Liverpool fans are delighted with the contract extension of prospect Ovie Ejaria and the deal that sees him move to Rangers with Steven Gerrard.
The Reds confirmed he had signed a new long-term contract at Anfield, but will move for the 2018/19 season to Ibrox, helping usher in a new era at the Light Blues under the guidance of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The England U21 international has made just eight career appearances for Liverpool and most recently spent a half season on loan at relegated Championship club Sunderland.
A central attacking midfielder, fans are hoping the 20-year-old can learn a lot from Gerrard and return to the Reds better prepared for first team football, with many believing he has an excellent future.
The Scottish Premiership is a physical and quick league, with the pressure of winning week-to-week in front of a 50,000 crowd likely to aid his development too.
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Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…
James Collins might not have expected to see too much Premier League football at West Ham United this season, but the centre-back has made 10 league appearances during the 2017-18 season.
The 34-year-old has actually started and indeed finished West Ham’s last five Premier League matches, and the Hammers have only lost once during that run.
Collins is currently in his second spell with West Ham, and he is closing on 150 appearances for the London club since returning from Aston Villa in the summer of 2012.
The centre-back’s current deal with West Ham will expire at the end of the season, however, and there have not yet been any talks regarding an extension.
Collins, who appeared 51 times for Wales between 2004 and 2017, is desperate to sign a new contract at the London Stadium.
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The West Ham fans are also extremely keen for an extension to be agreed, but it remains to be seen whether the club come up with an offer in the next few months.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be found below:
In an almost predictable turn of events, Hull City striker Shane Long netted in the recent 2-0 victory over former club West Bromwich Albion.
Considering the Baggies’ current goal-scoring woes, it seems odd that the Irishman was allowed to leave so easily. Having tried and failed to sign the striker in the summer, Steve Bruce returned and finally got his man for a fee believed to be in the region of £7million.
Already Bruce’s decision to splash the cash on Long and Nikica Jelavic looks as though it may pay dividends in Hull’s bid to beat the drop. Although it has only been a few months, the Tigers’ new strike partnership looks to have already developed a good understanding and both have already hit the back of the net on several occasions.
The same cannot be said of West Brom’s current attacking options. Youngster Saido Berahino currently sits atop their goalscoring chart with just four in the league this season. The likes of Victor Anichebe and Matej Vydra have failed to fill the goalscoring void left by last season’s loan star Romelu Lukaku.
Bearing in mind these troubles in front of goal, the decision to sell a proven Premier League goalscorer, especially to a relegation rival, continues to baffle.
Of course, the fact that West Brom were offered such a substantial fee for a player with just six months left on his contract could suggest that they’ve actually performed a smart piece of business. But by not reinvesting that money in a replacement, the club are risking their Premier League status in a move which doesn’t make so much financial sense.
The reason the club found themselves in such an unenviable situation was because contract negotiations with the player had broken down. Obviously it is difficult to determine the true reasons behind such an impasse, but Long’s comments whilst he was still at the Hawthorns prove very telling.
When asked about a move in the January window, the striker stated he was settled in the area yet suggested that “if a club doesn’t want you, what’s the point in staying?”
According to reports, contract negotiations broke down in the Spring of last year and no further offers were said to have been presented to the player. The manner in which the Irishman was transferred mid-season and the apparent lack of activity on a new contract hardly suggests Albion were eager to keep the striker.
Bearing this all in mind, why did West Brom not want Shane Long? Although he isn’t the most prolific goalscorer in the division, his endeavour and running off the ball posed a problem to most defences. And it isn’t like any of Albion’s other forward options have demonstrated a ruthless streak in front of goal.
The rumour mill hasn’t churned out anything to suggest that Long was a disruptive influence or was agitating for a move. Something may have happened behind closed doors that would shed light upon the decision. But from a footballing perspective, the sale is difficult to fathom.
It is a transfer that has even been questioned publicly by figures at the Hawthorns.
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After Saturday’s defeat, Ben Foster candidly spoke on the matter and surprisingly stated that “sometimes I think why did we let him go to be honest with you.” The goalkeeper described the striker as “one of our best players from the last couple of years” and that “it’s disappointing that he’s no longer here.”
Manager Pepe Mel echoed this sentiment when asked about Long, admitting that he would have preferred to have kept the striker at the club.
Obviously it would be impossible to speculate upon the West Brom’s fortunes if Long was still at the club. But judging by the Irishman’s performances for his new club, the striker would certainly offer more than any of the Baggies’ current options.
Which begs the question, why didn’t West Brom want Shane Long?
William Gallas believes mistakes were made in Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea at the weekend and that Spurs must rectify them if they are to beat the top teams.
Andre Villas-Boas’ side lost Saturday’s match 4-2. They led the Blues 2-1 at one stage, after scoring a goal soon into the second half, but gradually capitulated to last season’s Champions League winners.
Gallas, who captained Spurs against his old club, feels they conceded goals that could have been avoided and that the team made mistakes after getting back into the game following half-time.
“I’m very disappointed because even if I think we didn’t start the first half very well, we came back well in the second half. We equalised and we scored the second goal, and then I think we made so many mistakes,” Gallas told Spurs TV.
“We could not keep the ball in front and it was very difficult for us because they had a lot of chances and they had the occasion to equalise and then to score the third goal. On all the goals we conceded we made a mistake.
“When you play against Chelsea you have to be strong for 90 minutes, and we made so many mistakes. We didn’t keep the ball very well and they started to play in our half again, they had some chances to score, and in the end they won 4-2.”
However, the defender believes that Spurs must now put the game behind them and move on to thinking about the next fixture.
“We have to put this game behind us. It’s difficult to accept it, especially when you play against Chelsea – when it’s a derby you always want to win. But we have to forget about that game and think about another one,” he added.
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Boss Andre Villas-Boas praised his team, saying Spurs’ second half comeback “showed great strength of character.”
According to reliable West Ham United club insider @ExWHUemployee on his latest The West Ham Way blog, the east London club held talks with Manchester United about a potential transfer deal last week, but it was nothing to do with Marko Arnautovic following the rumour that Jose Mourinho is keen to sign the Austria international.
While @ExWHUemployee says that the Irons have an interest in goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they look to provide Adrian with some much-needed competition following Joe Hart’s unsuccessful loan spell, there could be a number of other Red Devils players that were discussed.
New Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is clearly determined to strengthen his newly-inherited squad this summer, and there are a number of positions across the team that could do with reinforcing – including in attacking midfield after Manuel Lanzini’s huge injury blow while on international duty with Argentina that could keep him out for the entire 2018/19 campaign.
The Chilean boss, whose reign at the London Stadium would be getting off to a calamitous start if he signed a reported 30-year-old target, will have spread his net worldwide, but perhaps some of the solutions to his biggest problems may have been found at Old Trafford.
Here are three Man United players West Ham could be in talks to sign…
Pellegrini reportedly wants to add some youth and pace to his team this summer, and he could certainly do that if he adds the versatile Fosu-Mensah to his squad this summer.
The young Dutchman is highly-rated at Old Trafford, but he suffered something of a disappointing season-long loan spell with the Irons’ London rivals Crystal Palace last season having been brought in and made a regular in the XI in Frank de Boer’s short time in charge, before he fell slightly more out of favour under Roy Hodgson.
Nevertheless, the 6ft 3in 20-year-old can play as a right-back, centre-back and defensive midfielder, and West Ham need strengthening in the latter two positions in particular.
The 6ft 4in central/defensive midfielder enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough 2017/18 campaign for United, and he made 23 first-team appearances in total having clearly impressed Jose Mourinho.
The 21-year-old even kept Paul Pogba on the substitutes’ bench at times, but his opportunities may be slightly more limited in the upcoming season if Pogba finds form again and following the arrival of Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk.
If that proves to be the case then Mourinho could choose to loan the Scot out for more regular minutes, and he would be a welcome addition in the middle for West Ham given Cheikhou Kouyate’s struggles last term.
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Despite bursting on to the scene in 2016 and looking to have a really bright future ahead of him, Rashford is still yet to establish himself as a regular starter for United, and he was often on the end of some sly public criticism from Mourinho – especially towards the latter stages of the 2017/18 campaign.
The Portuguese manager may feel that a loan spell away from Old Trafford could be beneficial for the 20-year-old, who would surely interest Pellegrini given the pace and overall quality that he has.
Rashford showed with his brilliant strike for England against Costa Rica last week the ability that he has in the final third, and he would certainly add something to the West Ham frontline – whether it be through the centre or from out wide.
Southampton have successfully negotiated another round of the FA Cup after defeating Watford 1-0 at St Mary’s on Saturday.
The cup has offered welcome respite from the club’s woes in the English Premier League, where they haven’t won a match since November.
Supporters can be happy with progression to the fifth round and had Jack Stephens to thank for the victory, who netted from close range just four minutes into the match.
However, manager Mauricio Pellegrino didn’t escape criticism with many supporters angry at a second half substitution that allowed Watford back into the game.
The impressive Sofiane Boufal was taken off midway through the second half for defender Maya Yoshida, inviting pressure onto the Saints in the final portion of the game.
Fans couldn’t understand the decision, with some even suggesting that the team won despite their manager, rather than because of him.
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Manchester United have wind in their sails, a lease of life; Ed Woodward has shown his competency in securing the signing of a player initially thought to be well out of the club’s reach, with nothing based on financial footing.
Even before a ball has been kicked in what seems to be a new dawn for the club, it feels as though the surge of enthusiasm and renewed hope from Juan Mata’s signing will lift United into the top four – and his signing may well signal the start of a feverish and frantic week of spending in these final few days of the January window.
The temptation is there. United need more than just one player, no matter how good he is, to put the ship right. David Moyes was in Germany on Friday night to take in Bayern’s 2-0 win away to Borussia Monchengladbach, where he reportedly made contact with the agent of Toni Kroos, discussing the possibility of taking on a player whose contract situation, at this time, is identical to that of Wayne Rooney.
The German international would represent another slightly altered change in tact for United. Yes, Kroos is young and therefore fits the bill of what United have been looking for over the past few years. But the Bayern star’s image and profile is far greater than that of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling; from a talent perspective, he outshines Shinji Kagawa.
Kroos is a name that makes sense for United, if Bayern find themselves in a position to relinquish hold on the player. He’s been a regular in the centre of midfield, dropping deeper into the deep-lying position in the absence of either Bastian Schweinsteiger or Javi Martinez.
Much is the same of Yohan Cabaye, another name linked over the past week with a move to Old Trafford. The Newcastle midfielder, even with a slight blip, has been one of the Premier League’s best central midfielders since he arrived from Lille in 2011. PSG’s move for him earlier this month speaks of his talent and potential to be an influential figure at the top of the European game, and for United, Cabaye could have an equal say alongside Mata in the coming fortunes for the club.
But there is danger for United at this time. The idea that Juan Mata was a panic signing was thrown out there, and while it makes little sense due to the need of the club at this time – star power and a player who could make a difference in the final third – United may make a wrong move into the territory of panic buying if they’re not pragmatic.
There’s no doubt that the relevant figures at Old Trafford will be encouraged even further to make another big signing, but while Ed Woodward has done well to bring in Mata, the club’s chief executive must keep his composure and avoid overpaying in the wrong areas of the market.
The club need reinforcements in defence, probably right across the back line if rumours are to be believed that Rafael’s future is in doubt. Fabio Coentrao has been linked at the start of the month, but United can do better. Much of the same can be said of Dante, who despite having an excellent season for Bayern last year, is 30 and doesn’t have too much time left at the top of the game.
It wouldn’t even be a terrible idea if United held their cards until the summer, at least in terms of big-name buys. January is notorious for creating inflated fees, while clubs can be drawn into the game of “panic buying” if their first or second choices aren’t available.
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Kroos and Cabaye would be fantastic signings for United and David Moyes – both the German and the Frenchman could form the base and starting point of a possession or counterattacking system. Unless they become available, however, the club must be mindful to not waste the funds Moyes requires to rebuild the squad at Old Trafford.
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England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce wants to see an increase in home-grown talent being given Premier League opportunities, picking out Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling as the perfect example.
Eighteen-year-old Sterling is on the verge of making his under-21 debut on Friday in their European Championship play-off against Serbia and has impressed Pearce with the start he has made to the season with a struggling Liverpool side.
Pearce told the Daily Mail: “He has had a fantastic start to the season. He has been in our development age groups prior to this season and he had the fortunate opportunity to be with the seniors last time out and he has come in now and has got the opportunity to vie for a place with the Under-21s.
“He has fit in really well to be fair, he will bring the confidence he has got and that Brendan Rodgers has given him – he has got his tail up at the moment and looks a real handful.”
Sterling was named in Roy Hodgson’s senior squad for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine to gain precious experience at the highest level, and Pearce wants to see more players like Sterling being given a chance.
“We would prefer more young players breaking into their teams, there is no doubt about that,” he said.
Pearce also picked out Liverpool as a side who are giving their young talented youngsters a chance to prove themselves in the Premier League.
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“When you look at Liverpool there is (Jonjo) Shelvey, Andre Wisdom has just got in the team recently, Raheem has got into the team,” he added.
England under-21s play their return leg against Serbia on Tuesday evening in Krusevac, with the winner over two legs making it through to next year’s finals in Israel.
Hull City striker Abel Hernandez is soon to be out of contract, and although a number of Championship clubs have been interested, it looks as though Leeds United are winning the race to secure his signature.
What’s the story?
After four years at Hull City, Abel Hernandez looks set to end his spell at the KCOM Stadium when his contract expires on June 30th, putting a number of Championship and Premier League clubs on high alert.
The striker initially signed for the Tigers for £10million and has scored 39 times for the club.
Aston Villa and Wolves were rumoured to be interested, but according to reports from Lee Sobot of the Yorkshire Post, their interest in the striker appears to have cooled.
As Sobot points out, Villa will struggle financially following their failure to reach the Premier League, and Wolves are closing in on the signing of Benik Afobe.
This should leave Leeds United in pole position to secure the signing with the Uruguay international.
Would he be a good signing for Leeds?
If Leeds are looking to build a promotion-challenging team, they will certainly need to improve on the 59 goals they managed this season.
With strikers often being the most valuable commodities on the market, a free transfer for an international striker with a proven track record of goals is just what Leeds need.
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Having netted 28 times in 49 Championship games for Hull, Hernandez seems like the perfect free transfer for Leeds to bolster their attacking options.
In most cases, second-string strikers are keen to dislodge the leader of the pack in order to steal their spot.
However, on this occasion, Heung-min Son has suggested that he has no intention of knocking Harry Kane off his perch at Tottenham Hotspur.
The hitman had a record-breaking 2017 as he finished the calendar year as Europe’s top scorer with 56 goals – more than the likes of regular Ballon d’Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At the weekend, Kane wrote another line in the history books as he surpassed Teddy Sheringham’s Spurs record of 97 Premier League goals.
Kane reached the feat by netting twice in a comfortable 4-0 win over Everton at Wembley on Saturday in the late kickoff.
Son also contributed to the scoresheet as he netted his fifth in a row on home soil and his 11th in all competitions.
Not only did he find the back of the net, the South Korean set up the first of Kane’s goals and played a part in the build up to Christian Eriksen’s successful hit.
While Son has admitted that he is happy to be performing well up front, he has no plans to try to snatch the first-choice position from Kane.
In fact, the forward is delighted to see his teammate thriving this season.
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The Daily Star quotes Son as saying:
“I really enjoy Harry scoring goals as that is also good for the team. When I play with him and the team, he beats every record and we are part of this. I am happy to help him. It’s nice to have some record myself and I really enjoy it.
“But I am not selfish or just thinking about myself. I am really happy for Harry. I just want Harry to beat every record for England and the Premier League. The most important thing about our partnership is that it works really well and I want to take this one or two more steps and keep it going.”