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…
Stand by for a day of high emotion at the Etihad Stadium next May when David Silva salutes the Manchester City fans for one last time. The 33-year-old Spain international said earlier this week that he plans to leave the club at the end of next season, which will be his 10th in Manchester.
When Silva arrived at the club in 2010, they were only two years into the Abu Dhabi group’s ownership and were still looking to break into the top four in the Premier League. By the time the iconic winger says his final goodbye in just over 10 months’ time, he could depart with five league titles to his name and a third Premier League triumph in a row.
Silva’s status as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever Spaniards is beyond question. These fellow countrymen have also added plenty to England’s top flight over the last two decades…
Adrian
Only a year after being promoted to Real Betis’ first team, the goalkeeper was brought to West Ham by Sam Allardyce in summer 2013. He had to wait four months until making his Premier League debut but, by the season’s end, he had supplanted Jussi Jaaskelainen as the Hammers’ first choice goalkeeper.
Perhaps his most memorable West Ham moment came in an FA Cup penalty shoot-out against Everton – not for saving a spot kick, but for scoring one that took his team into the next round. He was a hugely popular figure among Hammers fans but had to play second fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski last season and he was released last month after 43 clean sheets in 150 appearances for the club.
Marcos Alonso
The full-back first came to the Premier League with Bolton in 2010 and, despite being relegated two years later, stuck with the club for one season in the Championship. He returned to the top flight in 2014 with a loan spell at Sunderland and helped to keep them up, but he will be best remembered for his time at Chelsea.
Antonio Conte signed him from Fiorentina for £24million in 2016 and Alonso became a mainstay of the team that won the Premier League the following season. While Chelsea’s two subsequent campaigns have been disappointing, the left-back has provided an impressive total of 18 goals in three years, including a famous double against Tottenham in August 2017.
Xabi Alonso
The midfielder was among Rafael Benitez’s first signings at Liverpool in 2004 and he quickly made a name for himself as an exceptional passer of the ball. He scored the Reds’ equaliser in the 2005 Champions League final and was hailed as one of the team’s best players that season.
He twice scored from his own half for Liverpool, against Luton in an FA Cup tie and Newcastle in a league game later in 2006. Despite consistently strong performances from Alonso, Benitez unsuccessfully pursued Gareth Barry in summer 2008 and the relationship between the Spanish pair was soured. He left a year later as an Anfield legend.
Mikel Arteta
The midfielder initially joined Everton on loan in January 2005 before solid performances in helping the Toffees finish fourth persuaded David Moyes to sign him permanently. He won a series of individual accolades at Goodison Park during a six-year spell in which he was part of the furniture in a consistently high-performing Everton team.
He couldn’t resist the lure of Arsenal in 2011, moving to north London from Merseyside, and finished out the remaining five years of his playing career at the Emirates. He captained the Gunners to victory in the 2014 FA Cup final and was soon given the armband full-time. In 11 years in the Premier League, he scored 42 goals in 284 games.
Cesar Azpiliceta
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The man affectionately known as ‘Dave’ has been one of the few constants at Chelsea over the last seven years. He cost only £7m from Marseille in 2012 and helped the club to a Europa League triumph in his first season at Stamford Bridge. He was Chelsea’s Player of the Season the following year, drawing huge praise from manager Jose Mourinho.
Azpilicueta won two Premier League titles in his next three seasons, playing every single minute of the 2016/17 triumph under Antonio Conte. He played in a centre-back three under the Italian, a departure from his usual left-back role. He has already racked up 235 Premier League games for Chelsea and has continually impressed a succession of managers.
Bruno
Very few players make their Premier League debut at 36, but that was Bruno’s reward for five years of sterling service to Brighton when they reached the top flight in 2017. The veteran right-back was a steady presence for the Seagulls in their inaugural Premier League season, playing a captain’s role as they beat the drop.
A hamstring injury in the early weeks of last season curtailed his involvement for 2018/19, but just as Brighton were looking destined for relegation and helped them to cling to their Premier League status before retiring at the end of the season. Bruno was the embodiment of a committed, unselfish right-back who was a gladiatorial figure at the Amex Stadium.
Santi Cazorla
The attacking midfielder joined Arsenal from Malaga in 2012 and he became an instant hit at the Emirates, scoring 12 goals and providing as many assists in his first season. He was a constant presence in the side that won the 2014 FA Cup, a trophy he helped them to retain the following year.
Cazorla frequently appeared near (or at) the top of Premier League assists and passing accuracy tables but a knee injury in November 2015 set in motion a string of injury problems that led to skin grafts being added to an infected Achilles tendon. It was not an appropriate way for such a gifted and honest player’s Premier League career to end.
Diego Costa
The hot-tempered striker arrived at Chelsea in 2014 and he made an instant impact in England, scoring seven goals in his first four games. He was in the PFA’s Team of the Year and scored 20 goals as Chelsea won the Premier League in his first season in London.
Sadly, Costa’s time in England was marred by controversial incidents such as a stamp on Steven Gerrard and a nasty challenge on fellow Spaniard Adrian. He was a damn good player, though, hitting another 20 goals in the Blues’ 2017 league triumph before being told by Antonio Conte via text that he was free to leave Chelsea, which he did later that year.
Gerard Deulofeu
Having been unable to break into Barcelona’s first team, the talented forward signed on loan for Everton in 2013 at the start of Roberto Martinez’s reign. He caught at the eye at Goodison Park as he helped the Toffees to finish in the top six, being recalled by Barcelona in summer 2014.
Just over a year later, he was back at Everton permanently but did not have the same impact second time around. Since joining Watford in January 2018, though, Deulofeu has evolved into a consistent performer with far greater end product, scoring 10 goals in 30 games for the Hornets last season.
David de Gea
Edwin van der Sar would be a tough act to follow at Manchester United and a mistake on De Gea’s Premier League debut did not bode well. However, after being dismissed as too physically light to succeed in English football, the goalkeeper bulked up and soon showed that he was even better than his predecessor as United’s number one.
Indeed, he went on to be widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world. He was in the PFA Team of the Year four times in a row from 2015 to 2018 and has constantly produced logic-defying saves and imperious performances, such as that at the Emirates in 2017 and against Tottenham last season.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Hoops midfielder Ryan Christie has had a roller-coaster history at Celtic Park already in his short career, initially farmed out on loan to Aberdeen before returning to be on the fringes of Brendan Rodgers’ squad last summer.
Eventually making a notable impact in 2018/19’s Scottish League Cup, scoring in the semi-final and final of the competition, Christie began to secure a regular spot in the midfield.
A sickening facial injury saw him miss the tail-end of the campaign though and he is only just returning to full match fitness, playing in Celtic’s opening UEFA Champions League match against Sarajevo.
Can he now make the ‘number ten’ role at Celtic his own ahead of others in the squad such as Tom Rogic?
It’s time to throwback to another Celtic legend in the video below. This time, Keith from C’mon the Hoops remembers Stiliyan Petrov…
On the chalkboard
Celtic’s familiar 4-2-3-1 formation means that it’s critical they have a reliable and hard working player behind the central striker who can not only link midfield and attack but provide a bit of flair that can unlock defences and provide goals.
When thinking of the Hoops over the last few years, the first name that comes to mind regarding that role is Rogic, but the Australian has sharply fallen out of focus at the club over the last six months.
Missing the start of the year at Celtic due to participation in the Asian Cup, the player returned injured and then lacked real match fitness for the rest of the season, with Chris Sutton eventually claiming that the 26-year-old “looked miles off it” last term.
It’s not a short-term problem either. Rogic has never started more than 30 matches in a single season for the club, which makes him an unreliable presence in a team that regularly plays 60+ games a year.
Christie meanwhile is ready to cement himself as the premier pick in that attacking midfield role, providing Lennon with the presence his team badly needs.
This week he told The Evening Times:
“I want to stay in the team week in, week out, and hopefully if I can, I need to put in big performances, score goals and create goals.
“The position that I was playing on Tuesday night, that number 10, I love playing in there. The gaffer says he sees me in there so that’s music to my ears. He wants to me to deal with that pressure.
“It was amazing to get back on the pitch. It’s been a long time, even since February it’s been frustrating with injuries. Touch wood that I’m back in for the long run now and can really kick on.”
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After getting his big chance in the Celtic team last season, Christie went on to score 11 goals and assist a further nine. It was a good return considering he didn’t really come into the equation until October.
With a busier style than Rogic, his obvious passion for the position and that eye for a direct goal contribution, the 24-year-old is now well-placed to be Lennon’s preferred choice in the Celtic line-up, finally providing the team with a ‘number ten’ that can be an almost ever-present fulcrum in the Hoops attack.
According to Football Insider, Leeds United have rejected a loan offer for their wantaway playmaker Samu Saiz.
It’s no secret that the Spaniard wants to leave Elland Road this summer, but the Yorkshire club are absolutely making the right decision in holding out for a permanent deal.
What’s the story?
Football Insider have reported that Leeds have turned down a loan offer for Saiz from an unnamed La Liga side. It had previously been said that Getafe, Alaves and Valencia were interested in his services, but it is unknown at this moment which team has made a move for him.
The 28-year-old spent the second half of last season out on loan at Getafe, but Leeds seemingly don’t want to let him go unless they’re getting a fee.
Right decision
Leeds are undoubtedly making the right decision on their former talisman’s future.
The midfielder’s contract has two years left to run on it, so if the Whites don’t sell him in this transfer window, they may not get as high a fee next season.
The Whites need to recoup as much cash as possible as their recent transfer policy has shown that they aren’t able to spend money unless they sell players.
Saiz is still one of the most talented players in the Championship, and even though he’s unhappy at the club he should still fetch a decent price.
Allowing him to go out on loan only to sell him 12 months later would be a stupid decision as it looks like he is well and truly finished in English football.
Long gone are the days when Crystal Palace’s main weapon was the long-ball – now, the Eagles have plenty of talent to carve out opportunities in style, with Wilfried Zaha capable of moments of wizardry and Andros Townsend getting fans on their feet every time he cuts in on that left foot.
Roy Hodgson has got these two in particular playing to the best of their abilities, yet the results don’t seem to follow – the Selhurst Park outfit won just five of their 19 home games in 2018/19, with most of their impressive performances coming away from SE25.
While Hodgson’s style seems to suit some, it certainly doesn’t others. Front men Alexander Sorloth, Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke all measure in at 6 foot 3 or higher and offer plenty of natural aerial threat, yet were all peripheral figures of the team last term for varying reasons and when they did play, were rarely given the right type of service.
Indeed, Townsend and Zaha both like to cut inside while even Palace’s full-backs aren’t partial to whipping in the ball from wide. Patrick van Aanholt averaged more shots per game (1.3) than crosses (0.3) last term while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a great defender but doesn’t offer all that much going forward with just 0.4 key passes per match. Accordingly, Palace ranked joint-bottom of the Premier League for crosses per match last season with 15.
Of course, readjusting the team to focus more on crosses into the box would require drastic shifts in personnel down both flanks. But if it’s too much of a stretch to use the strikers’ height in open play, perhaps making the most of it from set pieces would be a good compromise for the time being. That area clearly needs improvement as well; only relegated Fulham scored less set piece goals than the Eagles last term.
Where are Palace short?
Well, the south London outfit had one of the worst ratios of accurate corners to inaccurate corners in the league last season, with only 1.9 deliveries hitting the target per match while 3.5 missed, according to WhoScored. Considering the height of the aforementioned forwards as well as Cheikhou Kouyate, Scott Dann and James Tomkins, Palace could be missing out on some crucial goals due to the lack of a specialist.
Current takers Luka Milivojevic and Townsend clearly aren’t hitting the mark often enough – they averaged just 2.4 accurate corners per match between them last season – and both would better serve their team on the edge of the box, where they can pick up the second ball and unleash one of their trademark efforts from range, netting two and three goals respectively from beyond the penalty area last season. There appear to be few other options for Hodgson in such situations, so perhaps delving into the transfer market for a player whom he can rely on is best.
Player Profile: What do Palace need?
With plenty of height and physicality to cause the opposition problems from set-piece situations, Palace could cause untold damage if they had a player who can swing them in from the flag with consistency. Max Meyer has struggled to grow into the playmaker role since moving to Selhurst Park, only managing 15 Premier League starts, so bringing in a player who can connect the dots would also be a wise move, while competition for van Aanholt wouldn’t go amiss either. Understudy Papa Soare is reportedly leaving the club this summer.
Jean-Michael Seri: The Fulham flop has been linked with a switch to Selhurst Park already this summer having suffered relegation with the Cottagers in his first season in the Premier League. Crucially, the Ivorian completed 1.6 accurate corners per game, while failing just 1.2, according to WhoScored. He also registered 1.8 key passes per game – perhaps a good move for Palace.
Nicolas Gavory: The Utrecht man established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in the Eredivisie last term, chalking up one goal and six assists in 34 starts. Capable of playing at left-back or at the base of midfield, the 24-year-old would certainly keep a few players in the squad, including van Aanholt, on their toes. The Frenchman completes 1.7 key passes per game and is accurate with his corners – he completes 1.2 per game, according to WhoScored.
Said Benrahma: The electric Algerian completed 2.3 key passes and 2.4 dribbles per game in the Championship last term, thus becoming one of Brentford’s star men. The 23-year-old chalked up an incredible 10 goals and 14 assists in 2018/19 and the prospect of he and Zaha on opposite wings is mouthwatering. Of course, he’s a natural at corners too, delivering 1.7 accurate balls per game.
West Ham United have been scared off a move for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Bradley Dack, per the Daily Mail.
What’s the word?
Dack has emerged as one of the finest players outside of the Premier League this season.
In 45 appearances in all competitions this term, the 25-year-old has scored 18 goals and laid on 10 assists from an attacking midfield position.
The Mail claim that a number of clubs have made enquiries for the former Gillingham star, with Rovers holding out for around £18million.
Both West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to have run the rule over Dack but each believe that the price is too high for a player who has yet to have his mettle tested in the top-flight.
Nevertheless, Rovers are said to be scouting replacements to prepare for the eventuality of his departure.
Finally, a strategy!
For too long, West Ham have blundered in the transfer market, lurching from one disaster to the next.
Now, though, it seems they are finally learning from their past mistakes.
Dack is an excellent footballer but he may have found his level in the Championship and to pay £18m for him would smack of a punt, something co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan used to be known for.
Now, though, they are shying away from paying up and they are absolutely within their rights to do so.
They are driving a hard bargain at last as they look to secure their targets this summer.
Tottenham fans on Twitter haven’t been disheartened by the news Harry Kane could miss the rest of the season with injury as they expect Heung-Min Son to be able to carry them forward.
Son has been fantastic for Spurs so far this season netting 18 goals in all competitions and some fans are expecting his form to improve in Kane’s absence.
The South Korean has been known to step up his game when Kane has been out injured in the past with the striker going on a great run in the striker’s absence earlier this year.
Kane picked up an injury in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester City and after Tottenham’s talisman was removed from the game, Son immediately stepped up scoring by the winning goal.
Despite the Englishman being Spurs’ top scorer for the past four seasons fans on Twitter believe he won’t be too much of a loss due to his electric team-mate.
Here’s what Spurs fans have been saying on Twitter…
Former West Brom assistant manager, Graeme Jones, has been appointed Luton’s next boss.
The 49-year-old was previously assistant of Belgium but has never managed a team in his own right. However, that’s now changed.
Jones’ time with Albion didn’t end too well, with the figure falling out with top Baggies officials when he was Darren Moore’s number two. That was due to a transfer for Bryan Oviedo being vetoed. There were also concerns over his influence in the dressing room.
As a result, some West Brom fans lambasted Jones following an article in The Express & Star a day prior to his arrival at the Hatters. One supporter took to Twitter to call him arrogant, whilst another wished Luton sarcastic good luck.
A further fan said he could expect a frosty reception when they play each other should the Baggies fail to gain promotion. Jones was also labelled clueless in one tweet.
The former Albion key figure was sacked alongside Moore towards the beginning of March.
West Brom have since flourished under James Shan who has safely guided them to a play-off place.
With another dominant domestic display, Celtic have wrapped up all but the Scottish Cup, which is the next accolade on their agenda. With only two games to go in the best case scenario when it comes to that competition, you Bhoys must be living in absolute dreamland.
Neil Lennon is the man tasked with achieving just that, with the potential for so much more than a trophy should he win.
Clearly, Celtic are desperate to reach the next level and whatever manager they deem fit to try and bring that to Paradise, fans will be right behind.
Success is second nature for this team but in order to continue that streak, importance will be on recruitment and who they deem will improve the team as a whole. It’s unknown as to whether Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke will be at Celtic Park after this season so the need for a striker yet again is of the utmost importance.
A player they once considered (as per the Chronicle back in January) before being beaten to his signature is Josh Maja and that is someone Peter Lawwell should contemplate moving for again.
Maja, (who is valued at £1.5 million on Transfermarkt) was regarded as one of the better League One strikers until he moved away from Sunderland in January. However, since his move to Bordeaux, the Englishman would have arguably hoped for a better transition into the team.
With only five appearances in Ligue 1 since January, it could be possible that Josh Maja will again be on the move this summer and Celtic could be one of many teams to appeal as a better option for him. Indeed, they should aim to rescue the youngster from his time in France, offering him the chance to develop like so many other young talents have in Glasgow.
A talent like this is too good to ignore. Perhaps he chose the wrong move at the wrong time but by making a quick move for the former Black Cat, the Hoops could hit a masterstroke.
His electric pace and incredible finishing ability would work wonders at Celtic, especially if he can rediscover the goalscoring form he displayed during his time at the Stadium of Light.
Maja was so impressive during his time in England so a loan move at least to Celtic could help him get back to his best and that can only a good thing for all involved.
Celtic fans, are you still keen on Josh Maja? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below…