Everton: These fans want to see Cenk Tosun given a chance

Cenk Tosun has played just 16 minutes of football for Everton this season, which came at the end of the 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City, as per Transfermarkt.

However, this wasn’t enough to prevent him from being called up to Turkey’s squad for their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Andorra and Moldova.

Having played the entirety of the 1-0 win over Andorra, Tosun then got two goals and an assist to help earn a 4-0 victory over Moldova.

Though it was this moment, tweeted by The Toffee Blues, that has caught the most attention:

The skill and composure shown in flicking the ball over the goalkeeper’s head, before volleying it into the net with the inside of his foot, has had some supporters calling for the Turkish striker to be given more of a chance in the Everton team.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the club’s most prominent striker so far this season, having played 261 minutes across five matches, though he is yet to score.

Moise Kean has managed 217 minutes across five games, having recorded one assist in an Everton shirt so far with no goals.

A selection of Twitter reaction to the goal, including posts from impressed Everton fans, can be seen below:

Manchester City told to reunite Pep Guardiola with Dani Alves by ESPN pundit

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking on ESPN FC, former Liverpool star Steve Nicol has told Manchester City to sign veteran right-back Dani Alves this summer.

What did he say?

Alves is currently a free agent after leaving French giants PSG at the end of the last campaign and has been linked with a possible move to City and even Premier League rivals Arsenal.

However, Nicol insists that Alves would suit City’s style of play and that his relationship with Pep Guardiola from their Barcelona days would see the move pay off.

Watch Manchester City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

He said: “For him to go to City, you’re basically looking at him to play in the FA Cup, the League Cup. There’s the connection with Pep, so he’s going to be happy in the dressing room. There won’t be any problems with it (him signing). He doesn’t want to go and play for a run of the mill team where he’ll have to defend for 80 minutes of the 90.

“He can come to Man City and play in the other side, the other half of the pitch, for most of the game. This makes a whole lot of sense. Most of it is to do with the relationship between Alves and Pep Guardiola.”

A smart move

For those who thought Alves’ career was finished, then the Brazilian’s displays at the Copa America certainly silenced the doubters. The 36-year-old was named the player of the tournament as Brazil lifted the trophy, and it undoubtedly offered encouragement that he could still perform at the highest level.

As Nicol suggests, City’s dominance of games would help Alves’ own plight. The amount of time he would spend running back towards his own goal or having to defend would be significantly smaller than were he to join Arsenal. At the Etihad, the Brazilian can continue to wreak havoc with his offensive work and would allow Guardiola to give first-choice right-back Kyle Walker a rest.

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

The City boss has had to make do with the versatile Danilo as Walker’s back-up, but Alves’ arrival would give him a tried-and-trusted option that he knows perfectly well from their time together at Barcelona.

An added bonus that Nicol didn’t touch on – Alves’ scarcely believable haul of trophies at club and international level would help replace some of the winning mentality that walked out the door with Vincent Kompany. A smart move for all parties involved.

Liverpool fans fume over club’s reported transfer stance

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According to The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are unlikely to make any more signings in this summer’s transfer window unless a major injury were to strike the team.

And it would be fair to say that the news has gone down terribly with the Liverpool supporters, who have been demanding movement throughout the summer.

As it stands, 17-year-old Sepp van den Berg and 16-year-old Harvey Elliott are the club’s only two arrivals since the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

Liverpool’s pre-season results have not exactly been terrific and they well beaten by a slick Napoli in Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds now have just one more friendly match against Lyon on Wednesday night before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield this weekend.

And the news that the club’s transfer business could be finished has led to a number of angry responses from the Liverpool supporters.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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Newcastle interested in signing Tottenham’s Danny Rose, fans react

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Lots of Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was reported by The Daily Star that Tottenham left-back Danny Rose is on Steve Bruce’s radar, as he looks to seal his first signing as manager on Tyneside.

The former Sunderland boss has already identified the left-back department as a problem position at St James’ Park, and has Rose in his sights as the man to solve the issue.

The prospect of Steve Bruce at the helm has Newcastle fans calling for the return of a very unpopular former manager in the video below…

The 27-cap England international impressed for Spurs last season as they made the Champions League final, but appears to be a victim of the club’s full-back revamp after being left out of the pre-season tour – fellow full-back Kieran Trippier has already left for Atletico Madrid.

The Magpies are weighing up a £15m offer for the 29-year-old, who has played for bitter rivals Sunderland in the past, and Rose would compete with Paul Dummett for the left-back spot if he did end up on Tyneside.

Let’s see what the Newcastle fans on Twitter have been saying about the news…

Newcastle Transfer Roundup: Bruce update, Joelinton interest, Milan eye Schar

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Friday’s Newcastle transfer roundup concentrated on the club’s reported transfer budget, news on a targeted Championship manager and the potential departure of a goalkeeper. Today’s edition tells you of a big update on Steve Bruce, the pursuit of a Bundesliga forward and Serie A eyes on a Swiss international.

Bruce resigns

It is being reported that Bruce has resigned as the manager of Sheffield Wednesday. The 58-year-old is a target for Newcastle, with the former Manchester United player and the Toon holding talks last week. Assistants Steve Agnew and Stephen Clement will also leave Hillsborough.

Newcastle ready Joelinton offer

Newcastle United are preparing to bid for Hoffenheim’s Joelinton according to The Daily Mail. Owner Mike Ashley is prepared to make £36m available for the Brazilian but wants to get a deal agreed this week as he looks to avoid drawn-out negotiations.

Milan eye Schar

AC Milan are targeting Newcastle defender Fabian Schar according to The Northern Echo and are lining up a bid for the Swiss international. The Rossoneri have already made contact with the 27-year-old’s representatives ahead of a potential move.

Manchester United Transfer Roundup: Lukaku update, bid for Griezmann, end of hunt for Bale

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Manchester United have got themselves off the mark in this summer’s transfer window as they yesterday announced the signing of winger Dan James from Swansea. It is unlikely to be the last bit of business they do over the next couple of months, however. Today’s United transfer roundup includes updates on two strikers and the end of the hunt for one worldly star.

Lukaku praises Conte

Romelu Lukaku has stoked the fire of a move to Inter Milan by telling Sportmediaset that Antonio Conte is the “best manager in the world”. The Serie A side have already shown interest in the Belgian, and Lukaku has previously said that he is expecting a “busy summer”. These latest comments do nothing to pour cold water over the possibility of a switch.

Late Griezmann bid

United are preparing to launch a late bid for French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann according to the Sun. The Atletico Madrid forward was thought to be on the verge of a move to Barcelona, but the Red Devils believe they can hijack any potential deal and are primed to offer £95m.

No more interest in Bale

According to the Evening Standard, United have ended their interest in Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale. The Welshman had been of interest to the Old Trafford outfit, but Ed Woodward is now prepared to back manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s desire to sign the best domestic talent instead.

Transfer Focus: Ageing Phil Jagielka could prove doubters wrong at Sheffield United

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An article in the Daily Mail has linked Phil Jagielka with a stunning return to Sheffield United 12 years after he departed the club.

Since leaving Yorkshire, the defender has had an incredibly successful career. He has made over 350 Premier League appearances and earned himself 40 England caps, but now it may be time to give something back to the club where it all began.

His first stint

Jagielka is just as much a hero at Bramall Lane as he is at Goodison Park, and every single Blade would be happy to welcome him back.

He was the standout player in Neil Warnock’s team that was promoted to the Premier League over a decade ago, and his performances in red and white during the 2000s sealed his place as a fan favourite.

Even though Jagielka was 25 when he left United he hadn’t fully matured as a player. Warnock seemingly didn’t know his best position and described him as “The new Patrick Vieira”, while also saying “I can see Jagger eventually taking over from Gary Neville at right-back for England.”

“Finding a Lionel Messi in Sheffield… bit of a tall order!” – Watch Championship fans attempt to name their clubs’ Messi in the video below…

Still got it

The defender turns 37 in August, and many people would say that he isn’t up to scratch as a Premier League defender anymore, but Jagielka still has all the capabilities to prove them wrong.

When he has appeared this season, he has been more than competent at centre-half, and that was never more evident than when Arsenal came to Goodison Park.

The 36-year-old was thrust into the starting XI just minutes before kick-off due to an injury picked up by Michael Keane during the warm-up.

He had the daunting task of facing up against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, and he dealt with them both as if he were 10 years younger as well as scoring the winning goal.

He can be the leader at the back that any newly promoted team needs, and although he won’t be able to play every minute of the campaign as he did back in 2006/07, he can undoubtedly be a valuable asset for Chris Wilder when he needs to defend a lead late on.

Season in Numbers: Berardi’s stats at centre-back show why he must start remaining games

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Marcelo Bielsa has a real selection headache when it comes to choosing who should partner Liam Cooper for Leeds’ playoff run. Pontus Jansson has been injured recently, but he may be ready to return for Wednesday’s match at Elland Road.

Gaetano Berardi started the first leg against Derby on Saturday and put in another excellent shift at centre-back. Even if Jansson returns, there is now enough evidence to say that the Swiss international may be the better option in the heart of the defence.

Leeds’ defensive numbers are incredible when the Swiss man is utilised as a centre-half, and if that can continue then the Whites will already have one foot in the Premier League.

As the above infographic shows, although Berardi hasn’t played at centre-back too often this season, when he does, he is effective.

Six clean sheets in 10 games is an incredible return for any defender, and when you consider that some of those came against the likes of Norwich, Derby and Middlesbrough, it is even more impressive.

Berardi has shown he has what it takes to play against top-level opposition and keep them out. The Whites have conceded just six goals all season when the 30-year-old is playing centrally.

The versatile defender also makes on average 2.5 tackles per game when playing as a centre-back, compared to Jansson’s 2.4. The difference is marginal, but it shows that the former Sampdoria man is just as strong in the tackle as the Swede.

He has picked up five yellow cards in ten outings whilst playing that role, and although that may seem like a bad thing it highlights the type of attitude Bielsa’s side needs heading into these vital games.

His determination to win possession can see him cautioned from time to time, but it is a testament to his defensive ability that he hasn’t been sent off in any of these games where he has picked up a yellow.

Both of these players are brilliant at this level, but heading into the final games of the season it would be very harsh to say that Berardi hasn’t earnt his spot next to Cooper.

Transfer Focus: Bielsa’s new deal indicates a promising summer is on the cards

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Leeds fans finally received the news they have been waiting for on Thursday after it was announced that Marcelo Bielsa would be staying on as manager for the 2019/20 season.

There had been much speculation about the Argentine’s future at the club due to his tendency to walk away from jobs after a short period.

Andrea Radrizzani has done an incredible job in convincing the Argentine to stay, but the update on Bielsa’s contract may bring more good news for the Yorkshire club in the future.

Promises been made

The 63-year-old isn’t one to stay at a club if he believes he won’t be able to do his job to the best of his ability.

He has walked away from more lucrative roles than Leeds United in the past due to clashes with the board and due to failure in the transfer window.

The United chairman must’ve made some serious promises to Bielsa regarding the upcoming transfer window to make him sign on the dotted line for another 12 months.

Transfer window

The Yorkshire club certainly have only one aim for next term, and that is promotion.

To go up, they will need to strengthen in key positions with the right players. The former Marseille boss wouldn’t have chosen to stick around if he thought he was heading into next season with a weaker squad.

Whether that means vital players such as Kalvin Phillips and Kemar Roofe will be retained, or that rumoured targets such as Dwight Gayle and Callum O’Dowda will be secured remains to be seen, but you can bank on Leeds lining up with a stronger XI next season.

Bielsa could have easily walked away, but he feels there is unfinished business at the club and that can only be resolved if the Whites are promoted to the Premier League.

Tottenham fans react to Mauricio Pochettino’s cryptic comments on future

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Mauricio Pochettino seems to have transcended heroic status at Tottenham Hotspur. In the modern game it is rare to find a manager who commands such unanimous respect throughout the club, re-enforcing a dwindling concept that no player is above the manager.

He is the star of the show, the beating heart and the the genius behind an incredible few years in north London, but is he in it for the long haul?

Discussion over his future has been prevalent throughout the season, particularly in light of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal at Manchester United and, with the season edging towards a potentially historic conclusion for Spurs, that discussion is coming to the fore once again.

The Argentine has publicly addressed the topic this week, with his comments hinting that Daniel Levy’s long-term strategy will dictate his future, per football.london.

“I am not open to start a new chapter with no plan, no clear idea and not being transparent, telling you and telling our fans what next, what is our objective, to stop talking about perception, about reality.”

If we’re reading between the lines it’s fair to conclude that Pochettino is subtly alluding to the stadium fiasco which clouded much of the season so far.

But looking beyond that there is certainly a feeling that he has taken the club as far as it can go within the remits of his current transfer budget, so he will be hoping Levy can propose a coherent long-term plan to ensure Spurs continue their exponential rise.

In response to the report, Spurs fans turned out in serious numbers on Twitter to offer their views on his cryptic comments.

Plenty of fans were in agreement that the ball is now in Levy’s court and he simply must break tradition by splashing the cash in the transfer market to keep the 47-year-old at the helm.

And one fan even suggested that Pochettino will walk away from the job if Levy expects him to instantly lead the club to Premier League glory after handing him a massive transfer budget.

Clearly, this is an emotionally-charged subject and the upcoming summer window is going to be incredibly intriguing for the Champions League finalists.

Here’s what the Spurs fans had to say about their magic manager’s comments…

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