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Lille president Gerard Lopez has revealed that Nicolas Pepe looks likely to leave the French club in this summer’s transfer window.

The 23-year-old is enjoying a fine season, managing 20 goals and 14 assists in 35 appearances for his Ligue 1 side in all competitions. There will likely be widespread interest in the attacker this summer.

The Liverpool fans have been on social media commenting on the Ivory Coast international.

And a number have called on the club to bring 6 ft Pepe to Anfield ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

The Reds would surely face competition from a number of clubs if they decided to make a bid, especially when considering that Pepe has had an outrageously good season for Lille.

The other key question is where Pepe would fit in at Anfield, facing competition for a role in the front three from Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

But Liverpool fans are certainly keen on a summer swoop – a selection of the Twitter reaction from Reds supporters can be seen below:

He has lots of options, doesn’t he? Graeme Shinnie’s Aberdeen contract expires in the summer and his performances have seemingly caught the eye of many onlookers across not just Scotland, but England too and specifically the second tier of football.

Shinnie has been a mainstay in the Dons’ side in which he is club captain, having really established himself there over what is approaching four years since his arrival.

The competition for the 27-year-old’s signature is truly on. FootballInsider have reported that Derby County leads the chase for Shinnie. The report also suggests that Sheffield United and Bristol City have made offers for his services but that their approaches have been leapfrogged by Derby.

With that being said, let’s take a look at what environment he would suit better. One of the clubs who have been interested, as displayed by the report, Sheffield United, as opposed to the side who allegedly lead the race for Shinnie…

Derby County

Shinnie is primarily a left-back and for that role, Frank Lampard’s side could do with a little for quality to push on next season.

Ashley Cole offers a solid level of experience, but, at 38, he cannot be relied upon truly. Scott Malone is another option there as the Rams well know, but Shinnie’s versatility and technical prowess would really suit this side where he could get guaranteed game time. He would offer quality in both the attacking and defensive phase, as well as the ability to play in midfield, too.

Grade: B+

Sheffield United

It seems unlikely, but there is still the small, outside chance that Chris Wilder’s side could make another offer for Shinnie.

In terms of where he would play in their system, the left-wing-back role is already occupied by Enda Stevens who performs it ever so well. Shinnie could also fill in in the middle of the park, but with the natural talent there too, he would struggle for regular opportunities in the starting 11.

With United possibly on their way up too, that would only limit the game time for Shinnie if he was to move, so the potential deal is not the best for either party.

Grade: D

TT VERDICT

Shinnie has the talent to hold his own in England and it is a testament to his mentality that he seemingly wants to go and prove himself in another country and division. If he does move to England, Derby is definitely the best option for game time and how Lampard’s style of play suits him, so the two could work well together.

Arsene Wenger only left Arsenal a little under a year ago, but it feels like a lifetime since the Frenchman was at the helm. So much has changed at the Emirates since his departure, with Unai Emery coming in and really turning a corner. 

On the field, Arsenal are back in contention for a top-four finish, and that speaks volumes about how far the Gunners have come, but a recent report from the Independent gives perhaps the best idea of the progression that Arsenal are currently enjoying.

According to the Independent, Samuel Umtiti, of Barcelona, and David Alaba, of Bayern Munich, are the two main names on Arsenal’s summer transfer list, with up to five signings apparently wanted by Unai Emery.

Whilst Arsenal signed big players under Arsene Wenger, they were few and far between, and they largely only came as a result of a major sale or, alternatively, they took up the vast majority of the resources at any given time. For example, Mesut Ozil was the only player signed for over £1 million during the 2013/14 season (as per Transfer Markt).

Arsenal rarely looked towards some of Europe’s best, but now that’s changing. Both Alaba and Umtiti, in particular, are amongst the best in the world in their respective positions. As a result, Arsenal will be looking at spending big if they want to land them; yet that doesn’t appear to be putting them off.

That’s clearly indicative of a change in approach from the Gunners, and it highlights how much growth they’ve had under Unai Emery.

A team that was happy to settle for the top-six or top-four wouldn’t be willing to spend big to land such huge names. However, the Gunners clearly are looking higher than before, and if they’re to get back in the title scene in England, they recognise the need for spending.

The growth is remarkable, and when you consider how quickly it has come, you can only wonder how much more is going to come.

Arsenal fans – would you like the club to sign both Alaba and Umtiti? Let us know below!

أجرى لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، فرينكي دي يونج، حوارًا مع موقع الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” من أجل الحديث عن العملاق الكتالوني ومدربه، رونالد كومان.

وانتقل دي يونج إلى برشلونة في صيف عام 2019 مقابل 75 مليون يورو قادمًا من صفوف أياكس أمستردام، بعد تألقه في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2018/2019.

وتحدث الهولندي في بداية حواره عن الأجواء في برشلونة، وقال: “الحياة مريحة للغاية هنا، المناخ جيد أفضل من هولندا لذلك استمتع بالعيش هنا كثيرًا لكنني افتقد عائلتي وأصدقائي في هولندا”.

وتابع: “برشلونة يتمتع بشعبية كبيرة في هولندا وهناك الكثير من الهولنديين الذين لعبوا في النادي وبالطبع كان أعظمهم يوهان كرويف”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سبورت: بارتوميو يستعد للاستقالة اليوم من رئاسة برشلونة

وعن دور كومان في انتقاله إلى برشلونة: “لقد تحدثت إليه قبلها، وأخبرني الكثير من الأشياء الإيجابية عن النادي، لكنه حذرني من الذهاب إلى المطاعم كثيرًا في المدينة للحفاظ على الوزن، لأنك تشعر كما لو أنك في إجازة طوال العام”.

وعن العمل مع كومان كمدرب، قال: “اعتقد أن علاقتي به جيدة، أحاول تنفيذ كل ما يريده مني خلال المباريات، عندما يتحدث إلى فلا بد أن أستمع لأنه يتمتع بخبرة كبيرة في كرة القدم من أجل التطور كلاعب وكشخص في نادٍ كبير مثل برشلونة”.

وعن مركزه المفضل: “أفضل لاعب الوسط المحوري مقارنة بالهجومي، أشعر براحة أكبر في هذا المركز لكن يمكنني أيضًا اللعب في الجزء الهجومي للفريق”.

وميسي: “عندما يكون لديك ميسي في فريقك، فبالطبع يكون لديك أفضل لاعب في العالم، لذلك نحاول مساعدته لإحداث الفارق، أعتقد أننا بحاجة للتكيف معه وعلى أسلوبه مع برشلونة”.

وبيانيتش: “ميراليم لاعب رائع جدًا، يجيد التحكم بالكرة ويقرأ المباراة، يتميز بالتسديد والتمرير القصير والطويل، لذلك فهو قادر على مساعدتنا على مدار الموسم بكل تأكيد”.

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Derby County fans were informed about the club’s financial results from the 2017/2018 season on Tuesday and those on Twitter are absolutely delighted with them.

Rams lapped up the news as it was confirmed that Derby had made £14.6 million in profits during the year, a drastic improvement on the £7.9 million loss of the previous campaign.

The sale of Pride Park to a separate company headed by County owner Mel Morris was the real catalyst for this gain after a worrying period of financial instability for the club.

Things are looking up for the side on the pitch as well as they are in the play-off places, chasing a return to the Premier League under Frank Lampard.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

But it’s just off-the-pitch matters that supporters are concerned with at this second, with many rejoicing at the announcement and comments such as “we’re not going bust” and “Mel Morris is a true Rams legend” being thrown around Twitter.

Below is our list of the best Tweets from delighted members of the Rams army…

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Everton 0-0 Liverpool. Everton 2-0 Chelsea. Everton 1-0 Arsenal. Everton 4-0 Manchester United.

These are just some of the results that Marco Silva has overseen with the Toffees in recent weeks, where it is finally starting to look as if the Portuguese boss has got his team playing the way he envisaged back in the summer.

The Merseysiders are solid at the back, have arguably one of the best midfielders in the league in Idrissa Gueye setting the tempo, and an attack filled with flair and creativity – it is all starting to click for the Blues, and it is very easy on the eye for those of us watching on.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

However, the change from where Everton were at during this stage of the season last year is almost seismic. Back then, the Toffees had Sam Allardyce in charge, where the football played under the former England boss was the polar opposite to what it is now.

However, whilst the performances back then were tough to watch, Rio Ferdinand’s comments on the Everton fans’ expectations have aged terribly.

What did he say?

The former Manchester United defender said: “I don’t know what these fans here are expecting. What do you want?

“You had Ronald Koeman who came up the Ajax way, played great football with his teams. You had (Roberto) Martinez who played good football but disgruntled fans, not happy, they wanted them out.

“So where do you sit? What do you want? This guy’s getting you results, you’re in the top half of the league.

“What more do you want? I’m baffled, they baffle me if I’m honest.”

They wanted to win in the right way

You can see where Ferdinand is coming from if you add a bit of context to his comments from 13 months ago. Everton were seriously struggling last season, and even spent time in the relegation zone, a position that was way off where the fans wanted to be.

Allardyce was getting results as he is an excellent firefighter for teams associated with relegation battles. But Everton are a top seven side, and one who wants to be in and around the Europa League spots consistently.

That, and the fact that the wins were coming as a result of scrappy defending, fortuitous goals from set-pieces and on the counter-attack after being dominated in possession made Allardyce’s tenure tough for the Goodison Park faithful.

The win over United, in which the Toffees completely run riot over the Red Devils, scoring four goals and limiting their opponents to just one shot on target, is what the fans wanted to see.

What more do they want? That kind of performance is what they wanted, Rio. A philosophy. An easy on the eye style. And success to boot.

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Huddersfield fans are split as to whether or not Frazier Campbell would be a good signing as the club prepares for life in the Championship next season.

According to the Hull Daily Mail, the Terriers have made Campbell one of their summer targets.

The former Manchester United striker has been plying his trade for Hull City this term and has netted a respectable 12 goals in 36 appearances for the Tigers as well as providing six assists.

Despite Campbell’s solid return in the second tier, Huddersfield fans have been split as to whether or not he would be worth bringing in to the John Smith’s Stadium.

The striker is enjoying a good campaign but Terrier’s fans may have doubts over his abilities due to his poor goalscoring record in seasons gone by.

Campbell is originally from Huddersfield so he may be tempted to move to his local team and aid them in their quest to return to the Premier League.

Here’s what Huddersfield fans have been saying on Twitter…

Who has been the Premier League’s most disappointing performer this season? The Pl>maker FC have their say in the video below…

Manchester United’s summer is set to be a busy one for all involved at the club if everything you read in the press is to be believed at the moment.

The Red Devils are looking at bringing in some new players as well as looking to move out those who are not performing for the club, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces a big task as he takes the reins of the club now he is permanent manager.

With plenty of movement expected at Old Trafford, the futures of some of their big names are looking more and more under threat.

And one man whose future is up for debate following the latest update this weekend is that of Romelu Lukaku, who is set to discuss his future with the club at the end of the season after falling from first choice under the new management regime.

The big Belgian striker has still played a big part for United this term, but something is not quite sitting right with him, and with Marcus Rashford emerging as the main man and Anthony Martial also putting in some decent performances, Lukaku could find himself not needed.

We here in the Tavern don’t feel like it’s too much of a problem either should Lukaku be moved on by the club, especially given the money they could still command should a buyer be found.

It’s nothing against Lukaku and the talent he possesses, but things just haven’t quite clicked of late for him, and a fresh start might be the best for both club and player on this one.

United could use the money to reinvest in young and hungry talent, and while Lukaku will be a loss, he isn’t an irreplaceable one by all means.

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Loads of Liverpool fans have been reacting to a massive transfer update from Neil Jones, and they’re fuming that Harry Wilson could be on the chopping block this summer.

According to Neil Jones, GOAL’s Liverpool correspondent, Nathaniel Clyne could be one of ten Liverpool players heading out the exit door this summer.

Jurgen Klopp has been shaping and trimming his squad ever since his arrival, but there is still some “deadwood” at the club.

Who has the loudest fans in Europe? PSG certainly state their claim in the video below…

According to Jones’ report, Clyne is wanted by both Bournemouth and West Ham, and Alberto Moreno, Daniel Sturridge, Simon Mignolet, Rafael Camacho, Sheyi Ojo, Marko Grujic, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ryan Kent and Wilson could all be offloaded as well.

And fans are fuming at the last name on the list, as Wilson has had a tremendous season on loan at Derby County.

The Welsh wonderkid has 14 goals and four assists in all competitions this season including several goal of the year contenders.

What is the point of loaning young players out if it does not pave a way to the first team even if they perform extremely well? That’s the question fans are all asking on Twitter, and you can find some of the best reactions down below…

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West Brom are reportedly keen on adding Portsmouth winger Jamal Lowe to their ranks, per Football League World.

According to the report, scouts have been to watch him on regular occasions. It’s easy to see why considering the form the Pompey man has been in this season. He’s had a major influence on the promotion title-chasing side and they will be eager to hold onto one of their star men.

However, West Brom could lose one of their star men too when Dwight Gayle’s loan deal runs out. As a result, the club may look towards someone like Lowe to fill the void left behind by the Newcastle loanee.

With this in mind, Football FanCast writers gave their verdicts on whether he’d be able to make up for the goals Gayle may take with him if he doesn’t sign permanently. Here’s what they said.

Luke Glanville

“His tally of goals and assists in League One this season is impressive, proving Jamal Lowe to be someone who can both create and score high volumes of goals. Therefore, he would be a very shrewd signing for West Brom. However, in terms of replacing Dwight Gayle and his haul of league strikes this campaign, that would be tricky.

“Firstly, he’d have to adapt to playing as a striker and not a winger and secondly, have to do it in a league of much higher quality, possibly the Premier League. So for me, should the Baggies sign Lowe? Yes absolutely, but alongside a Gayle replacement if he’s on his way out of the Hawthorns.”

Billy Meyers

“It remains to be seen whether or not Jamal Lowe can make the step up from League One into the Championship. Given his excellent form this season, you would back him to do well in the second-tier, but in terms of replacing the impact of a man who has become somewhat of a Championship marksman over the years, Lowe may not be able to get near Dwight Gayle’s goal tally anytime soon.”

James Beavis

“From what I have seen of Lowe this season I have been impressed, and for me, he would be a better option than Gayle next season. Should West Brom look to play three attackers in the 2019/20 campaign, then the 24-year-old has the ability to play on the wing and as a centre-forward. Gayle has often struggled to make an impact when he has featured out wide, and Lowe would gazump him in that respect. Replicating his goal record in the Championship would be a challenge, but with the right service he can do it.”