Manuel Pellegrini appears to have suggested that he has no idea if Declan Rice will stay at West Ham United this summer, per The Sun.
What’s the word?
Rice has enjoyed a breakthrough season under the former Manchester City manager, playing 38 times in all competitions and scoring two goals.
He has also been capped by England, playing against the Czech Republic and Montenegro in Euro 2020 qualifiers in March.
The Sun claim that Manchester United hold an interest in Rice, who signed a new five-year deal just this season.
And Pellegrini has claimed that he has no idea if the club will be able to hold onto the midfielder, who has won the Players’ Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year award at the club.
He said: “It’s impossible, I cannot know the future.
“He is, of course, a player who has had a brilliant season, who is 20 years old and an English player who has a lot of qualities.
“Maybe some of the big teams, or all of them, will want him.
“But that is one thing – the other is whether he will stay here or he goes, and I cannot say at this moment.”
Retain him at all costs
Rice is the cornerstone of the project West Ham are building.
This is an exciting young, British talent who has come up through the ranks at the club and to sell him this summer would be an insult to fans and to the integrity of the contract he signed.
He only committed to the club in December; to let him leave just five months later would be plain wrong.
United, of course, are interested, with their spies attempting to find the best young talent in Europe.
Rice is certainly that but the Hammers hold all the cards and have no need to push him out the door.
As it is, they should lock that door up and attempt to keep United away; Rice could become the next great West Ham academy graduate, and they cannot throw that away.
It has been reported that Liverpool are set to offer Divock Origi a new contract as reward for his stunning display against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, with Jurgen Klopp impressed by the Belgium’s decisiveness and work ethic.
The Reds almost let the man they signed from Lille for £10m leave back in January amid interest from Wolves, Crystal Palace and Everton, as well as admiring glances from afar.
However, Origi looks set to be handed an extension to his current deal, which has 12 months remaining, after his heroic exploits against Barca – the 24-year-old netted twice against the Spanish champions to send Klopp’s men through to a Champions League final tie with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Luis Suarez certainly had no qualms about celebrating against his former employers in the video below…
Given the fact that his stock is now sky-high, and that they were willing to offload him not six months ago, are Liverpool right to now hand Origi a new deal? Football FanCast’s writers have their say…
Jack Saville
“You can’t offer a new deal based on sentiment alone. Origi’s clinical edge helped to carry Liverpool into the final of the Champions League and keep their title dream alive at St James’ Park, but most fans would have laughed off suggestions of a new deal just a few days before he headed home the winner at Newcastle. His reputation has transformed in a matter of days but he’s simply not good enough to be Firmino’s understudy. Liverpool should cash in while his reputation is high and sign a superior replacement in the summer.”
James Beavis
“I suspect Klopp has changed his mind on this one like I have myself in recent weeks. Not long ago I would have said that Liverpool needed to cash in on Origi, but I feel differently now. The 24-year-old is still relatively young in footballing terms, and has proven that he can step up and score hugely important goals when needed – against Newcastle United and Barcelona. It won’t be easy to find someone else willing to play second fiddle to Roberto Firmino, but in the Belgian they have someone that is and that can make a difference too, which is like gold dust. If he continues as he is right now, he could even be a more regular fixture in the starting XI next term.”
Luke Glanville
“In my opinion, Liverpool must cash in on either Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi in the summer transfer window. How can they get rid of the latter after what he’s done for the club in the last week? Keeping Jurgen Klopp’s men in both Premier League and UEFA Champions League contention. Therefore, it must be Sturridge who goes. And in light of this, why not offer Origi a new deal? He’s proved time and time again how important he can be – the Belgian is the perfect back-up option for any member of the front three.”
Watford face Manchester City this weekend as they attempt to win the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
They face a tough task. City, of course, have already been crowned Premier League champions and are out to complete an unprecedented domestic treble after winning the Carabao Cup in February.
Can the Hornets pull off a major upset at Wembley, then, and stop Pep Guardiola’s side making history?
To do so, they would have to beat City for the first time since 1989, recording their first victory in 15 meetings.
Football FanCast takes a look at where the game could be won and lost…
Key battle – Troy Deeney v Aymeric Laporte
Deeney is a physical striker who loves nothing more than roughing up his marker.
Laporte, an excellent ball carrier who is also superb in the tackle, may not like the prospect of taking on such a ferocious forward.
Deeney scored a total of 11 goals across the season and is at his best when he is tasked with pressing a backline and attempting to win the ball back high up the pitch.
With City’s penchant for building from the back, the 30-year-old will be tasked with setting the tempo for Watford.
His influence on the game cannot be understated.
Key dynamic – Watford’s inexperience
Soccer Football – FA Cup Semi Final – Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – April 7, 2019 Watford manager Javi Gracia REUTERS/Ian Walton
Watford last reached a cup final in 1984; they lost, 2-0 to Everton. City are well-versed in the language of finals and will be out to prove a point as they bid to become the first team in English football to win a domestic treble.
It remains to be seen how this Watford team will cope.
Despite the clear gulf between the two teams – City finished 48 points ahead of Javi Gracia’s men – cup finals can be a leveller. City know that all too well, having lost to Wigan Athletic in 2013.
If Watford can follow the example of the Latics, keep it tight, and not lose their heads in the cauldron of the showpiece, they could well upset the champions.
Or perhaps, as is more likely, City will simply overrun the Hornets; they have played them twice this season, winning 2-1 at Vicarage Road and 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Deciding Factor – Hunger for titles
Will complacency creep in for City?
Pep Guardiola’s men were peerless in the Premier League. Even the best Liverpool team of recent years, who lost just once all season, could not overhaul the Blues at the top of the table.
A clash with Watford, usually, should be something of an open goal.
But there is an awful lot riding on this for the club – they could make history with a victory.
It remains to be seen, however, if that transmits to the players, who have regularly thumped the Hornets in recent years. In their last five meetings, City have won all five, scoring 19 goals and conceding just three.
Taking this for granted, though, would be a grave mistake; this Watford side could become the first ever to win an FA Cup. They will not be taking it lightly.
Impact subs – Riyad Mahrez v Andre Gray
Guardiola raised plenty of eyebrows when he picked Mahrez to play against Brighton & Hove Albion in the club’s final game of the Premier League season.
Naturally, the Algeria international scored the goal of the game and played a key role in his side’s 4-1 victory that confirmed them as champions.
It remains to be seen, however, if he will be picked over Leroy Sane at Wembley, as he was named in the starting XI just 14 times in the Premier League this season. If he isn’t, he could be a game-changer from the bench, with his fleet-footed dribbling ability likely to unsettle Watford’s defence deep into the game.
Gray, meanwhile, is effectively Deeney’s understudy but he has been quietly effective this season, scoring nine goals in all-competitions.
Two of those have come in the FA Cup, while he also laid on an assist in the dramatic 3-2 victory over Wolves in the semi-final.
A pacey player with a diminutive stature and a low centre of gravity, he is a completely different threat to Deeney and is perhaps their best option off the bench if the game is slipping away in the second half.
Are Watford the most likely club to break the top 6 next season? The fans in the video below certainly agree the ‘W’ part of that statement is correct…
The animosity surrounding West Brom at the moment is particularly unhealthy. After failing to achieve promotion, the club are still searching for a new manager, whilst as many as five players could leave this summer.
One of those who may depart is Jay Rodriguez, a player who has attracted the interest of Bournemouth this week. They may now be able to sign him on the cheap too after John Percy revealed he has a release clause in his contract of £5m.
The update on his future has left Albion supporters furious with their club and how they handle contracts.
One fan bemoaned the mismanagement, suggesting that it would be extremely poor business. Another supporter simply claimed the Baggies were the worst club in the world for negotiations.
A further member of the Hawthorns faithful made reference to Jonny Evans and Salomon Rondon. The former was able to depart almost unchallenged last summer to Leicester whilst their Venezuelan striker also has a release clause.
Rodriguez was a central player in West Brom’s play-off charge last term, scoring 22 goals as Albion were defeated on penalties in the semi-final against Aston Villa.
Losing the striker would be a bitter blow, especially considering the club reportedly can’t afford to bring Dwight Gayle back on a permanent basis.
تعرض الدولي الإسباني، ألفارو موراتا للطرد، بعد انتهاء مباراة فريقه يوفنتوس أمام بينيفينتو أمس، والتي انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي 1/1.
تقدم موراتا لـ يوفنتوس في الشوط الاول على ملعب سيرو فيرجوريتو، لكن فريق المدرب فيليبو إنزاجي سجل التعادل قبل نهاية الشوط عن طريق ليتيزيا.
طالع أيضًا.. بيرلو بعد تعادل يوفنتوس وبينفينتو: رونالدو محوري ولكن علينا الفوز بدونه
بعد صافرة النهاية، أشهر حكم المباراة الكارت الأحمر في وجه ألفارو موراتا، وحسب ما أفادت شبكة “سكاي” الإيطالية، أن سبب طرد موراتا، حديثه مع الحكم بعد المباراة.
وقال موراتا للحكم: “كانت هذه ركلة جزاء لعينة، لابد أن تشعر بالإحراج”.
موراتا كان يرى بأن يوفنتوس كان يستحق الحصول على ركلة جزاء في اللحظات الأخيرة، لكن فابريزيو باسكوا، حكم المباراة، لم يلتفت لها.
Tottenham fans are going wild on Twitter after Le10Sport revealed that the north London-based side are leading the race for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele’s signature.
As per the aforementioned source, the transfer is expected to cost Spurs at least €60m (£52.69m), although it would be a fantastic investment for a player who looks to be the real deal.
One point separated City and Liverpool but twenty-five separated them from the rest! Fans discuss who could reduce the deficit next season in the video below?
The France international has scored two goals and recorded eight assists this season, but it is his work in a deep-lying midfield role that has caught the eye. At just 22 years of age, Ndombele patrols the middle of the park like a seasoned veteran of the game.
His calmness on the ball, passing ability and great defensive awareness set him aside, and it’s safe to say he has been one of the leading players in his position in France this year. Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also interested in his services.
To be competing with clubs of that stature and even leading the race is exciting news for Spurs fans, and they have taken to Twitter to react accordingly…
[ad_pod ]Arsenal fans have directed the brunt of their post-Europa League final anger towards one particular moment after losing 4-1 to Chelsea in Baku.Needing victory to qualify for next season’s Champions League, the Gunners were dismantled as Eden Hazard ran riot in a thoroughly dominant second-half performance.With a bevy of underperforming players to choose from, the Arsenal faithful have directed their ire at one particular player and one particular action.In the 78th minute, Mesut Ozil’s nightmare evening was mercifully ended as Joe Willock replaced the World Cup winner. If Ozil’s empty and uninspired performance was bad enough, the leisurely manner in which he departed the pitch with his side in need of three goals was deemed unacceptable.The German, who is valued at £31.5 million by Transfermarkt, has struggled for consistency this season, providing just two assists in 24 Premier League appearances, but was still rewarded with a starting berth in Arsenal’s biggest match.
Having been dropped for tough games in the past, the attacking midfielder couldn’t find a foothold in this season-defining night and even the most die-hard Ozil fans were unable to excuse his painfully slow trudge to the bench in Baku.
Charlton Athletic may be on their way to Wembley for the League One play-off final against Sunderland, and they may have won eight of their last ten matches, but if they are to reach the promised land of the Championship Lee Bowyer should make some changes to his starting line-up.
Swap Josh Parker for Jonny Williams
Bowyer has done a fine job in the dugout throughout the season, but his faith in Josh Parker is questionable and probably born out of necessity more than anything else. The striker has failed to find the net in 12 games for the Addicks, and the lack of service he offers Lyle Taylor could prove Charlton’s downfall on Sunday. Jonny Williams, by comparison, provides that magic which could turn and win a game.
At 1-1 in the second leg, Parker missed a golden opportunity from just three yards out – unforgivable in such a massive game. Williams meanwhile showed composure at a key stage of the game, brought fresh life and ideas to the Charlton attack and would surely love to score against his former club at Wembley.
Check out what the Pl>ymaker FC squad got up to at the Football Blogging Awards in the video below…
Switch Purrington for Chris Solly or Naby Sarr
The other player who needs to drop to the bench is Ben Purrington. Since arriving at The Valley he has been solid but unspectacular and Charlton need more from their full backs if they are going to overhaul Sunderland – especially if they play a midfield diamond or three at the back.
Chris Solly is ever-reliable and could move to left-back, while although Naby Sarr put hearts in mouths when his penalty was saved in the shoot-out against Doncaster, he is better at tackling and is stronger in the air. He could deal better with the threat posed by Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien and Max Power down the right flank.
Bowyer has placed his trust in both Parker and Purrington since their January arrivals, and the team has no doubt produced better results since the New Year. However, Sunderland are a different proposition to most in League One and in a final the team has to be clinical both with and without the ball.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to take Manchester United further than the sixth-place finish they managed to record last season. It’s an uphill battle for the Red Devils considering the state of their current squad but anything is possible in football. Following the announcement of the Premier League fixtures list, here are five key dates that will decide whether they break their way back into the top four next season.
11 August, Chelsea (H)
The opening fixture will see Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford. The Blues will most likely be one of their direct rivals in the top four battle and starting things off with an important win could be crucial for Ole and his troops.
28 September, Arsenal (H)
Similarly important will be games against the Gunners. Arsenal also managed to finish above United last season and taking them down at home, which is something they couldn’t do in their previous campaign, could very well play a big role even though it’s relatively early in the schedule.
Could United be in the hunt for an £85m blockbuster signing this summer? Check out the video below…
3 December, Tottenham Hotspur (H)
Spurs are one of those teams that constantly spelt trouble for Ole last year and turning around their fortunes against their London-based rivals has to be on Solskjaer’s list. They managed to scrape a win away last season but were heavily defeated at Old Trafford. This has to absolutely be amended if they are to improve their results and clinch a top four spot.
14 December, Everton (H)
Even though Everton on their own are already tricky, this is more intended to put emphasis on a deadly series of games starting with the aforementioned Spurs clash at home. That one is followed by Manchester City (A) and finally this Everton game. December just might play a vital role in their race to the top four and if United fail to beat the Toffees, it could well be a season of holding onto Europa League football rather than challenging to sit at Europe’s top table.
1 February, Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
Wolves gave United far too much trouble last season, taking four points off them, and they will no doubt be looking to jump over them in the standings after finishing seventh last time out. Keeping Wolves below them should be top of the list for Ole if he aims to finish in the top four.
Even with the UEFA Champions League final days away, Jurgen Klopp seemingly cannot stop thinking about next season. More specifically, he can’t stop wondering how to bolster his squad even further to ensure success in the long-term. Ah, what a man.
If you were to believe all the links, the German’s striker hunt has seen him target numerous individuals, but the current target isn’t the most conventional one. Indeed, according to reports from Globo Esporte, late last week, Liverpool are aiming to hijack the move for Fluminense striker Joao Pedro, who is being courted by fellow Premier League side, Watford.
The Reds are surely aiming for a striker to replace the departing Daniel Sturridge, but are probably barking up the wrong tree here. The 17-year-old striker’s taken to senior-level football for Fluminense very well, having scored 6 goals in just 3 appearances, averaging two goals per game.
However, there are no guarantees he’ll thrive at Liverpool.
As a matter of fact, he might sink amid the high-octane pressure around the Reds right now. Pedro isn’t Roberto Firmino, who came to Liverpool already a well-oiled machine after rising to prominence over in the Bundesliga. Frankly, he might flop under the Premier League’s intense environment and crumble down under all the competition attempting to overwhelm him.
The Brazilian has no European experience and Liverpool are taking a risk based on little scouting. While he could be the next Brazilian superstar, it’s equally as possible he ends up another underwhelming wonderkid. Pedro isn’t the lethal, experienced striker to immediately evolve their world-class attack.
With all the luxurious talent already coming up their academy *cough* Rhian Brewster *cough*, the 17-year-old’s an unnecessary gamble for Klopp.
Liverpool fans, do you think Pedro is the striking reinforcement Klopp needs? Join the discussion by commenting below…