalonia, where he scored 672 times, would delight Blaugrana fans, it may disrupt any long-term strategic squad planning Xavi may have had in mind. Messi would be teaming up with 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski, and both would need replacing within a few years.

We feel it seems likely that given the opportunity, the Spaniard would jump at the chance to work with his former teammate again. If the finances can be balanced, Messi's desire to return to the club could yet help push a deal forward.

Liverpool have been offered the chance to bring PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arthur Melo will be returning to Juventus upon the expiration of his loan and Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also out of contract at the end of the season so central reinforcements will be required in the summer.

The Ivory Coast international’s deal at the Philips Stadion isn’t set to expire until 2027, but being Ruud van Nistelrooy’s top-performing defensive player, feels like he’s ready to embark on a bigger challenge in England which has been confirmed by his boss himself.

Speaking to Voetbal International, he said:

“Obviously he can handle [the Premier League]. I have challenged him because I think Ibrahim can go to the top in England. He would also be great in Italy or Spain.

“I see players in his position there now and I think Ibrahim is definitely going to take a shot at that level.”

The Latest: Liverpool offered Sangare

According to 90min, Sangare is ‘ready’ to complete a move to the Premier League and it’s reported that PSV are ‘open’ to cashing in this summer whilst his value is high, with his contract having a €37m (£32m) release clause.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have been ‘offered’ a chance to sign him and all are ‘admirers’ of the 25-year-old.

They’ve apparently been ‘alerted’ by Sangare’s agents that he is set to be available for transfer during the upcoming window.

The Eindhoven star’s representatives have ‘spoken’ with Jurgen Klopp and the hierarchy as well as the rest of his potential suitors to make them aware of his decision.

West Ham have also been ‘touted’ as a possible destination, but it’s claimed that he’s ideally looking to join a ‘bigger side’.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Sangare has been dubbed a ‘top talent’ by football scout Jacek Kulig and Liverpool should definitely act fast to get this deal over the line ahead of their fellow competitors.

The 6 foot 3 colossus currently ranks in the 92nd percentile for most tackles and successful take-ons per game, showing that he’s not afraid to get stuck in, win back possession and dribble past his man.

The Cote d’Ivoire native’s desire to consistently contribute to his side’s efforts in the final third hasn’t gone unnoticed either having scored seven goals and provided three assists across all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).

Finally, Sangare can operate in defensive, central and attacking midfield so would add plenty of versatility to the squad, making this deal even more of a no-brainer to complete.

West Ham could be afforded the luxury of having a fully fit squad for their vital Premier League clash with Southampton this weekend, according to a key update.

Are West Ham in action this weekend?

The Hammers are facing a huge battle to remain in the top flight currently, sitting 18th in the table with 12 league matches remaining. On Sunday afternoon, David Moyes' side face an enormous game at the London Stadium, with bottom-of-the-table Saints making the trip to east London for what feels like a six-pointer in the scrap for survival.

It is arguably a must-win match for West Ham, who technically don't have an easier fixture on paper between now and the end of the season, with victory likely to take them out of the relegation zone. Having key players fit and firing is going to be key this weekend, and in that respect, a hugely promising update has now emerged.

What's the West Ham vs Saints team news?

According to ExWHUEmployee on the West Ham Way Podcast [via West Ham Zone], Moyes could have a completely available squad to choose from on Sunday:

"This is a massive boost for us ahead of this must-win game. At the moment there are no reported injury issues which is a great thing for us. So pending no injuries are picked up, to have a fully fit squad at this stage of the season could prove vital, especially on Sunday with Southampton losing key players."

There is no denying how vital injuries can be to any football team at any level, often affecting the likes of squad depth, rhythm and ultimately results hugely. For West Ham to have no fitness issues this weekend would, therefore, be an absolutely massive boost, allowing Moyes to pick his strongest possible starting lineup, have options on the substitutes' bench and generally enhance their hopes of victory.

The Hammers certainly have the quality to pull away from the relegation zone, from the dominant Declan Rice in midfield to the dangerous Jarrod Bowen and Danny Ings in attack, and there should be confidence about a positive result against Saints after this update.

If West Ham continue to be largely injury-free between now and the end of the season, they will stand a great chance of pulling clear and even pushing for a mid-table finish – for now, though, it is a case of seeing off Saints and ensuring that a crucial fixture is hurdled without too much of an issue.

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with Brendan Rodgers about the 50-year-old becoming their next manager, according to a report from Football Insider.

Is Brendan Rodgers going to Tottenham?

Having been sacked by Leicester City at the beginning of April, rumours have started to swirl about Rodgers coming in as Tottenham manager at the end of the season, however journalist Ryan Taylor thinks his appointment "wouldn't be received well" by supporters.

Football Insider report the Northern Irishman has been sounded out by Spurs, but they are set to carry out an exhaustive managerial process to secure a replacement for Antonio Conte, and another manager is their top target.

The same report details that Julian Nagelsmann is the Lilywhites' first-choice manager, which indicates that Rodgers may only be targeted as a back-up option, but they have already started to lay down some of the groundwork.

According to a new report from Football Insider, Tottenham have made contact with the 50-year-old about the vacant role, as they continue to run the rule over potential candidates to replace Conte.

The former Celtic boss is now said to have a good chance of taking over at N17, as his CV includes successful spells at Liverpool, Leicester, Swansea and Celtic, while he also has a proven track record of developing players

His departure from Leicester means that Spurs would not be required to shell out any money in order to secure his signature, which the club are keen to avoid, having spent millions on new managers in recent years.

Is Brendan Rodgers Tottenham's best option?

The ex-Liverpool man has won nine major honours in his managerial career, including an FA Cup and Community Shield with Leicester, and that know-how of being able to win trophies could be vital for Spurs, who have been starved of success since an EFL Cup win in 2008.

West Ham United boss David Moyes hailed Rodgers as a "super manager" in the wake of his sacking, and there has been a suggestion he could bring James Maddison to the club with him, one of the club's priority transfer targets.

That said, Luis Enrique has a far more glittering trophy cabinet, having won the Champions League and two La Liga titles, while also being named world's best club coach for the 2014-15 season.

Enrique is said to have travelled for talks with Tottenham, and therefore Rodgers should only be considered if Spurs miss out on the Spaniard, as well as their other main targets.

VAR. Will it ever prove of any use?If Leeds United go down this season they will have just cause to be incredibly angry with those monitoring the cameras.Indeed, Liverpool’s opening goal against the Whites could quite easily have been disallowed this evening when the ball appeared to strike Trent Alexander-Arnold on the arm.The right-back intercepted the ball inside the Leeds half, with it looking as though he moved his body towards possession in order to gain an unfair advantaged.It then fortuitously bounced to Mo Salah in an inviting position. The Egyptian took his time and slid the ball into the penalty area where Alexander-Arnold coolly found Cody Gakpo at the back post.

The January signing was ready and waiting for a simple tap-in, but fans were incensed that it shouldn’t have stood.

Here was the best of the reaction from around social media…

What do you think? Should the goal have been ruled out? We’ve certainly seen VAR flag things up for worse.

Referee David Coote and his VAR team may have made a big mistake in the most recent Arsenal draw after missing a Declan Rice handball.

What's the latest on VAR and Arsenal?

The Gunners were unable to hold on to a two-goal lead for the second time in as many games as they drew 2-2 with West Ham United on Sunday.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta saw his side score twice inside the first ten minutes through Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard only to then concede two in the remainder of the game.

First, Said Benrahma netted a penalty to change the atmosphere at the London Stadium, before Jarrod Bowen netted an equaliser shortly after Bukayo Saka missed a penalty.

However, if we go back to the first goal scored by West Ham, it appears Rice uses his hand to win the ball off Thomas Partey in the build-up to the goal.

Indeed, as seen in this footage, and this image, there is plenty of evidence online to suggest VAR could have denied the goal.

Did Rice use his hand against Arsenal?

Arsenal midfielder Partey was too relaxed when picking up the ball on the edge of his box and Rice did well to close him down. The ball then quickly fell to Lucas Paqueta who was fouled and so referee Coote pointed to the spot.

However, as the image above shows, West Ham certainly wouldn't have won the ball back in such a way without the use of Rices' hand.

VAR did check the incident but deemed that it wasn't enough to overturn the penalty decision – a call that will no doubt have Arsenal fans feeling pretty exasperated.

Journalist Jack Holmes slammed Partey for his "looseness" on the ball during the passage of play but did point out that it "probably" was "a handball" from the West Ham midfielder.

These two dropped points will no doubt be hugely disappointing for the Gunners, as their lead at the top of the table over Manchester City has now diminished to just four points.

When speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Arteta didn't blame the handball but rather slammed his team for being sloppy, saying: "We started incredibly well, dominated the game, dominated the pitch, and scored two beautiful goals. After that, we made a huge mistake; not to continue playing, to score the third and the fourth.

"We started keeping the ball and giving sloppy passes away. We allowed them [West Ham] transition moments, and did not dominate the direct play. And then it's game on. If you concede the goals that we conceded, the first one and the second one, and on top of that you don't score a penalty, in this league you are in big trouble."

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that "something's going on" between Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and manager Mikel Arteta.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Emile Smith Rowe?

In their latest Premier League outing, the Gunners were without key midfielder Granit Xhaka who pulled out shortly before the game with an illness.

In his place, Fabio Vieira came in as Arsenal dropped vital points in a 3-3 draw at Southampton. All the while, even when desperately chasing a winner, Smith Rowe was left on the bench.

This might seem quite odd seeing as the £40k-p/w midfielder netted 11 goals in all competitions as he proved himself vital to Arteta last season, making 37 appearances in all competitions.

However, it seems as though the Spaniard has lost some faith in the Englishman – who has also missed a large chunk of games due to injury.

While talking about the player on his YouTube channel, Watts seemed to suggest that there must be a reason behind the scenes which explains why Smith Rowe isn't playing.

The journalist said: "He could have played Smith Rowe [against Southampton]. Obviously, something's going on with Smith Rowe at the moment.

"Arteta just doesn't want to use him, for whatever reason – we don't know what that is. Clearly [in] training, I don't know, but he's just not doing enough to impress.

"It's frustrating because we know what Smith Rowe can do and I think that number eight role is perfectly suited to him. We saw it last season at times.”

Will Arsenal sell Smith Rowe?

When you look at WhoScored, you can see that Smith Rowe has failed to impress this term with an average rating of just 6.22 in the league.

However, he'd played only 116 minutes, so it's not as though he's had a fair chance to prove his value. In his place, just as it was against Southampton, Vieira has been handed more game time but his average rating of 6.32 hardly suggests he's a massive upgrade.

With that being the case, it certainly is easy to jump to the conclusion that Arteta must not be happy with what Smith Rowe is doing behind the scenes, perhaps in training, as Watts suggests.

What's more, seeing as the Gunners are currently being linked with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount (via Goal), the Spanish manager may already be looking for alternative options to add to his midfield in the summer.

None of this seems to bode too well for the 22-year-old Arsenal man.