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Leeds United are set to miss out on signing Fleetwood Town teenager Josh Feeney, with Aston Villa reportedly on the verge of snapping him up.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Feeney

The Whites may be eying up first-team reinforcements this summer, but they have also been linked with a move for Feeney, who is the current England Under-16s captain.

The highly-rated youngster has been watched by a host of clubs, such is his potential, with Leeds tussling with the likes of Wolves, Leicester City and Celtic for his services.

The Latest: Aston Villa set to sign youngster

It looks as though Villa have won the race to sign Feeney, however with the Birmingham Mail reporting that the centre-back has been in talks with them in recent days.

The player’s representatives were believed to be ‘impressed’ by what Villa had to offer, seeing a potential path into the first-team for him eventually.

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The Verdict: Long-term blow

While missing out on Feeney is no great issue currently, with Leeds possessing strong centre-back options in Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk, it is a potential long-term hit.

The defender clearly has a huge amount of promise moving forward going by the huge fight for his signature, and with Marcelo Bielsa hopefully looking to set the Whites up for a strong future, signing him would have been a positive.

Only time will tell if Feeney makes the grade, but having great English talent in the academy squad is always preferable, so this is a blow for Victor Orta and co.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for an exciting youngster – find out who it is here. 

The Somerset Cricket Board XI tasted victory for the first time this season when they beat Gloucestershire Board XI at North Perrott on Sunday

Richard Walsh19-Jun-2001The Somerset Cricket Board XI tasted victory for the first time this season when they beat Gloucestershire Board XI at North Perrott on Sunday.Batting first Somerset were dismissed for 212 in 49 overs with Wes Durston making a half-century, Kevin Sedgebeer 28 and Matt Gitsham 18. There were also a very useful 10 runs from 17-year-old Nick Gerrish from Wells, who was making his debut for the side.In reply Gloucestershire were bowled out for 208, with Chris Hunkin taking three wickets and Matt Dimond and Andrew two wickets each.Team manager Peter Robinson was delighted with the result and said afterwards: “Both sides made mistakes but we were victorious. We got wickets at the right time, and Chris Hunkin bowled a very tight last over.”The Somerset Board side play their remaining match in the competition on Sunday when they travel to Swindon to take on Wiltshire.

Liverpool travel to Turf Moor this evening to take on a Burnley side who’ll be determined to spoil their Champions League qualification hopes.

Jurgen Klopp’s men could put themselves firmly in the driving seat for a top-four finish with a convincing midweek win after Chelsea’s 2-1 triumph over Leicester City on Tuesday.

The Reds are currently sitting in fifth position in the top-flight table, just three points behind Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes but with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Therefore, three points in tonight’s fixture could be crucial in Liverpool’s push to play in Europe’s elite cup competition next season, and it should make for an enthralling encounter.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Klopp to line up on Tuesday evening, with two changes from the side which started against West Brom last time out…

Between the sticks, Alisson Becker is set to resume his usual role of keeping the ball out of the back of the net despite his incredible exploits last time out, where he became the first ever Liverpool goalkeeper to score a competitive goal.

Arguably Klopp’s biggest decision will be who partners Nat Phillips at centre-back. 20-year-old Rhys Williams has started Liverpool’s last three consecutive league games, putting in some improved performances, but whether he’ll be able to cope with Burnley’s physical approach it a doubt.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the youngster drop down to the bench, with Brazilian international Fabinho returning to the heart of defence and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson occupying the full-back positions.

In midfield, Klopp may value experience over youth for this potentially pivotal encounter. James Milner is expected to be fit enough to return to action in midweek, while Gini Wijnaldum has had an impressive season despite Liverpool’s struggles.

That could mean £27m-rated (as per Transfermarkt) academy graduate Curtis Jones is sacrificed, but Diogo Jota’s injury means the usual front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah are guaranteed to feature from the off.

And, in other news…Asking price set: Edwards must act to sign Reds target with a pass accuracy of 87.1% – opinion

Glamorgan coach Jeff Hammond has been reflecting on the club`s early seasonform, which has seen the side, especially their batsmen, prosper in Championship cricket, end the first two rounds of the competition in third place of Divsion One, yet also

Andrew Hignell09-May-2001Glamorgan coach Jeff Hammond has been reflecting on the club`s early seasonform, which has seen the side, especially their batsmen, prosper in Championship cricket, end the first two rounds of the competition in third place of Divsion One, yet also lose all five of the zonal games in the Benson and Hedges Cup.”I keep going back to last year, ” said Hammond, “and I thought we would translate our good performances from 2000 into this season’s Benson & Hedges Cup. But it hasn`t been the case, and losing the five zonal games has been a dampener to our ideals and objectives, especially as we thought we could do well in all four competitions this season. I’d be lying if I said that this hasn’t affected the team’s confidence””At least we have started well in the Championship and we can build on that in the next Championship match at Old Trafford against Lancashire”Lancashire themselves had a modest campaign in the Benson and Hedges Cup and also failed to gain a place in the quarter-final stages of the competition. By next week`s game, Steve Watkin (groin) and Darren Thomas (side) should have recovered from their recent injuries, and with Owen Parkin continuing torecover from his foot injury, and Steve James fully fit after his knee operation, Glamorgan should soon be able to forget their early season injury worries.Whilst it is true that Glamorgan have only once before lost all of their zonal games in the B&H competition, the start to the 2001 season is a long, long way from being the club`s worst start to the season.That was back in 1922 when the county lost all twelve of their opening Championship games, including the first four all by the margin of an innings. The season began with defeats by an innings and 197 runs to Lancashire, by an innings and 258 runs to Yorkshire, by an innings and 205 runs toNottinghamshire, and then by an innings and 48 runs to Sussex. In fact, it was not until July 7th that Glamorgan recorded their first draw of the summer, and then on August 1st they defeated Somerset at Weston-super-Mare by 117 runs.As far as one-day cricket is concerned, Glamorgan are however quite close to one, rather unwanted record, as they have now lost 9 consecutive games in the limited overs competitions – the three at the end of the 2000 in the National League, as well as the opening game of the 2001 campaign and the five B&H games.This equals their record in one day games, having twice before lost nine games in a row – in 1972/73 and 1980. Their longest ever run without a win was in 1972/73 when they went from July 19th, 1972 until May 8th, 1973 before recording another victory in limited overs games.

1972/73:July 23rd Lost to Leicestershire at Leicester by 10 wkts (SL)July 30th  Lost to Lancashire at Ebbw Vale by 2 runs (SL)Aug 2nd/3rd Lost to Warwickshire at Edgbaston by 10 wkts (GC)Aug 13th  Lost to Kent at Cardiff by 7 wkts (SL)Aug 20th  Lost to Somerset at Glastonbury by 120 runs (SL)Aug 27th Lost to Surrey at Swansea by 3 wkts (SL)Sept 3rd Lost to Worcestershire at Colwyn Bay by 2 runs (SL)April 29th Lost to Yorkshire at Colwyn Bay by 24 runs (SL)May 6th  Lost to Leicestershire at Leicester by 9 wkts (SL)1980:June 22nd Lost to Somerset at Bath by 6 wkts (SL)July 16th  Lost to Sussex at Hove by 104 runs (GC)July 27th Lost to Leicestershire at Ebbw Vale by 8 wkts (SL)Aug 3rd  Lost to Kent at Canterbury by 55 runs (SL)Aug 10th Lost to Worcestershire at Worcester by 7 wkts (SL)August 17th  Lost to Gloucestershire at Swansea on a slower scoring rate (SL)August 24th  Lost to Warwickshire at Edgbaston by 4 wkts (SL)August 31st Lost to Middlesex at Cardiff by 11 runs (SL)Sept 7th Lost to Sussex at Cardiff by 5 wkts (SL)

Spurs are on the lookout for a new central defender as one of their top priorities this summer, and according to reports, they have made some inquiries…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, one of the names that the North London outfit are taking a look at is Southampton colossus Jannik Vestergaard.

It’s claimed that Spurs are assessing their options ahead of the upcoming transfer window, and it is not the first time they have been linked with the Denmark international.

Last month, the Daily Express suggested the Lilywhites would target Vestergaard as will soon enter the final year of his current £60k-per-week contract at St Mary’s Stadium, and it is thought he would be available for around £18m.

Daniel Levy has done business with the Saints before, most recently snatching their former skipper Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from their grasp for just £15m, with rarely-seen defender Kyle Walker-Peters going in the other direction for £12m, as per the Independent.

Bye-bye Sanchez?

It is believed that Spurs will have to sell before they buy this summer, according to the Daily Mail, and there could be many names on the chopping block for whoever takes the helm ahead of the new campaign.

One name that could leave is Davinson Sanchez, who has been linked with a return to Eredivisie champions Ajax, where he initially joined from in a then club-record £42m deal, in recent weeks and is said to be ‘likely to leave.’

The Dutch outfit’s former assistant coach Gerard van der Lem revealed that the 24-year-old was someone the club were looking at – speaking on NH Radio Sportcafe (via quotes sourced by AjaxShowTime), he said:

“I have heard in the corridors that they want to bring him back. The question is on what basis. In England, it is a purchase that does not work, then they sell him for thirty per cent less; they don’t care. The best is if you can buy him, but if you can [loan] him, that’s of course great.”

Given Levy needs to raise finances to fund any deal, he should look to sanction his exit and use the money to bring in Vestergaard, who appears to be a far more reliable option in the Premier League.

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Just last month, following Spurs’ draw to relegation-threatened Newcastle, ex-ROI captain Kenny Cunningham slammed the Colombian as “a real liability to his team” whilst former Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse believes the “clumsy” centre-back “probably costs” Spurs “20 goals a season.”

The 6 foot 6 monster, however, has been attributed as being crucial to the Saints’ recent rise under Ralph Hasenhuttl. “An outcast for much of last season, an epitome of the transformation since last autumn,” wrote Ben Fisher in the Guardian.

Indeed, he currently rates out as Southampton’s second-best player (6.97), as per WhoScored ratings, only sat behind James Ward-Prowse (7.05).

He’s not just a hugely imposing aerial threat either, he’s equally adept with the ball at his feet, where he has managed an 83.3% passing accuracy despite spraying 3.6 long balls per game – the most of any outfield player on the south coast.

Again, only Ward-Prowse is better with the ball at his feet and that’s understandable as he’s a midfielder.

The Dane’s form led to high praise from Martin Keown back in January, where he compared him to a fellow Premier League beast. He told talkSPORT:

“It’s his passing. It reminds me of [Virgil] Van Dijk. I call it a stationary platform. When you don’t run with the ball you stop and when you look at those two, the way the ping balls, the way he threads things into midfield, the challenges, he’s a big man.”

Not to mention that the current Saints star also has leadership qualities that would appeal to a team like Tottenham. Hasenhuttl described him as a “real leader on the pitch” recently.

Van Dijk swapped St Mary’s for Liverpool and has never looked back since, and it is that sort of presence that Spurs desperately need in the heart of their defence as recurring defensive mistakes have been the defining theme of their turbulent and troubled season.

Sanchez has been a huge part of their erroneous ways, so it’s time to move him on amid interest from his former club and Levy would do no wrong in signing Vestergaard, especially if he’s truly shades of Van Dijk.

For £18m, it’s a no-brainer.

AND in other news, Levy could excite Spurs fans by hiring “hyper-offensive” 63 y/o who’s adored by Zidane…

أصبح فيدور سمولوف أول لاعب كرة قدم روسي دولي، يعرب عن معارضته لغزو أوكرانيا من قبل روسيا، وذلك من خلال رسالته عبر موقع “إنستجرام”.

وشنت روسيا صباح اليوم حربًا على أوكرانيا بالصواريخ والقنابل والدبابات عبر الحدود من بيلاروسيا، ونزلت القوات بالمظلات في المناطق الشرقية، وشوهد العديد من الانفجارات في جميع أنحاء البلاد، بعد أن أعطى بوتين الأمر لقواته بالهجوم.

طالع أيضًا | يويفا يصدر بيانًا جديدًا بشأن الغزو الروسي: ندعم أوكرانيا.. وقراراتنا غدًا

مهاجم دينامو موسكو صاحب الـ32 عامًا، يرفض حرب بلاده مع أوكرانيا، وذلك من خلال رسالة عبر منشور على حسابه الشخصي بموقع التواصل الاجتماعي “إنستجرام”.

وكتب سمولوف أحد قادة المنتخب الروسي: “لا للحرب”، مع علم أوكرانيا ورمز تعبيري بقلب مكسور، معلنًا من خلاله التعاطف مع الشعب الأوكراني، معلقًا على صورة سوداء.

سمولوف لعب مع المنتخب الروسي 45 مباراة دولية وسجل 16 هدفًا، بجانب تمثيله لمنتخبات روسيا الوطنية في مراحل الشباب.

Farhad Moshiri played a blinder in backing a permanent centre-back transfer last summer after Marcel Brands revealed the Everton owner’s role in Ben Godfrey’s move from Norwich City.

What’s the word?

In quotes shared by the Liverpool Echo, Brands has told the Toffees’ USA Live event that Godfrey became the club’s number one target after the intervention of Moshiri.

The defender sealed a £20m move to Goodison Park at the start of October and has proven to be a key player for Carlo Ancelotti, with minutes across the Italian’s backline in 29 of a possible 32 games in all competitions.

Everton were not initially targeting a centre-back but were forced to make a quick change to their end-of-window plans in September after Mason Holgate sustained a toe injury and Jarrad Branthwaite tore ligaments in his ankle.

The Blues were unsure whether to add depth to Ancelotti’s unit with a temporary or permanent solution, but the influence of Moshiri led to a full-time deal being struck with Norwich for Godfrey.

“He was on our list already for two years, and when I had the discussion this summer with Carlo, the Chairman and our owner, we had to decide if we were looking for a centre-back on loan or if we want to buy,” Brands said.

“Our owner preferred to do a permanent, so Ben Godfrey was the first one on our list – and I think we did our homework well. He’s a great character, great athlete. He really adapted quickly to the level and to the club. I think the fans loved him from the beginning and that’s a good thing to see.”

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A blinder from Moshiri

While Everton may not have been sure whether to explore a loan deal or make a permanent centre-back signing last year before Moshiri stepped in, the Blues chief certainly played a blinder by backing a full-time deal being struck.

Everton were left in an uncomfortable situation in the summer 2019 market when Marco Silva sought to sign Kurt Zouma at the end of his season-long loan spell from Chelsea, having seen the Frenchman impress in royal blue but hold no option to retain him long-term.

Zouma eventually returned to Stamford Bridge after the southwest London natives slapped a minimum £30m asking price on the 26-year-old, and he has featured in 28 Premier League games last term and 19 so far this season.

The Toffees would have rued being in the same position with Godfrey had they only signed the centre-back on loan from Norwich, having seen the 23-year-old establish himself as a key part of Ancelotti’s defence.

Godfrey has covered at left-back when Lucas Digne has been injured, featured occasionally at right-back and played regularly at centre-half over his 29 outings in all competitions since his move.

The England under-21 international’s efforts reportedly led Tottenham Hotspur to launch an inquiry into why they passed on his potential availability, while many Everton supporters often laud the defender who Ancelotti has hailed as being “fantastic” and “tactically intelligent”.

With the manager also considering Godfrey to be the best of his current centre-back options and the one with the most potential, the Italian seemingly owes a lot of gratitude to Moshiri for backing Everton to make a permanent move for the 23-year-old last year.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti set to make shrewd Everton appointment with “hugely popular” coach…

David Moyes should ruthlessly axe Said Benrahma and recall Pablo Fornals to the West ham United starting line-up against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fornals is expected to be passed fit for the Irons’ trip to Molineux on Monday night after two games out with a groin injury, that he had sustained ahead of a likely start away to Manchester United last month.

Benrahma featured as a substitute at Old Trafford before opening his side’s 3-3 draw with rivals Arsenal before the international break, for the 25-year-old’s 11th Premier League start since his arrival at the London Stadium in October.

Benrahma failed to have a direct influence on the scoring against the Gunners as his wait for a maiden goal in claret and blue continues, and is now six games without an assist across all competitions.

The £20m-rated maestro came close to ending his creative drought in the second half when Benrahma delivered a teasing ball across Arsenal’s six-yard box following a driven run between Pablo Mari and Thomas Partey, only for Michail Antonio to find the base of the post.

But the Algerian was the least involved of West Ham’s attacking options overall at home to Mikel Arteta’s north Londoners, while Jesse Lingard pulled the strings and Antonio offered two assists and often held the ball up wonderfully.

Benrahma occasionally displayed the defensive work-rate that has caught Moyes by surprise previously, but his efforts were too insufficient to prevent Calum Chambers from turning in a Man of the Match display thanks to a game-high eight crosses and creating three chances.

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“I’ve had a bit of a laugh with him [Benrahma] because I’m saying to him: ‘I didn’t realise I’d signed a really hard-working midfield player who runs and closes down, and does all the defensive duties,’” Moyes said, via quotes by The Guardian, in February.

“I said: ‘I thought we got someone for assists and goal making.’ They’re the bits which I think he’s probably needed to improve. The other part has been excellent. I want team players here – I don’t want individuals – but Said’s been great for the team.”

With Fornals expected to be passed fit to face Wolves on Monday night, Moyes should now ruthlessly axe Benrahma for the Spaniard as the decision could prove game-changing in helping to shut down the right-wing of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.

Benrahma has been touted by Claret & Hugh as the most at-risk player to make way for Fornals, who Moyes has previously lauded for his “incredible” energy and enthusiasm – which was on show front and centre against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Leeds United before his injury.

Fornals also averages a higher number of successful tackles per Premier League game this season than Benrahma with 1.17 to the Algerian’s 0.76, as well as more interceptions (1.17 to 0.29) and clearances (0.17 to 0.1), per SofaScore.

Wolves favoured the right-hand channel more often during their last top-flight fixture, with four of their six key passes coming through Romain Saiss, Nelson Semedo and Adama Traore. Half of their 10 shots also came from that side, per WhoScored.

It was a similar story the week before away to Aston Villa with four of 10 shots and three of eight key passes coming from the right, where Fornals or Benrahma will likely be tasked with aiding Aaron Cresswell on Monday night.

Thus, if Fornals is fully fit and ready to go from the off, Moyes should see that he starts from the off, even if it means dropping Benrahma to the bench to make space.

AND in other news, West Ham trail a Premier League rival for a five-goal, seven-assist star once labelled an “exciting prospect”…

Diego Laxalt recently caused quite a stir on a gaming platform in regards to Celtic’s managerial hunt.

The Uruguayan, who is on a season-long loan from AC Milan, was streaming Fortnite on Twitch in the early hours of Tuesday morning, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

He was heard reading out a message: “Diego you meet Eddie Howe yet?” He replied: “No no no, tomorrow.”

These ten words led to many Celtic supporters thinking the Hoops were closing in on the former Bournemouth boss as Neil Lennon’s long-term replacement.

Laxalt clears up Howe confusion

It didn’t take long for Laxalt’s apparent admission on Howe to make its way on to social media, however, the left-back has now cleared up any confusion.

The 28-year-old, as reported by The Scottish Sun, took to Instagram to ask for the relevant clip to be taken down, admitting he was mistaken with Hoops striker Odsonne Edouard.

Transfer Tavern take

There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Celtic’s search for a new manager, but a first-team member revealing the new boss on a gaming platform would’ve been extremely bizarre.

However, with Laxalt now clearing up any confusion, that story can be put to bed.

Howe has been linked with the vacant Parkhead position, though, so who knows, we could still see the 43-year-old move to Glasgow ahead of the 2021/22 season, and Laxalt would have two Eddies to mix up if his loan is made permanent.

In other news: Celtic continue to be linked with international defender, find out more here. 

David Sullivan must strive to reach an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of Jesse Lingard, amid claims of a potential permanent move to West Ham.

What’s the word?

According to TransferMarketWEB, the Irons are adamant that Lingard will stay at the London Stadium beyond his initial half-season loan.

The 28-year-old has proven a huge hit in claret and blue, with Lingard striking five goals and providing three assists in seven Premier League games.

Only against Fulham in February’s goalless draw at Craven Cottage has the England international failed to influence the scoring since leaving Old Trafford in January.

The Red Devils are expected to cash-in on Lingard’s blistering form under David Moyes, with the 24-cap maestro set to enter the final year of his £100,000-per-week contract in June.

Moyes recently declared aspirations of West Ham reaching an agreement with Manchester United to sign Lingard permanently, noting via quotes by the Daily Mail:

“He’s joined a good group of players. We’ve got international players and I’m hoping we can add to that in the coming transfer window. The job is to try to add to that. But I would hope Jesse sees this as a good place if it’s possible to be done, and if we think that we want to do it at the end of the season.”

West Ham were previously said to have sought the inclusion of a £15m purchase clause in the £1.5m loan agreement for Lingard, though Eurosport claim Manchester United rejected the terms as they expect his value to be upwards of £20m this summer.

Should West Ham sing Lingard?

Lingard’s promising early form at West Ham will undoubtedly help Man United set a higher asking price at the end of the season, but Sullivan must strive to strike a deal that sees the Warrington-born playmaker remain in east London.

Lingard hit the ground running for Moyes despite rarely getting a look in at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, with the 2017 Europa League winner’s only action before joining West Ham totalling 179 minutes.

Former Hammers head coach Alan Curbishley believes his time spent in the wilderness gave Lingard the fire in his belly to thrive at West Ham, telling Optus Sport: “He has been a revelation.

“He has come into the West Ham side angry because he cannot get into the team at Old Trafford. He has also come in hungry and that’s the sort of player you want.”

Not only has he been a revelation, but Lingard is arguably now West Ham’s most important player, with his intensity in behind Michail Antonio and emerging relationships with the likes of Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen bringing Moyes’ attack together.

Lingard’s ability to cause problems has also been at an unparalleled level, as shown on Sunday when he was alert enough to play a quick free-kick to catch Arsenal asleep, having already produced a sublime finish to fire a half-volley into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Curbishley and Moyes’ comments, plus Lingard’s incredible form, must surely act as distinct messages to Sullivan that West Ham have to seal a deal for the midfielder this summer.

AND in other news, a West Ham ace who joined at the “perfect moment” has seen his market value of crash by £16.5m…