Former West Ham United forward Alan Taylor has urged Hammers boss David Moyes to give Jordan Hugill a chance to impress in the coming weeks.
West Ham paid Preston North End a reported £10m to sign Hugill in the final moments of the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old, who is valued at £2.7m by transfermarkt.co.uk, arrived at the London Stadium off the back of scoring 10 times in 29 appearances during the first half of the 2017-18 campaign.
Hugill has only played 12 minutes of Premier League football for West Ham since his arrival, however, with Moyes preferring the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez in the final third of the field.
Taylor, who scored 36 times in 124 games for West Ham between 1974 and 1979, believes that Hugill would be a hit at the London Stadium if given a regular run in the team.
Taylor told West Ham’s official website:
“I’d be absolutely delighted if the lad gets his chance and scores a few goals. It’d be brilliant for Jordan Hugill and it’d be brilliant for the club, too.
“That signing showed that West Ham are prepared to look around the lower divisions for youngsters.
“At Preston, Jordan showed his goalscoring instincts and now, with better players around him, I really hope that he gets a run and knocks a few in.”
West Ham, who are currently 17th in the Premier League table, will host fellow strugglers Southampton in their next fixture on March 31.
It was always going to be a season of trial and error at White Hart Lane.ÂTottenham appointed a new manager in Mauricio Pochettino during the summer and the transition process has expectantly lead to some teething pains, including a run of four home defeats in the space of five Premier League fixtures at the Lane.But all things considered, it hasn’t gone too badly for the Lilywhites. They’re not flirting with the relegation zone for example and are only six points off the Premiership’s top four.A few select signings in January could be all that’s needed to propel the north Londoners back into the race for Champions League qualification, so just in case Pochettino’s short on ideas, here’s a list of FIVE such acquisitions.
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FABIAN DELPH
If the Lilywhites are to sign one player this January, in my opinion, it should be rumoured target Fabian Delph.
Mauricio Pochettino’s preference for gutsy, mobile and energetic midfielders has seen him favour the likes of Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb over Moussa Dembele, Etienne Capoue and Paulinho in recent weeks.
The Aston Villa star shares that youthful vigour and industry but blends it with proven Premier League quality, having amassed 91 top flight appearances for the Midlands outfit. This lung-bursting run and improvised finish against Chelsea last season epitomises the nature of the 25 year-old’s game perfectly:
//www.youtube.com/embed/IYDwIn6PT1M
It’s been a sensational twelve months for Delph too. He earned the Villain of the Year award at the end of last season and more recently a spot in Roy Hodgson’s England squad, with three caps since his September debut. Here’s a look at his stats over the last few seasons:
The dynamic midfielder is currently sidelined until the New Year with a shoulder injury, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll return to fitness with another club. Delph’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and recent speculation claims he won’t be signing a new deal:
Ideal for Spurs then, who could likely prize the Three Lions starlet away from Villa Park for under the £10million mark.
YOHAN CABAYE
Another central midfielder reportedly looking for a new home in January is PSG’s Yohan Cabaye, having sloped down the pecking order at Parc de Princes this season behind the likes of Javier Pastore, Blaise Matuidi, Thiago Motta, Marco Veratti and youngster Adrien Rabiot.
Spurs fans will know the Frenchman well; he emerged as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders during a two-and-a-half-year spell with Newcastle, amassing 18 goals and 15 assists in 93 appearances.
The 28 year-old is better famed for his quality at set pieces, as shown in the video below:
//www.youtube.com/embed/ySxnAqozCGE
But he’s industrious too and can orchestrate play from deep – something the likes of Dembele, Capoue and Paulinho have continually failed to do over the last few seasons. Here’s a look at Cabaye’s vitals:
£19million may be a large investment for a player already amid his peak years and Spurs will have to battle against some intense competition for the 38-cap France international’s signature.
But he’d boost the quality of the Lilywhites’ midfield enormously and that alone makes him worth every penny.
HECTOR MORENO
//www.youtube.com/embed/G2o7uzGEhrM Mauricio Pochettino added Eric Dier and Federico Fazio to his squad this summer and also appointed Younes Kaboul as the club’s new captain, yet there are still clear problems at the heart of Tottenham’s defence.
The Spurs gaffer needs a defender who understands his philosophy perfectly, in which case, he should return to former club Espanyol for South American centre-half Hector Moreno.
The 26 year-old first drew attention at the 2010 World Cup putting in some top displays for Mexico as they reached the round of 16, including a clean sheet against France.
He’s since affirmed a reputation as one of La Liga’s better defenders outside of their top four, and served under Pochettino for one-and-a-half seasons, winning Espanyol’s Player of the Year award during his inaugural campaign, before the Argentine’s sacking in November 2012.
Here’s his stats from the last few years, including the World Cup in Brazil:
Spurs were reportedly courting the 6 foot centre-back during the summer, until a fractured tibia at the World Cup ruined his chances of a White Hart Lane switch.
Recent speculation suggests the move could be back on in January however, with Espanyol in desperate search of funds:
MAURO ICARDI
What a difference a dependable goalscorer can make – just ask Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Harry Kane’s been the pick of the strikeforce at White Hart Lane this season but Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor have hardly provided adequate competition.
The trio have netted just five goals between them and the Togo international has now returned to his homeland on compassionate leave.
So Tottenham need a talismanic No.9 and recent reports claim they’ll attempt a swoop for Inter Milan starlet Mauro Icardi:
The 21 year-old’s progress since moving to the San Siro from Sampdoria in summer 2013 has been phenomenal, going to net 17 goals in 36 league appearances for the Serie A side.
That includes a potent return of eight in 14 this season in addition to nine strikes last term – which are viewable below:
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//www.youtube.com/embed/-oY-Fe-bjec
It’s believed Icardi would set Spurs back around £25million, but the north Londoners could soon find themselves eclipsed in their pursuit of the Argentine international by fellow Premier League suitors Chelsea:
RICKIE LAMBERT
A speculative suggestion perhaps, considering Rickie Lambert only joined Liverpool in the summer in what was initially described as a ‘dream move’ for the England international.
Yet, it’s closer resembled a nightmare, with the 32 year-old often stuck behind the likes of Mario Balotelli and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order as he struggles to adapt to the Reds’ ball-retaining style of play.
There are some reports suggesting he could be on the move in January – especially if Brendan Rodgers decides to splash the cash on another centre-forward:
Should that be the case, then Spurs would be wise to get involved – even if it’s just a temporary move. Lambert was the focal point of Pochettino’s philosophy at Southampton, providing industry, aggression and power in attack and regularly creating opportunities to bring the midfield into the game.
The 6 foot 2 striker may have only bagged one Premier League goal in 13 appearances for the Reds, but let’s not forget his incredible form during the Saints’ last two campaigns, as detailed below:
It will be a tough task convincing the former non-leaguer to choose Spurs over Southampton, but his prior history with Pochettino could tip the balance.
Manchester United managed to grab a dramatic victory against Newcastle last time out with a Javier Hernandez 90th minute winner.
In a pulsating 4-3 match at Old Trafford United managed to show their battling qualities once again and it has helped them extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to a healthy seven points.
They will be in no hurry to relinquish this advantage, and Fergie will be looking to put the pressure on his rivals just as he did onto the officials last time.
Mike Dean did not press charges against Mr Ferguson though despite complaints from his opposite number last time out Alan Pardew. He responded by sniping that Newcastle were a “wee club” in the North East.
The Red Devils have won their last seven consecutive Premier League games and will see no reason as to why the Baggies can put an end to that run.
West Brom though have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season and currently lie in 6th place in the table after halting their slide with back to back wins against Norwich and QPR.
The Albion rocketed as high as third earlier in the campaign and an upset at Old Trafford could boost their European hopes.
West Brom have never won a Premier League game at Old Trafford but came close when they drew 2-2. Two seasons ago.
Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young could be welcomed back into the side against West Brom after missing scintillating match against Newcastle through illness and injury respectively. Wayne Rooney (knee) and Phil Jones won’t play and the two persistent veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are expected to be rested. Kagawa looks set to make the bench.
For West Brom things look a little bleaker on the injury table. Defenders Jonas Olsson (groin) and Goran Popov (hamstring) and midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu (hamstring) all sustained injuries during the Boxing Day three point Haul at Loftus Road.
Claudio Yacob (hamstring) remains sidelined causing Steve Clarke to recall George Thorne from a loan spell at Peterborough.
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West Brom have won none and lost 10 of their last 13 visits to Old Trafford and will hope for a change for the better here.
Prediction: Man United 4-2 West Brom
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Alexis Sanchez gave the ball away a staggering 30 times as Manchester United laboured against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Red Devils were awful in the first half and the early part of the second as the struggling Eagles burst into a 2-0 goal lead.
At that stage, United were in serious danger of going into this weekend’s huge meeting with arch rivals Liverpool behind the Reds in the league and Sanchez was unable to do much to rectify that.
The harder he tried to make something happen, the more the forward – valued at £63m by transfermarkt.co.uk – gave the ball away.
That said, his persistence paid off in the end as it was the Chilean’s shot against the Palace crossbar that led to Romelu Lukaku’s equaliser and the Red Devils went on to win 3-2 in stoppage-time.
Speaking after the match, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said that it was only the former Arsenal man’s reputation that would keep him in the side for Saturday’s crunch clash, so poor was he against Roy Hodgson’s men.
So we’re asking you; should Sanchez be dropped for Saturday’s match with Liverpool? Let us know by voting below…
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There seems to be a trend in modern football. The Premier League has exposed it, the World Cup gave us a few hints and pundits are banging on about it week in, week out. The art or defending is dying, with goals coming thick and fast in the top leagues across Europe, while every ‘emerging starlet’ appears to be either a ‘tricky No. 10’, a ‘goalscoring sensation’ or a ‘wing wizard’.
Gone are the days of 0-0 Champions League knockout games of the mid to early 2000s in which John Terry, Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, among others, marshalled their backlines to provide fans with tactical thrillers, with mad scoreline increasing normal. Goals are exciting and capture the highlight reels, but the one commodity needed above all other right now is top class centre-backs, of which there are few.
Yet there is one player stands out above all others currently, with his name in the transfer gossip columns on an almost weekly basis. I am of course talking about Mats Hummels, the Dortmund and Germany enforcer. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are the English sides being most strongly linked with the star defender, as reports suggest that Arsene Wenger has made him his top target ahead of January, while Louis van Gaal is keen to revive the Red Devils’ failed move for him over the summer.
Hummels has given no indication that he wants to leave BVB – in fact, he’s stated the opposite – but things change quickly in the fickle world of football, so it would not be a major shock to see the 25-year-old’s name crossing Sky Sports’ yellow ticker in early 2015.
But which suitor should he choose? Presuming United and Arsenal are the only two ‘big players’ in for him, he will have a serious decision to make…
MANCHESTER UNITED
A prime example of United’s failings so far this season under Van Gaal is the shocking 5-3 loss at Leicester City. The result against the Foxes summer up the problems at Old Trafford – albeit they lost at the King Power Stadium – with attacking flair and defensive solidity completely imbalanced. 3-1 up with half an hour to play, the Red Devils needed to coast to three point, yet a backline with Tyler Blackett a key man was ruthlessly exposed.
We don’t need to tell the rest of the story – Jamie Vardy tore United apart with his pace and movement – to make it clear that a top class defender like, let’s say Hummels, may well have eased them over the line for a routine win.
The German would surely be the bedrock of the United team should he make the move, with Van Gaal in desperate need of a player to command his backline and impose some sort of authority. Hummels could do so, while bringing his top-notch ability on the ball to the fore to help build attacks.
The cash is there to offer Dortmund around £30m and give the player himself a massive pay hike, making such a move a ‘no brainer’ for United. Hummels himself may have some reservations due to the uncertainty of Champions League action at Old Trafford, however.
ARSENAL
Unlike United, Arsenal can virtually guarantee Hummels top-level European action for the foreseeable future, such is Arsene Wenger’s penchant for landing fourth place. This would likely appeal to the Dortmund star, as would the presence of a number of his international team-mates, including Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil – albeit the futures of the latter two are unclear.
Hummels would probably be used as a replacement for the aforementioned Mertesacker to play alongside Laurent Koscielny in the Gunners’ back four, which has the potential to be a solid partnership. The competition of a top class player fighting for his role may, however, be a drawback.
There’s little doubt that the Londoners need another capable defender after letting Thomas Vermaelen leave. Wenger’s decision to neglect obtaining – or failure to sign – a replacement has been exposed by injuries already, with young Calum Chambers forced from right-back into the heart of the defence.
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Hummels would appear to be an ideal fit given his ability with ball on the deck as well as his power and pace, yet funding may be an issue. Arsenal are understood to have £20m at their disposal for January, which is the sort of sum United would simply smash out of the park.
VERDICT
This is a tough one as both clubs are blessed with fine histories, great managers and some of the best stadia around. Arsenal can offer top level European action, while United have the financial clout to make even PSG blush. It would appear that becoming the future of the Red Devils’ backline could be tempting, and with money not just talking but screaming at the top of its lungs in the modern game, they look to be the more convincing suitors. Or he could just stay at Dortmund…
Tottenham and Manchester United are set to go head to head in the battle for Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League after an impressive start to the Championship season.
Arsenal were thought to be in pole position for his signature, but reports have emerged that their interest has cooled, opening the door for Spurs and United.
It is believed that both clubs are willing to allow Zaha to remain at Selhurt Park for the remainder of the season, with the duo keen for him to continue to develop.
It is likely that the Eagles will demand a fee in the region of £15m, but may accept a lower figure if they are offered a fringe player on loan for the rest of the season.
Zaha has enjoyed a fine start to the season, helping Palace in their bid for promotion to the top-tier of English football.
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Despite his young age, and the fact he is playing outside of the Premier League, England manager Roy Hodgson called up the winger for his side’s friendly against Sweden in November.
This was speculated to be a measure taken by the FA to prevent the player electing to represent the Ivory Coast, his country of birth, later in his career.
Newcastle fans are voting Martin Dubravka as their player of the month for February, despite the keeper only playing in two matches.
Dubravka signed in January on a loan deal until the end of the season, and has made about as good a start as possible on Tyneside.
The Slovakian stopper has won two league titles in his home country and been a huge hit since moving to parent club Sparta Prague, and now it seems he’s made a pretty positive impression on Newcastle fans as well.
The 29-year-old impressed in an international match against Scotland in October, when Gordon Strachan knighted him man of the match and labelled the keeper as “magnificent”.
Newcastle have played three times in February, drawing twice and beating Manchester United to pick up their first home win since October. Dubravka was man of the match in that game, dominating his area and pulling off miraculous saves to deny Anthony Martial and Juan Mata.
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Newcastle fans have been impressed by what they’ve seen, and have taken to twitter to share their thoughts…
Amid all the brouhaha surrounding England’s do-or-die Euro 2016 qualifiers against the might of San Marino and Estonia, news of the release of Roy Keane’s most recent autobiography, The Second Half, may have evaded the attention of many followers of the game.
Quiet, friendly and averse to confrontation, Keane’s revised reminisces were never expected to raise many eyebrows, with his sitting-on-the-fence approach and his inoffensive anecdotes being derided as nothing more than the actions of a dull footballer transcribing his dull life into literary form.
This is a pile of codswallop, of course, as Keane’s book – the most eagerly awaited sports autobiography since that of his boss-turned-nemesis, Alex Ferguson – has come at an ideal time for media outlets desperately searching for newsworthy material during a particularly uninspiring international break when headline-grabbing stories were always going to be thin on the ground. For the past week, the public – football-loving or otherwise – has been treated like some poor soul strapped onto an operating table in the lair of a crazed, demented professor, forcibly drip-fed an intoxicating mix of accusation upon accusation, tirade upon tirade and scathing criticism upon scathing criticism by delirious newspapers, websites and news channels who have plundered the former Manchester United midfielder’s explosive memoirs with glee.
The daily dosage of revelations on the back pages has been like some perverse form of opening an advent calendar over Christmas; instead of a snowman-shaped chocolate or a similarly dainty confectionery, the reader is treated every day to a brand-spanking new Keaneism, accompanied by the haunting image of the Irishman’s bewhiskered, sunken-eyed face – his cold, lifeless gaze akin to that of a man who walks by unperturbed after witnessing the neighbour’s cat being run over by a van.
Regardless of how tiresome and drawn-out the coverage of Keane’s autobiography may or may not be, there is no denying that the man is a compelling figure. The way in which his relationship with Ferguson has deteriorated from being one which enjoyed considerable and consistent success at United to one which is fuelled by bitterness and resentment gives us a fascinating insight into what happens when a manager and his captain – both equally as ambitious, strong-willed and obstinate – come to blows.
That said, his obsession with Ferguson also occasionally borders on the comical. In a recent interview conducted by Kevin Kilbane for BBC Sport, Keane only really becomes animated when he starts talking about his former boss. His unshakeable refusal to let bygones be bygones – he states that he’d “probably have a go” at Ferguson if he met him – is highly humorous, as is his scornful, desert-dry wit in general. Keane says further on in the interview that he is giving up on punditry, which is a crying shame as his brutal put-downs of players, managers and even entire teams – his claim that Tottenham will always let you down stands out as a particularly memorable example – were at times more entertaining than the matches themselves during his time as a pundit on ITV.
In an age where footballers – understandably, one might argue – saturate interviews and public appearances with cliché and vacuous pleasantries for fear of getting punished for stepping even slightly out of line, Keane is a welcome maverick. Football is entertainment, and the Irishman is infinitely entertaining. His aura makes his every word worth listening to, much like a certain Brian Clough – another of his former bosses during his playing days.
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Roy Keane is a treasure of the game; love him or hate him, football would be all the poorer without his loveably, uniquely scathing presence.
It wasn’t too long ago that English football claimed there were too many foreign stars taking up places in the top-flight over home grown talent. But following recent international tournaments and the displays in Europe from the continent’s finest and most glamorous, there can be no doubt that the majority of non-British stars are plying their trade in either Spain, Italy or Germany.
But English football and the current makeup of the game in this country owes a lot to the influence of foreign players and the traditions and styles of other nations. We’ve seen football develop from the muddy, rain soaked game towards something much more pleasing on the eye. The English approach to the game is still deep in the foundations, but the continental and south American style has helped to modernise Premier League football and play a hand in the variety regularly on show.
Click on Eric Cantona to see the full list of Premier League legends
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Newcastle United are interested in signing Guingamp midfielder Clement Grenier, according to L’Equipe.
What’s the story?
27-year-old Grenier played most of his career at Lyon before he signed for Guingamp in January this year.
The versatile midfielder has impressed since his move, scoring five goals and assisting four in 14 games.
Grenier is comfortable playing in both central and attacking midfield positions and is valued at £3.6million on Transfermarkt.
According to L’Equipe, Grenier could be available for as little as £2.6million as he only has 12 months remaining on his current contract, but Newcastle will have to see off interest from Fulham, Rennes, Fenerbahce and AC Milan.
What’s the catch?
So far, so good for Newcastle, as it seems an in-form player in a position they need strengthening could be available on the cheap this summer.
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The main problem with Grenier is his injury record which has seen him play only 29 times in the last three seasons.
Rafa Benitez will have to weigh up the risks but at £2.6million, he could be worth a punt.
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Newcastle have had success identifying gems from Ligue 1 and Grenier has the ability to become another if he manages to stay fit.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255847″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Newcastle’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]