Southampton and Liverpool have formed a unique relationship over the years, but it is not one that the all fans are particularly happy with.The Reds have bought a number of Saints stars that have become regular first-team members of the team.Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk have been among the exodus from St Mary’s.Southampton have pocketed some decent cash from the sales, but as a result have lost some key players, particularly more recently when Van Dijk jumped ship in January to move to Anfield.[ad_pod ]Now, the rumour mill has been churning out reports suggesting that one of the Saints’ former stars intends to leave Liverpool.According toÂFrance Football, Mane has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid regarding a summer move, but a fee between both clubs is yet to be agreed.The publication claims, though, that a transfer has been put on hold due to the recent departure of Zinedine Zidane as manager.Losing Mane would be a huge blow to Liverpool given that he was a key figure in the prolific attack including Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.Some Southampton fans, though, would rather enjoy seeing Liverpool lose out this time around.
Newcastle United received an offer of £10m from Stoke City for centre-forward Dwight Gayle over the weekend, as covered by The Daily Mail.
[ad_pod ]
However, according to The Chronicle, Magpies boss Rafael Benitez is not prepared to sell this summer unless the club manage to secure a replacement.
Gayle netted 23 times during Newcastle’s 2016-17 Championship season, but the forward only managed six Premier League goals last term.
The 27-year-old played in all but three of Newcastle’s 38 Premier League matches during the 2017-18 campaign, meanwhile, which is an indication of his position at St James’ Park.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”256220″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Chattin’ Shirt World Cup Absentees”]
It is being reported that Gayle does not want to leave the Magpies this summer, but the club’s supporters do not exactly share that view.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Indeed, even at £10m – which is a relatively small price for a Premier League striker – the Newcastle fans want Gayle to be sold in this summer’s transfer window.
A selection of the reaction from the club’s supporters can be seen below:
According to The Mirror, Liverpool forward Danny Ings will leave Anfield this summer in search of first-team football, and Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest.
Ings joined Liverpool from Burnley in 2015, but the striker has only made 14 Premier League appearances for the Reds since arriving at the club.
Two serious knee injuries have made it extremely difficult for Ings to forge a career at Anfield, and it is understood that he will move on this summer in search of pastures new.
According to The Mirror, Tottenham are just one of the clubs in the race, with Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Southampton and Inter Milan also considering approaches.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”258359″ player=”12034″ title=”The World Cup Twitter Report”]
Ings seemingly wants first-team football, but he might not see much of that if he moved to Tottenham due to the presence of a certain Harry Kane in the final third of the field.
The Tottenham fans, meanwhile, really do not want the 25-year-old to join their club in this summer’s transfer window.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ings, who has also been linked with West Bromwich Albion, scored 11 Premier League goals for Burnley during the 2014-15 Premier League season, but the Tottenham supporters are simply not interested in a deal.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
One area that Southampton will be looking to strengthen this summer in particular is up front.
Charlie Austin’s injury record combined with Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long’s constant struggles in front of goal means the Saints are hardly blessed with reliable options in that area of the squad right now. However, since Virgil van Dijk’s mega-money move to Liverpool, the club have also looked a bit light at the back.
Southampton’s defence in the just gone Premier League season by no means was the worst – the likes of Everton, Leicester City and West Ham all conceded more, for example – and in central defence Wesley Hoedt, Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens are fairly decent options to have.
But in van Dijk’s departure to Anfield, Southampton lost a lot of experience, leadership and overall a consistent level of good defending that Hughes should now look to replace. And one player who could potentially fill the void left behind by van Dijk is Chelsea captain Gary Cahill.
Cahill, who is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, could be found surplus to requirements at Chelsea by the likely successor to Antonio Conte: Maurizio Sarri.
According to the Daily Express, Sarri could be appointed as Chelsea manager – at the expense of Conte – this week, which would spell bad news for Cahill. The former Napoli manager is adamant on his central defenders building up play and bringing the ball out of defence – something that Cahill isn’t capable of.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Furthermore, Cahill could be available this transfer window, and Southampton should be all over a deal for the 32-year-old if this turns out to be the case.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has blasted the referees over John Terry’s red card in their win over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
The Blues looked set for a comfortable victory over the Baggies after going 3-1 up at half-time, but in the 54th minute club captain Terry was dismissed for fouling Salomon Rondon as the last man.
And despite holding out for a 3-2 triumph, Mourinho could not hide his anger at referee Mark Clattenburg and believes that his side were once again treated unfairly.
WANT MORE? >> Chelsea transfer news | Latest transfer news
“I don’t want to make (anything of the red card),” he said. “To speak about that I have to speak about many other things in the game, some things you can see, others we can see. And so many things.
“One striker push one defender, it’s a foul, it’s not a foul. Stop the game in midfield it’s a yellow card, it’s not a yellow card.
“So I prefer to concentrate on us. With one player less, we are getting experience of that, we adapted well. We controlled the game, had the best chances to score the fourth goal, and I’m happy with the spirit.”
Mourinho added that it would be a waste of time to appeal the decision and that he is not pointing any blame at Terry for being sent off.
“No,” he said when prompted over an appeal. “It’s a ball into space behind the full-back. The striker makes the movement and then Mr Clattenburg decides a red card.”
On the bright side, new £21million summer signing Pedro Rodriguez from Barcelona had an amazing debut game for the champions, scoring the opener and then assisting Diego Costa in his first 30 minutes of Premier League football.
Chelsea will host Crystal Palace in their next league game at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has stated that he has a superb relationship with his players, but admitted that two senior players expressed concern that the atmosphere has been flat of late.
Media reports of late have claimed that some of the Red Devils’ players have become disenchanted with the Dutchman’s style of play after an underwhelming start to the new season.
The Old Trafford side were beaten by Swansea last time out and have been unconvincing in their other games against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
With the amount of transfer expenditure over the off-season, the Red Devils’ fans are expecting their side to put forward a Premier League title challenge this season.
Van Gaal has given his verdict on the atmosphere in the dressing room and stated that he has no major concerns over the mentality of his players.
“I think I have a superb relationship with my players,” The Guardian quote Van Gaal as saying.
“Maybe you have to consider how many players are coming to the manager to say something. In my career as a manager, I didn’t have so many who come to say something about the atmosphere in the dressing room or the way we train, or something like that. But it is very positive that they are coming to you and that they trust you.
“I have read things that we haven’t talked about. It is the same story as last year, but the consequence of the philosophy is that we have to release players. The whole dressing room has been changed. Can you imagine when your friend must leave? What are your feelings then?
“Rooney and Carrick came to me and said the dressing room is flat – they told me to help me. I communicate not only with my captains, they try to warn me. I then go to my dressing room and discuss with my players and we discussed a lot of aspects – but not what some have written.”
United face Liverpool at Old Trafford later today, with pressure on the hosts to get back to winning ways.
When the French international first arrived at St. James’ Park in the winter of 2013, Moussa Sissoko was widely touted as the next big star to impress on Tyneside.
He brought with him a decent reputation with Toulouse F.C. in Ligue 1, and seemed as if he’d continue the French-themed success that had been present throughout the club during the early stages of his Magpies career.
Since then however, the 26-year-old midfielder has arguably turned out to be one Newcastle’s most unpredictable – and therefore most unreliable – players in recent memory. Sometimes Sissoko simply proves unstoppable when running at defenders in the final third, yet on other certainly less impressive occasions, the Magpies no. 7 looks as if he seemingly can’t put a foot right out there on the field.
So then, as the 2015/16 campaign has so far been one categorised largely by disappointment and frustration among the St. James’ faithful, should Steve McClaren still persevere with Moussa Sissoko as the rest of the season plays out?
[ffc-gal cat=”newcastle-united” no=”5″]
Well, for any football fan who has witnessed the Magpies do their thing in their last couple of Premier League fixtures specifically, the concept of removing Sissoko from the fold could well arrive as a questionable notion at best.
Although McClaren’s side ultimately went home the losers last time out against rivals Sunderland, the match was largely defined by Rob Madley’s weak decision to award a penalty to the Black Cats in the first half, after subsequently sending-off captain, Fabricio Coloccini, in the process. Yes, Newcastle should have perhaps shown a great deal more fight after the clear injustice issued to them on the day – but up until that ill-fated moment in the match – players like Moussa Sissoko were nonetheless proving somewhat influential in the final third.
The same can also be said of the bustling midfield enforcer for his more rewarding performance against Norwich City in the game prior to last Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby. Sissoko may not have got on the score-sheet himself that game, but the former Ligue 1 star nevertheless put in a strong display worthy of picking up the man-of-the-match award had teammate, Georginio Wijnaldum, not stolen all the headlines with his show-stopping four goal tally.
Moussa Sissoko can therefore do the business for Newcastle when circumstances allow. The Frenchman is undeniably strong in the middle of the park, his ability to maraud forward has often seen his side profit as a result of his daring approach – and when the Magpies usually perform well as a collective unit out on the pitch – the 26-year-old midfielder is normally at the root of everything positive for Steve McClaren’s side.
The major problem surrounding this particular player in question however, undoubtedly arrives in the form of his sheer inconsistency. At times it seems as if Sissoko only really turns up when he wants to. There have equally been many, many games where the ex-Toulouse favourite has failed to register any kind of meaningful impact whatsoever – and sometimes even his overall technical skill lets him down in front of goal.
He seems like a player who may well possess the ability to achieve big things in the modern game, but will perhaps never go on to fulfil his full potential simply because he just doesn’t maintain a high level of performance on a week-to-week basis. Yes, Sissoko may well have been played out of position somewhat during his time on Tyneside – but that then leaves the question of what his actual role in the team is even supposed to be, open for evaluation.
In the end, Newcastle can’t afford to be relying upon this kind of luxury during the midst of the clear relegation dog-fight that awaits them this season. Although he could easily prove several of his doubters wrong this term, Sissoko arguably doesn’t possess the fight, leadership quality or appropriate mental attitude to save his side this term.
Steve McClaren should have potentially rid the Magpies of any player not up for the battle this summer, before the 2015/16 campaign actually got underway. As he didn’t however, now would ultimately seem like a strange time for the Tynesiders to remove one of their biggest names from the team-sheet and look to replace him with a largely untested, and likely equally questionable asset, later on down the line.
Newcastle seemingly find themselves in somewhat of a catch-22 situation right now. Although it would be nice to count upon guaranteed workers only in his starting XI, McClaren just doesn’t have the comfort of chopping and changing his squad too much either this term – and for that rather testing reason alone – the St. James’ faithful could still be in major trouble come the end of this so far very difficult season on Tyneside.
Manchester United star Morgan Schneiderlin is adamant that the club can still win the Premier League title despite their recent struggles in front of goal, according to reports from the London Evening Standard.
The Red Devils have now drawn three games 0-0 in succession following their stalemate with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, a result which dropped them from third to fourth on the Premier League table.
WANT MORE? >> Manchester United Transfer News | Latest Transfer News
And United’s lack of goals have been criticized by fans, pundits, and even their opponents, with Louis van Gaal’s men scoring just 15 goals in the English top flight so far this season.
However, Schneiderlin, who was signed from Southampton during the summer, believes that their goal drought will end sooner rather than later and that they can recover to continue challenging for the title.
“Of course we are [in the title race]. It’s still early as we head into November so there are a lot of games to be played but we are there,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if you are second, third, fourth or fifth in November. What matters is to be first at the end of May and win the games.
“Every team is going to go through a period where they don’t score goals and are going to be unlucky. It will happen to the teams in front of us for sure. It’s up to us to win games and overtake those teams.
“We have the players to score goals and we will score goals. It’s not a worry for me.
“We’ve had the chances and sometimes it’s just a matter of taking the time to make a good choice. It will come if we keep believing.”
United will host CSKA Moscow in a Champions League clash on Tuesday before facing a defensive West Bromwich Albion side at Old Trafford this weekend.
After a frustrating period down on the South Coast, during which things looked to be stalling for Ronald Koeman and company, they bounce back with a resounding 4-0 win over title chasing Arsenal.
Typical Southampton. Just when you think they are down and out, they roar in the face of adversity and defy all logic. It’s a fairy tale that never seems like ending.
Still, there is obviously some room for improvement. Sometimes, it seems like the Saints need an air of constant change in order to truly get going, when things are left for too long the situation can often look somewhat stale.
This is where the January transfer market truly becomes significant. While the notion of breaking the top four is far more unlikely this term than it was last, this Premier League season seems to know no bounds of the unexpected.
A late push for the top six could be on the cards, it is hard to imagine a team of such quality finishing 12th, where they currently lie.
So, in order to spark such an upward movement, perhaps Koeman can tinker with the squad in the New Year sales.
With that in mind, here are three ins and three outs at Southampton this January…
IN: CALUM CHAMBERS – (ARSENAL)
Football – Arsenal v SL Benfica – Emirates Cup – Pre Season Friendly Tournament – Emirates Stadium – 2/8/14Arsenal’s Calum ChambersMandatory Credit: Action Images / John SibleyLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
The Arsenal man has been linked with a loan switch back to St. Mary’s after failing to truly kick on in North London since his £16m move in 2014. A product of the famed youth academy on the South Coast, the 20-year old’s return is likely to be a welcome one.
Though first-choice central defensive pairing Jose Fonte and Virgil van Djik are solid enough, the options after the duo are somewhat limited. It’s clear Maya Yoshida and Steven Caulker are not good enough to step in adequately.
Even at right-back, Cedric Soares can often be caught out in defensive positions despite his effective attacking intent.
So, Chambers returning would be a welcome fit all round. Perhaps the youngster can get back on track in red and white and force his way back into contention for the England squad.
IN: SOLLY MARCH – (BRIGHTON)
Though neighbours Brighton are looking like a decent bet to join the Saints in the top tier of the Premier League next term, one of their star players is still being linked with a move away.
England Under-21 star Solly March is reported to have been scouted by the club over recent weeks after a series of impressive performances for the Championship pace setters.
Understood to be valued at around £7.5m by the Seagulls, Southampton’s impressive record of nurturing young English talent could play a major role in the making of this deal. The club currently lack natural wide options and the addition of an exciting home grown prospect would be something suited to the Saints.
IN: LOIC REMY – (CHELSEA)
The Frenchman has been frequently linked with a Stamford Bridge exit this winter as a major cull at Stamford Bridge looks to be on the horizon.
The former QPR man has performed adequately when called upon, though that’s not often enough and is unlikely to ever be the club’s first choice striker. It’s not fair to say Southampton are a level below Chelsea, given the current state of affairs, but perhaps a move to a traditionally smaller club can help the 27-year old reignite his career.
Koeman could use another striking option as the team are far too often reliant on Graziano Pelle in front of goal. There are no guarantees over Jay Rodriguez to overcome his injury battles, and while Shane Long is certainly useful, he is not an out and out centre-forward.
OUT: STEVEN CAULKER – (SUNDERLAND)
Ok, so he’s not really a Southampton player, but QPR loanee Steven Caulker has been linked with a premature exit from St. Mary’s.
The 26-year old was only ever really going to be a backup in the squad, but has often looked out of place when called upon. Still, he’s a decent enough Premier League defender with fantastic athletic attributes and some decent experience in the top tier.
Sunderland have been linked with taking the former Spurs and Cardiff man for the last six months of his loan deal away from West London. While he certainly adds to the depth of the squad, his departure is unlikely to cause too much upset within the camp.
OUT: JUANMI – (MALAGA)
Spanish forward Juanmi hasn’t worked out as hoped since arriving on the South Coast in the summer, and has recently revealed he has been in contact with Malaga regarding a potential return to La Liga.
The silky forward is clearly a talented footballer, a Spanish international after all, but has struggled to truly adapt to the English game. He’s largely struggled for playing time under Koeman, despite their recent barren run up until the Arsenal game.
Perhaps affording him the chance to leave, even on loan, could help the 22-year old rediscover his confidence and make next year a more enjoyable season.
OUT: ORIOL ROMEU – (CELTA VIGO)
Despite making almost 20 appearances for the club since a summer move, Spanish defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu has already been linked with a switch away from the South Coast.
The amount of outings doesn’t tell the story as the former Barcelona academy graduate has largely played a peripheral role for the club. Since Jordy Clasie has returned from injury, the 24-year old has struggled for game time in a pretty packed engine room at St. Mary’s.
Celta Vigo are thought to be keeping tabs on his situation, with a New Year bid reportedly prepared.
He may potentially be one of the World’s richest men at some point in the not too distant future, but that doesn’t stop Arsenal fans hating on Mathieu Flamini.
To be fair to Arsenal fans, though, when they see that their only outfield signing of the 2015/16 season – Mohamed Elneny – doesn’t even make the bench and Mathieu Flamini starts, then you’re asking your fans for some trouble.
And it’s trouble they have got on Twitter this evening, as Arsenal fans have taken to the interweb to vent their ire that a man whose skill they find it difficult to locate can take to the pitch so regularly for the Gunners.
To make matters worse, Arsenal are, this evening, playing against a team that thrashed them 4-0 on Boxing Day. And Flamini starts whilst the likes of Francis Coquelin and Theo Walcott find themselves warming the bench.
Ironically enough, Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers all find themselves on the Arsenal bench this evening, meaning that all three subs for the Gunners this evening could be ex-Southampton men.
Arsenal fans may be ecstatic about the prospect of getting Alexis Sanchez back into the starting XI tonight, but there’s only one name on their lips tonight, and they’re not singing his name in a complementary manner. Just sit back and take in all of the anger: