Tag Futebol

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds United, has claimed that Ezgjan Alioski is all set to leave Elland Road when his contract expires this summer.

Alioski has been linked with a controversial move to Galatasaray as a free agent with many Leeds fans not taking the news very well, considering the hatred between the two clubs after the UEFA cup semi-final riots in 2000.

There has been a new twist in the Alioski saga though as in the last 48 hours reports have emerged that Galatasaray can’t afford his wages anymore and the defender doesn’t want to receive backlash from Leeds fans so he won’t be moving to Turkey.

Speaking on how it appears to be time up for Alioski at Leeds and how a deal may already be in place, Norris exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“If I’m honest, I think it’s probably time up for him because when it drags on this long and you haven’t got something sorted, it normally means that it is already done and dusted.

“If Bielsa wants to keep him I think he stays because at Leeds whatever Bielsa wants he gets, so it looks like it’s already agreed and has been done on the quiet.”

The 28-year old defender has been a regular starter for Leeds since joining in 2017 and he has been able to make the step up into the Premier League smoothly this season at left-back.

His ability to play anywhere down the left-hand side has allowed Stuart Dallas to be deployed in the centre of midfield and showcase both his attacking and defensive qualities.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are livid with comments from journalist Graham Spiers made on Saturday.

Many Gers supporters have had problems with journalists, including Spiers, for the way they feel their club has been portrayed in the media. Last year, Club 1872 won an IPSO complaint against the Daily Record for false allegations in an article, while both Jordan Campbell and Andy Walker (Glasgow Times) have been banned from Ibrox for their coverage of the 55-time Scottish champions.

Spiers has now attracted the wrath of some Gers supporters. On Twitter, he shared a video of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was discussing an interaction he had with an official at Ibrox many moons ago. The former Manchester United manager said he was asked whether he and his wife were married in a chapel or not.

Spiers called it an “utter embarrassment”, seemingly alluding to a previous unwritten rule in the Rangers code that they could and would not sign Catholic players. However, this incident was said to have taken place more than 50 years ago, and Rangers have been openly signing Catholic players for more than 30 years.

The comments were shared on Twitter by Spiers, and these Gers fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Spiers’ comments

“Get a grip Spiers”

Credit: @Tunnocks17

“Embarrassing take”

Credit: @alanmillar91

“You really love a pop at Rangers Graham despite Alex Ferguson talking about something said by a director in 1967. The world has changed including in Glasgow since then. Try focus on the good and positive changes in Scottish football and not on the past. You prefer to be negative.”

Credit: @KidKiddr

“Posting something that happened more than half a century ago is just as embarrassing!”

Credit: @Steven53448760

“Oh do behave Graham – you cannot compare the club then with the club now. SAF actually accepted that because most people did at the time – not saying it was acceptable btw. We’re accepting of everyone and anyone”

Credit: @darren_cairns

“Not even remotely relevant to the Rangers of today, or for decades to be honest, but for people like yourself it has to be kept alive, it’s what your industry has traded on.”

Credit: @JHC17626935

In other news, this ex-Rangers man has expressed his delight since leaving Ibrox.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Christian Purslow’s European Super League comments on social media.

The Villa chief executive had plenty to say about the proposal on Monday, which has rocked the world of football in recent days.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were among 12 clubs who agreed to join a new ESL.

However, following plenty of backlash from supporters all across the country, those six clubs have now all withdrawn from the proposed competition.

Talking to the media prior to the Premier League clubs pulling out of the tournament, Purslow had plenty to say.

As reported by Express & Star, Purslow described the ESL as ‘grotesque concept’.

“These proposals (European Super League) do away with sporting merit. It would enable a small number of clubs to be in this competition come what may &, for millions in football, that goes against everything the sport means & stands for.

“The idea is that the uncertainty that comes with sport, that makes it so compelling, that we all love, is actually damaging to the business models of these huge clubs. So the scheme is designed to take away that uncertainty.

“To give predictability to their businesses so that, if they’re badly managed or have a poor year, they’re still in the premier tournament. Does that sound like sport or football to you? To me it sounds a grotesque concept.”

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Purslow’s comments on Twitter on Monday lunchtime, which, as to be expected, received plenty of interaction from a number of Villa supporters.

These fans were full of praise for Purslow, with one labelling his thoughts as ‘brilliant’.

“My CEO what a guy”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“The words of someone who respects the integrity of the game, the clubs and most importantly the fans. Proud to be a villan but today we all should be one club.”

Credit: @LionsMinnesota

“Couldn’t ask for a better CEO, this is what you call a football club”

Credit: @BevanRachael

“Brilliant so proud of my club @AVFCOfficial”

Credit: @helz83

“Purslow speaking facts”

Credit: @BenKavanagh_7

“Love Purslow”

Credit: @villa_sol21

In other news: Plenty of fans full of praise as brilliant gesture from Aston Villa ace emerges, find out more here. 

Rangers’ deal to sign Glen Kamara for just £50,000 in January 2019 has always been regarded as a bargain for the Ibrox outfit, but Steven Gerrard’s side could be set to make a significant profit on the Finnish international this summer.

Kamara joined for the minimal fee from Dundee in 2019 and has established himself as a key player in Gerrard’s squad in the two years since, going on to make 98 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has contributed four goals and four assists.

His superb performances for Rangers have not gone unnoticed, however, with a host of Premier League clubs including Newcastle United, Everton, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United having all reportedly registered an interest last summer.

Although Gerrard will no doubt be keen to keep Kamara in his squad, a recent report from Football Insider has suggested that the Champions value him at £10m-plus following his impressive performances in both the Premiership and the Europa League this season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

If the Gers were able to receive that sort of fee for the 25-year-old this summer, then it would represent magnificent business from the club, and they could reinvest that into Gerrard’s squad ahead of the return to the Champions League next season.

Kamara made a huge impression after just a few months at Rangers, with teammate Scott Arfield full of praise for him in May 2019, saying:

“Glen for 50k is the biggest steal of the century. He’s come in and he’s took to life. In terms of coming from Dundee with no expectation on him but in terms of how he plays the expectation arises because he’s such a good footballer and he’s kept that going.”

Transfermarkt has also recognised Kamara’s impressive performances in his time at Ibrox as they now value the midfielder at £4.05m, which represents a significant increase from last summer, when he was valued by the website at just £1.08m.

[freshpress-quiz id=“588789″]

Kamara’s time at Rangers has clearly made him a much better player but, if Premier League sides come knocking again this summer, it would perhaps not be a surprise to see the Gers cash in on the former Arsenal youth.

In other news… Wilson must stand firm with in-demand Rangers wonderkid this summer

As the end of the season approaches, the inevitable rumours surrounding Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United could resurface.

The Frenchman has long been linked with a second departure from Old Trafford, and with his contract set to expire next summer, it looks more likely than ever that the Red Devils may have to cash in on the former Juventus man this year.

According to The Telegraph, “discussions” have taken place over his future but a concrete extension has not been offered by the club.

Ed Woodward must make it his priority to secure Pogba to a new deal at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman has been questioned for his consistency with the Red Devils but his talent has never been in doubt. In 193 appearances for the club, he has scored 37 goals and notched 36 assists.

Despite the criticism he has received, these statistics are very similar to the eye-catching numbers he accumulated in his time in Italy.

His season has been disrupted through injury but the midfielder keeps sending stark reminders over his pivotal role in the Red Devils setup, having scored winning goals against Burnley and Fulham in the Premier League.

He also came off the bench against AC Milan on Thursday, with his goal being enough to guide the team through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=” Latest Man United transfer rumours and news!”]

Even manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left enamoured, stating that Pogba can “do everything”. Such quotes would imply that he is the type of player United would fear to lose, especially on a free transfer.

Should the Old Trafford hierarchy not see a place in the squad for Pogba, and indeed if the Frenchman wishes to leave, they simply cannot let him run down his contract.

Rated at £54m by Transfermarkt, United would surely wish to recoup the majority of the reported £89m they spent to bring him back to Old Trafford.

That would simply not be possible should his contract expire, seeing United miss out on a huge fee for the 28-year-old.

Whether the Red Devils would prefer Pogba to stay at the club or not remains to be seen. The rumours surrounding his next employers also remain elementary but Woodward simply cannot let his contract continue to run down either way.

AND in more news, take a closer look at Pogba’s inspirational performance at the San Siro on Thursday night…

Sunderland’s summer transfer plans will largely depend on whether they stay in League One or achieve promotion.End up in the Championship, and they will improve their chances of signing better talent.

What’s the word?

A remarkable return for Jermain Defoe has been touted in recent weeks but it’s another striker now at the centre of Sunderland’s attentions.

According to Football Insider, they are in a three-way tussle to sign St Johnstone’s Guy Melamed.

The Israeli only signed for the Scottish outfit back in October but his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. As a result, the Mackems could sign him on a free transfer.

They will face competition from Portsmouth and Ipswich as they battle to bring him south of the border.

Melamed currently earns just £1.2k-per-week in Scotland so his salary shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

A predatory force

There are plenty of uncertainties at Sunderland right now. Charlie Wyke is out of contract in the summer and if they fail to go up, he could be one of a number of players who choose to flee the nest.

Though, irrespective of whether Wyke leaves, the addition of Melamed would be a valuable one.

The 28-year-old is a tricky forward and has scored five goals and registered three assists in 15 outings this term, proving to be a real handful for defences.

Speaking about the striker after he netted a sensational goal against Hamilton, his manager Callum Davidson said: “You saw all game he was a danger in the box. It was an unbelievable touch and finish and we got what we deserved.â€

That was before the strike was compared to a certain Premier League legend by his teammate Craig Bryson: “I think people are maybe getting carried away when you compare players to Dennis Bergkamp. It was an incredible ball through from Liam Gordon, and just the way he controlled it and finished it was world-class.â€

Sunderland currently have Wyke to aim for aerially, but Melamed would give them something different. He is a more athletic forward, one that’s also capable of playing in wide areas.

With a player like Chris Maguire getting no younger and Jordan Jones heading back to Rangers, signing another attacking player makes sense. Melamed could just be that man.

AND in other news, Rarely-seen “local lad” could rival Diamond for a place at SAFC, Dickman loves him…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were delighted with an incident involving Scott Brown during the Old Firm derby on Sunday.

The Gers faced Celtic for the third time this season at the weekend and drew 1-1 after Alfredo Morelos cancelled out Mohamed Elyounoussi’s opener. In essence, though, the match was a dead rubber as the Gers had already confirmed their status as Premiership champions.

The week preceding the match proved to be a difficult one for the Ibrox outfit. They were knocked out of the Europa League last Thursday by Slavia Prague after losing 3-1 on aggregate, but the match was marred by allegations of racist abuse towards midfielder Glen Kamara.

The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is fierce, but that did not stop Brown from walking into the Gers half to embrace Kamara as the two teams warmed up before kick-off. A clip of the moment was shared by Sky Sports Scotland on Twitter, and many Gers fans could do nothing but praise the Celtic captain.

These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on Brown’s gesture.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Brown below

“I might hate him with a passion but that was class, well done Scott, we stand together”

Credit: @sea_ibrox

“I totally cannot stand the boy as a player but an amazing gesture from Scott Brown, fair play! Some things are bigger than football!”

Credit: @theruralrider

“Any thoughts I hold on scott brown matter not a jot today. That was a touch of class. Fair play.”

Credit: @JackReg31454571

“Absolutely hit the nail on the head mate. Sometimes rivalry just doesn’t matter. Hats off to Broony”

Credit: @Gav1nsm1th87

“Class touch”

Credit: @ArgyllWarrior

“Hate him but good gesture from him”

Credit: @Declan_1872_

In other news, many Rangers fans slammed this man’s performance against Celtic.

As Rangers near their 55th SPFL title after a comfortable 3-0 win over St Mirren at Ibrox, many Gers fans were wowed by the performance of defender Connor Goldson – taking to social media and applauding the Englishman for a fine display. 

The 28-year-old, who partnered centre-back Filip Helander this afternoon, stunned many supporters with his showing at points – with Steven Gerrard’s men now closing in on 55 and only needing arch rivals Celtic to drop points tomorrow against Dundee United.

Goldson helped the Gers to a crucial three points in their quest to clinch a first league triumph since 2010/2011, with their long ten-year wait for a title likely to come to a close soon – if not this weekend depending on how their rivals perform on Sunday.

Flocking to the praise the centre-back for his performance, it’s safe to say the Ibrox faithful were impressed – dropping all of their verdicts on him through social media.

Rangers fans blown away by Goldson

“That was another Connor Goldson masterclass”

Credit: @Pena_Cartel

“Goldson turned into Messi”

Credit: @Stephen32789781

“Goldson unleashing his inner Bougherra”

Credit: @revanite72

“Connor Goldson is spectacular.”

Credit: @RakoTuke

“Connor Goldson. Player of the year.”

Credit: @Seanboy1872

“Conor Goldson, Rangers Legend. Can’t be anything less surely???”

Credit: @DylxnHxwarth

Goldson has been magnificent today

Credit: @macdonald1872

Connor goldson player of the year, won’t hear any different.

Credit: @RhysS98

In other news: Gers fans also loved these Gerrard comments, find out more here.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton are now in the race to sign Tottenham transfer target Max Aarons in the summer.

What’s the story?

Reports earlier this month suggested that Norwich’s Aarons is on the radar of Jose Mourinho’s side, with Matt Doherty potentially being made available for a transfer as the Spurs boss has been left unconvinced of the right-back’s ability of being a success.

Now, Romano has claimed that Spurs’ fellow Premier League side and top four contenders Everton are “working” on signing the England U21 international, while Manchester United will also decide in the coming months about whether or not to pursue a move.

Bye-bye Doherty

Given that Doherty only joined last summer from Wolves, it’s a rather telling sign that Mourinho is already open to the idea of offloading him in the summer.

But if Daniel Levy can win the race to land Aarons, then Spurs would be making the perfect call by getting rid of Doherty and bringing the Norwich City sensation in.

Canaries boss Daniel Farke has spoken glowingly about the 21-year-old this season, saying: “Max is outstanding in many topics. I can’t praise him enough for what he has done since his first appearance. You watch some of our games now and the opponents go man-for-man on him. That is crazy for a player who is a full-back but it says a lot about his reputation. He is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future.”

The £18m-rated full-back appears to be the right-back version of Sergio Reguilon: young, quick and incredibly dangerous going forward. As per Whoscored this season, Aarons averages 1.3 key passes per game in the Championship, which ranks him fourth among his teammates, while his tally of 1.2 dribbles per match is good enough to rank him third.

That kind of offensive contribution would surely be perfect for Mourinho, who could have two of the Premier League’s most exciting full-backs in Reguilon and Aarons.

And it’s not just going forward that Aarons seems like he’s tailor made for the Spurs boss. He’s also someone who isn’t rash when making challenges a la a Serge Aurier, with the Norwich ace making just 0.5 fouls per game this season (19th in Norwich’s squad) – comfortably less than both Aurier and Doherty who rank joint-second among Spurs’ players with 1.5 per match.

Aarons is a flying full-back, but without the kind of defensive mistakes that has haunted Spurs’ right-backs. He seems absolutely perfect for Mourinho.

West Brom will still be hurting from the embarrassment of Tuesday evening but Sam Allardyce’s men must put that behind them as they host Arsenal at the Hawthorns this evening.

The Baggies were thrashed 5-0 by Leeds United earlier this week, meaning the 66-year-old has picked up just one point from his opening three matches in charge.

A run of form that has also seen his side leak eight goals, so surely changes are afoot with Big Sam left reeling at his players.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting this evening…

There could be as many as four changes with the Gunners in town.

Big Sam was already without several key players going into the festive period, and now Kieran Gibbs has joined the likes of Hal Robson-Kanu, Kyle Bartley and Sam Field on the treatment table.

Lee Peltier replaced him last-minute against United, but his inexperience at this level is worrying, so we are expecting two-time PL winner Branislav Ivanovic to come back in with young Dara O’Shea moving across to left-back.

It means Sam Johnstone remains between the sticks with Semi Ajayi and Darnell Furlong also starting again.

Jake Livermore is still suspended, so Romaine Sawyers should continue in defensive midfield, even despite his own goal on Tuesday. Although, he could well be joined by rarely-seen 20-year-old midfielder Rekeem Harper.

He was an interesting inclusion on the bench in midweek, and he carries box-to-box characteristics that should be right up Allardyce’s street, though he’s only started four games in the past 18 months.

It can’t hurt to give him a run-out alongside Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.

We may even see Matheus Pereira finally return to the starting XI as his creative influence is desperately needed. He’ll go in at right wing with Grady Diangana on the other flank.

Big Sam also has a massive call to make on misfiring summer signing Karlan Grant, he’s likely to be axed in favour of Charlie Austin this time around having failed to score in 11 of 12 starts now.

AND in other news, Ideye 2.0: Sam Allardyce must avoid “foolish” former player who “spat his dummy out” in Jan…