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Former Tottenham Hotspur star Graham Roberts insists that there is next to no chance of Harry Kane leaving the club in a swap deal with Manchester City.

Kane is said to have asked to leave the club, per Sky Sports News, amid interest from City, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

A report this week, though, claims that City have already tabled the first bid in what is likely to be a long-running summer saga.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano claims it could be worth a minimum of £100m to Spurs, while City have also dangled the prospect of including players in a deal; Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte are two of the highest-profile players mentioned.

Roberts, though, doubts that there is any chance of the City players making their way to Spurs, such are their wage demands.

Sterling, for example, is said to earn £300,000-per-week at the Etihad Stadium, per Spotrac, and Roberts feels such a deal is simply too complicated.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “It’s alright them saying ‘you can have him’, alright, you pay three quarters of his wages and we’ll take them.

“We’ll pay them what we think they’re worth. It’s not going to happen.

“Swap deals are not going to happen.”

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi after another impressive season in Serie A.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (as reported by the Liverpool Echo), the Reds are monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation, with a possible bid being prepared.

The report claims that fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in snapping up Berardi this summer, meaning Jurgen Klopp may have to move quickly in order to secure his man.

New Mohamed Salah

After bagging an impressive 17 goals and providing a further eight assists in just 30 top-flight appearances last season, Berardi earned a place in Italy’s squad for Euro 2020.

The 6 ft forward has carried his fine club form onto the international stage, becoming one of Roberto Mancini’s standout performers in the group stage of the European Championship, with two assists in two games for the unbeaten Italian side leading The Guardian’s Nicky Bandini to say that he, and his club teammate Manuel Locatelli, have been at the heart of the revitalisation of Italy.

He’s been a highly-rated talent in his homeland for many years despite not featuring for one of Italian football’s biggest teams, drawing praise from former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi back in 2014.

“Berardi is a player of great talent, a modern footballer who plays for the team all over the field,” said Sacchi. “He has liveliness, intuition, temperament, and strength combined with a good technique.”

A failed two-year stint at Juventus saw Berardi fail to make a single appearance for the Old Lady, spending the entirety of his time back on loan at Sassuolo, but he’s continually been linked with another exit since.

At 26, the pacey gem may think it’s the right time to take the next step in his career, and Liverpool’s director of football Michael Edwards could discover the club’s new Mohamed Salah with a swoop over the coming months.

The Eygpt international has fired the Reds to Champions League and Premier League glory since making his switch from Serie A outfit Roma four seasons ago, and Berardi could have a similar impact.

He’s contributed to 172 goals in 291 games for his boyhood club to date, highlighting the star quality he possesses. And he could become the next attacking talent from Italian football to steer Klopp’s charges to major trophies next season.

And, in other news…Edwards must seal Liverpool swoop for 18 y/o “incredible talent”, Klopp would love him 

Rangers have been tipped to return for Fenerbahce winger Bright Osayi-Samuel in the transfer window and if he were to join Steven Gerrard’s side this summer, it could well lead to Ianis Hagi departing Ibrox on a permanent deal.

According to Turkish news outlet Fotaspor (via Glasgow Live) Rangers have now made an approach for the former QPR man as he eyes a return to the UK this summer, with the Gers’ Old Firm rivals also credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.

Gerrard’s side were heavily linked with the young Nigerian in the January transfer window and he would’ve been available on a free transfer in the summer had he not completed a move to Fenerbahce, with the Turkish giants paying a fee to ensure that he joined before his contract with the R’s expired at the end of the season.

However, things have not really gone to plan for Osayi-Samuel in the Super Lig, as he has managed just one goal and one assist in 19 appearances for Fener, which has seemingly led to them wanting to cut their losses and sell him this summer after less than six months with the club.

The winger was really starting to hit form with QPR in the Championship before his January departure, with three goals and three assists in 21 appearances, so if he could rediscover his best form and improve even further with Rangers, then he could prove to be a solid addition this summer.

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QPR boss Mark Warburton was full of praise for him last season, saying:

“I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game.

“He’s working so hard. He’s got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful.”

If the 23-year-old were to make the switch to Ibrox this summer then he could prove to be a direct replacement for Hagi in Gerrard’s side.

Following an impressive season that saw the former KRC Genk man contribute eight goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Teddy Bears, he has been linked with a move away to the likes of Lazio and Sevilla, whilst a recent dispute over him wanting to play at the Olympics for Romania this summer could also be a catalyst in him leaving for good.

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Therefore, if Rangers were to splash the cash on Osayi-Samuel this summer there would be a lot of competition at right-wing in Gerrard’s squad, so it would perhaps not be a surprise to see Hagi depart.

And, in other news… Rangers could sign their ideal Kamara heir with swoop for 9 G/A beast

Kenyan coach Sandeep Patil admitted to being hurt by the manner in which hisside slumped to defeat in the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A inMatara, calling it the worst performance in his three-year tenure

CricInfo10-Feb-2002Kenyan coach Sandeep Patil admitted to being hurt by the manner in which hisside slumped to defeat in the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A inMatara, calling it the worst performance in his three-year tenure.He went on to complain that his players’ natural talent was being wastedbecause of their inability to play as a team.Speaking straight after the team had been defeated by an innings and 152 runsto lose the series with a Sri Lanka A side two-nil, Patil said: “Winning andlosing doesn’t matter, but the way we lost it does.”He added: “We have to start playing as a team. There’s no point in playersgetting hundreds if we cannot play as a team.””We have no excuses at all, the umpiring has been very good, the pitcheshave been absolutely brilliant, and the facilities tremendous.”I still don’t believe the kind of cricket we have played. This the worstperformance of the Kenyan team in the last three years I have beenassociated with them.””We’ve come here to educate ourselves, to learn and we have already wastedten days without learning.”His batsmen bore the brunt of his disappointment: “We have not beenselective enough in out shot making, playing too many shots. We have notbeen able to handle the pressure.”But Patil is also convinced that the team can perform much better.”I have seen these guys playing some brilliant cricket and I am confidentthey can do it,” he said.He now hopes they can salvage from the series in the final Test startingThursday at Dambulla.”Now it is up to us to wake up and pull our socks up and get back into theseries by playing some good cricket,” he said.”As long as we can learn from our mistakes and we take a step forwardtowards what we intend doing ultimately, then I’ll be happy. We can performto our ability in the next game.”Sri Lanka ‘A’ coach, Roshan Mahanama, was delighted with the performance ofhis players, whom he claimed had worked hard and to a plan.”I wanted them to get big scores and they have done so,” he said. “In thebowling, all the wickets have been shared. That’s a sign the team is playingas a unit and everyone is trying to do their best for the team. It hasworked out well for the boys and I am happy for them.”Commenting on Chandana’s contribution to the win, Mahanama said: “To be fairby Chandana, he has been labeled a one-day cricketer. He has played a lot ofone-day cricket and he hasn’t had the opportunity of playing the longerversion of the game. He’s clearly making good use of the opportunity givento him now.””I am sure the captaincy also would have given him that added confidence. Hehas done a fantastic job, not only with the bat and ball, but as captain aswell”.On Tillakaratne Dilshan’s century (164 not out), Mahanama said: “I was veryimpressed with him. He went through a lean period. He got two back-to-backhundreds against England but since then he has struggled a bit.”I wanted him to convert the fifties and sixties in club matches into bigscores and that’s exactly what he did. He batted for close to seven hoursand he showed his commitment.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Dois gols, assistência, carrinho… o ano do Botafogo começou com uma grande atuação de Rodrigo Pimpão no amistoso contra o Rio Branco, neste domingo. Mas o atacante do Botafogo acredita que pode melhorar, principalmente porque ainda não está no peso ideal.

– As minhas férias não são férias. Continuo trabalhando. Entramos em contato com os preparadores. É importante o repouso, mas o trabalho também depois de uma semana. Eu me preparei, fazia academia, trabalhos na praia. Faz diferença chegar como cheguei, buscando o melhor – disse antes de concluir:

– Em campo, os resultados aparecem. O Botafogo tem departamento bom para isso. Estou abaixo, mas estou com 69kg, e voltei ao clube com 64kg. Preciso ganhar 1kg para voltar ao meu ideal, que é de quando estava no próprio Alvinegro, em 2015 – explicou.

Rodrigo Pimpão, assim como os demais jogadores do elenco botafoguense, fez um treino leve na tarde desta segunda-feira, no China Park, em Domingos Martins (ES). O trabalho teve somente reservas num trabalho de cruzamentos e finalização, com aproveitamento apenas regular.

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According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have now held three rounds of talks with Roberto Martinez and more in recent days as the club ‘close in’ on appointing a new manager.

The Lowdown: Spurs hold ‘extensive’ Martinez discussions

Recent reports by the same outlet indicated that ‘extensive discussions’ have been held with the 47-year-old who has been shortlisted by Tottenham for the role.

They also emphatically claimed that the Spaniard has been making a ‘huge play’ for the job behind closed doors and is very keen on succeeding former boss Jose Mourinho.

The Latest: Further talks emerge…

Bringing an update on this story, Football Insider now believe that further negotiations have been held in recent days which brings the total to three rounds of Spurs discussions with Martinez.

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The first two came before the 2020/2021 Premier League season ended last weekend, meanwhile the third round of talks have come only in the last few days.

Football Insider also say that the Lilywhites also closing in on a new manager with Martinez shortlisted.

Indeed, in an encouraging claim, the outlet believe that Tottenham are ‘confident’ of appointing a new manager this week and in a matter of days.

The Verdict: Mixed bag…

While it is fantastic news that Spurs are allegedly close to an appointment behind the scenes, Spurs fans may be hoping that man isn’t Martinez despite former Scotland boss Alex McLeish lauding him as ‘world class’ recently (Football Insider).

Reports have now emerged that former fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino has held talks with Spurs and is apparently eager to make a return to the north London club (The Athletic).

Depending on the validity of these claims, with conflicting reports also emerging, we believe that the Argentine would be a far superior candidate to Martinez given everything he achieved at Tottenham in his first spell – including a Champions League final appearance.

However, if Spurs want to appoint him, they will apparently have to fight tooth and nail given PSG’s alleged stance.

In other news: Spurs now want to sign this ‘nearly unplayable’ star, find out more here.

Madhya Pradesh took a 140 run first innings lead over Uttar Pradesh on thesecond day of their Central Zone Ranji Trophy clash at the Green Park inKanpur on Friday. After bowling out Madhya Pradesh for 283, Uttar Pradeshwere 12 without loss from six overs in their second innings at stumps.Useful knocks by Harvinder Sodhi and Nikhil Patwardhan were the feature ofMP’s innings after they resumed on 121/3 this morning. UP’s left armpaceman Shalabh Sriwastava struck for the third time when he had DevendraBundela leg before on his overnight score of 39. Sodhi (57) and Patwardhan(49) added 82 for the fifth wicket before the latter was dismissed legbefore by Aashish Zaidi at 204.It was the first of four wickets in a row for Zaidi, including the ones ofSodhi and 39 year old skipper Chandrakant Pandit. The third seamer in the attack, Mrityunjay Tripathy, mopped up the tail by trapping the last two men infront. MP were bowled out in the 121st over, Zaidi finishing with 4/89.Five of the ten victims were leg before. UP openers Nasir Ali and JyotiYadav played out the remaining 26 minutes without mishap, the hosts needinganother 128 to make their opponents bat again.

Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in signing Xherdan Shaqiri this summer, as his Liverpool career slowly reaches its conclusion.

The Lowdown: Peripheral figure for Reds

The Swiss playmaker has had a curious Reds career, in many ways, never really becoming a regular starter and seeing injuries disrupt his progress.

That being said, Shaqiri has still scored eight goals and registered nine assists, famously netting twice in a 3-1 win over Manchester United in 2018/19.

The forward’s current Liverpool deal doesn’t expire until 2023, but it seems he is set to leave and begin the next chapter in his career this summer.

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The Latest: Fenerbahce eye up Shaqiri move

According to Sabah [via Sport Witness], Fenerbahce have offered to sign Shaqiri on loan, with an obligation to buying him further down the line.

The 29-year-old is keen to leave Liverpool, and the Premier League in general, asking his agent to sort him a move elsewhere.

The Reds are believed to want €7million (£6m) for Shaqiri, who hasn’t started a game since the 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham in early March.

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The Verdict: Good for all parties

It is time for Shaqiri to leave Liverpool, with Harvey Elliott potentially coming in to take his position as a back-up creative forward next season, following an excellent season on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

There is no denying the Switzerland international’s quality as a player – he has been hailed as ‘incredible’ by James Pearce in the past – but his lack of availability is an issue.

Liverpool will be keen to receive a healthy fee for Shaqiri as soon as possible, so a permanent exit may appeal to them more than a temporary one.

Whatever happens, it would be better for the Reds and Shaqiri if he was plying his trade away from Anfield next season.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign a hugely exciting Premier League player this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United’s surprise quest for a top-four spot was dealt a crushing blow on Saturday afternoon as they were narrowly defeated by local rivals Chelsea at the London Stadium.

The visitors moved three points clear in fourth place and now the Irons have defending champions Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur on their tail.

It was a big chance for David Moyes’ side to prove to the rest of the top-flight that they are genuine contenders for a Champions League berth and not merely a one-season wonder team that has been enjoying a purple patch.

Overall, the Hammers did give a good account of themselves but the Blues did dominate possession (56%) and they had way more chances (17 shots), so the scoreline could’ve been far greater on another day.

In the absence of a striker, the 58-year-old opted with a two-pronged attack of Jesse Lingard and Jarrod Bowen, leaving Said Benrahma on the bench.

The duo, particularly the latter, struggled to combat Chelsea’s back three and as a result, this is what cost them on the night.

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Bowen managed to fire off just one of West Ham’s nine attempts all game, whilst he lost 12 of his duels (75%), which only emphasises how ineffective and weak he was against the likes of Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.

The £27m-rated dynamo also failed on the ball, managing just one successful dribble from four attempts, further suggesting how he couldn’t get past Thomas Tuchel’s stern backline.

From just 43 touches, Bowen was wasteful too, as he lost possession 14 times – meaning he handed the ball back to the visitors once every 6.4 minutes, and once every three touches, as per SofaScore.

The 24-year-old, who earns a reported £60k-per-week, was rated pretty poorly by football.london in their post-match ratings column, Indeed, his 5/10 ranked him amongst Moyes’ worst players.

‘West Ham’s furthest player forward but the striker was way too separated from his teammates and failed to have a big impact in the first half,’ wrote Tom Clark. ‘The second half continued in the same vein for Bowen as he struggled to get into the game.’

All in all, Bowen massively let his manager and his side down and he’ll have to do a far better job in the absence of Michail Antonio if the Irons are to make it into Europe.

AND in other news, GSB could find West Ham’s next Defoe in £26m-rated “goal machine”…

If you’d tipped an hourglass upside down when Neil Lennon first left Celtic, it would have ticked to its end way before Dermot Desmond even had a clue who his replacement could be.

This has been a long and arduous few weeks for the Bhoys, who – try as they might – can’t seem to find a successor from anywhere.

What’s the word?

There have been several faces in line to become the new manager of Celtic. Roy Keane was among the early favourites after holding an interview but, after things went rather quiet on that front, he’s now back in contention.

Lucien Favre has been another option but Eddie Howe remains the outstanding candidate the Hoops hierarchy are reportedly after.

That being said, we’re now several weeks into the hiring process without nearing any form of announcement. This should be a worrying time for everyone associated with the football club, but a troublesome message from journalist Dean Jones on the Touchline Talk podcast should only add further concern.

He said: “So Eddie Howe, he’s there if they want him, but I think he’s just keeping an eye on what English jobs might crop up. I think he’s made been made aware that there might be a couple of openings coming for him and it might be better suited, but I do still think he’s in the frame at Celtic potentially. Roy Keane that just never goes away.”

Jones continued: “I’ve got to be honest with you, every time, every week I make calls on this and every time that message slightly changes and they just don’t seem to know what they want. It’s so important to decide what is the identity of your setup going to be from here? There’s changes all over the place at the top level of Celtic happening right now.”

Clouded with doubt

Lennon left Celtic with the Bhoys in absolute peril. They were 18 points adrift of Rangers, yet he still had the support of the boardroom. Had he not resigned, it wouldn’t have been a great surprise if he was still sat in the dugout at Paradise.

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His exit may have caught Desmond and co unawares but it’s now nearly two months to the day that Celtic’s hunt for a new manager began. Therefore, to hear that the message is constantly changing and that the Hoops are unsure of what they actually want is quite damning.

It’s also sending out the wrong message to supporters. The Green Brigade have already held mass protests outside Parkhead, while they’ve staunchly questioned Desmond and his companions.

The majority shareholder has revealed that he won’t sell his shares in the club, but news like this will only add to the fury from supporter groups. Desmond hasn’t been overly competent this season when it’s come to behind-the-scenes matters and the prolonged manager search just about sums it up.

Howe may be the first name on their list but, with Keane sat in second place after taking part in an interview, it just shows they don’t know what they want.

The former is a reserved and calculated character but Keane is a hot-headed, no-nonsense type of individual; they couldn’t be more different if they tried.

With such a big summer of change potentially on the cards, Desmond needs to work out what the club actually needs. There cannot afford to be any more uncertainty at Celtic after the campaign they’ve endured.

AND in other news, Celtic moving towards 3 landmark hires after big manager U-turn, Desmond surely elated…