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This season is one that Wolverhampton Wanderers will be keen to move on from quickly.

They didn’t spend wisely last summer and have been made to rue a number of injuries to some of their most exciting players.

All of that has culminated in what looks set to be a bottom half finish for Nuno Santo and his team.

On the chalkboard

Another big issue for Nuno has been the club’s defence. They have looked particularly ordinary this season and if anything summed that up, it would be a run of 13 games from November to January where they only kept a solitary clean sheet.

The Old Gold have struggled for shut outs again in recent times, being hammered 4-0 by Burnley at their own ground.

One of the main culprits for a long time has been Romain Saiss. The Moroccan has had a peculiar season where, because of injuries, he’s been asked to play at left-back.

He was particularly poor against Aston Villa back in March when he defied the laws of physics by missing a simple opportunity from a few yards out and disappointed from a defensive point of view.

Saiss registered a pass success rate of just 70% that evening and lost the ball on 15 occasions. He only managed to complete one tackle throughout the contest too.

Unfortunately, he was also a mess against Burnley over a week ago. As they were dispatched at Molineux, the defender was all over the shop. He was dispossessed for the fourth and final goal as he gifted the Clarets a chance to score.

The solution

The answer to their woes from a defensive point of view could be Jack Hendry, somebody linked to Wolves in the last few months.

The 25-year-old is a Celtic player but he’s enjoyed a very fruitful loan spell with Oostende in Belgium.

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He’s been named the best player in the Belgium top flight this season and has thrived in Alexander Blessin’s system. That happens to be in a three-back, making him absolutely perfect for Wolves and Nuno.

The Portuguese’s preferred formation at Molineux has been with three defenders so Hendry would surely fit seamlessly into the set up at the Midlands.

That said, he’d offer a lot more than just tactical knowledge and familiarity.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, the Scottish defender is a giant at the back and is particularly dominant when it comes to winning aerial battles.

For instance, he has won three aerial duels per game this term, more than anyone in the entire Wolves squad.

Crucially he is more confident with the ball at his feet, an area of Saiss’ game that’s been getting him in a tangle this term.

His pass success rate stands at 80.7% while Hendry’s is an impressive 85.1% throughout the current season.

Described as a “useful weapon” by Blessin, he’d be a valuable addition to Wolves this summer. Nuno and Jeff Shi need to make sure they conclude a deal.

AND in other news, Wolves could finally replace Jota by luring £71m “outstanding talent” to Molineux…

كشف مصدر بنادي وادي دجلة عن مصير المهاجم أحمد عاطف المعار لصفوف فيوتشر منذ بداية الموسم الحالي.

وشارك اللاعب صاحب الـ24 عاما مع فيوتشر خلال الموسم الحالي ببطولة الدوري في 4 مباريات وسجل هدفا وحيدا.

طالع أيضًا.. خاص | لاعب فيوتشر يدخل دائرة اهتمامات الأهلي

وقال مصدر بدجلة لـ بطولات: “‎هناك بند في عقد إعارة أحمد عاطف يسمح لفيوتشر بشرائه نهائيًا مقابل 12 مليون جنيه دون الحاجة لموافقة أي طرف على تفعيل البند”.

وكان “بطولات” قد كشف عن دخول أحمد عاطف دائرة اهتمام النادي الأهلي، للتعاقد معه خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية المُقبلة.

ويحل نادي فيوتشر في المركز السادس بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد 15 نقطة.

ويستعد فيوتشر لمواجهة غزل المحلة يوم الأربعاء المقبل ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من بطولة الدوري.

According to an update Corriere della Sera, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with yet another name as Daniel Levy’s hunt for a new manager goes on.

The Lowdown: Gasperini emerges as new Spurs candidate

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has now emerged as a new name linked with the Tottenham vacancy with reports only just coming out in the last 48 hours.

Indeed, journalist Duncan Castles first claimed that Spurs have made an approach for the Italian and it is believed that the reply from him was a positive one (Transfer Window Podcast).

Spurs have been linked with a host of names since former boss Jose Mourinho was shown the door, a list which includes Julian Nagelsmann, Brendan Rodgers, Erik Ten Hag, Scott Parker, Graham Potter and Ralf Rangnick (Daily Mail).

However, reports have now come to light of yet another new name in Gasperini.

The Latest: Contact for Gasperini backed in Italy

Now, backing up the claim from Castles, Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera (via Sport Witness) have dropped their own update and also believe an approach has been made by Spurs ‘in the last few hours’ (reported Wednesday evening).

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However, the report isn’t quite as positive when it comes to the 63-year-old being named as the new manager of Tottenham – with an exit from Atalanta looking ‘unlikely’ regardless of Levy’s move to make contact.

It is believed that the only club with enough pulling power to lure Gasperini away from the Gewiss Stadium is Serie A giant Juventus.

The local news outlet, therefore, believe Tottenham could be thwarted in their fresh manager interest.

The Verdict: Spurs should go all out…

Despite this report claiming a move away from Atalanta is unlikely, if Levy could pull out all the stops and somehow make a move happen, there is plenty of evidence to suggest he is a brilliant dark horse for the job.

Winning Serie A coach of the year in both 2019 and 2020 (TEAMtalk), Gasperini has also managed a very impressive 53% win rate since taking charge at Atalanta in the summer of 2016.

It is known that Spurs are on the look out for an attack minded manager and he certainly could fit the bill, favouring the 3-4-3 formation and possession-based football (TEAMtalk).

He has also guided his side to Champions League football in each of the last two seasons and is on course to do it yet again this campaign, an incredible feat for a club nowhere near the size of its competitors in Serie A.

Despite not being ‘young’ or ‘dynamic’, with technical performance director Steve Hitchen allegedly wanting that criteria of boss (The Mail), Gasperini still comes as a very qualified new name to be linked.

In other news: Sky reporter lifts lid on Levy summer plan for Spurs, find out more here.

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that West Ham should sign on-loan Fulham defender Joachim Andersen.

Despite Fulham’s imminent relegation, the 24-year-old Danish centre-back is enjoying an excellent loan spell from Lyon.

Since returning from injury in early-November, Andersen has started every Premier League game for the Cottagers, with his impressive form giving them hope of avoiding the drop.

Such is his form, Andersen was given the captain’s armband in the absence of Tom Cairney.

One of his best performances came in Fulham’s victory at Anfield last month, attracting the attention of the Hammers, plus both Manchester United and Spurs.

Reports believe that parent club Lyon have set an asking-price of £25million, and McAvennie believes that he’d be a shrewd addition for the Hammers, who’ve struggled defensively recently.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s one of the reasons that Fulham are winning games. Someone like that would be great and would be in West Ham’s price-range. They need a centre-half and someone of that stature to come in, and £25m isn’t bad for a good centre-half.

“The boy is in London and I think he might want to stay there, so I would go for him, if it comes up. If they’re in the running I would go for him.”

David Moyes currently has the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop to choose from for the centre-back positions, with Aaron Cresswell also playing there at times if the Scot decides to play three at the back.

Brandon Barker is struggling to impress on loan at Oxford United following his winter transfer window loan move and Steven Gerrard should consider getting rid of the winger in the summer, as it seems clear that he isn’t good enough to be a regular for Rangers at Ibrox next season, particularly in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old joined Rangers from Manchester City in the summer of 2019 and has gone on to make 26 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has managed three goals and no assists.

Although he contributed two goals in 10 Premiership appearances in Gerrard’s side this season, also featuring twice in the Europa League, Gerrard clearly felt it was best for his development if he were to get regular football out on loan. However, considering he has played in the English Championship before, the decision for him to join mid-table League One side Oxford seemed a strange one.

Unfortunately, the Englishman has struggled to have much impact in Karl Robinson’s team this season, managing just two goals and two assists in 14 league appearances thus far.

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It seems likely that Gerrard will be adding to his attacking options ahead of next season, and considering he already has the likes of Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo available on the wings, it seems unlikely that Barker will be able to return to Ibrox and establish himself as a first team regular.

Certainly, it seems fair to suggest that, whilst he is a decent player, Barker is nowhere near Champions League level; and if Gerrard wants his side to give a good account of themselves in that competition next season, then he can’t afford to keep players such as the 24-year-old around his squad.

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He reportedly earns £7,500 per week at Rangers, and if the Light Blues can find themselves a buyer for Barker this summer, then it would not be a surprise if they were to cash in on him and bring in someone else, as unfortunately his performances with both Rangers and Oxford in the past two seasons have emphasised that he doesn’t have a promising future at Ibrox.

In other news… Rangers should reignite interest in 27 y/o gem who’s got “all the attributes”.

Steve Bruce must unleash Joe Willock from the off at Burnley on Sunday in a shake-up from the Newcastle United side that drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Arsenal loanee combined with Miguel Almiron to strike an 85th-minute equaliser against Jose Mourinho’s north Londoners, having been dropped to the bench.

His goal sealed a vital point for the Toon in their fight for Premier League survival, with Bruce’s men now three points clear of the drop zone and still with a game in hand over 18th-placed Fulham.

Willock had started each of his previous seven appearances for the Magpies since moving to St. James’ Park on loan in February, but was one of six changes from the 3-0 thrashing to relegation-rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bruce decided that Willock would be one of the many to drop to the bench against Spurs to afford the 21-year-old a rest, despite losing Isaac Hayden for the rest of the season with a knee injury and having the international break to regain fitness.

“He’s only young, and he’s played six or seven on the bounce. I just thought with Sean [Longstaff starting], who’s waited a long time for a chance. There were some big calls,” Bruce said, via quotes by The Shields Gazette.

“I’m sure there were a few raised eyebrows before it, like there normally is. But this is what I’m paid for, to make decisions.

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“Thankfully, to come on as a sub was the right one, because he got us as a result, which was very pleasing.”

Bruce’s decision to introduce Willock from the bench may have paid off with the £14.5m-rated midfielder – who Arsenal are open to selling – scoring a vital equaliser, but the Newcastle boss must look to bring him back into the starting line-up at Burnley.

Bruce got his tactics wrong in part against Tottenham despite the result and the improved performance from United, having fielded Emil Krafth as a makeshift centre-half only for the natural right-back to struggle and never appear comfortable in the role.

Mourinho’s men enjoyed a lot of success in attacking Krafth, who Bruce must ruthlessly axe for Sunday’s trip to Turf Moor having seen Jacob Murphy thrive at wing-back in place of the Sweden international.

Bruce can make do without Krafth occupying one of three central defensive roles against Sean Dyche’s Clarets, so should change Newcastle’s system to allow for Willock to start while also moving Almiron back into a more advanced role.

Willock can cover the ground on the right-hand side of Bruce’s midfield trio that Almiron was tasked with against Tottenham, and free the Paraguayan to pull the strings directly behind Joelinton.

Bruce lauded Willock upon his Tyneside arrival for just that, noting “he brings a certain energy” after the £20,000-per-week gem scored on debut against Southampton.

The Toon boss must now unleash that energy from the off once again, and be aggressive in his team selection against a Burnley side that has drawn their last five Premier League games at Turf Moor.

AND in other news, a £40k-p/w Newcastle star is facing a race against time to feature again this season…

MatériaMais Notícias

Parecia uma cobrança de lateral despretensiosa, mas se transformou no gol de Neilton que garantiu a vitória do Botafogo no clássico desta quarta-feira com o Fluminense. E a jogada, que começou com o arremesso de Diogo Barbosa, passou por Sassá ainda pela esquerda, foi até Bruno Silva, na direita, e terminou com a finalização do camisa 7 não foi obra do acaso. Foi do treino.

– Foi uma jogada treinada nossa e tive a felicidade de completá-la em gol. Tivemos uma postura muito boa, soubemos marcar, atacar e saímos com a vitória – comemora Neilton.

Na jogada capital do jogo, o gramado, tão questionado, talvez tenha atrapalhado o zagueiro Henrique. Mas o fato é que o defensor errou feio o tempo de bola e deixou o atacante botafoguense livre.

O feito na Arena da Ilha foi o 11º gol do atacante na temporada. Ele tem um a menos que Sassá. A dupla vem sendo fundamental na evolução do ataque alvinegro neste Campeonato Brasileiro.

RelacionadasBotafogoCamilo cita ‘fator casa’ e comemora ascensão do Botafogo no BrasileirãoBotafogo07/09/2016BotafogoLuis Henrique pode ser emprestado pelo Botafogo ao Atlético-PRBotafogo07/09/2016Futebol Nacional‘ Botafogo e Fluminense têm times para ficarem no meio da tabela’Futebol Nacional07/09/2016

Lee Johnson has guided this Sunderland side to fourth in League One and the good times should carry on this weekend.

The Mackems are getting ready to face a Rochdale side who occupy a relegation place in the division. They have only won one of their last 15 outings, so it should be an uphill struggle for The Dale at the Stadium of Light.

That being said, the Black Cats did need a rescue act last weekend against Crewe in order to salvage a point.

It’s also hard to look past a number of injuries with which Johnson is having to contend. With a succession of players still on the sidelines, how could their XI look on Saturday afternoon?

The Mackems are likely to be without Grant Leadbitter this weekend as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder.

Tom Flanagan is looking stronger in his bid to return to fitness but will miss out this weekend. The same goes for Ross Stewart and Denver Hume. Bailey Wright will unfortunately also be absent on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, the makeshift pairing of Dion Sanderon and Luke O’Nien occupy the central roles in the defence.

With Sunderland taking on weaker opposition, it could give the manager a chance to go more attacking, something he did in the second half of their clashes with Crewe and Swindon.

That sees two changes made from Tuesday night, with Chris Maguire and Aiden O’Brien coming into the side. Maguire replaces Lynden Gooch in the number 10 role.

Gooch starred against Swindon but went off with a minor calf problem. Johnson wasn’t too worried at full-time but, given the number of injury problems they have, they can’t afford to take risks. That means the £5,000-per-week winger is dropped from the XI.

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The other change is on the left, where Jordan Jones comes out of the team for O’Brien, someone who has been an influential member of the team since Johnson was given the job.

The winger started on the bench in midweek but scored 11 days ago against Fleetwood. With his importance in mind, it’s not beyond the realms of fantasy to suggest he could start again.

After all, Jones still appears to be struggling for match fitness; he was hooked after just an hour on Tuesday night.

AND in other news, Sunderland must unleash “top player” who Johnson once dubbed “Championship-class”…

Liverpool fans have been weighing in on the feasibility of a landmark swoop for Kylian Mbappe, who one supporter believes would be ‘Klopp’s dream signing’.

Journalist Duncan Castles said on the Transfer Window Podcast that Liverpool would be Mbappe’s preferred destination were he to move to England.

22-year-old Mbappe showcased his stratospheric potential once again last month with a hat-trick at the Camp Nou as PSG routed Barcelona 4-1 – Europe’s elite sides know that signing him could be the key to a period of dominance.

For Liverpool, a blockbuster deal could preclude a drop-off when their present front three begin to decline. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will turn 29 this year, while Roberto Firmino will turn 30.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, it would take somewhere between €120million and €150million to capture Mbappe this coming summer, but that price tag is slowly falling because Mbappe’s contract expires in June 2022, leaving PSG to sweat.

The deal may become viable for Liverpool as he nears the end of that term, but one has to assume it would still take a colossal fee.

Is Mbappe to Liverpool realistic?

“Good thing I’ve spent more in Tesco than FSG do on transfers”

Credit: @ftbled16

“Is it go fund me time again ?”

Credit: @LFCMATTHEW96

“How I wish this becomes a reality sooner than never.”

Credit: @laurelsudeep

“I believe, Klopp had him in mind before he signed for us. He’s been a fan of Mbappe for years and believe he’s Klopp’s dream signing. I would be very surprised if we didn’t put a bid in for him, It’s why I’ve not been mad at us not spending.”

Credit: @JadeKiimberly

“The club would make the transfer money back through merchandise and shirt sales”

Credit: @davep3370

“We need the boy”

Credit: @IsaacNgulube17

“A MAN CAN ONLY DREAM”

Credit: @kabaklfc

“No smoke without fire”

Credit: @NA8Y_LAD

In other news, fans react to Jurgen Klopp’s update on Diogo Jota and Fabinho.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Leeds United ace Tyler Roberts is expected to stay at Elland Road in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 7-cap Wales international has struggled to figure into Marcelo Bielsa’s plans this season, featuring only sporadically in the Premier League – he’s yet to complete the full 90 minutes in the top-flight, whilst he’s only played around 50 minutes in the division since November 7.

Despite interest from Championship sides about a potential loan until the end of the season, The Athletic has claimed Bielsa is not “minded” to consider those offers before the January transfer window.

The report adds that Bielsa is “sympathetic” towards Roberts’ situation and a lack of game-time, and that attention on his long-term future at Elland Road is likely to ramp up given he will enter the final year of his contract.

Bielsa’s ruining him

With no 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, it’s safe to say Roberts has been on the fringes of the Leeds team,

Speaking back in mid-November, former Leeds man Noel Whelan said: “Right now we are looking at a lad that is very low on confidence and very low on belief in his own ability.

“He is struggling to find form and maybe it is a step too far for him right now, the Premier League. It would be very harsh for me to say that he is not a Premier League player but he is not showing it right now.”

Much of that lack of confidence can be put down to the lack of consistent chances Roberts has had to shine in the Premier League this season. Cameo appearances here and there, and just expecting him to change the game at the tip of a hat is just foolish, especially given how he’s still only 22-years-old.

Players need to get into a rhythm to really showcase what they can offer, and Roberts just hasn’t been afforded that.

Blocking a loan move for him where he would be able to get regular game-time and feature week-in and week-out seems like a hugely strange decision from Bielsa, especially when you consider Leeds already have Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo up front, and are continuing to be linked with a move for another striker themselves.

Bielsa’s decision seems more focused on the short-term goals of the club, rather than the long-term needs of the player. If Roberts doesn’t come good at Elland Road, then much of that responsibility will have to fall on the Leeds boss’ shoulders.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United ace is facing an uncertain time at Elland Road…