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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Kieran Trippier has insulted Tottenham Hotspur with his latest quotes.

The England international left Spurs earlier this summer to join Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £20m.

The move came about after Trippier endured a difficult season at Spurs that was categorised by a number of errors, including a genuinely appalling own goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

And, following his transfer, he has opened up on his reasons for departing north London.

Having featured for the club in the pre-season International Champions Cup tournament, he said, per Sky Sports: “I think it was time for me to change and move on.

“I don’t necessarily mean that I needed to move on, but things happened behind the scenes at Tottenham, which I don’t really want to go into, but I needed to move on from that.”

Now, of course, nobody bar Trippier and his team-mates know what went on. It would be remiss to guess.

But to suggest that he simply had to get out of Spurs makes out that he was frightfully unhappy with the way he was treated at the club.

We should get things straight here.

Trippier was signed from Burnley for £3.5m. He was a back-up to Kyle Walker. When Walker left, he was promoted to the first-team and trusted by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

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Because of the faith placed in him, he was England’s starting right-back at the 2018 World Cup, scoring a world-class free-kick in the semi-final defeat to Croatia.

Even last season, when his form dipped and he became a liability at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, yet he stayed in the starting XI, earning himself a major move to an elite European club.

The last thing he should be doing at this stage is criticising the club.

They have helped him become the player he is today and helped shape him into Atletico Madrid’s big-money summer signing.

To turn around now and throw Spurs’ faith back in their face is an insult not just to the club but also to the fans who supported him throughout his tenure in the capital.

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Despite conceding 54 goals in the Premier League last season, one man who could quite arguably hold his head up relatively high was Eric Bailly.

The Ivory Coast international seemed to thrive under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s leadership once the Norwegian had taken over at Old Trafford, but an injury sustained against Chelsea in April ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

Now, French publication L’Equipe (via Sport Witness) have claimed that Ligue 1 side Lyon are “primarily” aiming for Bailly this summer, ahead of alternative targets Laurent Koscielny and Joachim Andersen.

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The report saw United fans take to Twitter to voice their opinion on the rumours and many were adamant that the 25-year-old should not be sold.

Some were left to wonder how the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones could remain at the club whilst Bailly could be on the verge of leaving.

Indeed, reports in recent weeks had suggested United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham were closing in on a deal for midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, and supporters of the Red Devils wondered whether Lyon would be open to a potential deal involving Bailly to bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford instead.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

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Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan has reportedly returned to training quicker than imagined.

Villa’s players were back for pre-season at the start of the week but despite him being entitled to more time off, is back trying to ready himself for the new season.

Birmingham Live claim he reported to Bodymoor Heath on Wednesday morning for fitness testing.

And it was news that had Villa supporters praising him for his good attitude, despite the outcast struggling at the club after his £12m switch from Bristol City.

Fans took to Twitter to applaud his efforts as one said he was a top guy, hoping he got his chance to shine at some point. Another supporter offered similar sentiments, saying he should be given an opportunity next term.

A further fan applauded him for trying, hailing the fact he wasn’t just draining Villa of their resources.

Hogan’s time at the club has been far from impressive, scoring just seven goals since moving in 2017. He was previously one of the most potent forwards in the Championship, netting 14 in 25 before arriving at Villa Park.

However, following a loan spell at Sheffield United after being frozen out of the Villa team, he’s been linked with another temporary switch to QPR.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

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According to The Express, Leicester are interested in Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor with Brendan Rodgers a keen admirer of the Scot.

What’s the word?

This summer represents Rodgers’ first chance to change the squad he was given when he walked into the club during the final third of the campaign.

Under Claude Puel it was a side that didn’t look good enough at times. However, the Northern Irishman dispelled any doubters by turning around their form in some fashion.

Leicester are yet to complete any transfer business in the window yet, but the latest name to take the fancy of the club is McGregor, someone who stood out under Rodgers at Celtic.

The Express claim that he is a keen admirer of the 25-year-old but no possible valuation is revealed.

Maddison role change?

Last season McGregor played a vital role from a central area, featuring both as a number ten and as a more traditional central midfielder in Scotland.

During the course of the SPFL season he managed ten assists, displaying his creative qualities on a regular basis.

Considering that Maddison already features in a similar role for the Foxes, their interest is questionable on paper, but it could lead to a slight tweak in the way the club use the former Norwich man.

The 22-year-old was one of the leading lights in the Premier League last term but towards the back end of the season was forced to play on the left flank on a few occasions. This came after the emergence of Hamza Choudhury forced Youri Tielemans further forward.

As a result, if McGregor joins, this could signal a permanent change of role for Maddison.

Was Gareth Southgate wrong to overlook potential England stars from Palace, Leicester and Saints? Fan discuss “big club bias” in the video below…

Given the danger he caused from a central area it may seem strange to think that Rodgers could move him out of a role where he thrived.

But by reuniting himself with the Hoops midfielder, it can give the Leicester side an extra dose of creativity that they’ll be missing now Tielemans has returned to Monaco.

Judging by how well McGregor played under Rodgers previously, it’s a potential transfer that should excite the King Power faithful.

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The season is barely over at Celtic but with pre-season training for next term due to start in just a few weeks time, thoughts are already drifting towards the UEFA Champions League qualifiers that will define the Hoops’ summer.

Manager Neil Lennon knows he needs to pick up early good results to win over some sceptical fans that don’t believe he is the right man to lead the club forward.

With competitive games arriving so quickly he’s unlikely to have made all the signings he wants to revitalise his squad, so will have to rely on players already at the club to get the job done in initial qualifying.

One player that could provide an attacking boost to the team though is Australian international Daniel Arzani, who should be fit and available again after a long-term knee injury that ruined his season at Celtic Park.

On the chalkboard

Arzani managed just 33 minutes of football at Celtic before suffering an injury at Dens Park that kept him out for the entire campaign, perhaps making him the unluckiest debutante in recent memory.

Signing for Manchester City last summer after catching the eye for Australia during the World Cup, the player is thought to have significant potential, but hasn’t yet been able to show what he can do in British football.

His loan at Celtic Park fortunately runs until the summer of 2020 though and having put in the hard work to get back to fitness, The Daily Record reported last month he should be fit in time for the new season.

He plays predominately on the left wing, and that just so happens to be an area of the pitch that Celtic need a bit of inspiration in, making him well-placed to freshen up a Hoops side that has often been struggling for ideas in recent months.

Sinclair problem

Scott Sinclair has dominated the left wing position at Celtic for three seasons now and while he’s scored an impressive amount of goals in that time, 60 in total, his overall game has significantly regressed over the last 18 months.

Lennon actually started to rely on Jonny Hayes and Mikey Johnston instead when naming his starting elevens in the tail-end of the season, so there is definitely room for Arzani to impress and make the position his own in the early stages of next term.

A right-footed winger who has exciting close control skills and can drift in from the left flank, he fits the profile of players that traditionally excite Celtic fans – a Patrick Roberts type character who can entertain and get supporters on their feet.

Obviously there will be work to do to get that match sharpness back, but the path to the first-team this season is arguably clearer for the Australian than last season and that must be giving him hope.

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Sheffield United fans on Twitter have been getting emotional after a tribute video to Paul Coutts was posted on social media after his departure from the club was confirmed this week.

The Scotland international had been a key part of the Blades squad that was promoted in League One and was instrumental to the Yorkshire club’s excellent start last season.

Chris Wilder’s side were in contention for promotion with Coutts playing as a key man in midfield. However, the 30-year-old suffered a horror leg break against Burton Albion, and his form hasn’t recovered since.

He has made just one start for the Blades during their promotion campaign due to the fact Oliver Norwood took his spot in the starting XI. In the end, United decided not to renew his contract.

Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Pl>ymaker FC…

The midfielder will be remembered fondly at Bramall Lane, and certain sections of the fanbase are gutted to see him go.

Here’s what Sheffield United supporters have been saying on Twitter…

[ad_pod ]West Brom’s managerial search seems to be a merry-go-round of speculation that doesn’t appear as though it’ll ever end.Express & Star claimed last weekend that Technical Director Luke Dowling had held talks with Chris Hughton and Slavisa Jokanovic. Also linked have been Patrick Vieira and Danny Cowley.However, the latest name to take their fancy is Bruno Labbadia who is now set to meet with Dowling this week. That’s according to both Express & Star and John Percy.Reacting to the news on Twitter there was a mixed response from Baggies supporters over his possible appointment.One supporter claimed it would be exciting but quickly reflected upon things in a negative light by suggesting the club wouldn’t give him the funds to rebuild the team. A further fan ridiculed West Brom, hinting they’d make a mess of the negotiations.Another individual tweeted that his money was on Jimmy Shan or Darren Moore returning. Given the way Albion have operated in the past, it wouldn’t be the most shocking of updates if one of them was to come back.Was Darren Moore’s sacking unfair? The Pl>ymaker FC squad name which Championship bosses should have gone instead in the video below…Labbadia has done a sterling job in Germany and is set to leave Wolfsburg, who he guided to sixth place in the Bundesliga, at the end of the season. Last term, the 53-year-old saved them from relegation.Here’s the best of the debate.

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Charlton recorded a sensational 3-1 win over league leaders Luton Town at the weekend – their fourth consecutive victory – and thus extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games, with goals from Igor Vetokele and Lyle Taylor (2) bringing an end to the Hatters’ own excellent run.

Taylor’s brace took him to 21 goals in all competitions this season – a feat very few manage – but for Vetokele his strike and assist for his partner up front are an indicator that he is perhaps getting back to his best again after a difficult season plighted with injury.

The 27-year-old had this to say after a fantastic result:

“We have a chance (for automatic promotion) but we just have to focus on ourselves and try to win the remaining games and then we’ll see what happens.

“It gives us a massive boost and gives us confidence. It shows that we are capable of beating top teams and that’s what we’re going to have to do if we are going to get promotion.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

“It’s not really in our hands, so all we have to do is win every game that’s left and that will put pressure on the other teams.”

With four games to go and just three points separating the Addicks and second-placed Sunderland, the race for automatic promotion is on and if Charlton can keep up this kind of form then the Black Cats should be very worried indeed.

For most teams, winning your next four games seems like a big ask but, for a team on such a streak as the Valley outfit find themselves enjoying, it’s certainly possible if not likely. As Vetokele puts it, it’s all they have to do, with other results needing to go their way if they are to soar above the play-off places.

With all this contract speculation circulating around Rafa Benitez, Newcastle fans are desperately hoping it ends with the Spaniard agreeing to extend his stay at St James’ Park in order to progress the team over the next few years.

That much is obvious, right? Well, considering the state of play on Tyneside right now, nothing else is.

Indeed, the least Mike Ashley can do is get him to sign a new contract, after all he’s done over the last few seasons. Not only is a great manager but he also acts as a lure for the better players for Newcastle to try and sign.

Everybody knows that. Why don’t you seem to grasp it, Mike?

After all, Newcastle’s side still most definitely needs improving and the summer promises to be the perfect opportunity to do just that. Clearly, a number of positions can be improved upon from a Newcastle perspective and with Antonio Barreca’s loan spell proving to be ineffective, interest they have previously held in a left-back – Stanley N’Soki – should be taken up again.

N’Soki, (who is valued at £7.6 million on Transfermarkt) was a target (as per the Chronicle) for Newcastle over the course of the January window but for whatever reason, a deal failed to materialise.

The 19-year-old has since been involved with the PSG first team a lot more than he and many others probably would have predicted. With 11 Ligue 1 appearances to his name and a further three in cup competitions, N’Soki has proven to be not just any youngster but one ready to play right now.

Able to play in centre-back as well as his usual position of left-back, N’Soki can provide helpful versatility to a side like Newcastle and undoubtedly would be a top addition. How nice would that be, Toon fans? Another left-back of note at long, long last.

Newcastle fans, how highly do you rate the PSG youngster? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Please Rafa, sign the contract! For all that Newcastle fans aren’t surprised a deal is yet to be agreed, they’re so desperate to see Benitez stay at St James’ Park beyond this season. He just has to, there’s simply no other option. 

Clearly, there would be a tremendous boost around the ground should the Spaniard stay and it could help Newcastle sustain a better future. The Mike Ashley era has given fans precious little reason to smile but the sight of the former Liverpool boss extending his deal would do exactly that.

Though whether or not it will happen is another matter and that is desperately worrying those adoring fans.

For all that Rafa Benitez has done for the club, it would be horrendous to see him leave and that’s why Mike Ashley needs him to sign a new contract and then make available a stunning war-chest that will ensure Newcastle are very active in the summer transfer window.

Big signings are the ones that fans dream about and Atletico Madrid’s Gelson Martins would certainly be a player who fits that category.

Martins, (who is valued at £25.2 million on Transfermarkt) was a January target for Newcastle (as per Sky Sports), at least until Monaco swooped in and stole him away at the last minute.

Since, the Portuguese winger has scored three times in nine appearances, helping Monaco consequently steer clear of the relegation zone. Though Newcastle seem to be alright and will play Premier League football next season, the addition of Gelson Martins would have been tremendous and could of help seen a more rampant move up the table.

If they have the audacity to try again in the summer, a wing-wizard with the quality that Martins possesses is exactly what they need. Explosive and unpredictable, he’d offer the ultimate upgrade on wide options such as Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie, as well as making a statement in the transfer market.

Clearly, there’s interest there and surely Monaco will undergo major changes – they already have since Martins’ arrival in January – so perhaps the Toon Army would be wise to try and relaunch a move. Things haven’t worked out in the Spanish capital but the former Sporting Lisbon ace is so obviously a talent.

With pace in abundance, skill and overall end product, Martins is still only 23 and therefore has time on his side to really adapt to life in Newcastle.

Do you agree that Newcastle should try and sign Martins again? If not, why not? Let us know!