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West Ham are spoilt for choice this season when it comes to the attacking element of their midfield set up with Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini all signed to the side.

Bowen, Fornals and Benrahma all have produced a combined 23 goals and assists so far this season, with Lanzini joining his competitors with two goals and two assists in all competitions, one of those goals came from the Manchester City game at the weekend.

Although losing, Lanzini made a fantastic impact on the side when he was subbed into the team in the 59th minute proving he was a worthwhile substitution when he scored from some distance in an attempt to claw back something from the defeat in the 94th minute of the game.

The determination and focus Lanzini maintained in clear defeat even in the very last moments of the game will give David Moyes a headache, as he struggles to decide which midfielders to pick in his starting eleven, with Lanzini now proving he is worthy of a starting position in the team.

However, the Scottish manager could use the £9m-rated midfielder’s form as an opportunity to showcase his talents and his impressive qualities to attract other clubs to make an offer for him, so that Moyes can build a healthy transfer budget that can be reinvested by GSB into other key areas of the team that need more depth, like a striker.

The Athletic’s West Ham correspondent, Roshane Thomas, previously branded Lanzini “anonymous” when reflecting on his time at the club;

“I feel like, with Lanzini, he’s just too anonymous at times. You sort of feel like, ‘Oh, Lanzini’s playing today,’ – that tends to be the sort of reaction whenever I watch him play more recently.” He told The Athletic’s U Irons Podcast.

Moyes now has a decision to make, as it is also widely speculated that Jesse Lingard is set to make a return to London Stadium in a permanent deal from Manchester United, after he reportedly refused to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, pushing Lanzini further away from a place in the West Ham set up.

West Ham will face Brighton in a midweek clash that they will be hoping to win to maintain their position in the top four, and it will be interesting to see if Lanzini makes an appearance in the starting line up.

In other news: Moyes reveals extent of Aaron Creswell injury

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will be desperately looking over his shoulder after his team’s dismal defeat to Southampton in the Premier League on Friday night.

The Villans’ 1-0 loss on the south coast was their fifth consecutive defeat in the division and leaves Smith’s job hanging by a thread.

While much of the focus will naturally surround the manager, his players hardly covered themselves in glory either, with Anwar El Ghazi in particularly shocking form.

The Netherlands international was recalled to the starting line-up at St Mary’s and delivered the kind of woeful performance which would have left fans fuming.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession 16 times over the course of the game and lost seven of his nine duels on the night too, with Valentino Livramento finding it far too easy to pocket him at full-back. Only one of his three attempts on goal found the target, while he has no successful dribbles and none of his four attempted crosses found the mark either.

The Dutchman’s attempt at winning a cheap penalty was also slammed as “pathetic” on commentary, and it rather summed up what was a wholly ineffective performance.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a measly two, saying: “Should have had an early bath after his 11th-minute booking before another clear foul and then a dive. Livramento wouldn’t have had an easier game this season.

“El Ghazi kept losing the ball while he spurned a golden chance after Livramento slipped before firing high and wide. El Ghazi struck a powerful one which was tipped over by McCarthy after the break as Villa initially went to a 4-4-2. Poor on his return to the starting XI.”

With reports in recent weeks and months already indicating that Smith would be open to selling the winger, the £8.5m-rated Dutchman simply has to be sold after his latest disasterclass.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a worrying contract update…

Ousmane Dembele’s agent has made contact with Newcastle United, according to Spanish outlet Sport. 

The lowdown

The 24-year-old’s contract is up at the end of this season, raising the prospect of him leaving the Camp Nou on a free transfer.

A £121.5m signing from Borussia Dortmund, Dembele has been involved in 51 goals in his 118 appearances for the Catalan giants. He has also netted nine times in his 31 career outings in the Champions League.

He is yet to play this season, having picked up a hamstring injury during the summer’s European Championship, where he played in two matches for France, but he is now on the verge of fitness.

The latest

The report from Sport explained that Barcelona must choose between sidelining Dembele in a bid to force him into a signing new contract, a tactic they tried with Ilaix Moriba, or reintegrate him ‘given the needs of the team in attack’.

Barcelona are aware that choosing the latter option could weaken their hand, paving the way for Dembele to sign a pre-contract agreement from 1 January.

The Catalan giants have learned that his camp have initiated talks with Newcastle as well as Serie A side Juventus. At the same time, his agent is ‘turning deaf ears’ to Barcelona’s attempts to initiate dialogue over his contract.

The verdict

Dembele would be a blockbuster addition at St James’ Park, the kind of signing which would symbolise the beginning of a Newcastle revolution. Any additions in January may be more low-key, geared towards ensuring Premier League survival.

Even on a free transfer, though, it would be a risky deal. Above all else, his injury history makes for worrying reading, and ability isn’t much use without availability. There are also instances of off-field misdemeanours to consider before investing in a talented yet seemingly enigmatic player.

In other news, Newcastle have been linked with this Premier League ace 

Manchester United have received a triple selection boost ahead of their Champions League encounter with Atalanta this evening.

What’s the word?

The Red Devils take on their Italian opponents in a crucial Group F clash at Old Trafford and will be able to call upon the services of Harry Maguire, Fred and Edinson Cavani, although Anthony Martial remains sidelined.

Maguire made his comeback from a calf problem against Leicester City last time out, although looked short of match sharpness, while South American duo Fred and Cavani were unavailable due to their international exploits.

Ahead of tonight’s European fixture, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed all three will be available for selection, with Martial and Raphael Varane the only absentees.

“Anthony joined in training today, but he’s still not fit enough to join us (for the match),” Solskjaer told United’s in-house media.

“Harry’s not had any reaction, so he’s fine and good to go. We didn’t lose anyone else from the game through injury at the weekend. So we’re, more or less, a full squad. Raphael is still not with us, but Edinson and Fred are back available, which is good for us.”

Solskjaer will be buzzing

News that Maguire, Fred and Cavani will be ready to feature from the off against Atalanta will have Solskjaer buzzing, given the importance of the trio to his struggling charges.

Despite his hugely disappointing showing against the Foxes last time out, Maguire is a crucial cog in United’s backline and has captained the 20-time English champions on eight occasions this season, highlighting his influence.

The return of Brazil international Fred to United’s midfield should add some extra bite as none of his teammates have matched or bettered his tally of 2.5 tackles per game this term.

Meanwhile, the added goal threat of Cavani as Cristiano Ronaldo continues to struggle with one goal in his last four club outings could prove pivotal as Solskjaer’s side go in search of all three points.

And, in other news…Murtough must seal Man Utd move for £76m “exceptional talent”, Ole would love him 

Newcastle United have now reportedly made contact with Aaron Ramsey over a potential move.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted

The St. James’ Park faithful have recently been linked to the likes of Franck Kessie and James Ward-Prowse, suggesting that they are targeting a new central midfield player following the completed takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The new owners will have to wait until the January transfer window opens to really stamp their financial authority, but with the calibre of names being linked with a move to the North East already, it promises to be an exciting one for the Toon Army.

The Latest: Ramsey contact

As per Sport Mediaset, the Tyneside club have now made ‘first contacts’ with Ramsey over a potential move from Juventus, and are ‘ready’ to offer him a three-year deal.

The Old Lady seem keen to offload him, as Max Allegri is looking for a more ‘dynamic and physically powerful’ midfielder.

The Verdict: Sign

Even though he may be 30 years of age now, Ramsey is still ‘world-class’ on his day, as claimed by his Wales teammate Joe Allen after a narrow 1-0 loss away at eventual champions Italy in the Euros.

A player who is more than capable of offering goals from midfield, with no fewer than 91 in total in his senior career for both club and country so far, Ramsey also has the added experience of playing in the Premier League before with Arsenal.

He would certainly be a smart signing by the Magpies, providing they can keep him fit, the one major worry with the Wales star being his extensive injury record.

In other news, find out which ‘realistic and ambitious name’ NUFC could sign here!

Loads of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming as some news emerged involving a new partner.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, Sportemon Go (SGO) will now become a top tier ‘Official Club Partner’ with back of the shirt sponsor branding, digital non-fungible token (NFT) collectables, as they will also offer a significant commercial investment into the club.

They have formed sports partnerships with a number of high-profile athletes, including Premier League players Andy Robertson and Luke Shaw.

While they will bring some benefits, including innovative creative digital collectible products and fan engagement activities, a lot of Light Blues supporters are not happy with the new partner, as some feel as if they have too many already.

Others noticed the unfortunate Twitter handle that the company possesses, and so do not want to be associated with them.

Rangers fans on partnership

These Teddy Bears fumed as the partnership was announced on Twitter, with one Ger even going as far as to claim that it is ‘awful’:

“I don’t like this at all Rangers”

Credit: @Allan85200280

“No this ain’t it”

Credit: @DCRS_Boom

“Wow”

Credit: @King_Kamara18

“Called it. Shambles.”

Credit: @phil_091

“Rangers fans DO NOT put your money into this”

Credit: @kylEnsign

“Awful. Everything about it is awful”

Credit: @gordmatheson

In other news, find out whose comments have left Gers buzzing here!

Zimbabwe’s coach Walter Chawaguta will join Tim Nelisen, Australia’s coach, for a fortnight during the one-day series between Australia and Pakistan in the UAE next month

Cricinfo staff23-Mar-2009Zimbabwe’s coach Walter Chawaguta will join Tim Nelisen, Australia’s coach, for a fortnight during the one-day series between Australia and Pakistan in the UAE next month.The attachment is part of an ongoing education programme that Zimbabwe Cricket initiated to build its capacity in the various spheres of the game and is running in conjunction with Cricket Australia (CA).”ZC is very grateful for all the assistance and cooperation we are getting from CA,” Ozias Bvute, the board’s chief executive, said. “We believe that Walter will benefit immensely from this exposure and will return to impart the knowledge he gains from Nielsen to his fellow coaches and the players.”Last year, Chawaguta was attached to the CA Centre of Excellence in Brisbane for five weeks, along with Under-19 coach Shepherd Makunura. They then attended a level three coaching course afterwards, together with national team assistant coach Douglas Hondo.This year, two administrators, Esther Lupepe and Shingai Rhuhwaya, have attended the programme. Three staff members from the Cricket Operations department and four players will also be going to Australia during the course of the year.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense vive um momento de oscilação dentro do Brasileirão. Com três empates, uma derrota e uma vitória nas últimas rodadas, o Tricolor caiu para a 10ª posição após o revés no Clássico Vovô, na quarta-feira, no Maracanã. Para Gustavo Scarpa, a dificuldade encontrada não surpreende a comissão técnica e o elenco. O importante, no momento, é recuperar os pontos perdidos em casa.

– O time está concentrado, sabemos que o Brasileiro é muito disputado. São fases. A boa passou e a ruim chegou, mas estamos unidos e cientes que passará também. Não podemos nos abater. Da mesma maneira quando estamos ganhando não podemos nos iludir. Já temos que buscar um bom resultado contra o Coritiba para sair desse momento – avaliou Gustavo Scarpa.

A atuação no Clássico Vovô não agradou a torcida nem Abel Braga. Segundo o técnico, o Flu iniciou bem o jogo, mas depois acabou oferecendo o contra-ataque ao rival e teve dificuldades para furar a defesa alvinegra. Na visão de Scarpa, o Tricolor criou chances para sair do Maracanã com o empate.

– Teve momentos na partida em que fomos melhores e alguns momentos em que eles foram superiores. Os dois times tiveram bolas na trave, eles fizeram o gol e saíram com a vitória. Foram felizes – finalizou o camisa 10 tricolor.

Nesta quinta-feira, às 15h, o elenco do Flu se reapresenta no CT Pedro Antonio. O treino, que será fechado à imprensa, será o início da preparação para o duelo com o Coritiba, domingo, no Couto Pereira, pela 14ª rodada do Brasileirão.

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Manchester City were reportedly offered the chance to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid in the transfer window and he could’ve been a great addition to Pep Guardiola’s side.

According to the Daily Star, Atletico Madrid were keen to sign Bernardo Silva from the Citizens and offered Saul, as well as cash, to City in the hopes of signing him, but the deal was rejected by Guardiola.

The Spain international would instead complete a loan move to Chelsea, with the west London side holding an option to buy the midfielder for £30m should he impress during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Given that Bernardo Silva has struggled at times in the past two seasons and reportedly wanted to leave the Etihad this summer, it is perhaps a surprise that Guardiola rejected this deal, as Saul certainly would’ve been an impressive replacement for the former Monaco man.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936”]

Despite being just 26, Saul has already made 340 appearances for Atletico Madrid’s first team, in which he has contributed 43 goals and 20 assists, predominantly from a central midfield position.

Although his performances dropped somewhat last season, the midfielder has been extremely consistent in La Liga in recent seasons, averaging above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored the between 2015/16 and 2019/20 seasons.

Despite his stylishness on the ball and obvious passing ability, WhoScored lists some of his main strengths as tackling, concentration and aerial duels, so he could’ve offered something similar to the likes of Rodri and Fernandinho in Guardiola’s side, which surely would’ve been appreciated by the Spanish manager.

Gary Neville was full of praise for Saul after he joined Chelsea, saying:

“Saul is just another excellent player. He’s got massive experience at the top of La Liga, massive experience in the Champions League and at international level.”

Therefore, it seems strange that City rejected this deal as it would’ve made a lot of sense, and they may well end up regretting it if Saul becomes a success with Thomas Tuchel’s side.

And, in other news… Sam Lee drops exciting update on Man City wonderkid

Pat Crawford, the fast bowler who played four Tests for Australia in 1956, has died at the age of 75 after several years of ill health

Cricinfo staff21-Jan-2009Pat Crawford, the fast bowler who played four Tests for Australia in 1956, has died at the age of 75 after several years of ill health. A tall and wiry right-armer, Crawford collected seven Test wickets at the excellent average of 15.28 before his career was cut short by injury.He made his first-class debut for New South Wales at 21 and in his first season topped the Sheffield Shield averages with 25 victims at 12.96. His form earned him a place on the Ashes tour in 1956 and he made his Test debut at Lord’s in the second Test.However, Crawford broke down during his fifth over and did not bowl again in the match. The Australia captain Ian Johnson later described Crawford’s injury in his 1957 book .”Pat Crawford, who looked like making a promising debut, broke down after five very good overs,” Johnson wrote. “Pat possibly over-exerted himself on his big occasion and it was rotten luck when he suddenly pulled up short, his face contorted in a moment of anguish as a leg muscle went, a moment that his skipper felt just as sharply.”He won back his spot for three more Tests on the tour of India later in the same year and bowled impressively in Madras and Bombay, where he was dangerous and economical. But after collecting a Test best 3 for 28 at Brabourne Stadium, Crawford again succumbed to injury during the third Test at Calcutta, where he managed only five overs for the game.It was to be his final Test and within a year his first-class career had ended due to injury, with 110 wickets at 21.02. Crawford went on to play in the Lancashire League.