All posts by h79snht.top

With Robin van Persie leaving and Javier Hernandez seemingly on his way out, talk is bouncing around the rumour pages of who Manchester United could be bringing in to compete with Wayne Rooney for the striking berth.

It seems as though Louis van Gaal is to opt for a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in the coming season, meaning that any striker who arrives is likely to have to compete with Rooney rather than partner him in the 3-5-2 we saw for much of last season with Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie.

Top class strikers seem extremely hard to come by in the current market, but the draw of Manchester United means that no player is out of bounds. The current set of summer signings will make the pull of the club ever greater and the prospect of playing alongside Rooney, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata should attract any player.

Here are FIVE options for LvG…

Robert Lewandowski

Despite his success at Bayern, Lewandowski is likely to still be available at the right price to United.

His goal scoring record continues to impress, but the role of a centre forward still seems somewhat unnatural to a team managed by Pep Guardiola. The presence of Lewandowski would offer something different to that of Rooney and would act as a focal point for the great attacking midfield talent around the squad.

One issue would be attracting Lewandowski to a team where he is not guaranteed to start.

Karim Benzema

With the Benitez era beginning at Real, Benzema’s position could be under threat if the Spaniard is to use Cristiano Ronaldo in a number 9 role.

Benzema is one of the most underrated players in the world right now and continues to be overlooked for his contribution to the brilliance of Bale and Ronaldo. His link-up play with back to goal is exceptional and would be great at bringing the in runs beyond of his team-mates.

It will be a sharp expense if United are to target Real Madrid’s first choice striker, but he is probably the best option they have.

Charlie Austin

As the second highest scoring Englishman in the league last season, Austin has demonstrated his ability at the top level in a weak side.

There are, inevitably, risks of the QPR man being a one season wonder, but his style of play would offer an alternative to what Rooney or Depay could offer as the lone centre forward. Austin has risen from non-league football to this standard and United would be taking a considerable risk in securing his addition, but he is likely to be more comfortable as a back-up than other options.

His standing in the game to this point means Austin would be more willing to bide his time to get into the starting line-up.

Mauro Icardi

Inter’s Argentine striking star was the shining light in the Nerazzuri’s disappointing campaign last time around.

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Icardi has had his fair share of attitude problems throughout his career, but is beginning to pick up interest from some of the top sides around Europe. As one of an incredibly strong Argentine striking unit, opportunities are international level are hard to come by but Icardi has the potential to become one of the best in the world.

Much like Austin, the Internazionale man may be more willing to wait for his chances while he establishes his name at the club.

Edinson Cavani

Since arriving at PSG, Cavani has been largely playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and would welcome the opportunity to play centrally more regularly elsewhere.

The move to Paris was clearly a money motivated one, but the Uruguayan probably expected more chances to play as centre forward than he has had so far. Unfortunately, Cavani has been largely utilised one the right-wing but he has still managed an impressive goal return.

His high work-rate and intense physical game should make the adaptation to the Premier League and easy one for Edinson.

While a huge point against Tottenham at Wembley on Thursday night has created some much-welcomed breathing space between West Ham and the relegation zone, David Moyes will hope the east London club can bring in some reinforcements this month to push the Hammers well clear of the scrap to avoid the drop.

And one player who appears to be in the Scot’s thoughts is Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen, with The Daily Mail recently claiming the Irons are prepared to pay £15million for the 40-cap Welshman’s services. Accordingly, we asked Hammers supporters whether they’d back a deal for the 27-year-old earlier this week and the response was a resounding yes, with 88% voting in Allen’s favour.

How plausible a deal for the 5 foot 6 midfielder actually is, however, remains to be seen. The Potters will be loathed to lose such an important player, especially one who has already bagged four assists this season, while they’re in the relegation zone.

How much would you pay to land Allen, West Ham fans? Let us know by commenting below…

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January can be a busy month for football clubs, particularly those in the Championship as they try to get their squads in shape for the remainder of the season.Leeds United, who are vying for a playoff spot, recruited a new talent in the form of Japan international Yosuke Ideguchi.The 21-year-old passed his medical on Tuesday before penning a four-and-a-half-year contract at Elland Road.Ideguchi has joined from J1 League club Gamba Osaka, but fans will not get the chance to see the midfielder in action any time soon as he has been loaned out to Spanish Segunda Division side Cultural Leonesa.Even though the supporters will have to wait to see what the youngster has on offer, Ideguchi has claimed that he will be a fighter on the pitch.

The move is extra special for Ideguchi as he has made history at the club by becoming the first ever Japanese player signed by Leeds.

There’s something typically Liverpool about beating the Premier League leaders one weekend, and then losing to the bottom-placed side eight days later. That’s exactly what Jurgen Klopp’s boys did last night, suffering a 1-0 loss to a revitalised Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

What makes the result all the more bemusing though, is how Klopp fielded arguably his strongest side. In fact, the only difference from the starting XI that ripped apart Manchester City at Anfield was the inclusion of club-record signing Virgil van Dijk, coming in for Dejan Lovren at centre-half.

Indeed, Klopp will feel some of Liverpool’s biggest talents – particularly Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane – let themselves down in south Wales by failing to truly make an impact on the match, while even van Dijk endured something of a mixed evening having played a hand in Swansea’s goal with a weak clearing header.

So, Liverpool fans, who were the Reds’ best and worst performers last night? Let us know below by giving each player involved an individual performance rating out of ten…

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Ademola Lookman burst onto the scene last season when he scored on his Premier League debut 10 days after signing for Everton from Charlton Athletic in January 2017.

Since then, though, the 20-year-old has failed to significantly push on having been restricted to just one Premier League start.

In total, the winger made 13 appearances in all competitions, but in 10 of those he came off the bench as a substitute.

Throughout the season, Everton have struggled with pace, particularly in wide areas.

While Lookman may not be the finished product yet, the England Under-20 World Cup winner possessed those qualities.

Despite this, on transfer deadline day, the former Charlton player joined Bundesliga club RB Leipzig on loan until the end of the season.

Only a few days ago, Everton manager Sam Allardyce told reporters that Lookman was going to stay at Goodison Park.

After the Toffees sealed a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Wednesday evening, the manager revealed that the club tried to convince the attacker to stay put.

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It is safe to say, though, that the fans were not impressed by the transfer.

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In the modern game, managers can never feel that their jobs are safe due to the constant merry-go-round.David Moyes was appointed as Slaven Bilic’s successor at West Ham United in November, signing a deal until the end of the season.The Scotsman did not head to the London Stadium with the best pedigree due to his failed spells in charge of Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland.Since taking over, though, Moyes managed to win over some supporters thanks to a six-game unbeaten run in the Premier League across December and January.In recent weeks, though, results have not gone to plan and now the team are on a four-game winless run in all competitions.A report inÂThe TelegraphÂclaimed that the Hammers are already looking for replacements and will dismiss Moyes regardless of whether or not they retain their top-flight status.The East London outfit have decided to respond to these claims byÂreleasing a statementÂinsisting that no decision has been made on the manager’s long-term future.

“The club would like to place on record that it categorically refutes the claims made by the Daily Telegraph regarding manager David Moyes.

“There is absolutely no truth whatsoever to this story. As previously stated on a number of occasions, the club and David Moyes agreed a deal until the end of the 2017/18 season, at which point both parties will sit down and discuss the future.

“Until then, the Board and David Moyes will continue to work closely together with the Manager having full responsibility of footballing matters and the full support of the Board. Everyone’s sole focus is on trying to achieve results for West Ham United.”

Fans have since tweeted their thoughts on the situation.

Arsenal are almost assured of a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League after a comfortable victory away to Swedish side Ostersunds FK on Thursday night.

In what promised to be a tricky encounter in difficult, unfamiliar surroundings, Arsene Wenger’s side dealt with the first leg very well indeed, rushing to a 2-0 lead in the first half before Mesut Ozil killed the game and potentially the tie with a third just before the hour mark.

Given the competition is Arsenal’s best hope of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League this season, it’s vital that Wenger’s side apply themselves properly on these Thursday nights.

Fans were generally pleased with the performance but were unhappy with one player in particular.

Danny Welbeck came into the side due to Alexandre Lacazette’s injury and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being cup tied, but failed to make much of an impact, leaving supporters frustrated.

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The player had previously only made 12 starts this season and it was a big opportunity to impress which he failed to take.

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

In an interview with the Eastern Daily Press, Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed has hinted that he doesn’t want to return to St Mary’s following his season-long loan spell from Norwich City if he isn’t going to be playing football, and Saints fans have been quick to have their say on his comments.

The 23-year-old has been a regular for the Canaries in the middle of the park this season having made just 30 appearances in all competitions for the south coast outfit’s first team previously.

The midfielder has already surpassed that tally this term with the Championship outfit having made 32 outings in total for them, and he would face a challenge to play regularly at his parent club given they have Mario Lemina, Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in central midfield – although that could of course change if Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are relegated.

Southampton supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on Reed’s thoughts on his future, and while one said “a summer move could be best for all parties”, another said “if (when) we sell Lemina we will need him”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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According to Tuttosport, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is interested in signing Valencia full-back Jose Gaya at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

What’s the story?

It is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for United as Mourinho looks to put together a squad capable of challenging for major honours next term.

A new central midfielder is seen as a priority for the Red Devils at the end of the season, but according to Tuttosport, United are also interested in signing a new full-back.

Indeed, the report claims that the exit of Matteo Darmian – who has struggled for football this season – will force Mourinho into the transfer market, and the Portuguese is believed to favour a move for Gaya.

It is understood that United want to sell Darmian before making a move for another defender, and the 20-time English champions are confident that the likes of Juventus and both Milan clubs will follow up on their interest with a firm bid at the end of the season.

Would Gaya be a good signing for United?

Gaya burst onto the scene as Jordi Alba’s replacement at Valencia, and the Spaniard was once regarded as one of the best young talents in European football.

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Consistency has been a problem for the full-back during his career, but the 22-year-old has been in fine form for Los Che during the 2017-18 campaign.

Indeed, Gaya has made 29 appearances in all competitions for his Spanish club this season, with 25 of those coming in La Liga, where Valencia are enjoying an impressive campaign.

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It is understood that United would have to pay in excess of £40m to activate Gaya’s release clause, but the Red Devils are said to be confident of finding an agreement below that price.

Much could depend on Luke Shaw’s future at Old Trafford, but Gaya would be a very exciting signing, with the defender possessing all of the attributes to be a hit in the Premier League.

According to an exclusive report by the Star on Sunday, Manchester United are ready to offer Jesse Lingard a bumper new contract just 11 months after he signed his previous one.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Star on Sunday says that the 25-year-old has delighted manager Jose Mourinho with his performances this season, following an impressive goalscoring return.

Now, the Star on Sunday says that the Red Devils are looking to reward the England international, who is set to be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy later this month, with a new deal even though he only penned a four-year one to stay at Old Trafford in April 2017.

The report adds that Lingard’s wages could rise from £75,000-a-week to £100,000-a-week if a deal is agreed between all parties.

How has Lingard done this season?

He has been impressive, and received high praise from fans that he hasn’t been too popular with previously.

While he has only started one of their last three Premier League matches – he played two minutes as a substitute in the 2-1 win against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday – he has made 37 appearances in total this term, netting 13 goals and providing a further five assists.

Eight of those goals have come in 26 top flight outings, where he has played a big part in helping the club cement their second-place position in the standings.

Are United right to hand him a new deal?

They certainly are.

In the modern day clubs reward players when they are hitting or exceeding their targets, and that is what Lingard has done this season.

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If he is producing the goods on the pitch consistently then he deserves a pay rise, especially as he is a home-grown player.

The 25-year-old is also versatile and the fact that he can feature in and cover a number of attacking positions already mean that he is a key player in the squad.

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