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West Ham United could turn their attention to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before this month’s transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Liverpool may sell the 27-year-old midfielder in order to raise funds before making their own moves in the market, and it comes just days after the Hammers were mooted with a move for him.

The Express have claimed that manager David Moyes is considering a possible loan bid for the England international as he continues to seek a viable alternative to Jesse Lingard.

West Brom playmaker Matheus Pereira and Chelsea outcast Ross Barkley are other options linked with the Irons in recent weeks.

Wilshere 2.0?

If the 58-year-old goes ahead with plans to seal a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, then he could be about to repeat one of Manuel Pellegrini’s biggest mistakes.

It wouldn’t be the first time that West Ham have put their faith in an injury-prone player, having signed Jack Wilshere on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2018 when the Chilean was in the dugout.

On his day, the former Gunners youth product was one of the best in the Premier League with the ball at his feet, but the Hammers saw him on the pitch only 19 times in two years as he couldn’t shake off the injury problems which troubled him at the Emirates Stadium.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is in a very similar mould. Capped 35 times by England, his quality cannot be doubted, especially as he’s made more than 200 appearances in the English top-flight and has a Premier League title, Champions League and FA Cup win in his trophy cabinet.

Arsene Wenger once compared him to Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas too, but Oxlade-Chamberlain has also endured a tough time on the treatment table in recent years.

He played a mere 244 minutes last season and during their title-winning 2019/20 campaign, he could only muster up a total of 1,490 minutes (just 17 starts).

The Athletic’s Reds correspondent James Pearce even described him as “a passenger” back in January, also claiming that his form was a “real concern.”

It remains to be seen what sort of finances would be involved in a loan deal, but with Oxlade-Chamberlain sitting on around £120k-per-week, it would be a massive gamble to make, and as we’ve seen in the past with Wilshere, it doesn’t always work out.

Whilst Moyes’ coaching could see the former Arsenal star become another Lingard, it seems likely that injury problems would have him heading down the same fatal path as Wilshere.

The Irons must block any move for the Liverpool outcast this summer.

AND in other news, Moyes given big West Ham transfer boost over £36m-rated “machine”, fans surely buzzing…

يقترب الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم من الكشف عن الحكم الذي سيدير مباراة نهائي دوري بين أبطال إفريقيا التي ستجمع بين الأهلي والوداد المغربي.

وتقام مباراة الأهلي والوداد يوم الإثنين الموافق 30 مايو الجاري على مركب محمد الخامس بالدار البيضاء.

طالع أيضًا.. الأهلي يعلن عن الشركتين المكلفتين بسفر الجماهير إلى المغرب

ويوضح “بطولات” آلية اختيار حكم نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، وفقًا للائحة البطولات القارية التي تنص على أن من يدير المباراة النهائية يجب ألا يكون من المنطقة التي تُمثل في النهائي، أي أنه إذا كان طرفا النهائي أحدهما من شمال القارة والآخر من الشرق فيتحتم أن يكون الحكم من الجنوب أو الغرب.

ووضع المكتب التنفيذي للاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم هذه اللائحة في عام 2015، بعد نهائي دوري الأبطال في هذه السنة، بسبب اعتراض مازيمبي الكونغولي على تعيين جهاد جريشة حكمًا للنهائي الذي خاضوه أمام وفاق سطيف الجزائري.

وتسمح هذه اللائحة بتعيين حكم من نفس المنطقة إذا كان طرفا النهائي من منطقة واحدة، وبناءً عليه فمن الممكن أن يدير النهائي المقبل بين الأهلي والوداد حكمًا من شمال إفريقيا.

وعلم “بطولات” أن لجنة الحكام بالكاف رشحت أكثر من اسم لإدارة النهائي على رأسهم الجنوب إفريقي فيكتور جوميز، كما أن هذا الملف نال قدرًا كبيرًا من اهتمام باتريس موتسيبي رئيس الاتحاد الإفريقي الذي ناقش بنفسه معايير اختيار طاقم الحكام.

ورحب موتسيبي باختيار جوميز ليكون حكمًا لنهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، ومن المنتظر أن يتم اعتماد القرار رسميًا في اجتماع لجنة الحكام المقبل.

Liverpool and Arsenal are both keen on acquiring Lille midfielder Renato Sanches this summer, according to L’Equipe [via This is Anfield].

Enjoying a commendable 2020/21 season, the Portuguese midfielder registered five goal contributions in 29 fixtures for the French champions, with one goal and four assists [Transfermarkt].

He also impressed at Euro 2020 with his country, earning their third-highest average match rating at the tournament from WhoScored, and is now courting attraction to his services from the Premier League duo.

Liverpool and Arsenal are “very interested” in acquiring the playmaker despite his lengthy injury record in 2020/21. Lille are said to be open to selling their prize asset due to financial arrears within the club, opening the door for the Reds to replace Georginio Wijnaldum [L’Equipe, via This is Anfield].

In light of this news, loads of Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their delight upon hearing these recent developments.

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Liverpool fans react to Sanches transfer link

Replying to popular Twitter outlet Get French Football News, here is how some Reds fans reacted to the club’s links with Sanches, with one Kopite believing that the 23-year-old would be an “incredible signing” for Jurgen Klopp’s side:

“I sincerely hope this is true.”

Credit: @FaraiJulian”Would be an incredible signing”Credit: @TheFarFarLeft”On my knees”Credit: @APLFC_”what a signing this would be man omds.. the perfect signing for us”Credit: @CoutinhoCurler”Oh if we are very interested then in no world anyone would choose Arsenal over us”Credit: @_Hell_Warrior”This link and deal I like. Get it done.”Credit: @PapaPoku”Please make this happen. He’d be an absolute monster under Klopp if he could stay fit.”Credit: @dublin_damoIn other news, Liverpool have agreed a fee regarding one man’s exit from Anfield.

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham is expected to leave Parkhead this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), who claimed that the 25-year-old is attracting interest from two unnamed Ligue 1 clubs, as well as AEK Athens, in the summer transfer window despite the midfielder’s disappointing campaign while on loan at Marseille last term.

The report added that Ange Postecoglou’s side are looking to offload the former French under-21 international this summer, as he has just one year remaining on his contract at Parkhead.

Ntcham must go

Having joined Celtic from Manchester City in a £4.5m move back in the summer of 2017, it would seem a fair assessment to make that the Frenchman has not quite lived up to expectations during his time in Glasgow so far.

Despite having scored 24 goals and registered 13 assists over his 147 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, the midfielder’s performances in recent years have not exactly been breathtaking, with the 25-year-old failing to kick on and fulfil the potential he once seemed to possess.

Indeed, prior to being loaned out to Marseille last season, Ntcham featured 14 times for Celtic in the Premiership, with only seven of these appearances coming as starts, over which the midfielder averaged 0.3 interceptions and 0.2 tackles and won just 1.6 duels per game.

The Frenchman did not offer much in the way of attacking contributions for the Hoops either, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making 0.6 key passes per league fixture.

These metrics saw Ntcham earn a disappointing average SofaScore match rating of 6.71, ranking him as Celtic’s eighth-worst performer in the Scottish top flight, form which continued after his move to Ligue 1.

While at Marseille, the midfielder averaged 0.5 interceptions and 0.3 tackles and won 0.8 duels over his four league appearances for Jorge Sampaoli’s side, contributing nothing in the way of goals and assists. These returns culminated in a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.53, ranking him as OM’s fourth-worst performer in Ligue 1, with the French media dubbing Ntcham’s performances for the club as “unacceptable.”

As such, should Postecoglou receive any sort of offer for the £14,000-per-week man this summer, it would appear highly advisable for the 55-year-old Celtic manager to do all he can to rid himself of the midfielder, whowould certainly not appear to be the least bit interested in helping the Hoops reclaim their Scottish crown next season judging by his slack performances in recent months.

In other news: Celtic eye swoop for “unstoppable” 20-goal gem, he’s an upgrade on Christie

Jack Russell broke another world wicket-keeping record at Bristol, as Northants racked up a mammoth 746 for nine declared against Gloucestershire in the Frizzell County Championship.

Stephen Lamb17-Aug-2002Jack Russell broke another world wicket-keeping record at Bristol, as Northants racked up a mammoth 746 for nine declared against Gloucestershire in the Frizzell County Championship.Russell did not concede a bye in the entire Northants innings, breaking the first-class record set by S Reuben Paul, the Tamil Nadu keeper who kept a clean sheet throughout the Karnataka innings of 716 at Bhadravati in 1995-96.Russell already holds the world record number of catches in a Test match, established when he dismissed 11 batsmen at Johannesburg on England’s tour of South Africa in 1995/6.

Somerset Sabres were beaten by the umpires decision at the County Ground today, where they lost to Glamorgan in the NUL by one wicket.Batting first the Sabres had slipped to 40 for 4 before Mike Burns (51) and Matthew Wood (58) rescued the innings.Graham Rose scored an invaluable unbeaten 20, including a six off the final ball to help the Sabres reach a respectable 220 for 9.Rose then got Somerset off to a good start by removing Steve James in the first over, and then Steffan Jones removed Robert Croft and David Hemp in quick succession as the Dragons slumped to 20 for 3.Matthew Maynard then hit some expansive shots to make a quick 36, and Adrian Dale(63) and Michael Powell (32) added 75 for the 5th wicket to put Glamorgan back into the game.During the Glamorgan innings there were two interruptions for rain , which had reduced the target to 209 from 39 overs.Over the last ten overs the game fluctuated in favour of both teams, but the visitors went into the last over requiring 12 runs with their last pair at the wicket.However unknown to spectators the umpires had penalised Somerset six runs because of a slow over rate and the final pair saw Glamorgan home of the penultimate ball of the match.After the game Kevin Shine told me: "I was dumbstruck, this is an unbelievable situation. I never thought that we were bowling slowly at any time. In fact Simon Francis was running back to his mark."He continued: "A silly rule has brought about a sad finish to the game today. There were some excellent performances from some of our players, but that decision just tarnishes the outcome. Cricket was not allowed to run its course today and we are as sick as parrots."

Arsenal have edged one step closer to signing Ben White…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s ever-reliable David Ornstein, the Gunners are on the verge of reaching an agreement with Brighton for the England centre-back following talks over a potential deal.

It’s thought that the Seagulls want a guaranteed £50m and that the north London outfit are offering an initial £45m with the rest coming in add-ons.

There are yet to be any offers from other bidders and, with negotiations continuing, it seems that Arsenal are now in pole position to clinch the 23-year-old this summer.

Major coup

This latest development will surely leave the Emirates Stadium faithful absolutely buzzing as it signals their intent heading into the 2021/22 campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side agonisingly missed out on qualification to any of UEFA’s three competitions for the first time since 1996 so they need to spark a reaction, and that can be done by bolstering the Spaniard’s backline.

He has lost David Luiz, who leaves the club next week following the expiry of his contract, whilst Konstantinos Mavropanos has joined Stuttgart in a £5m deal, so there’s certainly a spot or two available now.

White has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League, where he rated among Graham Potter’s best-performing central defensive options.

Only Lewis Dunk (89.4%) recorded a better passing accuracy than the former Leeds United loan star (83.2%), via WhoScored, whilst an average of 1.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.4 aerial duels won per game shows that he’s more than just a ball-playing defender.

Lauded as a “warrior” and a “special talent”, White could slot right in at Arsenal next season, and he’s also a signing that many supporters have been crying out for.

In reaction to this news, much of the Gunners’ fanbase have been sent into a meltdown. As relayed by football.london, one supporter claimed the club was finally “showing ambition”, whilst another urged Edu and co to make a move for James Maddison next.

It may be a small sample size but the general feeling in north London right now is very good. It’s an exciting time to be an Arsenal fan.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Xhaka: Edu could land Arsenal their next Vieira in £49.5m-rated “huge talent”…

يلتقي فريق باريس سان جيرمان مساء اليوم الأحد مع خصمه لوريان، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الفرنسي.

ويستضيف ملعب حديقة الأمراء مباراة الفريقين في الجولة الثلاثين، من الدوري الفرنسي موسم 2021/22.

وكانت مباراة الدور الأول بين الفريقين قد انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لمثله.

ويحتل باريس سان جيرمان حاليًا صدارة الدوري الفرنسي برصيد 65 نقطة، بينما يتواجد لوريان في المركز السادس عشر برصيد 28 نقطة. موعد مباراة باريس سان جيرمان ولوريان

من المقرر أن تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 8:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 9:45 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة باريس سان جيرمان ولوريان

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN Sports 2. معلق مباراة باريس سان جيرمان ولوريان

سيعلق حسن العيدروس على أحداث تلك المباراة الليلة. تشكيل باريس سان جيرمان المتوقع أمام لوريان

حراسة المرمى: دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: أشرف حكيمي، ماركينيوس، كيمبيمبي، مينديز.

خط الوسط: بيريرا، باريديس، إدريسا جاي.

خط الهجوم: ليونيل ميسي، كيليان مبابي، نيمار.

يمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنا.

Everton’s hunt for a new manager is beginning to build a head of steam as they aim to replace Carlo Ancelotti in swift fashion.

What’s the word?

The Toffees have held talks with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and their hopes have been boosted after Crystal Palace pulled out of the race for the 47-year-old.

An informal approach has been made to David Moyes, while Manuel Pellegrini and Rafa Benitez have both reportedly been contacted over the vacancy at Goodison Park.

However, Farhad Moshiri and co are beginning to make their move on another coach, with Lille boss Christophe Galtier on the radar.

That’s according to Duncan Castles, who was speaking on the Transfer Window podcast this week. He said: “The guidance I have is that Everton have made contact with Galtier’s agent.”

Castles added: “They want a ready-made and experienced manager who could fit straight into their camp and not make too many radical changes.”

Exciting news

This is an update which should leave supporters at Goodison Park absolutely elated. After all, Galtier has a vast array of qualities which would no doubt suit what Everton are trying to achieve.

The Merseyside club are currently stuck in mid-table mediocrity and, when Galtier arrived at Lille, they were also a club stuck in limbo.

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They finished 17th in his first season at the club, which meant a fourth consecutive year outside of the top four. However, he then guided them to second and fourth-placed finishes before miraculously beating PSG to the Ligue 1 title this year.

Lille have often been on the periphery of Champions League football but have now qualified in two of the last three successive seasons.

A place at Europe’s top table has been the goal for Moshiri for a number of years but, despite managerial promises, qualification for the Champions League has eluded them.

Roberto Martinez told Bill Kenwright when he took over that he’d bring Europe’s premier competition back to Goodison Park, while Ancelotti reiterated a similar goal after his appointment. Unfortunately, no manager has steered them into the top four since David Moyes.

Galtier has a proven track record of achieving above expectations, and for Everton that should be eye-catching. It also bodes well for the fan base dreaming of a place among the continent’s elite clubs.

AND in other news, Everton line up move for “fantastic” 61 y/o manager, he’s a great Moyes alternative…

According to a report by Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, via Hotspur Related, Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn is attracting serious interest from Ajax and it is believed the Eredivisie champions will make a move for him this summer.

Bergwijn started just 13 Premier League matches under both Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason over 2020/21, scoring one goal and setting up three others in that time (WhoScored).

Tottenham signed him from PSV Eindhoven in January 2020, with the 23-year-old going on to make an immediate impact. He scored a sumptuous volley against Manchester City on his debut for Spurs in a 2-0 win, but it is arguable that he hasn’t really been given a consistent enough run in the side since then.

Now, as per De Telegraaf, it is understood that Ajax are seriously interested despite his PSV roots, and they believe they could land Bergwijn for as little as €15m (£12.8m). However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants at least €25m (£21.4m) and refuses to take a loss on the attacker after signing him for around £27m.

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Flocking to this development on Ajax’s interest in Bergwijn, some Spurs supporters have had mixed responses on social media, with a few believing it would be foolish to sell whilst others plead for it to happen.

Still young and with plenty of potential, you can see why there are many Lilywhites supporters who don’t want him to leave. From the other side, Bergwijn hasn’t exactly lit up north London since his arrival, barring a slender handful of fine moments.

Check out a flavour of the fans’ verdicts from social media below.

Tottenham fans flock to Bergwijn development

“Best news I have heard in a while!”

Credit: @kaneszn1

“Sell please”

Credit: @tradesTM

“Noooooooooooo”

Credit: @freckliano

“Yes please”

Credit: @_Deji27

“Why would this even be a question? I wouldn’t sell him!! We have Lamela and Moura to shift first… Bergwijn stays for me and has a higher ceiling”

Credit: @leefriend21

“Wowwwww do not sell”

Credit: @irishpostmalone

“A chance to cut out losses & move him on as clearly he’s not good enough. No doubt will price him out of move & we’re left with more deadwood we can’t shift from our squad”

Credit: @Sunny_THFC_

“No way we should be selling him”

Credit: @lUKE_c0ys

In other news: Alasdair Gold says Spurs could swoop for this ‘incredible’ star this summer, find out more here.