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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to Football Insider, there is a strong possibility that West Brom’s loan star Grady Diangana is recalled by his parent club in January.

But Slaven Bilic may already have his replacement lying in wait at the club.

What’s the word?

Reports claim that Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is ‘increasingly attracted’ by the prospect of recalling the 21-year-old in January.

Diangana does indeed have a clause as part of his loan deal that would allow the manager to do so.

Pellegrini has been kept up-to-date with his performances at the Hawthorns, but he will only be able to act on that option during the first two weeks of January.

A source told Football Insider that the chances of that happening are “genuine” given West Ham’s struggles in front of goal – they have netted just 12 goals from 10 matches this term.

Willock in wait

Diangana has been emphatic for Bilic’s Baggies this campaign, scoring four goals and providing three assists, per WhoScored, so there’s no doubting that his departure would put a huge dent in their promotion hopes.

However, the effect will be less severe once they realise that they already have his replacement lying in wait in Chris Willock.

The former Arsenal graduate has been in red hot form for the U23s this campaign but is yet to taste senior football up in the west Midlands, he has netted two goals and laid on four assists in the Premier League 2, via Transfermarkt.

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It seems daft to have brought someone in on deadline day only to force him to play youth football.

Bilic has claimed that the 21-year-old has to wait for his opportunity while his youth teammate Jack Fitzwater believes it is only a matter of time before we see Willock line up on a Saturday.

Albion reportedly want to keep hold of him despite the lack of senior game time, so they can boost his prospects by allowing him to thrive in Diangana’s absence.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Isaac Hayden is having a mixed season under Steve Bruce but from what he has shown on occasion he could be key to Newcastle picking up a win against Bournemouth on Saturday.

On the chalkboard

The former Arsenal man has featured in eight league games out of 11 but it was his own fault that he has missed out, as he picked up a red card against Leicester – a mistake which contributed to a 5-0 defeat.

Since then the Longstaff brothers’ partnership has come to fruition and threatened to keep Hayden out of the side, and with Jonjo Shelvey also performing well against West Ham – with a well-taken goal – Bruce certainly has a central midfield dilemma on his hands.

In the interest of keeping a balanced team, and reducing the influence of the Cherries’ midfield, Bruce has to play a ball-winner.

That means Hayden has to start. He may have got sent off a few weeks ago but that shows the tenacity in his game, and he has also made more tackles per game than any Newcastle player, with 3.1, which highlights what the midfield misses when he is not available.

In addition, he has been adept with the ball at his feet this season, too. No Magpies midfielder has achieved a better pass accuracy than his 78%, a stat which has contributed to him ranking third out of midfielders who have conceded possession the least amount for teams outside the top six.

Combative player

Hayden should be enjoying life under Bruce much more than his predecessor, having requested to leave in the summer following two years in which he didn’t play as much as he hoped for.

His involvement increased slightly last season, from 15 starts to 21 in the Premier League, but not enough to satisfy his demands, and therefore he will be hoping his recent strong performances are rewarded with an extended run in the team.

The 24-year-old suits the Magpies’ counter-attacking style too, and could prove important in disrupting Bournemouth’s rhythm.

Eddie Howe usually encourages his team to play passing, free-flowing football, but in making his side more difficult to beat – with one goal conceded in their last four games – they have lost a little in midfield.

They have averaged just 46% possession so far, with an overall pass accuracy of 75%, and that means if they are put under pressure by the harrying of Hayden, they could give the ball away easily.

Overturning possession, particularly in midfield, suits Bruce’s side very well, as it allows the pacy wingers to get on the front foot before the opposition has time to react, and that could result in the chances and goals to win Newcastle the game.

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…

Since arriving on the south coast, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl has earned a reputation for giving young, talented players a chance to prove themselves at first-team level, and another beneficiary of the Austrian’s footballing philosophy regarding youth could be defender Kevin Danso.

Danso, 21, arrived on loan at the club in the summer transfer window from Augsburg, and has started two league games for the Saints in the 2019/20 campaign.

Although Hasenhüttl did opt to give the Austria U21 international an opportunity in the first-team, Danso received a red card in his side’s defeat to Manchester United and has since been restricted to just 45 minutes of first-team action in the Premier League.

Despite the fact Danso was sent off against the Red Devils, the 2019/20 campaign presents the perfect opportunity for this highly promising defensive prospect to make his name on English soil, if he is afforded ample opportunity to prove himself.

A battling defender with the ability to contribute in the final-third – as his assist for Jannik Vestergaard’s equaliser against United illuminated – Danso’s profile as an attacking defender will have been attractive to Hasenhüttl in his bid to construct a balanced Saints side in his first full season in charge on the south coast, and despite his youthful age, Danso has had his fair share of experience. 

With 10 appearances for Austria’s U21 side as well as over 40 appearances for Augsburg’s first-team, Danso possesses a respectable level of first-team experience that should assist in impressing during his loan spell on the south coast.

Southampton currently sit 17th in the Premier League, hovering above the relegation zone by a slim margin, and therefore it may be difficult for their Austrian coach to turn to youthful yet promising prospects as opposed to experienced top-flight players with history of battling in a Premier League relegation battle, such as Nathan Redmond, Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand.

Although his arrival with the Saints may not have raised any eyebrows given the low-profile nature of the transfer, if Hasenhüttl can find the faith to give Danso an extended run in the first-team, this could be a player with the ability to handsomely reward his manager’s faith in the 2019/20 campaign.

Ever wondered how the Neville brothers were so successful? We imagine it doesn’t cross your mind all that often, but you’re about to find out anyway.

Phil and Gary Neville were members of the iconic Class of ’92, a band of players that were developed at Manchester United and went on to win the treble seven years later.

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Although the pair were eventually split up in 2005, when Phil exchanged Manchester for Merseyside and joined Everton, who were managed by future United manager David Moyes at the time, they won ten major trophies together including the Premier League (six times), the FA Cup (three times) and the Champions League. Gary would go on to finish his career at Old Trafford.

Indeed, to be so successful there has to be a formula, a level of desire, passion and support that constantly surrounds you for all the ups and downs fledgling pros will undoubtedly experience on their journey towards stardom, and by the sounds of it, that’s exactly what the Neville brothers enjoyed…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are monitoring the progress of Bolton Wanderers winger Dennis Politic ahead of a potential January move.

What’s the word?

Those reports suggest that Dean Smith has taken a keen eye on the 19-year-old after he was fast-tracked into the first team this season.

Politic was one of the several youth players that were drafted into the side as the club faced major uncertainty over its long-term future with them very nearly going out of business.

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The Trotters were saved at the 11th hour and as a result, appointed Keith Hill as the manager who then signed an array of players before the transfer deadline closed.

Nine of which were signed on deadline day alone, but the young winger was one player to keep his place amongst the senior fold.

Politic has featured in nine matches already this campaign, playing both on the left and right of midfield, scoring just the one goal against Rochdale in the EFL Cup, per Transfermarkt.

Strength in depth is needed

Although it remains to be seen whether the reports hold any truth, it could still signal Smith’s intentions as the January transfer window approaches.

The Villa squad is awash with talent both defensively and in midfield – for instance, behind Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels there are three other centre-backs while aside from John McGinn and Jack Grealish, there’s Marvelous Nakamba, Douglas Luiz, Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury all fighting for that one additional spot.

Summer signing Wesley has been the only fit senior striker for the last few weeks with just three wingers to chose from for the two spots either side of him – therefore, it would make sense for the Villa boss to target an addition in that position.

Politic has barely been exposed to the men’s game for long at all, aside from his appearances this season, he’s only enjoyed a short loan spell at Salford City as they gained promotion from the National League Premier last season.

In front of co-owner David Beckham, he scored a goal reminiscent of that famous strike against Wimbledon, as he lobbed the opposition goalkeeper from inside the centre circle.

Given the considerable step up in quality from League One to the Premier League, this move would probably be seen as one for the future.

Comments from his Bolton coach Julian Darby should offer further encouragement though, saying the following about Politic: “Dennis is a talent. When he gets on the ball, things happen.”

That certainly bodes well.

كشف مصدر من داخل الفريق الأول لكرة السلة بنادي الزمالك، أن بعض اللاعبين قرروا رفع راية العصيان بسبب خلافات بين الإدارة والمدير الفني أوجستي بوش.

وأكد المصدر، لـ”بطولات”، أن بوش قد لا يحضر مباراة الفريق غدًا بسبب خلافات مادية مع إدارة النادي، وأنهم لم يلتزموا مع المدير الفني رغم وعده بأكثر من مرة دفع راتبه المتأخر.

وأضاف المصدر: “اللاعب والتر هودج المحترف الأجنبي ضمن صفوف سلة الزمالك، هو الآخر أبلغ إدارة الفريق بنيته فسخ التعاقد، بسبب عدم الالتزام بدفع راتبه لأكثر من شهر، وأنه لن يتواجد في مباراة الغد في دوري السوبر”.

ويلاقي الزمالك نظيره طلائع الجيش غدًا الجمعة في إطار منافسات الجولة العاشرة من دوري السوبر لكرة السلة.

الجدير بالذكر أن سلة الزمالك تشهد تألق كبير خلال الفترة الأخيرة، بعد قدوم بوش ووالتر هودج، وأصبح الفريق في وصافة ترتيب الدوري السوبر برصيد 16 نقطة.

أشاد رونالد كومان، المدير الفني لبرشلونة، بموقف وأداء لاعبيه رغم توديع دوري أبطال أوروبا على يد باريس سان جيرمان من دور الـ16، وامتدح كيلور نافاس حارس مرمى الفريق الفرنسي.

وتعادل برشلونة (1-1) مع باريس سان جيرمان إيابًا على ملعب “حديقة الأمراء”، وكانت مباراة الذهاب حسمت بهزيمته على ملعبه “كامب نو” بنتيجة (4-1).

وقال كومان في تصريحات عقب المباراة نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “حسنًا تم إقصاؤنا، وهذا ما يهم في كرة القدم، لكن نغادر بمشاعر جيدة، كانت لدينا فرص لجعل الأمور صعبة على منافسنا وتفوقنا في الشوط الأول، وخاطرنا دفاعيًا”.

وأضاف الهولندي: “كنا نستحق نتيجة أكثر من التعادل، على الأقل 1-2، وبهذه النتيجة سيكون الشوط الثاني مختلفًا”.

وواصل كومان: “في مباراة الذهاب كانوا فعالين للغاية أمام المرمى ولم نكن كذلك، لقد سجلوا أربعة وسجلنا هدف واحد، هذا هو الفارق الكبير”.

وأردف: “لا يمكن انتقاد عدم النجاح لأن الفريق بذل جهدًا كبيرًا، افتقرنا لبعض الحظ في فرص كثيرة، كان حارسهم نافاس هو الأفضل في الملعب، وكانت لدينا فرص لم نستغلها”.

وعلّق على تصدي نافاس لركلة جزاء ليونيل ميسي: “الموقف في المباراة الأولى كان جيدًا، لكن اليوم سعينا وراء كل شيء منذ البداية، ركلة الجزاء كانت لحظة مهمة لكنها ليست المفتاح”.

وتابع مدرب برشلونة: “الشوط الثاني كان سيختلف للغاية إذا سجلناها، لكنها أشياء تحدث، ويجب أن نسلط الضوء على موقف الفريق لأنه الشيء الأكثر أهمية”.

وأكمل كومان: “كانت هناك لحظات كنا نستحق فيها أن نكون متقدمين على لوحة النتائج، بنتيجة 1-2 أو 1-3، والفريق أظهر أن لديه مستقبل كبير”.

وشدد: “نحن نغادر هذه النسخة من دوري الأبطال بطريقة مختلفة تمامًا عن الموسم الماضي (الهزيمة من بايرن ميونخ 8-2)”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الخليفي عن إطاحة باريس سان جيرمان ببرشلونة من دوري الأبطال: نسيت الريمونتادا

وأكد كومان: “في هذه المباراة وصلنا إلى مستوانا ويجب أن نستمر على هذا الطريق، نحن حزينون ولكن اليوم كانت الصورة التي قدمناها والانطباع الذي نتركه مهمًا للغاية”.

وواصل: “لقد خاطرنا وضغطنا وخلقنا الفرص، لكننا لم نعرف كيف نستغلها، بعد الشوط الأول، بالتعادل 1-1 ، كان الأمر أكثر صعوبة”.

وأشاد كومان بفريقه مجددًا: “أنا سعيد جدًا بالفريق وبالموقف الذي أظهروه من البداية إلى الثانية الأخيرة، لقد كافحنا حتى اللحظة الأخيرة لمحاولة الفوز بالمباراة على الأقل، لقد استحقنا ذلك بسبب أدائنا وسلوكنا”.

وأتم بشأن ما إذا كان تحدث مع رئيس النادي خوان لابورتا أم لا: “كل البرشلونيين عليهم الفخر بفريقهم، الرئيس قال إن علينا تقديم أقصى ما نستطيع وهذا ما فعلناه”. ملخص مباراة برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان

Losing players due to injury has never been considered a positive thing but when you lose all three of your main forwards, two of which are Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, then the bad news quickly takes a more alarming turn.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel for Blaugrana, so the latest tweet from Barcelona’s official account would lead us to believe.

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The club have officially confirmed that the Uruguayan has returned to training as they announced this big good news on their social media and Twitter accounts on Wednesday, a post you would anticipate to evoke widespread enthusiasm ahead of his return.

But many of the fans simply couldn’t care less about Suarez and all they wanted to hear about was what’s going on with Messi.

Many were also quick to label this news as “bad” and even “miserable”, while one fan labelled Suarez a “clown”.

You can see some of their reactions to the club’s official announcement in the collection of tweets down below.

Check them out…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

While Barcelona were busy all summer chasing huge targets like Antoine Griezmann and Neymar, Real Madrid only claimed one Galactico of their own in the form of Eden Hazard.

But, if Sport is to be believed, there’s a clear reason for that and his name is Kylian Mbappe.

What’s the word, then?

We all know what kind of a soap opera the whole Neymar saga turned out to be. Barcelona were banging on the door of Paris Saint-Germain all summer long in hopes of re-signing the Brazilian.

And while there certainly were reports confirming Real Madrid’s interest, Sport claim there was a clear reason why they took a backseat in the whole operation.

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Namely, they intend to go all-out for Mbappe next summer and that’s why they didn’t really push for Neymar in the summer. This information was then reportedly conveyed to Barcelona in one of their meetings with Paris Saint-Germain. Both Florentino Perez and Zinedine Zidane are big fans of the young starlet and Sport even state that Real Madrid’s coach would prefer the forward over Paul Pogba.

If these reports are indeed true and we see a great offensive in 2020, Galacticos would once again be true to their name.

A statement of intent

Throughout the whole year, the Madrid media were obsessed with Real Madrid’s “revolution”: a total revamp of the team that would once again conquer the world after a rather lacklustre 2018/19 season. Of course, that revolution would have to be kick-started by some mega-signings and while Hazard is certainly a step in the right direction, Los Blancos are only halfway there for now.

The signing of Mbappe, however, would not only get their revolution fully underway but it would also be a clear statement to the footballing world that the kings want their throne back.

The 20-year-old forward doesn’t really need much of an introduction. At such a young age, he’s already been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or in the not so distant future, has a World Cup trophy under his belt and has already scored 62 goals and assisted 33 in a total of 91 games played for Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe clearly warrants this reported “desire” of both Perez and Zidane to incorporate him into the Los Blancos’ team.

Let’s see if they actually manage to get him and initiate the desired revolution next summer.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are not interested in making a swoop for Fernando Llorente this summer.

What’s the word?

Reports had suggested the Spaniard was on the verge of a free transfer to United following his release from Tottenham at the end of last season.

However, The Daily Mail claim that this is not the case and the Red Devils “do not plan” on making an offer for the veteran forward any time soon – this is a mistake.

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United’s transfer stance on Llorente is likely to mean Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to make do with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Alexis Sanchez as his sole options up front, and the latter could be set for a departure.

Plan B

Llorente may not have had regular first-team starts at Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino, but there can be no doubting that he was part of some magical moments in his time in north London.

The Spaniard scored that all-important goal at the Etihad against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, and followed it up with a supreme second-leg performance against Ajax in the last four.

Whilst Solskjaer is intent on trying to press from the front and inject some pace into the United attack, the Red Devils could really do with someone of Llorente’s profile. After all, just look at the success Marouane Fellaini had at Old Trafford whenever the side wanted to go more direct.

It may not be easy on the eye, but it’s most definitely effective. In the Premier League last season, the former Athletic Bilbao striker registered an average of 2.7 aerial duels won per game.

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

Instead, United’s reported stance on the 6 foot 5 ace means there is going to be a huge reliance on an inexperienced set of forwards who all play the same way to fire the side to glory this season.

Plan A may well work for most of the campaign, but not having a Plan B in their ranks like the former Spurs star could be a major oversight on Solskjaer’s part.

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