It seemed like the immediate future of Leeds United attacker Tyler Roberts was sorted after Phil Hay said both the player and the club were happy with him staying at Leeds. However, new reports claim Derby County have not given up on signing him this month.

The latest on Roberts

Derby and four other sides in the Championship have been linked to Roberts in the last month. The Athletic provide the latest update as they report that the Rams have not given up on bringing the Wales international to the Pride Park Stadium on a loan deal.

Journalist Ryan Conway stated that the Rams are ‘looking to strengthen their attacking options’, and that Roberts is ‘a possibility’.

Should Leeds hold onto the attacker?

As the transfer saga around the forward continues, it is worth questioning whether the Championship is more suited to Roberts as he has only played 265 minutes of league football this season (Transfermarkt). The fact he has been seen on the pitch so rarely seems to have left the Rams hoping they can still lure him to a place he will get more playing time.

He is definitely rated by Marcelo Bielsa however. The Argentinian was questioned about Roberts role at the club recently, saying this month (via Leeds Live): “When Tyler has been available he’s always been in the 18-man squad. I don’t ignore there’s a 20-man squad, but I say 18 because it reiterates his importance.”

Therefore it might be better for the club to keep hold of the 22 year-old, as he can improve best under Bielsa. He also provides some important squad depth during the pandemic, which has seen plenty of players across the league miss periods of time.

In other news, Leeds United tipped to go in for £14.4m-rated Premier League winner.

If there was any doubting Jose Mourinho’s capabilities last season, he has responded to his critics in emphatic style.

This Tottenham side are not playing the prettiest football but they are getting the job done and in doing so, are mounting a surprising title challenge.

Mourinho has worked wonders with this Spurs team and has turned them into a rigid defensive outfit capable of holding the very best.

That was put to the test against an energetic Leeds team on Saturday but the Lilywhites passed their examination with flying colours. In keeping a clean sheet, the north Londoners won 3-0 to crown a perfect start to the New Year.

One of the most impressive performers was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Dane has been seriously impressive since arriving from Southampton and this was a performance that typified the player he’s been for Mourinho.

Hojbjerg won five tackles and two interceptions at the base of the midfield, breaking up Leeds attacks on a regular basis.

However, in Germany, one of their current transfer targets was turning in a masterclass, one that was arguably even better than Hojbjerg’s.

The man in question is Marcel Sabitzer, someone linked with a move to the Premier League on a regular basis.

Once dubbed “remarkable” for his infectious personality, the midfielder was all over the pitch as his RB Leipzig side defeated Stuttgart 1-0.

Sabitzer was a ray of positivity, injecting imperious penetration into Leipzig’s play and preventing their opposition from breaking. The Austrian won four tackles and five interceptions – a combined haul higher than Hojbjerg’s and he also lost possession on fewer occasions.

Furthermore, the £31m-rated midfielder managed a solitary key pass and four shots on his way to engineering Leipzig to victory.

This was a perfect performance from the 26-year-old and demonstrated why Daniel Levy must push hard to sign him.

Sabitzer has had a fabulous few years and has contributed to 23 goals in the last season and a half. Capable of breaking up play too, he is the complete midfielder.

Spurs need him if they are to sustain their title challenge.

AND in other news, 85.7% duels won: Spurs beast dubbed “embarrassing” was Jose’s true hero on Saturday…

Aston Villa have a huge game this evening as they face off against West Midland rivals West Bromwich Albion. After beating Wolves a week ago, it would be great if the side could beat two local rivals in the space of eight days. Trezeguet, however, will not be able to feature in the game.

The latest on Trezeguet

Dean Smith has told Birmingham Live that the player is injured and as such, he won’t be available for selection. He said: “A couple of days before the game [against Wolves] Trez got a hamstring injury. He’s out for a few weeks.”

This is a blow for Villa

Trezeguet has provided a decent attacking threat during this campaign, managing an average of 2.4 shots, one key pass and 1.1 successful dribbles per game (WhoScored). West Brom have conceded 26 goals in the division, which is the most in England’s top flight, and therefore to be without a player who could create opportunities against a struggling defence will be frustrating for Smith.

With other creative players in the side like Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins, the club will still be hopeful that they can get the three points. However, the game might have been exactly what the Egyptian needed. West Bromwich Albion sit 19th and with the attacker not scoring this season, this could have been the ideal game for him to get off the mark/

In other Villa news, fans have been piling praise on one star at the club following his latest comments. Have a read who it is here!

MatériaMais Notícias

Deivid ficou satisfeito com a exibição do Cruzeiro na vitória sobre o Tricordiano, na noite deste sábado (20), pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Mineiro. O treinador, porém, se decepcionou com os minutos finais de seus comandados e, na entrevista coletiva concedida na Arena do Jacaré, em Sete Lagoas, não escondeu o sentimento.

– Uns 85 minutos (foram bons), mas nos últimos cinco minutos não conseguimos controlar o jogo e tivemos uma pressão desnecessária. Estou chateado pelos cinco minutos que tivemos, começamos a finalizar mais e tivemos mais chances – comentou.

O técnico crê que a Raposa convenceu pela primeira vez nesta temporada e destaca que o fato de o placar ser magro foi preponderante para a imprensa criticar a exibição.

– Se você colocar, não convenceu, porque venceu por 1 a 0. Se fossem dois, três, você diria que está de bom tamanho. A equipe está evoluindo. Estou chateado pelos últimos cinco minutos que jogamos. Perdemos a situação por não ter controle do jogo.

The race is on to secure Ainsley Maitland-Niles before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline and West Brom need to ensure they’re at the front of the queue as their relegation battle took another blow on Saturday afternoon…

What’s the word?

According to the Mirror’s chief football writer John Cross, Albion are among several Premier League teams chasing the 23-year-old midfielder on loan, though the competition is fierce with the likes of Leicester City, Southampton and Newcastle United all keen too.

The versatile Gunners ace is a player that Baggies boss Sam Allardyce would love to secure in the next 24 hours, he told reporters after their 2-2 draw with Fulham: “We’d love one to be Maitland-Niles, but I don’t think that’s going to be the case.”

It is also thought that Maitland-Niles himself prefers a move to the Hawthorns as the top-flight strugglers can offer him the most game time ahead of the Euros this summer, as per Sky Sports.

Go get him!

If the player wants it, and the manager wants it, then this could be pretty straight forward.

West Brom only have one more domestic loan spot available and the three-time England international is the perfect option to fill it as he’s vastly versatile and he should be well within their budget given he’s only earning a reported £35k-per-week at the Emirates, which is less than Kieran Gibbs (£55k-per-week), Jake Livermore (£46k-per-week) and Branislav Ivanovic (£38k-per-week), as per Spotrac.

Speaking in his Daily Mail column, BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton lauded Maitland-Niles a ‘diamond’ as his ‘versatility is a weapon.’

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-brom-news-and-transfer-rumours” title=”Read this week’s latest West Brom news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Indeed, the 23-year-old has played a grand total of seven positions across 223 career appearances, primarily playing in central midfield and at full-back -arguably two positions the Baggies are weakest right now.

Both Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers have struggled centrally, averaging the two worst WhoScored ratings of any Albion regular, whilst Gibbs is thought to have already angered Big Sam, while he’s yet to settle on Dara O’Shea or Darnell Furlong at right-back.

Maitland-Niles can fill either of those roles with his energy and work-rate constantly praised by many onlookers.

Peter Crouch told BT Sport (via the Metro) that he thinks the Arsenal man is “tremendous,” adding: “He’s got energy and he’s calm on the ball. He was full of confidence.”

Which echoed the thoughts of fellow pundit Martin Keown who dubbed him a “Rolls-Royce of a player at times.”

The 23-year-old self-proclaimed “workhorse” would be fine and much-needed addition before the deadline. As seen above, if everyone is keen on this late move happening, then it’s absolutely a no-brainer for all parties.

AND in other news, Exclusive: West Brom backed to seal PL striker before deadline

Tottenham Hotspur are being linked with a move for PSG winger Angel Di Maria and if he were to join the North London club, he could be a serious upgrade on Lucas Moura.

What’s the word?

According to reports emerging from Spain, Jose Mourinho is eyeing a move for the 32-year-old winger and would love to work with him again, having coached him during his time with Manchester United.

The experienced forward is also potentially available on a free transfer, as his contract with Les Parisiens is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning Spurs could begin negotiations with Di Maria now, with the view to signing him on a free transfer in the summer.

Moura upgrade?

If Di Maria were to join, he would surely demand first-team football, having established himself as one of the best wingers in European football during his time with Real Madrid and PSG. Less so with Manchester United.

The Argentinian was in superb form for PSG last season, contributing eight goals and 14 assists in just 26 Ligue 1 appearances, resulting in an excellent 7.75 rating across the season.

He has also impressed in this campaign so far, having contributed two goals and five assists in just 15 top-flight appearances, resulting in an impressive 7.3 rating.

Therefore, he could definitely be viewed as an upgrade to Spurs winger Lucas Moura, who has managed just one goal in 13 Premier League appearances this season, in which he has averaged a disappointing 6.28 rating.

The Brazilian has averaged just 0.4 shots per game in the top-flight, compared to Di Maria’s 2.2 shots per game so far this season, so it is clear that the 32-year-old could add much more of a goal threat.

Considering Spurs have been so reliant on Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son for goals and assists so far this campaign, signing Di Maria could be a game-changer for Mourinho, as it would take the pressure off those two and add some real quality on the wing for the North London club.

Therefore, Daniel Levy must do everything he can to sign the £25.2 million-rated 32-year-old.

And, in other news… Imagine him and Hojbjerg: Levy must swoop for 147-assist ace amid Romano claim

تحدث أحمد عبد القادر مدرب منتخب الأردن، عن مواجهة منتخب مصر التي أقيمت مساء اليوم في اطار منافسات كأس العرب.

وكان منتخب مصر قد حقق فوزًا على نظيره الأردني بثلاثية مقابل هدف اقتنص به بطاقة الصعود للدور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس العرب قطر 2021.

كيروش يوجه رسالة للاعبي مصر بعد الفوز على الأردن

وقال عبد القادر في تصريحات تلفزيونية لفضائية “أون تايم سبورتس 2”: “درسنا منتخب مصر جيدًا، وكنا نعرف كل شيء عن المصابين الذين سيغيبون وغير ذلك، ولكن منتخب مصر بمن حضر”.

وأضاف: “الشوط الأول كان من نصيبنا وكنا سعداء بأن فريقنا كان ندا قويا للمنتخب المصري، ولكن خبرة الفراعنة جعلتهم يتفوقون علينا”.

واختتم مدرب الأردن: “أتوقع أن يكون طرفي النهائي مصر وقطر”.

West Brom flop Kenneth Zohore is due to return to the Hawthorns following a quite underwhelming loan spell away at Championship outfit Millwall later this week.

The 26-year-old, who cost former Baggies boss Slaven Bilic £8m in summer 2019, was shipped out to the Lions in October for a short-term stint until January 16th.

It means new Albion boss Sam Allardyce now has a major decision to make over the Dane’s future at the club.

Whilst the 66-year-old veteran is in dire need of options upfront, he absolutely shouldn’t turn to Zohore.

Indeed, West Brom currently do not have a fit senior striker available at the club. Charlie Austin has been sent out on loan himself, whilst Karlan Grant is set to miss at least five to six weeks with a broken foot.

It leaves Callum Robinson as the only real choice and he is winger by trade.

Though, even in these desperate times, it would be better for Big Sam to offload the returning Zohore once again – either permanently or on another loan spell.

Millwall boss Gary Rowett remained coy over the potential of keeping him at the Den. He told reporters (via NewsAtDen):

“We haven’t really had that discussion yet because it’s more important for Ken to stay fit. If he stays fit, then we’ll obviously ask the question,” before he added: “We’ve spent a lot of money having him here and [he’s] not [been] available, so we also need to think about what’s sensible for us as a club.”

In 17 league appearances in the Championship last term, the former Cardiff man could only muster up three goals. His tally of one strike from five outings this term surely shows that he’s barely cut out for the second-flight, let alone the Premier League. Not only has he struggled to stay fit, but when he has played, he’s hardly set the world alight.

Zohore has actually played in the big time before, but one goal in 19 matches is far from inspiring either.

Once dubbed a “manager’s dream” by Neil Warnock, Zohore has struggled to make any sort of impact for West Brom since that big-money move last summer and considering he’s on wages thought to be around £50k-per-week, as per The Sun [print version 13th September 2020, p61], he’d be better off elsewhere.

His salary could go towards a new signing, one who is actually fit enough, and good enough, to feature in the top-flight.

The Telegraph’s John Percy has played down the chances of any arrivals that exceed a transfer fee of £2m, so having Zohore off the bill would certainly help tenfold.

Millwall are thought to be playing less than half of his wages too (£17.5k-per-week), meaning since his arrival nearly 78 weeks ago, he’s cost around £13.4m and counting.

In total, that is around £2.7m per goal.

He has bled the Baggies dry for far too long. It’s time to get rid of him permanently.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Pereira: West Brom must seal bargain swoop for “creative” star…

2020, like the several years that preceded it, were a disaster for Sunderland.

For a second season in a row, they failed to achieve promotion from League One and then to make matters worse, an EFL salary cap was introduced.

The Black Cats have bigger financial muscles than almost every club in the third-tier but it’s now increasingly difficult to flex them.

Thus, Sunderland only have room for one more player over the age of 21 to bring in during January. That’s not particularly very good news, but fortunately, Lee Johnson can call on the academy.

It’s a rejuvenated part of the football club and the U23s have gone from winning zero games last term to winning five in 2020/21. The academy has been a contentious talking point at the Stadium of Light in the last few years and to say Stewart Donald managed it terribly would be putting things lightly.

He was the one that oversaw Josh Maja’s exit to Bordeaux while Joel Asoro also departed for Swansea. However, there are a number of other academy stars from Sam Greenwood and Bali Mumba to Luke Hewitson, Morten Spencer, Joe Hugill and Logan Pye.

Keeping their rising stars has not been a priority in recent years but under their new ownership, it could be about to change.

That’s because it’s expected that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus will target promoting from within and improving the academy. It’s a strategy that makes perfect sense when you consider they have Kristjaan Speakman acting as the newly appointed director of football.

He was in charge of Birmingham City’s academy when they brought through Demarai Gray, Nathan Redmond and Jude Bellingham so he has already achieved plenty at that level.

In a Q&A on the Sunderland Echo this week, journalist Phil Smith revealed that the academy had been left severely “underpowered” during Donald’s reign but that was about to change. He cited that Dreyfus aims to plough significant investment into the academy and is hoping to appoint someone to manage that side of the business.

This can only be a good thing, especially with the finances dwindling at Sunderland the longer they stay at this level of the football pyramid.

It feels like Dreyfus and Speakman are incredibly keen to make up for one of Donald’s biggest neglects and that can only be a good thing.

If they manage to get everything sorted, Sunderland could well and truly begin the New Year with a bang.

AND in other news, Johnson must brutally axe Sunderland ace with just 3 starts all term…

MatériaMais Notícias

No treino do São Paulo dessa quinta-feira, Kelvin se destacou ao marcar dois belos gols e dar uma assistência.