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Leeds could deliver a big message to Marcelo Bielsa by landing AZ Alkmaar ace Teun Koopmeiners this summer amid reported transfer interest from Liverpool.

What’s the story?

In a list of options suggested by The Athletic’s Phil Hay as potential cover for Kalvin Phillips, Koopmeiner’s name came into the discussion, with the suggestion that he could be set for a move away from his native Netherlands in the summer.

Italian publication Calciomercato have now claimed that fellow Premier League side Liverpool are keen on signing the Dutchman, who they see as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.

Could be big message to Bielsa

In some player analysis done by The Athletic, it was suggested that: “Koopmeiners has more of an attacking profile than Phillips (something that might fit with Bielsa’s standards of versatility) and there is a lot to like about him. He stands out as a very good all-rounder in top-flight terms: an extremely strong tackler who mirrors Phillips in his constant attempts to look for forward passes rather than lateral balls.

“While the match with Phillips is not perfect, it is close enough to suggest that Koopmeiners is an asset Bielsa could refine with coaching.”

Described as a “leader” by his former coach Koen Stam, Koopmeiners is AZ Alkmaar’s captain, and as well as being a talented footballer, would be another important voice in the dressing room.

Perhaps just as importantly on a bigger scale, his signing would show that Leeds mean business. Fending off competition from outgoing Premier League champions Liverpool to his signature would signal to Bielsa that the Whites are intent on taking that next step forward – a vital message to convey when you consider that the Argentine’s current contract is coming to an end this summer.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Latest Leeds transfer rumours and news”]

While Bielsa seems more than happy at Elland Road, landing a key target like this would be the perfect way to prove to the manager that the club are ready to back him in the transfer market.

It’s all in Victor Orta’s hands to beat Liverpool to the 1.83m (6 foot) Koopmeiners now.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign an ideal partner for Kalvin Phillips in this star…

MatériaMais Notícias

O presidente do Fluminense, Peter Siemsen, anunciou que assinou nesta terça-feira um memorando de entendimentos para aquisição de um terreno na Barra da Tijuca, Zona Oeste do Rio, com o intuito de construir nele um estádio do clube.

A área tem 60 mil m² e fica relativamente perto ao espaço onde está sendo construído o Centro de Treinamento tricolor, que ainda será inaugurado.

– Fizemos um acordo com o dono de um terreno, que fica perto do CT, na Barra da Tijuca. Agora, temos um papel importante a desenvolver com o poder público. Temos de licenciar a área, aumentar o poder construtivo – afirmou o dirigente tricolor, que depois explicou melhor o que significa o documento:

– O primeiro passo foi dado. Não adianta ficar eufórico e pensar que agora temos um estádio. Temos de trabalhar muito para chegar lá. Para quem trabalhou muito para ter o CT, com o nível e com a localização, acho que dá para confiar. O memorando significa o seguinte: o Fluminense tem uma obrigação, que precisa da parceria da Prefeitura. Trabalhando junto, se muda a regra construtiva da localização e se constrói. Temos um contrato que nos dá tempo para isso, são 18 meses renováveis. A nossa ideia é começar o trabalho amanhã, ou assim que acabar a eleição municipal. Terminado isso, começa no dia seguinte para ter as mudanças necessárias.

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O anúncio de Peter se deu em um evento que lançou a candidatura de Pedro Abad à presidência do clube. Uma foto de um projeto fictício para a área foi mostrada. Os sócios presentes aplaudiram muito.

-Precisou de muita criatividade pois é um valor alto a ser investido. Queremos dar vida ao local – completou Peter, que esteve ao lado do próprio Abad na assinatura do documento.

O presidente do Fluminense ainda explico que não há um projeto definido em relação à capacidade do estádio.

-O projeto ainda não foi desenvolvido. Não adianta ter o projeto e não ter o terreno. Se é 25 mil, 30 mil, 35 mil, eu não sei. Tem de desenvolver com arquiteto. É um trabalho que começa agora. O grande responsável será o próximo presidente, a próxima diretoria. A gente fez de uma maneira que, se o novo presidente entender que ali não é o melhor caminho, tem o direito de não seguir adiante – comentou Peter.

AO VIVO no #Periscope: Peter Siemsen fala sobre projetos no Fluminense https://t.co/kwdDKJRAm9

— Igor Siqueira (@igorsiqueira) 28 de setembro de 2016

Marcel Brands must block any attempts by Atletico Madrid to sign star left-back Lucas Digne this summer, after the publication of a report suggesting that The Blues could cash in on the defender in order to fund a transfer of their own.

What’s the word?

According to Gol Digital, La Liga leaders Atletico are keen on signing Digne in the summer transfer window as boss Diego Simeone strives to improve his options at left-back.

Digne is considered to be a player who meets Simeone’s checklist as the Frenchman is fast, strong and plays with an offensive threat that can make the 27-year-old an extra forward.

Everton are expected to value the former FC Barcelona defender at no less than €30m (£25.5m) after Digne penned a new £119,000-per-week contract last month, keeping him tied down at Goodison Park through to June 2025.

But despite his new deal, Carlo Ancelotti is said to be open to parting ways with the full-back, as the Italian would like to sign Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon just a year after he left Real Madrid in a deal that could reach £32m.

Digne would also be expected to have admirers from clubs in the Serie A and Bundesliga if his time on Merseyside is set to end this season, while Atletico would need to find new homes for Kieran Trippier, Santiago Arias and Sime Vrsaljko to fund their pursuit.

Should Everton replace Digne with Reguilon?

It certainly seems questionable that Ancelotti would be looking to replace Digne just weeks after he signed a deal to extend his spell at Everton for a further two seasons from the five-year terms agreed upon his £18m arrival in 2018.

But, if true, Everton’s Director of Football Marcel Brands – who Ancelotti claims he enjoys a “beautiful relationship” with – must step in and block the Italian coach from a potentially huge blunder of trying to move Digne on and replacing him with Reguilon.

Everton would be taking a step backwards by parting with Digne, who has six assists in 20 Premier League games this season, for Reguilon, who has offered three assists in 17 top-flight matches since joining Tottenham last year.

Reguilon has talent, no doubt, with Jamie Redknapp claiming the five-cap Spain international was “fantastic” for Spurs before being sidelined with a muscle injury in his right leg at the end of January.

“When he was playing, he was fantastic. He had great energy, was crossing the ball, good in one-on-one situations – he had it all. It’s no surprise that their performances have not been as good since he has not been playing. He offers so much to this team,” the Sky Sports pundit said, via quotes by The Boot Room.

But Reguilon would not be an upgrade on Digne, who averages 1.6 key passes and 1.6 accurate crosses (22%) a game in the Premier League this season to the Tottenham man’s 0.6 chances created and 0.5 accurate crosses (24%), per SofaScore.

Signing Reguilon would also see Ancelotti acquire an inferior aerial presence at left-back with the £48,000-per-week 24-year-old offering 1.0 duels won (40%) a game to Digne’s 3.1 (67%). Although the pair are evenly matched for defensive contributions, with two and 2.2 successful tackles, 2.2 and 2.3 clearances plus 1.2 and 1.0 interceptions respectively.

Though it is in Digne’s offensive contributions that Ancelotti relies on the Frenchman the most, with only James Rodriguez offering a higher volume of key passes (1.7) than the full-back who offers the highest number of accurate crosses per league game at Everton, per WhoScored.

Tottenham would be expected to strive to acquire a substantial figure for Reguilon, as well, so there would not be a financial benefit to replacing Digne with him, making it even more puzzling why Ancelotti would be considering making this change in the summer.

AND in other news, a £15k-p/w Everton dud who gives “absolutely nothing” has been tipped to seal a summer transfer…

Manchester City will be hoping to make it 16 wins in a row when they face Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad in Saturday’s late kick-off.

Pep Guardiola’s side are comfortable at the top of the Premier League after a superb run of recent form, but have struggled against Spurs in recent seasons, and suffered a defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this campaign.

The Spanish manager made plenty of changes for the game against Swansea in midweek and it seems likely that he will go back to full strength as he prepares to face his old rival Jose Mourinho.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects City to line up against Spurs on Saturday, with seven changes from the team that started against Swansea…

Ederson returns in goal, and the Brazilian could even end up on penalty duties for City should they be awarded a spot-kick against Spurs after Ilkay Gundogan’s miss against Liverpool recently.

There are four changes to the defence as Ruben Dias and John Stones resume their partnership at centre-back, replacing Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte.

Joao Cancelo comes in for Kyle Walker after being rested at Swansea, whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko replaces Benjamin Mendy at left-back.

Phil Foden returns in midfield in place of Ferran Torres, although he will likely interchange with Bernardo Silva on the wing throughout the match, who keeps his place in the side.

Finally, Riyad Mahrez replaces Gabriel Jesus, with Raheem Sterling moving up front, with Guardiola having enjoyed a lot of success with a strikerless system in recent weeks.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Fernandinho: Txiki should swoop for £36m-rated beast this summer

According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace reportedly fear Wilfried Zaha could leave Selhurst Park this summer.

What’s the word?

Zaha, 28, rejoined his boyhood club after an ill-fated spell at Old Trafford with Manchester United for around £3m in 2015.

Since then, he has risen to become a prominent part of Roy Hodgson’s side and helped steer them to Premier League safety last season. He played a key role in their 5-1 win over West Brom in more recent times.

But while the Ivory Coast international still has over two years left on his contract, which is reported to be worth £130k-per-week, The Athletic understands that Palace harbour fears that Zaha could be set to leave the club when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

European giants Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco, have previously expressed interest in the playmaker over the past few weeks and months. Premier League clubs Arsenal and Everton were also credited with interest last year.

Same old, same old

Have we been here before? Hodgson has a habit of making some bold statements about his most prized asset.

“Well, Wilf is not for sale, so basically I don’t need assurances,” Hodgson said in 2019. “We aren’t trying to sell Wilfried Zaha, we want to keep Wilfried Zaha. I have the assurance there is no one in the club that wants to sell Wilfried Zaha, but of course you never know where bids are going to come from and I suppose every time there is a serious bid for one of your players the board of directors needs to take it seriously.”

A few months later, Zaha ended up staying at Selhurst Park, which just goes to show that this isn’t anything new and this saga is going to go on and on.

Hodgson has been saying he is unfazed by speculation linking Zaha with a move away from Selhurst Park, that he hopes Zaha will stay, but it’s hard to believe everything he is saying. If Palace receive a colossal offer, that could prove to be too tempting to ignore, and what about Zaha himself?

CIES Football Observatory currently value the Eagles sensation at €40m (£35m) but it remains to be seen just what sort of fee would see them enticed into a sale.

Ultimately, a lot of this will be resolved by what the player wants to do.

Considering he’s arguably in the form of his life right now with nine goals and two assists in 19 Premier League appearances, coupled with the fact he handed in a transfer request in 2019, it’s hard to imagine he will be willing to sign a contract extension should the club try to extend his current deal.

However, until such a time comes, Palace fans had best enjoy his performances whilst they still can.

AND in other Palace news, Steve Cooper could change Crystal Palace’s philosophy…

Marcus Rashford’s hot streak continued as he put on a masterclass to help Manchester United come from behind to beat Liverpool and progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Inspired by the spirited Rashford, who earns wages worth £200,000-per-week, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side claimed one of their biggest scalps of this season so far.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Rashford gave the Red Devils victory in a thrilling FA Cup clash against the defending Premier League champions at Old Trafford.

After Greenwood drew the Red Devils level, the Rashford scored shortly after halftime to put them within touching distance of a place in the next round of the competition.

While Fernandes will be the name in the headlines, it was Rashford who stepped up to derail the Reds’ pursuit of silverware. Mo Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool at Old Trafford but United bounced back in style after a cross-field diagonal ball from Rashford found Greenwood on the right, who coolly slotted home past the helpless Alisson.

But he saved his best moment for later in the game as he latched onto a through ball from Greenwood and found the back of the net.

As per SofaScore, the monstrous Rashford earned a 7.8 match rating for his display, that being the second-highest out of any United player on the pitch, bettered only by a certain Greenwood, which was significantly higher than his season average of 6.96.

Against Liverpool, he would take two shots on target, which was the most of any player from Solskjaer’s squad, including Fernandes.

He’s still not the finished article, that much is obvious, but he’s started to show a maturity far beyond his years both on and off the pitch.

The England international also took more touches (38) than Edinson Cavani as he showed a willingness to bring the ball out from inside his own half to put his team on the front foot, as evidenced by his two successful dribbles from three attempts per 86′ minutes.

He would also win four duels, which is on par with his average of 4.5 in the Premier League, whilst Georginio Wijnaldum and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were tasked with the job of keeping the left winger at bay, received below-par ratings of 6.4 and 6.7 respectively, as per SofaScore, which goes some way to show that it was the United forward who got the best of his direct opponents on the day.

If the Red Devils are to regain the title for the first time since the 2012-13 season and go far in the FA Cup too, United fans will be hoping that he can maintain his impressive run of form, which has seen him score 15 goals in 31 appearances so far this season.

AND in other news, Manchester United should consider January loan exit for Donny van de Beek…

اقتنص فريق مانشستر سيتي صدارة بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بعد فوزه الثمين على فريق واتفورد مساء اليوم السبت.

واستضاف ملعب فيكارج رود مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث فاز مانشستر سيتي بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف. أهداف مباراة مانشستر سيتي وواتفورد

وكان مانشستر سيتي قد تقدم مبكرًا بتسجيله الهدف الأول في الدقيقة الرابعة من الشوط الأول، وذلك عن طريق رحيم ستيرلينج.

الهدف جاء بعد عرضية رائعة من فيل فودين، حيث ذهبت الكرة إلى رحيم ستيرلينج والذي سددها برأسه في شباك أصحاب الأرض.

وفي الدقيقة 31 ضاعف مانشستر سيتي تفوقه عن طريق الهدف الثاني الذي سجله برناردو سيلفا، حيث سدد إيلكاي جوندوجان الكرة تجاه مرمى الخصم ولكن الحارس باشمان تصدى لها وارتدت من جديد ووصلت إلى سيلفا الذي نجح في تسديد الكرة من زاوية صعبة وسكنت الشباك.

وواصل برناردو سيلفا تألقه بتسجيله الهدف الثاني له والثالث للضيوف في الدقيقة 63، بعد سلسلة من التمريرات بين أقدام لاعبي السكاي بلو، قبل أن تصل الكرة إلى اللاعب البرتغالي الذي توغل داخل منطقة الجزاء وراوغ لاعبي الخصم ثم أطلق تسديدة رائعة وسكنت الكرة أقصى الزاوية اليمنى لمرمى واتفورد.

أما هدف واتفورد الوحيد فقد جاء في الدقيقة 73 عن طريق اللاعب كوتشو هيرنانديز.

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد مانشستر سيتي إلى 35 نقطة في المركز الأول، ليقتنص الصدارة ويزيح ليفربول الذي يتراجع إلى المركز الثاني بفارق نقطة واحدة، بينما يتواجد تشيلسي في المركز الثالث برصيد 33 نقطة بعد خسارته اليوم أمام وست هام.

في حين تجمد رصيد واتفورد بخسارته اليوم أمام حامل اللقب عند 13 نقطة في المركز السابع عشر.

According to The Scotsman, Lille remain interested in a move for Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

Lille monitoring Morelos

Lille, who are currently second in Ligue 1 on goal difference and are still in the Europa League, were heavily linked with a move for the Colombia international during last summer’s transfer window – they were said to have agreed personal terms with the £13.5m-valued 24-year-old (Transfermarkt), while they also had a £16m bid rejected.

The Scotsman has been discussing players who will attract interest this January, and while they admit it is unlikely Morelos will depart this month, Lille are still monitoring his situation north of the border.

May be worth selling

Given his impressive scoring record at Ibrox – he has 85 goals in 164 games for the 54-time Scottish champions – the Gers were eager to hold on to Morelos as they resisted the temptation to sell last summer. However, this campaign, the striker has just eight goals in 26 games despite the Gers losing only once in all competitions.

His temperament has got the better of him on occasion, as well. He has been involved in altercations with Scott Brown in both Old Firm derbies, while Steven Gerrard has spoken out against his attitude when being substituted. It is getting to the point where he is becoming far more trouble than he is worth – another £16m offer could well force Ross Wilson’s hand.

In other news, Rangers fans hammer this politician’s lack of respect.

It’s no secret that Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has a Ianis Hagi-shaped problem on his hands. Namely, a lack of self-belief, with recent reports revealing that the Romania international’s confidence has taken a knock. However, Adrian Mutu may have the answers to Gerrard’s problems…

What’s the story?

The Romania U21 boss has heaped praise on Hagi for his work ethic this week, recently describing his young charge as a “super” talent. He said: “Ianis Hagi is a super, professional footballer.

“I have nothing bad to say about him, he came here back to the Under 21s squad with exactly the right attitude.

“He’s trained very well. He’s not under any special pressure to perform because we all know what we get from him.

“He has the ability and skill to make the difference in any match he plays.”

The Gers winger captained the national development side on Tuesday night as they secured a berth at the Euro 2020 Championships next summer.

Mutu gave Hagi a huge confidence boost by handing him the captain’s armband and the former Chelsea midfielder was rewarded almost immediately as a 1-1 draw proved to be enough to seal their second-place spot with their opponents Denmark finishing first in the group.

Lessons to learn

Before we get started, let’s just make one thing clear – we’re not saying that Gerrard should strip the captaincy from James Tavernier to give Hagi some much-needed confidence, as that would be preposterous. However, he needs to know the needs of each and every member of his squad, whether they require a rollicking or an arm around the shoulder to encourage them to perform to their very best.

If it isn’t obvious already, it seems like Hagi requires the latter treatment, which should be expected from a young player who is still at the early stages of his professional career and is still trying to grow and develop as a player. Getting him back to enjoying his football at a club level would at least be a good start.

In 16 appearances in all competitions, the 22-year-old has scored one goal and supplied eight assists so far this season, which is a pretty impressive return, especially when you consider the fact that he has provided the second-highest amount of assists in the first team, just behind the club captain.

Despite these statistics, the Ibrox boss benched Hagi several times before the international break, as he has spent two of the past four games on the bench, whilst he last made an appearance as a substitute in the second half in the 8-0 win at home over Hamilton Academical.

As the famous saying goes, ‘let the boy win his spurs.’ His father Gheorghe Hagi has insisted that he “is a No.10 who can do everything”, whilst Hagi is trying to work his way back into the fold after a successful stint with the national youth squad.

He’s clearly making all the right noises, as he has laid out his ambitions for his club and country after joining the Gers in January. Now Gerrard must put his faith in the youngster if he is to perform to the best of his abilities on a regular basis for the rest of the season.

AND in other news, Rangers receive huge injury boost as Leon Balogun survives unscathed against Sierra Leone…

Danny Welbeck would be the perfect late addition to David Moyes’ squad as West Ham United reportedly court the former England international following his release by Watford.

What’s the word?

According to Irons icon Frank McAvennie, while speaking with Football Insider, West Ham are looking into the potential of luring Welbeck to the London Stadium following the 29-year-old’s departure from Watford.

The Hornets agreed to mutually terminate Welbeck’s £100,000-per-week contract following their relegation to the second-tier through a dire need to cut their wage bill, having not written a pay reduction clause into his three-year terms.

Welbeck’s lucrative salary had made Watford’s quest for potential buyers challenging and ultimately had to pay the forward off, which could come to West Ham’s aid should the Irons indeed be interested.

“I have heard, and I am not sure whether it is true or not, that they are looking to sign Welbeck,” McAvennie has claimed.

The Irons icon is not confident that Welbeck would be the right signing, however.

“They have just let one sick note go in Jack Wilshere, why would you want to get another one in?” he added. “There is no doubting the boy’s ability, but he is off the field more than he is on.

“It is a bit like Andy Carroll. They have just got rid of Jack Wilshere, why do they want another one who is not there every week. People get injuries, but some get more than their fair share and, unfortunately, Welbeck is one of them.”

Welbeck featured in 18 of Watford’s Premier League games as they were ultimately relegated last season, scoring twice and assisting once while missing three months through a hamstring injury sustained in October.

The perfect Anderson replacement?

While injuries have stuck with Welbeck for much of his career, having missed 27 of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures through a broken ankle during his final campaign at the Emirates in 2018/19, the former England forward could be the perfect addition to strengthen Moyes’ offence now that the international transfer window has closed.

Moyes is without West Ham’s former club-record signing Felipe Anderson after the £36m attacker joined FC Porto on a one-season loan deal, further weakening the ranks after Grady Diangana joined West Bromwich Albion earlier in the window.

That leaves Jarrod Bowen, Andriy Yarmolenko and Robert Snodgrass as the only natural wide players at the London Stadium, though only Bowen has proven a regular starter in the league so far this season and is best accustomed to playing on the right.

Welbeck, on the other hand, is best set on the left – where central midfielder Pablo Fornals has been tasked with holding down duties for 93.06% of all minutes in the top-flight – having scored a goal every 3.1 games in the role for Arsenal compared to one every 3.4 matches at striker.

Once described as a “special guy” by ex-manager Arsene Wenger, his numbers will not make him a starter over Fornals, but will make the £4.95m-rated ace a strong understudy if personal terms are not outrageous.

AND in other news, GSB’s floundering in the transfer market ensured West Ham failed in a late pursuit of a £30million target.