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Many Sunderland fans have been criticising the performance of Grant Leadbitter in their 1-1 draw with Lincoln City in League One on Saturday afternoon.

Lee Johnson’s team took the lead at the Stadium of Light through a rare goal for Callum McFadzean after a fine ball by Max Power, before Callum Morton equalised for the visitors just after the hour mark.

It will surely be seen as two points dropped by the hosts as they look to chase promotion back to the Championship at the end of the season.

Leadbitter was just one of a number of players who struggled throughout the game, losing out on four of his duels while also failing to record a single interception or tackle from the centre of midfield (Sofascore).

The former Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough man also lost possession of the ball no fewer than seven times in total over the course of the match, as he was substituted off in the 71st minute for Ross Stewart (Sofascore).

Sunderland fan reaction to Leadbitter display

These Black Cats supporters slammed the 35-year-old’s performance on Twitter, with one Sunderland fan describing the veteran as ‘leggy’:

“O’Nien and Leadbitter cost us two points today. Clear weak links against a strong, rapid counter attacking team”

Credit: @jpsleightholme1

“Every time Leadbitter starts the tempo is awful. We can’t press with him and he slows the whole game. Had his day, needs to be a sub used when we need to slow a game down and that’s it.”

Credit: @craigtrichardso

“Think Leadbitter performances of late has proved he should go to academy to train the kids…we have no momentum ..are ponderous and pedestrian when he starts #SAFC”

Credit: @Safcftm2016

“Think Leadbitter didn’t have a good game, slows the tempo down massively in the middle of the park. Baffled by the midfield selection tbh. #SAFC”

Credit: @TheSafcAnalyst

“Wrong starting line up, Power and Leadbitter have no pace in cm, looked very leggy, only one team looked like winning it in second half”

Credit: @theboovont

“How can he not see Leadbitter makes this team worse. He should have retired the same time as Danny Graham. The midfield is full of slow players we’ve never had a foothold in this game”

Credit: @CalPatterson17

In other news, find out whose performance was slammed against Tranmere Rovers!

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has given a positive verdict about Carlo Ancelotti’s recent comments regarding his Goodison Park future.

Ancelotti had spoken about his future recently, saying that he wants to stay at Everton for as long as possible, even though his contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Maguire believes Ancelotti and the new stadium could be great

Maguire was talking to Football Insider about Ancelotti’s comments and he reacted positively, saying that if the Toffees get European football at their proposed new stadium when it opens, paying for Ancelotti’s contract extension in the future could be ‘small fry’ for the Toffees.

The finance expert said: “Given the ambition of the owner, it would be a perfect storm for when Bramley Moore Dock opens, and they are hoping that could be 2024.

“That’s the year when the reformed, revamped Champions League takes place, and that’s going to be amazingly lucrative.

“If Everton, with a manager of the calibre of Ancelotti, could get their stars in alignment, new stadium, all of these additional matches taking place, hosting clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich in that season, it would make everything worthwhile. Carlo Ancelotti’s salary will be relatively small-fry compared.”

The Toffees are currently fifth in the Premier League and only eight points behind second-placed Manchester United. Ahead of their game against Chelsea on Monday evening, Ancelotti’s men are only a single point away from the last Champions League spot with a game in hand.

Everton last played European football in 2017, when they were in the Europa League.

Bright future could be waiting for Everton

Everton’s plans for a new stadium have already been given approval and it has been commented that Bramley-Moore Dock will be a ‘world-class addition’ to the city of Liverpool. It is reported to be a £500m scheme and it could also create a lot of jobs (BBC).

If Everton end up playing European football in the new stadium immediately, that might help them earn more finances and revenue, which could be used to bolster the squad and hand Ancelotti a new or improved contract.

The Italian has a lot of European experience and having him manage Everton at that level could be a blessing, should he and the Toffees remain on track for it.

In other news, Everton have been dealt a blow in their chase of a midfielder- read more here.

Many Sunderland fans were left to slam the display of Lynden Gooch despite their 2-0 win over Fleetwood Town in the EFL League One on Tuesday evening.

Aiden O’Brien and Max Power scored the goals in the second half that gave all three points to Lee Johnson’s men at the Stadium of Light after what was a very frustrating first half.

Although their were some great performances in a red-and-white-striped shirt, Gooch’s display flattered to deceive a lot of SAFC supporters.

The 25-year-old lost out on five of his duels in the game, and also failed to record a single accurate cross or long ball (Sofascore).

He also lost possession no fewer than 18 times in the match, the third-most out of any of his teammates, earning him a quite measly 6.6 overall rating on Sofascore.

Sunderland fan reaction to Gooch display

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to say that the winger was ‘terrible’:

“Really poor over run in the middle. Gooch and O’Brien giving the ball away again. No crossers and through ball isn’t there”

Credit: @Downsy102

“Gooch been very wasteful, movement been non-existent . Don’t remember Wyke touching the ball”

Credit: @deano733

“Gooch has been terrible along with O’Brien. McGeady not his usual self. Fleetwood defending well”

Credit: @S_Garraghan

“Can someone let Gooch know that it’s ok to pass the ball? Cheers.”

Credit: @Jaydenhanlon7

“Gooch is incredibly frustrating to watch at times.”

Credit: @WestSussexSAFC

“O’Brien, Gooch and McFadzean v poor”Credit: @harryeddowesIn other news, find out whose display was slammed against Burton Albion here!

West Ham have just been given a clear run at signing mooted no.1 target, Josh King, if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Bournemouth forward is unlikely to join Southampton before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline as his salary expectations are beyond what they’d like to pay.

Just a few days ago, talkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams, known as BroadcastMoose on Twitter, revealed that the 29-year-old was the Hammers’ “top target” and that claims over his huge wage demands were “misguided.”

If true, it’s time for GSB to pull the trigger before it’s too late…

GSB now must strike

After sanctioning the departure of club-record flop Sebastien Haller at the start of the month for a £25m loss, the Irons have yet replaced his void in the attack, meaning the prospects of having Michail Antonio as their only striking option is fast becoming a reality.

And now with their top-flight rivals seemingly out of the picture, it’s time for GSB to get their wallet out and pay whatever King wants as he’d clearly be a very decent addition.

In five successive seasons in the Premier League with the Cherries, the Norway international bagged at least six times with a career-best 16 goals coming during the 16/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/west-ham-deadline-day-latest-news-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Deadline day is here: Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Valued at £9.9m by Transfermarkt, King was said to be heading to St Mary’s for a “small fee” whilst he’s thought to be earning around £45k-per-week at the Vitality Stadium, which puts him behind a plethora of current West Ham stars, including rarely-seen duo Issa Diop (£67k-per-week) and Winston Reid (£70k-per-week).

Reports from The Sun earlier this month suggested King would be available for just £15m, £5m less than what GSB received for the sale of Haller.

But talkSPORT’s Alex Crook believes he could now be available for far cheaper.

Which only strengthens the argument that GSB need to act fast.

Antonio has already missed a fair share of matches this term – during an absence of eight matches, the Hammers won only three times whilst his five-goal total for the Premier League season so far is only bettered by Thomas Soucek.

GSB cannot afford to risk ruining their season by not having a viable alternative. One bad injury to their only striker could spell curtains. The Irons must make the most of West Ham finding themselves in fifth place.

King, who has a proven track record in the top-flight and has vast versatility to play anywhere in attack, should be signed before tonight’s deadline. Just this month, he was dubbed a “real handful” by current Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall.

He’s evidently free to move today and going by Crook and Ornstein’s comments, he could be available for a bargain price.

AND in other news, Sullivan could deliver summer masterstroke with £30m-valued beast…

Steve Bruce risks making a huge blunder in the January transfer window by signing rumoured Newcastle United target Djed Spence from Middlesbrough.

What’s the word?

According to Chronicle Live, despite the fact there is interest the Magpies are unlikely to make a move for Spence in the winter market as the north-east club looks to prioritise loan options.

Prior reports by TEAMtalk had claimed United are among a clutch of Premier League sides eyeing the up-and-coming defender this month, with Toon scouts and their counterparts at Everton, Wolves and Crystal Palace all regularly monitoring Spence’s development.

Newcastle looking elsewhere in the January sales would appear a wise decision, with the Chronicle adding that figures at the Riverside Stadium have doubts over Spence’s defensive capabilities and believe that his shortfalls often let the 20-year-old down.

Spence is said to be well-liked by Boro boss Neil Warnock but added that he does not rate the London-born full-back highly, with the defender only considered to be at a good enough level to serve as a back-up option for his Championship side rather than as a key man.

The £2m-rated youngster, who joined Middlesbrough from Fulham in 2018, has only opened 12 of his 22 Championship appearances so far this season, after his cameo appearance in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Birmingham City made it six games since last starting a second-tier fixture.

Wise to walk away

Newcastle walking away from signing Spence in the January market would certainly appear a wise decision right now, as the 20-year-old has hardly hit the ground running in what is only his sophomore year as a first-team player at Middlesbrough.

Spence was given his Boro debut by Tony Pulis at the start of the 2018/19 season but failed to break through into the senior fold until the arrival of Johnathan Woodgate last term, who called on the £4,500-per-week full-back to start 11 of his 15 Championship games at the helm.

Warnock has kept Spence in and around the first-team, even if he is yet to consider the 20-year-old as his preferred option and suggesting the defender’s potential is so uncertain that he could either progress to play for a top Premier League side or fall out of the football league entirely in the next five years.

“Up to a point, but I think there’s so much more he could do,” Warnock said, via quotes by Teesside Live last November, when asked if he was pleased with what Spence had offered. “There are not many players where you can say it’s all up to them, personally, how far they go – it’s what’s between the ears.

“He could be playing at a top club in England or in non-league in five years, I don’t know. Application, dedication, all these things come into it. He’s got the tools, there’s no doubt about that.”

Spence has done little to ease the concerns over his potential since Warnock offered his alarming remark, as the former Fulham trainee’s performances in the Championship so far this season have only been good enough to return 0.8 successful tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 0.5 clearances, 0.3 crosses blocked and be dribbled past 0.3 times a game, per WhoScored.

The best right-back in the Championship, among those who have played over 10 matches, in terms of successful tackles is Watford’s 20-year-old Jeremy Ngakia who offers 3.2 successful attempts a game, while Spence’s Boro teammate Anfernee Dijksteel tops the charts for interceptions (1.9) and QPR’s Todd Kane is first for clearances (3.1), per WhoScored.

Bruce would no doubt want Spence to take his performances to a much higher level if given a move to a Premier League side, as his current output would only see the Boro back-up rank last for successful tackles, interceptions, clearances, times dribbled past and third for crosses blocked among his positional rivals already on Tyneside.

AND in other news, Newcastle have enquired over a January loan deal for a £4.5m-rated outcast criticised for his lack of effort…

أكد سفيان بن دبكة لاعب منتخب الجزائر الأول لكرة القدم، أن مواجهات منتخب مصر تتسم بالصعوبة والندية والحماس دائمًا، منوهًا إلى أن خروج مهاجم محاربي الصحراء بغداد بونجاح أثر على نتيجة اللقاء.

وكان منتخب مصر قد تعادل إيجابيًا مع الجزائر في مباراة الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات ببطولة كأس العرب 2021 قطر، ليحسم الفراعنة صدارة المجموعة الرابعة بمبدأ اللعب النظيف.

طالع.. فيديو | قمة البطاقات.. مصر تتعادل مع الجزائر وتقتنص الصدارة باللعب النظيف في كأس العرب

وقال بن دبكة في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “الكأس” عقب اللقاء”: “مباراة كانت صعبة، وعلى الدوام مواجهات الجزائر أمام مصر يكون فيها حماس وضغوط خاصة في الملعب”.

وأضاف: “حاولنا تقديم أفضل صورة لنا، ونبارك لمنتخب مصر حصوله على الصدارة بفارق البطاقات”.

وأردف: “خروج بغداد بونجاح كان له تأثيرًا علينا لأنه متمرس في مثل هذه النوعية من المباريات، لاعب يمتلك الخبرة، ولكن كل اللاعبين قدموا أقصى ما يمتلكوه”. 

Perhaps the time is really up for Dele Alli at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s been said?

The 24-year-old continues to be snubbed by Jose Mourinho – for the ninth time in the Premier League this season, the two-time former PFA Young Player of the Year was completely omitted from their matchday squad as Spurs defeated arch-rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Indeed, Alli has only played 66 minutes in the English top-flight this term, and just 333 minutes in all competitions. Even despite his two goals and one assist in the Europa League, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that he isn’t in their plans anymore.

Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer alluded to this during an exclusive interview with Football FanCast last week, he said:

“If [Mourinho] can’t get him to do what he wants him to do, he’ll let him go. He will let him go. He’s not afraid to do that.”

Time to go?

It’s strange to believe that even Tanguy Ndombele, who was frequently in and out of the side last season under the Portuguese, is actually ahead of Alli in the pecking order.

The £46.8m-rated dynamo, who earns around £150k-per-week in N17, has seen a meteoric drop in his career as he also finds himself out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the summer’s European Championships.

Once lauded as a “freak of a talent” who could one day eclipse the likes of Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, it is really no surprise to see that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants to keep hold of him at all costs.

But if the tough negotiator wants to make any money on him in the near future, then the January transfer window may be the only good opportunity to cash in on him, so he ought to consider a U-turn this month.

As each game passes by, it’s just becoming clearer and clearer that there is no future for Alli under Mourinho; it would certainly be a waste to continue to let him burn a hole in Levy’s own pocket.

The funds generated could well help bolster their backline having missed out on Milan Skriniar during the summer.

AND in other news, Spurs swoop for “extraordinary” £45m beast like Dembele could complete Mourinho’s midfield…

It has been suggested recently by talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook that Southampton are now close to agreeing a new deal with left-back Ryan Bertrand, which would be a huge boost for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The 31-year-old has been a mainstay in Southampton’s side so far this season, having made 10 appearances in the top-flight, averaging a solid 6.63 rating.

Since joining from Chelsea in 2015, the former England international has gone on to make 217 appearances for the Saints, in which he has contributed eight goals and 19 assists.

However, there was some concern that Bertrand’s time with the South Coast club could be coming to an end, as his current deal is set to expire at the end of this season.

Therefore, the report that he is close to signing a new contract with the club can only be good news for Hasenhuttl and Southampton, as it now seems likely that the left-back could finish his career at the top with the Saints.

The defender certainly seems to be enjoying life under the Austrian at Southampton, as earlier this year he told CaughtOffside:

“Football under Ralph [Hasenhüttl] has been great, it’s modern-day high intense with quick transitions. It’s perfect for my style of play.”

Southampton are also currently low on left-back options, with Sam McQueen still sidelined with a ligament injury, whilst young Jake Vokins has just three senior appearances to his name, so it was vital that the Saints agreed a new deal with Bertrand ahead of next season.

You imagine that the 31-year-old could be a perfect role model for Vokins, who may well be the man to replace Bertrand in the Saints first-team when he eventually does leave the South Coast club.

For the immediate future though, it seems as if Hasenhuttl is securing the final piece of his jigsaw, following the contract renewals of Jan Bednarek and Oriol Romeu in recent weeks, as it should ensure that no regular member of the Saints first-team squad is set to leave the club this summer.

And, in other news… Southampton can bring an end to three-year nightmare by taking a loss on £15m flop in January

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de muita negociação, o Grêmio acertou a contratação do zagueiro Fred. O jogador assinou contrato com o Tricolor gaúcho, nesta terça-feira, após realizar exames médicos. O LANCE! apurou que o vínculo do defensor com o Imortal é de dois anos.

O jogador fez uma reunião nesta manhã com a diretoria gremista para resolver os últimos detalhes da negociação. Fred já deve começar os treinamentos junto com os novos companheiros já nesta tarde.

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Um dos poucos jogadores a se destacarem no Goiás em meio à má campanha da equipe rebaixada no Brasileirão, o jogador de 29 anos já estava na mira do Grêmio desde o fim do ano passado. Porém, o Esmeraldino exigiu que o Tricolor gaúcho cedesse o goleiro Tiago e o zagueiro Werley por um ano, e o acordo não avançou.

A situação mudou na última sexta-feira. O Goiás contratou o zagueiro Wesley Matos e acabou facilitando a liberação de Fred. Com isso, ele ficou com o caminho aberto para acertar com o Grêmio.

Arsenal have signed former Chelsea players David Luiz and Willian over the last few transfer windows and it looks like another ex-Stamford Bridge man has been attracting interest from the Gunners following his latest comments.

Speaking recently, former Premier League star Oscar has said that he has been called by Luiz and Willian and they have been trying to convince him to join the Gunners. Oscar told Fox Sports Brasil, via TEAMtalk: “They called me, they had to call me. Because we have good communication. Sometimes I talk to them. They said ‘come to Arsenal, come here”

“But for me it’s a little more difficult. I have a contract with Shanghai, it’s a little more difficult to leave. Willian had finished his contract. I was happy that they got together again. And happy that Willian is happy.

“The most important thing is to be happy, regardless of the place. So I hope they are happy there.”

It would be a very weird signing if the club were to make a move for Oscar as he has been playing in China since 2017, per Transfermarkt, but he did perform well in England’s top flight for Chelsea as he won two Premier League titles and a League Cup trophy during his spell there.

Across his career, the 29-year-old has played 398 times, scoring 97 goals and supplying 129 assists, per Transfermarkt, which is a very respectable track record. He seems to be getting on well with Shanghai SIPG as he has managed five goals and six assists in 2020 in the the Chinese Super League, averaging 4.2 key passes and 2.8 shots per game, via WhoScored.

However, he is playing in a league which is different in quality to the Premier League and it could be hard to replicate this consistency in England.

Fellow Brazilians Luiz and Willian will know how much quality he has from their shared international duty, but it seems like a risk for Arsenal to look to take a punt on a player nearing his 30s and playing in China.

Gunners fans, do you want Arsenal to sign Oscar? Comment below with your views!