Leeds fans want to see some of the Under-23 side in the first team this season, after the youngsters continued their fine form on Friday night.There hasn’t been much to cheer about at Elland Road since Christmas, but the U23s now sit third in their division after four straight wins, and fans want the youngsters to see some first team action against Bolton next weekend.Carlos Corberán’s side have come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks, and two players in particular have caught fans’ eyes.Sam Dalby impressed once again in Friday’s 3-0 win over Cardiff, grabbing the opening goal just before half time. The towering striker was signed from Leyton Orient in January, and scored twice in last week’s 3-2 win against Ipswich.[ad_pod ]Jack Clarke was another one that made a lasting impression, providing two assists in Friday’s win.The 17 year-old winger signed his first professional deal with the club earlier this season, having been promoted to the U23 side following some fantastic performances for the U18s.Fans have been reacting to the performances on Twitter, and plenty are calling for the star duo to make an impact in the first team, particularly Dalby.Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
When Liverpool were drawn with Manchester City in the quarter finals of the Champions League, a sudden shift in mood was evident.
Talk of City’s potential treble was more muffled and the narrative that Pep Guardiola’s side was the best English football had ever seen stalled somewhat. People who thought that City were unstoppable now all of a sudden started to say “I fancy Liverpool here.”
They were right, as it turned out.
What had changed was the feel around City. They no longer seemed quite so invincible, and after a few injuries the sheen had come off slightly.
They are still a wonderful football team, though. And after a 3-0 win in the first leg of a Champions League quarter final – which would signal game over for most, if not all, other ties – this one still seems somehow alive.
That might be because Manchester City have won eight of their 14 home Premier League games by a margin of three or more goals – including against Liverpool in September. Or it might be because, well, if Liverpool can do it, why can’t the team 18 points ahead of them in the table?
Indeed, that same good vibe that many people had around Liverpool just before they played City on Wednesday night, some now seem to have around Guardiola’s team: ask anyone after a 3-0 first leg defeat and they’ll tell you it’s game over, but few have the same thoughts about next week’s match.
This weekend, both teams have derbies they probably wish were left until next weekend or later. Both City and Liverpool would surely love to go into a derby game wanting to win just because they want to beat their city rivals. And yet both could be forgiven for resting some of their players in derbies which – beyond the fact they’re derbies – don’t matter a great deal.
And yet the wounds are there: back in December, Sam Allardyce’s Everton managed a draw at Anfield in a game in which they deserved nothing but a sound thrashing. Resting Roberto Firmino saw Jurgen Klopp draw the ire of the media as well as some of his own fans.
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That shouldn’t be happen this time if Liverpool are to play a weakened side – everyone knows what’s at stake on Tuesday night – but that doesn’t mean Klopp wasn’t bitten last time or will not be shy this time.
City not have nothing to lose. They are freed of expectation and inhibition and are in a mindset where they know that controlling the second leg and nicking three (probably four) goals to win the tie is their sole aim. And just as the mood changed around Liverpool before the tie started, the Reds have to ensure that mood doesn’t change and solidify in City’s minds on Tuesday night.
It’s another week of drama and soul searching at Rangers after a disastrous result against Celtic.
Losing heavily at Hampden, there were also reports of major falling outs between management and players, with the club launching internal investigations into the conduct of club captain Lee Wallace and veteran Kenny Miller.
With interim manager Graeme Murty only having the job until the end of the season, it seems certain the Ibrox side will be embarking on a new era under a permanent boss next season.
It’s clear that the club need a man of experience who can bring discipline to a dressing room in disarray.
The current joint-favourites according to Oddschecker are Alex Neil and Frank de Boer with plenty of other interesting choices further down the bookies’ pecking order.
Who is the perfect Murty replacement?
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We’ve collated the ten names at the top of the betting market and you now have the chance to vote for your choice below…
Speaking to fans on the official Rangers website, club chairman Dave King expects the club to push on in the summer transfer window and attract players of international quality.
What’s the story?
The January transfer window was an exciting one for supporters with the likes of Jamie Murphy and Jason Cummings joining the club to great delight.
Ultimately though this season could be another one which ends without major silverware and in order to compete next season, the Light Blues will need another big transfer window this summer.
Dave King apparently agrees and thinks under the leadership of Mark Allen as Director of Football can improve even further on the strides they’ve taken in the market.
Launching the club’s season ticket renewal campaign, the Ibrox chairman said:
We can expect further progress now that Mark Allen has settled in as Director of Football. It is significant that the Club has experienced its highest level of call-ups for senior international duty for many years. This is directly attributable to the work that Mark did in the recent transfer window and provides a mood of optimism to build on for the upcoming summer window.
Giving Allen credit is significant given Rangers might be changing their manager at the end of the season, so can this continuity ensure there is good business done in the pre-season?
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What do Rangers need?
First and foremost Rangers need a big improvement in defence, given it has been their key weakness this season. In attack, the Light Blues have actually impressed and have scored more goals in the Scottish Premiership than any other side, including Celtic.
They’ve conceded more or as many goals as every other side in the top six though, leaving fans frustrated and looking for more.
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A quality centre-back is a must to complement young players like David Bates and Ross McCrorie, moving on faltering players such as Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso.
If they can do that and add a bit more creativity to their midfield, they could move closer towards silverware next term.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are at the head of the queue for Watford attacker Richarlison as they look to sign the Brazilian in this summer’s transfer window.
What’s the story?
Richarlison only joined Watford from Fluminense in last summer’s transfer window, but it is thought that the Hornets will struggle to keep hold of the attacker due to his impressive form.
The 20-year-old has managed five goals and five assists in 34 Premier League appearances during the 2017-18 campaign.
A number of clubs – including Tottenham Hotspur and Everton – have been linked with a swoop for the versatile forward, but according to The Sun, United want to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.
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Watford will fight to keep hold of Richarlison due to his excellent form this term, but it would be a surprise if the Hornets managed to hold off the list of clubs which is growing each week.
Should United move for Richarlison?
Talk of a move for the Brazilian again raises question marks over the futures of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford at the Theatre of Dreams.
Both players have been linked with moves away from United, but the pair showed on Wednesday night against Bournemouth that they deserve regular minutes under Jose Mourinho.
It would be an absolute disaster if either Martial or Rashford were sold this summer, but there is no reason why Richarlison could not join the pair at Old Trafford.
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Indeed, Mourinho will want to compete for all four trophies next season, and at the age of 20, Richarlison would see enough football to continue his development.
There is no question that the Watford attacker is a brilliant talent, and he could thrive at United if given the chance, but his signing must not come at the expense of Martial or Rashford, who will both be hoping for FA Cup semi-final starting spots this weekend.
Part of Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer plans are likely to include shopping around for a new left-back.
Danny Rose’s career at the North London outfit took a turn for the worse after he suffered a serious knee injury last year.
The England international spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and since recovering, the 27-year-old has struggled to win back his spot in the team.
Ben Davies has since cemented the position, in turn restricting Rose to just 13 starts in all competitions, seven of which have been in the Premier League.
It appears that manager Mauricio Pochettino wants Davies to fight for his position as the Daily Star reports that the club are planning to launch a £30m bid for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand.
The report claims that the Saints, who are in danger of getting relegated to the Championship next week as they sit one point from safety, would not stand in the player’s way if he opted to leave.
This season, the 28-year-old has started 32 Premier League matches for the coastal club, and in that time has created four assists.
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Tottenham have been linked to numerous figures over the last few months and weeks, and this latest report has caused quite the divide.
According to reports in Portugal, Everton have moved into “pole position” to sign Sporting CP midfielder William Carvalho this summer.
What’s the story?
William Carvalho impressed everyone at Euro 2016 with Portugal, and the towering Portuguese midfielder has been linked with moves to the Premier League ever since.
While West Ham have most often been linked with the defensive midfielder, a report from A Bola this week claims Everton are now leading the charge.
The Toffees are desperately seeking midfield reinforcements to help the ever reliable Idrissa Gueye, and reports last week suggested Carvalho would be in the shop window this summer for €40million (£35m).
Everton will likely face plenty of competition for his signature, but sent scouts to watch the 26 year-old in action against Benfica on Saturday.
Good move to Merseyside?
It’s no secret that Everton are on the prowl for a new central midfielder, with Tom Davies not living up to expectations and neither of Wayne Rooney or Morgan Schneiderlin displaying the energy to play in a Premier League midfield.
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Carvalho has been the subject of plenty of interest from West Ham in recent times, and it’s not difficult to see why.
The giant defensive midfielder reads the game superbly, averaging over an interception per game for Sporting CP this season. He also averages 1.9 tackles and 1.3 clearances, so a partnership with Gueye would be almost impossible to break down.
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While Gueye doesn’t offer much going forward, Carvalho could also link up with the more attacking players at Everton, boasting a 88.5 per cent pass success rate and averaging nearly one chance created every game.
If Carvalho, valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, is truly available for £35m this summer then the Toffees are absolutely right to be interested.
So, Everton fans, would you back a £35m summer swoop for Carvalho? Let us know by voting in the poll below…
You have to be pretty good to make the Spain squad.
Indeed, the quality that was left out of La Roja’s squad for the 2018 World Cup was staggering, and it goes to show the difference between the likes of Spain and England.
Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata was amongst those to be left out of the Spain squad for this summer’s tournament in Russia, but there was a position at the back for Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal.
Monreal was arguably Arsenal’s most consistent player during what was a disappointing 2017-18 campaign for the Gunners, and the left-back will have the chance to add to his 21 Spain caps this summer.
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That said, Barcelona’s Jordi Alba would probably have to get injured for Monreal to feature.
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The Arsenal fans showed their love for Monreal throughout the 2017-18 season, and the club’s supporters were delighted that the 32-year-old was handed a spot in his international squad for the 2018 World Cup.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
According to reports in The Telegraph, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is one of the preferred candidates for the vacant West Ham United job after they announced on Wednesday that David Moyes would be leaving the club following the expiry of his contract.
The east London outfit came close to appointing the Spaniard three years ago before he made a last-minute u-turn and joined Real Madrid instead, and now they want him again after Moyes failed to impress the fans and the board enough for them to keep him on.
Meanwhile, the former Liverpool boss enjoyed a fine campaign with the Magpies after leading them to a 10th-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League, but his relationship with owner Mike Ashley continues to be fractious and unless he gets the backing he wants, he could easily walk away.
The 58-year-old may well decide that enough is enough and a move to London to link up with the Hammers, whose fans on Twitter are loving a link to another 45-year-old candidate, could be tempting, and he would likely want to take some of his top flight heroes from this term with him down south if he did get the gig.
Here are three Newcastle stars Benitez should bring to West Ham with him, if he is appointed…
One of the new West Ham manager’s priorities this summer is almost certainly going to be bringing a new centre-back to the club, with Jose Fonte leaving for China in February, James Collins set to leave when his contract expires next month and Winston Reid being hampered by injuries.
The east London outfit ideally need at least one – and probably two – central defenders this summer with an upgrade for Reid top of the agenda, and there is no doubt that if Rafa does arrive at the London Stadium that he should make every effort to bring his captain at St James’ Park – Lascelles – with him.
The 24-year-old was brilliant throughout the campaign and showed his leadership skills in the backline, and he will probably count himself unlucky to have not made England’s World Cup squad.
Like Lascelles, the midfielder will feel hard done by that he wasn’t considered to be part of Gareth Southgate’s squad following the World Cup announcement on Wednesday, following a fine season in the middle of the park for the Magpies.
It didn’t look as though it was going to well when the 26-year-old was sent off on the opening day of the campaign against Tottenham Hotspur, but he bounced back well and quickly gained the trust of Benitez again.
There is no doubt that the former Liverpool man would add a new dimension to the Irons in the middle of the park, and he would be a great addition for them with Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate both enduring difficult years.
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Joao Mario is looking unlikely to return to the London Stadium on a permanent basis following his loan spell from Inter Milan in the second-half of the season, and while he was certainly neat and tidy he probably didn’t make the required impact in terms of goals and assists – he got two goals and one assist in 14 appearances in all competitions.
If Rafa does take on the West Ham job, he could look to bring Ayoze Perez with him to play in the role behind the centre-forward for the east London outfit.
The Spaniard was a regular this term despite struggling for form at some points, but he ended the campaign with six goals and an assist in his side’s final eight Premier League matches, showing the quality he has in his locker.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has made Liverpool forward a major transfer target this summer, with the player keen on a move to Ibrox to play for the Anfield legend.
What’s the story?
It’s not often that the Light Blues are linked with moves for first team squad members at a UEFA Champions League finalist, but it appears the Gerrard effect could see the club pull off an excellent signing this summer.
The Scottish Sun report that the Rangers boss is keen on signing Solanke, with the forward himself said to be eager to make the move north to get some much-needed regular starting appearances.
With the paper also reporting that Jurgen Klopp is likely to sanction such a move, all that’s left to work out is the timing of his arrival, with the Light Blues eager to have him in place before their crucial UEFA Europa League qualifiers next month.
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Does he have the quality Rangers need?
If Solanke didn’t have the talent to make an impact in the Scottish Premiership, he wouldn’t currently be hovering around Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven at what is an elite Liverpool squad.
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The player made 27 appearances for the Reds last season and while the vast majority of that game time came from the bench, he is clearly well placed to shine in Gerrard’s first team, despite scoring just a single goal throughout 2017/18.
Regular action at Ibrox could give him the confidence he needs to push his game on and return to Liverpool ready to shine and bang in the goals, making this temporary move one that could be perfect for all parties.