Category Uncategorized

Football Insider pundit Kevin Campbell has been having his say on Celtic and Arsenal’s interest in goalkeeper Mat Ryan.  

The Lowdown: Celtic readying contract

Reports from Football Insider last week suggested that the Hoops are hoping to beat the Gunners in the race for the Brighton ‘keeper.

Ange Postecoglou’s appointment as Celtic boss provided a twist that could work in the Hoops’ favour, with the Scottish giants putting together a contract package.

The Seagulls are happy for Ryan to leave this summer, and Celtic have already picked out a specific shirt number – one.

The Latest: Campbell reacts

The 51-year-old, formerly of Arsenal, was asked if Ryan would be a welcome addition in Glasgow.

Campbell appeared desperate for his former side to win the race for the shot-stopper, who he described as ‘quality’.

“No, no, no, he’s coming to Arsenal.

“Of course, he would be a great signing for Celtic because he is a quality, reliable goalkeeper.

“I think Arsenal seriously need him and will go the extra mile to get him.

“They need to keep him because he has proven he can do the business. Beggars cannot be choosers at Arsenal, let me tell you.

“Arsenal have struggled in that department for some time. Ryan is a player that they have to get this summer.”

The Verdict: It could be a real coup

It seems as if Campbell would be upset if Celtic pipped Arsenal for Ryan’s services, so that just shows it could be a real coup for Postecoglou and the Hoops.

Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard all failed to make themselves first choice after receiving chances last season, so a new goalkeeper could be a priority for Postecoglou.

He knows Ryan well during his time as Australia manager, making the 29-year-old his number one at the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Asia Cup, so bringing him to Scotland could help the 55-year-old put together a solid defensive base with an experienced player he already trusts.

In other news: ‘Have made a bid’ – Reliable reporter drops transfer development involving Celtic, find out more here. 

Get French Football News’ Adam White has told Football FanCast he would be surprised to see Lyon star Maxwel Cornet join Leeds United following the arrival of Junior Firpo.

Firpo has made a £13million move to Elland Road from Spanish giants Barcelona, signing a four-year deal.

The left-back has come in following the departure of North Macedonia international Ezgjan Alioski, who opted not to agree terms on a new deal at the club.

Leeds have also been heavily linked with Cornet, who made 39 appearances for Lyon last season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side face competition for the 24-year-old’s services, with newly-promoted Premier League rivals Watford also keeping tabs on the wing-back.

Leeds made the first move by lodging a £10million bid, but it has been turned down by Lyon. However, the French side are open to allowing Cornet to seek pastures new.

Despite that, Adam White does not think Cornet would be able to nail down a regular spot in Bielsa’s starting line-up following Firpo’s transfer.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, White said: “He has only really proven that he is consistently capable of achieving the performances that are needed at the top end of Ligue One at wing-back.

“He’s played at left-back a lot too and he’s been okay considering he is a converted winger. He is perfectly suited to the wing-back role.

“Junior Firpo is going to be playing at left-back so it doesn’t seem there is a natural position there. I would see it as a shock if he became their natural left-sided player.”

In a high-scoring encounter that saw three centuries and five fifties being scored inside four days, India ‘A’ drew their first match against South Africa ‘A’ at the De Beers Diamond Oval in Kimberley.

Staff Reporter05-Apr-2002In a high-scoring encounter that saw three centuries and five fifties being scored inside four days, India ‘A’ drew their first match against South Africa ‘A’ at the De Beers Diamond Oval in Kimberley.Winning the toss, visiting captain Jacob Martin opted to put South Africa ‘A’ in to bat. Rakesh Patel had the dangerous Jacques Rudolph caught behind after a 40-run opening partnership, and when L Balaji got into the act by dismissing Loots Bosman 35 runs later, India ‘A’ were firmly in the game.But the 243-run partnership between Martin van Jaarsveld and Hylton Ackerman that followed gave South Africa ‘A’ the decisive upper hand in the match. Both batsmen hit centuries, with van Jaarsveld making 128 (225 balls, 18 fours) and Ackerman striking 106 (216 balls, 10 fours, two sixes).The runs came at a fairly quick rate as well, the partnership spanning 61 overs before van Jaarsveld was caught behind off Balaji. Ackerman fell a few overs later, also offering Parthiv Patel a catch behind the stumps.Hashim Amla made an unbeaten 56 off 107 balls, but after the fall of two more wickets, skipper Ackerman felt that his side had enough runs on the board and declared the innings closed on 443 for six midway through the second day.The India ‘A’ openers, who have impressed mightily thus far on the tour, could not repeat their success, with Amit Pagnis falling to Andre Nel cheaply. Gautam Gambhir, however, completed a tidy 50 off 92 balls before Nel took him out. Gambhir also shared in a 100-run second-wicket partnership with Mohammad Kaif.Kaif, continuing his splending tour form, dominated the India ‘A’ innings during his stay at the crease, striking the ball cleanly and easily outscoring his partners at the other end. Martin made only seven out of a partnership of 49.After hitting 21 fours and two sixes, Kaif was finally caught by a substitute fielder off the bowling of Nel, having made 136 off 184 balls. It was a sparkling innings that took full advantage of almost every opportunity to score runs.When Yuvraj Singh (25) was dismissed with the score on 233, India ‘A’ looked to have lost their way, but Abhijit Kale and Parthiv Patel realised 98 runs for the sixth wicket. Kale hit a dour 75 off 188 balls, with eight fours and one six, while Patel made 69 off 120.The India ‘A’ tail did little of note, and the tourists were bowled out for 408. Nel did most of the damage, picking up five wickets for 93 runs.Batting again, South Africa ‘A’ had to rely yet again on van Jaarsveld’s 94 (228 balls, 14 fours) and Ackerman’s 43 (209 balls, five fours) for the bulk of their runs. Once the pair were dismissed, the wickets started to tumble, and at the end of the fourth day, South Africa ‘A’ found themselves on 203 for six. Rakesh Patel, Balaji and left-arm spinner Murali Kartik picked up two wickets each in an improved India ‘A’ bowling performance.

Hampshire have left many options open for their Cheltenham & Gloucester match v Somerset at Taunton on Wednesday, taking a squad of 14 to the West country.

Vic Isaacs17-Jun-2002Hampshire have left many options open for their Cheltenham & Gloucester match v Somerset at Taunton on Wednesday, taking a squad of 14 to the West country.The main problem for Hampshire is Robin Smith’s back injury, and he will face a late fitness test before deciding whether to lead Hampshire out. Will Kendall would captain the side.Lawrence Prittipaul and Jason Laney will be vying for the vacant spot should the captain be unable to play.Hampshire from: Derek Kenway, Will Kendall, John Crawley, Robin Smith (Captain), Neil Johnson, Giles White, Nic Pothas (wicket-keeper), Shaun Udal, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Chris Tremlett, Alan Mullally, Jason Laney, Lawrence Prittipaul, James Hamblin.

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to German outlet SportBILD (as reported by Leicestershire Live), the Foxes are interested in acquiring the 25-year-old’s services this summer as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his first team squad.

The report claims that Leverkusen would be prepared to let Tah leave if they’re successful in their pursuit of Mainz defender Jeremiah St Juste.

Rodgers needs him

Leicester are expected to be in the market for a centre-back, with club captain Wes Morgan announcing his retirement after a stellar career and Premier League-winning defender Christian Fuchs departing following a five-year stint at the King Power Stadium.

While the likes of Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans and Wesley Fofana all performed admirably throughout the recently concluded campaign, all three suffered prolonged injures at some point, forcing Rodgers to play people out of position in order to plug the gaps.

With the Midlands outfit securing European football for next term, reinforcements will be required if they are to stand a chance of fighting on multiple fronts.

Therefore, a move for the 1.95m (6 ft 5) Germany colossus makes perfect sense for the current FA Cup holders this summer. Once described by former teammate Christoph Kramer as a “battleship”, Tah has been one of the Bundesliga’s best performers in recent seasons.

The Germany international made 27 top-flight appearances for Leverkusen last term, achieving a respectable 6.75 WhoScored rating in the process, and it seems as though the time has come to take the next step in his career.

If Leicester are to continue their development under Rodgers, then director of football Jon Rudkin must back the manager over the imminent transfer window.

While their rivals at the upper echelons of the Premier League table may be more affluent, the Foxes have managed to punch above their weight through a series of astute purchases, and bringing in Tah to replace Morgan would go down as another cunning move from the recruitment team.

In other news…Imagine him and Maddison: Rudkin must sanction Leicester swoop for £34m magician 

Maurizio Sarri could emerge as a shock contender for the vacant Everton job, according to reports in Italy…

What’s the word?

Calciomercato.it claimed that the 62-year-old has been in talks with Lazio over becoming their next manager, with the Serie A outfit wanting it finalised before the end of the week, otherwise they’ll move onto other targets.

However, it is thought that the former Chelsea boss is keeping his options open, especially following the availability of the Toffees job after Carlo Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid earlier this week.

The Italian news outlet hints that a move to Goodison Park could be on the cards. It would tie in with previous reports suggesting that Sarri is keen on a return to the Premier League.

Worrying twist

If Everton director of football Marcel Brands and majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri want to get their next appointment absolutely spot-on, then they should avoid entertaining this latest development.

Sarri’s time at Stamford Bridge ended on a sour note, largely thanks to his negative style of football, and that would only leave the Everton fanbase fuming after witnessing an attractive and expansive system under Ancelotti.

The Blues faithful often chanted against ‘Sarriball’ and at one stage, even led to some deeming him a “fraud” whilst his coaching failed to inspire the players on the pitch.

Reports from Spanish newspaper AS (via Football Italia) at the time claimed the former Napoli manager had lost the support of the dressing room’s ‘big names’ for ‘months’ and his relationship with many was ‘irreconcilable.’

Furthermore, third-choice goalkeeper Rob Green once confronted the Italian in front of the whole dressing room, an incident he recalled to The Athletic.

“I just spelled it out. I told him, ‘You have no plan B. You’re a transactional kind of manager,” claimed the veteran. “The players in the group are not the kind to speak to you like this — they care very much but are scared to say something to you, like I am. I don’t care because what are you going to do — drop me!?’”

Sarri has also been slammed as “very stubborn” too.

All in all, it just does not seem like the right move from Everton, and if Brands were to consider the former Juventus manager, then he’ll only risk playing with fire in Merseyside.

AND in other news, 47 y/o lauded by Klopp would be shades of Sam Allardyce at Goodison…

Tyrone Mings completed 90 minutes for England today, as they began their EURO 2020 campaign with a 1-0 win over Croatia [BBC].

In a game of few clear-cut chances, the Aston Villa defender was impressive throughout as he helped his side to earn a valuable three points.

Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the match to separate the two sides, as fellow Villans’ star Jack Grealish had to contend with a place on the England substitute bench in the crunch fixture [Sky News].

As the race for major international tournament glory hots up, both Mings and Grealish will come up against their teammate John McGinn in their next clash as the Three Lions play host to the Scotland Tartan Army next week at Wembley stadium [The Herald].

After watching the game and how he played, it was no wonder that plenty of fans from all corners of the country came together to praise the performance of the 28-year-old central defender.

Fans react to Mings heroics:

Here are what some onlookers had to say regarding Mings’ performance:

“Tyrone Mings, colossal”

Credit: @xxxoooxoooxxx”I really really Like Tyrone Mings. Really do”Credit: @Samolufemi__”GET IN! Great start! Kalvin Phillips MOTM and a know I’m biased, but Tyrone Mings was superb!”Credit: @CraigBolger”Tyrone Mings’ game by numbers vs. Croatia: 100% ground duels won 90% pass accuracy 72 total touches 4 interceptions 3 clearances 0 fouls An excellent performance and a deserved clean sheet.”Credit: @StatmanDave”Kalvin Phillips was excellent today. Tyrone Mings was solid in the back. Raheem Sterling with the winning goal. Great display from #ENG”Credit: @JimJulien66″Tyrone Mings lovely lad”Credit: @George_Bruce97In other news, Aston Villa fans react to a Jack Grealish update.

Sheffield Wednesday defender Tom Lees is attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed in a recent post on Twitter that Huddersfield Town are considering a move for the 30-year-old in the upcoming transfer window, with the £1.98m-rated centre-back set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at Hillsborough.

Nixon said: “Huddersfield: Big interest in Tom Lees. Sheff Wed defender and soon to be a free agent.”

Moore will be gutted

While Sheffield Wednesday endured something of a season to forget in the Championship, with the Owls finishing the season rock bottom of the second tier, statistically speaking, Lees was one of Darren Moore’s better players.

Over his 38 Championship appearances, the defender helped his side to keep nine clean sheets, as well as averaging 1.8 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 5.4 clearances per game. He also scored one goal and provided one assist, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.88 – ranking him as the Owls’ third-best performer in the division.

As such, potentially losing a player as solid as the £22,000-per-week Lees is likely to come as a hammer blow for the 47-year-old Sheffield Wednesday manager as he attempts to build a side capable of bouncing straight back to the Championship next season.

However, Lees does not look likely to be the only departure from Hillsborough this summer, with a number of Wednesday’s first team regulars, including the likes of Adam Reach, Barry Bannan, Joey Pelupessy and Osaze Urhoghide among many others, on contracts which expire in a matter of weeks.

It would very much appear as if Moore has a lot of work to do in the upcoming transfer window just to put a team out for the club’s league opener next season, let alone one which is capable of mounting a promotion charge.

In other news: Dom Howson drops huge Sheffield Wednesday transfer claim which will surely have fans buzzing – opinion

أكد محمد بركات لاعب الأهلي السابق، أن نادي الزمالك فعل كل شيء أمام الوداد من أجل الخسارة في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين أمس الجمعة.

الزمالك خسر من الوداد المغربي، بهدف دون رد، في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من دور المجموعات لدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وقال بركات خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “الريمونتادا” المذاع على قناة “المحور”: “الزمالك فعل اليوم كل شيء من أجل خسارة المباراة أمام الوداد”.

طالع | الاستغناء عن 6 لاعبين.. قرارات رادعة من مرتضى منصور بعد خسارة الزمالك أمام الوداد

وأضاف: “تحدثت بعد خسارة الزمالك أمام الوداد في المغرب بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف، أن الفارس الأبيض يستطيع العودة مرة أخرى للمنافسة على الصعود، إلا أنه لم يقدم الأداء الفني المنتظر منه للفوز في مباراة اليوم”.

وتابع: “رضا التكناوتي حارس مرمى الوداد أداءه متواضع، ولكن لاعبي الزمالك لم تستغل هذا الأمر”.

وأكمل: “أشرف بن شرقي لو رفض اللعب في الزمالك فمن الأفضل أن يرحل عن الفريق، لأن الجماهير ستهاجمه خلال الفترة المقبلة إذا استمر الأداء الحالي”.

وأردف: “الجماهير ستهاجم جميع المقصرين من لاعبي الزمالك خلال الفترة المقبلة، حال استمر أداء الفريق على ما هو عليه الآن”.

وواصل: “رد بعض اللاعبين على جماهير الزمالك المتواجدة في مدرجات ملعب مباراة الوداد، عقب انتهاء اللقاء، أمر مرفوض، الجمهور هو من ساند هؤلاء اللاعبين خلال السنوات الماضية، وهجومهم ناتج عن أداء الفريق مؤخرًا، فمهما كان حبهم للاعب فلن يضاهي حبهم للنادي ومصلحة الفريق”.

وأستكمل: “من حقك كلاعب أن تطلب ما تشاء من زيادة رواتب، ولكن هذا في حالة إذا كنت تساهم في جلب بطولات للفريق”.

وأتم: “حازم إمام هو اللاعب الذي سيتم تقديره فيما بعد من الجماهير ومجلس إدارة النادي، بسبب موقفه وقت التجديد مع الزمالك”.

ودع توتنهام منافسات كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، مساء الثلاثاء، بعد خسارته أمام فريق ميدلزبره في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد، حيث خسر توتنهام بهدف دون رد. هدف فوز ميدلزبره أمام توتنهام

كانت الأشواط الأصلية من المباراة قد انتهت بالتعادل السلبي بين الفريقين دون أهداف، مع العلم أن هاري كين سجل هدفًا في الدقيقة 59، ولكن أُلغي بداعِ التسلل.

ولجأ الفريقان إلى الأشواط الإضافية والتي نجح ميدلزبره في حسمها على أرضه، بعدما سجل جوش كوبيرن هدف الفوز.

وتأهل ميدلزبره بتلك النتيجة إلى ربع نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، حيث ستُقام مراسم القرعة مساء غدًا الخميس.