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According to an exclusive from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have asked Juventus about taking their young forward Stephy Mavididi on loan ahead of the new season.

What’s the word?

Strengthening in the final third of the pitch seems to be a key focus for Villa in the early stages of the transfer window.

After seeing Tammy Abraham depart following his loan spell there is a lack of talent in their forward line.

To bolster things from an attacking perspective Jota has arrived from Birmingham whilst the permanent capture of Anwar El Ghazi has also been confirmed.

However, a further forward has now attracted their attention.

Juventus starlet, Mavididi, who was once of Arsenal, is fielding interest from Villa who have asked whether they can take him on loan, per TEAMtalk.

The race for his signature could be hotly contested according to the report with Everton, Newcastle, Southampton, Burnley, Leeds, Derby, Fulham and Middlesbrough having all asked about the 21-year-old.

Davis in trouble?

If the Villans do move for Mavididi then it would represent a major setback for one of their own talented young forwards.

Keinan Davis was rarely afforded much game time this term but did start to appear in Dean Smith’s plans towards the end of the season.

The striker wasn’t hugely impressive but there have still been signs of the potential he has.

Yet, by bringing in a forward of the same age on a temporary deal, it would send a concerning message to Davis about his future.

It’s unlikely that he’d have the quality required to play regularly in the Premier League and considering he only has one year left on his current deal at Villa Park, his spell with the club may be coming to a disappointing end.

Davis played just 101 minutes across the Championship season, coming on for six minutes as a substitute in the play-off semi-final second leg.

Mavididi, on the other hand, gained experience playing for Juventus’ U23s in Serie C, a division he netted six times in last term.

At this point in their respective careers, the Arsenal academy graduate is likely to represent a far better option than Davis, especially considering the exposure he got in Italy last campaign.

Since Ralph Hasenhuttl took the reins at Southampton, there have been many success stories at St. Mary’s.

And none arguably bigger than that of the emergence of Yan Valery, who has only gone from strength to strength following his debut in Mark Hughes’ final game in charge against Manchester United last December.

A former Southampton captain is now tipping the 20-year-old to become one of the best in his position in the Premier League.

“He reminds me of Kyle Walker and the best full-backs in the Premier League, who are now more offensive,” Jason Dodd told the Daily Echo. “They’re good at going forward and bombing on – and he’s got that in abundance. He’s got a great shot on him and is quick. He’s performing really well and deserves the plaudits he’s getting.

“He’s got all the credentials you need,” the ex-Saints skipper later added.

Indeed, going forward, Valery has shown his quality, even managing to grab a couple of goals in the process, including a wonderful strike against Manchester United in a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford.

If he can continue to improve defensively, something which Hasenhuttl believes he is already doing, then the French youngster could go on to become one of the leading right-backs in the division.

As Dodd has pointed out, Valery looks as if he has all of the tools and now just needs to strike that perfect balance between defence and attack.

Southampton fans, how impressed have you been with Valery this season? Join the discussion by commenting below.

يتمنى الهولندي رونالد كومان أن ينتهي الحديث عن مستقبل ليونيل ميسي، قائد برشلونة، في ظل استمرار التكهنات حول مصير الأرجنتيني، كما علّق على إمكانية التعاقد مع نيمار دا سيلفا.

جاءت تصريحات كومان ردًا على ما قاله رئيس نادي برشلونة المؤقت، كارليس توسكيتس، أمس عن تأييده لفكرة بيع ميسي في الصيف الماضي (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وتحدث كومان في مؤتمر صحفي خاص بمباراة برشلونة أمام قادش، المقرر خوضها غدًا السبت في منافسات الليجا، ونشرت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية تصريحاته.

وقال كومان عن ميسي: “نحن نعلم وضع ليو، إذا كان هناك شخص واحد عليه أن يقرر مستقبله، فهو ليو نفسه”.

وأضاف: “التعليقات من خارج النادي لا تهمني، لكن التعليقات من الداخل لا تساعدنا في الحصول على راحة البال التي نحتاجها”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لابورتا يعلق على مصير ميسي .. ويوضح موقفه من عودة نيمار والتعاقد مع تشافي

وأكد الهولندي: “لا يمكننا السيطرة على ما يحدث خارج النادي، لكن الأمر مختلف من الداخل”.

وعن إمكانية التعاقد مع البرازيلي نيمار من باريس سان جيرمان، أردف كومان: “بصفتنا نادٍ، يجب أن نحاول دائمًا الحصول على الأفضل هنا”.

وبشأن تدريب نيمار وميسي معًا، استطرد كومان: “بصفتك فريق، عليك دائمًا محاولة الحصول على أفضل اللاعبين هنا”.

وشدد: “لا أحب التحدث بشكل فردي، بصفتك برشلونة فأنت تريد الحصول على الأفضل في العالم، إذا انتهى بهم الأمر جميعًا في فريق واحد، فهذا أفضل”.

يذكر أن نيمار صرّح بأنه يريد اللعب مع ميسي مجددًا ويثق أن ذلك سيحدث العام المقبل.

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Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a formal bid for Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, per Tuttosport via Sport Witness.

What’s the word?

Spurs are seemingly set for a summer of investment as they look to improve on the club’s top-four finish in the Premier League and their run to the Champions League final.

A number of players have been linked with a move; Lyon and Real Betis midfielders Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso are both targets, per the London Evening Standard.

Zaniolo is an attacking midfielder who can also play on the right wing and the report states that Spurs are “pressing” to complete the signing.

They have yet to table a formal bid, however, but an offer between €45m (£39.8m) and €50m (£44.3m) is in the offing.

Zaniolo made 36 appearances in all competitions in 2018/19, scoring six goals and laying on two assists. He has also won two caps for Italy.

A negotiating tactic?

This feels like it could be a smokescreen thrown up by chairman Daniel Levy.

If the club really are attempting to sign both Ndombele and Lo Celso, it doesn’t make a great deal of sense for them to sign Zaniolo too.

A mooted move, then, could be designed to bring Lyon and Betis to the negotiating table.

After all, if they sign Zaniolo, it tracks that both clubs risk missing out on a hefty payday.

Even if what is seemingly a clever tactic from Levy does not pan out the way he intended, the Lilywhites will be in an excellent position to secure the signing of Zaniolo instead.

But, at this stage, it certainly appears that he is a back-up option.

سجل النجم البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو، الهدف الثاني له والثالث لفريقه يوفنتوس، أمام برشلونة، في المباراة الجارية الآن.

وجاء هدف رونالدو من ركلة جزاء سددها في الدقيقة 52 مع إنطلاقة الشوط الثاني.

واحتسب الحكم ركلة الجزاء بعد الرجوع للفار، لوجود لمسة يد على لينجليه.

وكان رونالدو تقدم بركلة جزاء لليوفي في الدقيقة 12 ثم أضاف ماكيني الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 20.

ويحل اليوفي ضيفًا على البارسا ضمن مباريات الجولة السادسة والأخيرة لدور المجموعات من دوري أبطال أوروبا. هدف كريستيانو رونالدو الثاني أمام برشلونة

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Rafa Benitez’s exit from Newcastle United has shaken the North East club to its core in the last few days, and it is unlikely to calm down any time soon. Today’s Toon transfer roundup gives updates in regards to the situation at the club, one manager appearing to rule himself out of taking Benitez’s job and a blow in the pursuit of a Nigerian forward.

Potential exodus

According to the Sun, Rafa Benitez may not be the only man to leave St. James Park this summer, with several players reportedly considering their futures. Ayoze Perez, Federico Fernandez, Martin Dubrakvka, Fabian Schär and Isaac Hayden are the names mentioned.

Mourinho unlikely to be interested

Jose Mourinho has appeared to rule himself out of taking the vacant position at Newcastle in an interview with The Coaches’ Voice. Mourinho, who had reportedly been interested in the job, said “If somebody gives me a wonderful 10-year contract and the objective of the team is to stay in the first half of the table and, if you finish seventh, eighth or ninth, it’s perfect, then that’s not for me. That’s my nature. My next [goal] is to fight to win.” The interview, however, was recorded before the Newcastle job became available.

Southampton line up Okereke bid

Southampton are lining up a bid for striker David Okereke, according to The Sun. Nigerian Okereke, who was mooted as a target for Newcastle recently, is being eyed by Saints as a potential alternative to Che Adams after bagging 10 goals and 12 assists last season.

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According to The Sun, Manchester United are prepared to hand over Andreas Pereira as a sweetener in an attempt to land Leicester’s Harry Maguire.

What’s the word?

This isn’t the first time Maguire has attracted the interest of Man United after the club were reportedly eyeing up a move last summer.

However, they now look set to come back in for the defender.

Initially it was reported that Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo could be used in a swap deal for the 26-year-old, but The Sun now suggest it is Pereira who could go in the opposite way if a deal occurs.

The report suggests Brendan Rodgers is a big fan of the Brazilian midfielder and United are willing to let him go as they don’t want to meet the Foxes’ asking price for their star centre-back.

Leicester would be robbed

If Leicester were somehow convinced into agreeing to a deal like this they’d be robbed of not only one of their prized assets, but they’d be getting a far less influential player in return.

In short, this would be a terrible deal for the club, especially if you consider the fact Pereira’s only rated at £9m per Transfermarkt.

It’s no secret that the funds Leicester would gain from selling Maguire would be healthy but if a player of Pereira’s calibre is being used as a sweetener, it should be a no-go.

The fact of the matter is that the 23-year-old doesn’t provide enough end product and would only add another frustrating figure to their ranks.

Last term he only found the net once whilst his assist tally was the same number. Boasting the ability to play centrally and out wide, he hardly matches up to those already at the club.

Could Daniel Sturridge be set to reunite with Brendan Rodgers? Check out the video below to find out…

In midfield Wilfred Ndidi’s place seems set whilst it’s highly unlikely he’d live up to James Maddison’s performances.

Meanwhile, on the flanks, his numbers are even less convincing than the likes of Marc Albrighton, Demarai Gray and Rachid Ghezzal.

Between them they only found the net six times in 2018/19.

As such, signing a player like Pereira in return for Maguire would fail to make much sense.

If Leicester are going to bring in any forward players this summer they have to be capable of providing far more end product.

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According to ESPN, a source close to Arsenal has revealed that the club are targeting the signing of RB Leipzig and France under-21 centre-back Dayot Upamecano.

The 20-year-old has made a real name for himself as a rock in the centre of defence in the Bundesliga and now the Gunners could well be eyeing him to fix their leaky defence, although the failure to obtain Champions League football remains a noteworthy complication.

It’s no doubt an area where Arsenal require significant improvement. Shkodran Mustafi has been nothing short of disastrous during his time in north London, while Laurent Koscielny hasn’t quite been the same since his serious injury and Sokratis has been a solid if not exactly revolutionary signing.

So, is Upamecano the man to remedy Arsenal’s biggest issues at the back? Three of Football FanCast’s expert writers give their opinions on whether he’d be a hit at the Emirates Stadium…

Matt Dawson

“At this moment in time I think Arsenal would take just about anybody other than Mustafi. The Europa League final showed nearly every member of the Gunners’ defence simply don’t cut it. As such, Upamecano would be an important signing. He’s young and still very raw, but the powerful attributes he possesses are perfect for the north London club, representing precisely what their defence currently lacks.”

Billy Meyers

“He’s very young, so to say that he will fix the defence on his own is a long shot. However, Upamecano is a prodigious talent and one that Arsenal should be in for if there is even a slim chance of signing him. He is a potential star of the future and a player who the Gunners need to be signing more of.”

Jack Saville

“Arsenal could be landing a dream successor for Laurent Koscielny with a deal for Upamecano, but he’s not the short-term solution to their defensive problems. It seems like the Gunners’ endeavours to resolve their defensive issues continue to persist regardless of the personnel they bring in and I think the problem runs deep into the psyche of the club. Unai Emery needs to implement much more than just new players to transform the club’s fortunes.”

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Barcelona are hoping to receive €25million (£22m) for Andre Gomes, per Mundo Deportivo, as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United monitor the midfielder.

What’s the word?

The Portugal international has spent the season on loan at Everton and the Catalan club are reportedly ready to cash in this summer.

Gomes made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees and has emerged as a target for both Spurs and the Hammers.

He has a contract until 2021 at Camp Nou and has played 78 times for the club, but the report states that he is likely to head back to the Premier League this summer.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be a fan of the midfielder as he looks to bolster a squad that has finished in the top-four of the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.

But they face competition from the Irons, who have also entered the bidding. A separate report claims that West Ham have already tabled an offer worth £18m, which has been rejected.

Everton, too, are said to be keen on securing his signature but Barcelona have no obligation to sell the player to the Toffees.

A battle West Ham have to win

West Ham’s need is far greater than Tottenham’s.

The Hammers need to refresh their midfield with new blood, having relied on the ageing legs of Mark Noble for too long.

Spurs have the likes of Dele Alli, Harry Winks, Christian Eriksen, Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier, plus the emerging Oliver Skipp, in the position and are flooded with both depth and quality.

A £22m swoop for Gomes would be a fine jumping off point for Spurs’ summer but he is hardly the headline-grabbing name that they truly need to climb to the next level; for West Ham, though, he could be.

His experience is indispensable and he could help Declan Rice mature into the player so many Hammers fans hope that he will be.

West Ham simply need to win this bidding war.

حرص لاعبو منتخب مصر لليد على عقد جلسة قبل انطلاق تدريبات اليوم استعداداً لمواجهة بيلاروسيا ضمن منافسات كأس العالم.

وسقط منتخب مصر أمام السويد في المواجهة الثالثة والأخيرة في الدور الأول لبطولة كأس العالم لليد بنتيجة، 24-23 للسويد.

وعلم “بطولات”، أن هناك جلسة جمعت بين لاعبي منتخب مصر قبل مران الفريق الخاص بمواجهة بيلاروسيا بالدور الرئيسي لبطولة العالم.

طالع | مواعيد مباريات منتخب مصر القادمة في مونديال اليد

وأكد اللاعبون خلال الجلسة على تجاوزهم لهزيمة السويد الأخيرة في المونديال العالمي، واستمعوا إلى كلمات قائد الفريق أحمد الأحمر.

وأبدي لاعبي منتخب مصر استعدادهم لمواجهة بيلاروسيا، واستعادة توازن الفريق، في مباريات الدور الرئيسي.