This article is part of Football FanCast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.
Although Aston Villa’s transfer business saw the club shell out over £130m on 12 new players, Dean Smith is likely to be keeping tabs on a number of loanees who could return to the newly-promoted side’s ranks in their bid to consolidate the club’s Premier League status.
The likes of Scott Hogan and Andre Green are spending their seasons away from Villa Park with Stoke City and Preston North End respectively, but one loanee who is plying their trade in League One is Rushian Hepburn-Murphy with Tranmere Rovers.
The Villa youth product, who has been capped with England from U16 to U20, has made 11 appearances for Rovers in the 2019/20 campaign, scoring three goals in what was an initially tough spell when he was red-carded on debut.
Micky Mellon’s side currently sit 18th but have scored the joint-most goals of any side in the bottom-13 within the division.
The forward’s most memorable display came against MK Dons, where he netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory this month, showing signs that he’s beginning to impress. He has also recorded an impressive record of 0.8 dribbles per game and 0.9 shots per match despite only starting three times.
The 21-year-old forward had spent time on loan at Cambridge United in League Two during the previous campaign, but the Villa hierarchy will be hoping that stepping up a division can provide a basis for development and increase the likelihood of Hepburn-Murphy returning to Vila Park and featuring in Smith’s first-team squad.
With the likes of Keinan Davis vying for a first-team place, the conclusion of the 2019/20 campaign could mark the perfect opportunity for Smith and his coaching staff to assess the forward’s credentials in comparison to other youthful prospects
A potential return to Villa Park could be a distinct possibility if Hepburn-Murphy can continue his promising rate of development at Prenton Park.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to The Mirror’s recent report, Bayern Munich are reigniting their interest in Manchester City’s £90m-rated man, Leroy Sane. And that deal would make more sense for them than going through with Philippe Coutinho’s transfer.
What’s the word, then?
The same sources outline that the Bavarian giants were keen on acquiring the young City winger last summer, but the unfortunate injury that he sustained in the Community Shield got in the way.
Sane is still recovering but Bayern are ready to come back for their juicy target that could even cost them around £90m, as per The Mirror’s same report.
Watch German Football Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Instead of the 24-year-old forward, they landed Barcelona’s Coutinho on a loan deal but they could be offering Pep Guardiola’s talisman a huge £20million-a-year contract.
Even though it definitely sounds like a pricey operation, it’s a better alternative than the deal they have with the Catalans for the Brazilian.
Much better option
Bayern have an option to incorporate Coutinho permanently at the end of his loan deal for a reported sum of €120m (£102.6m).
Of course, the Bavarians have also taken on his full wages and have paid Barcelona an initial €8.5m (£7.2m) loan fee, which means that when everything is said and done, the Brazilian could very well turn into a costly transaction.
But does he really warrant such a price tag?
The start of his journey in the Bundesliga was excellent, but things soon took a turn for the worse as Bayern learned about the Brazilian’s flaws the hard way, similarly to the Blaugrana who ended up regretting their purchase from Liverpool.
Sane, on the other hand, although in a similar price range, is a much better option.
The German’s quality cannot really be questioned.
After all, he managed to bag 16 goals and 18 assists across all competitions in 2018/19 and for that reason, Guardiola is certainly missing the attacker in the ongoing campaign.
Not to mention that he would actually be more needed than Coutinho.
Bayern have Kingsley Coman on the left but as gifted and talented as the 23-year-old Frenchman is, he is also ridden by injuries, suffering a total of five in the last campaign.
So far in 2019/20, he managed to stay fit and played a total of 16 games, scoring three times and assisting further five.
But when everything is said and done, Sane is on a different level altogether and he could possibly take Bayern one step further.
Charlton Athletic striker Macauley Bonne has been cleared to play ahead of the Cardiff City clash on Saturday after having cardiac tests, as reported by London News Online.
The 24-year-old had pulled out of the Zimbabwe squad due to what he referred to on Twitter as “unforeseen medical grounds”.
It has now been confirmed that he is okay to play following the tests, though he will continue to have checks as time goes on:
Charlton fans are relieved about these results for the striker, who has scored five goals this season, both from a human and footballing standpoint.
One fan pointed out that “health is more important than football”, while others seemed delighted about the club’s massive boost ahead of the clash against Cardiff City – especially as they only have 1 win from their last 7 games.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the update, including posts from relieved Charlton fans, can be seen below:
Loads of Sunderland fans have been responding to a clip of Fabio Borini, after the former Black Cats star turned 29 on Sunday.
You won’t find many players more popular on Wearside over the last few years than Borini. Whether it be Lee Camp or Papy Djilobodji, the club have had their fair share of flops and controversies in recent campaigns, but Borini’s short stint in red and white etched his name into cult hero status.
Watch Sunderland Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Indeed, the Verona forward checked all the boxes for fan favouritism, scoring against Newcastle three times, bagging goals against Chelsea and Manchester United on route to a cup final, and most importantly scoring a memorable goal in that cup final, which fans have been reflecting on over the weekend, hailing the strike against Manchester City as “absolutely unbelievable” and “beautiful”.
If you’re wondering how he’s been getting on since leaving the Stadium of Light, he bagged just eight goals in 75 appearances for Milan before joining Verona in January, but was ranked as Europe’s best player in the final 15 minutes of matches back in March, via Whoscored.
The Italian has quickly become one of the most versatile players in world football, having now played in as many as ten different positions, per Transfermarkt, including left-back and central midfield.
Where is he from?! Can you name which obscure countries these famous players have represented?
While his career has moved on though, some fans are still hurting from that 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Others simply commented on Borini’s time at the club in general, with one supporter “mind blown” by the fact the forward is only 29.
This is perhaps due to the sheer amount that has happened to the club since the Serie A man left, with consecutive relegations, multiple managers and an ownership battle enough to form a Netflix series out of.
Another fan commented on the memorable goals he scored for the club, and they are absolutely correct. Borini struck four times against Chelsea, three against Newcastle and two against each of the big Manchester sides, per Transfermarkt.
The Cameroon international signed for Tottenham back in the summer of 2015 during Mauricio Pochettino’s time in charge, penning a five-year deal in north London.
And based on his comments immediately after signing, N’Jie seemed to think that big things were destined for him. He said: “I‘m very happy to join Tottenham, such a big club in England. I’m still young, still growing up and it’s a big challenge – the Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world.
Best of the Decade: Top scorers & creators – Can you name them?
“The club is ambitious and I’m ready to give my best to help the club achieve its aims. Like I said, I’m still learning and I’m here to give my best. I just hope I get the chance to give (back) to the club what they are giving to me.”
Unfortunately for him, things just didn’t work out so well for him.
As per Transfermarkt, the now 22-year-old played just 14 times in total for the Spurs first-team, scoring no goals whatsoever and providing just one solitary assist.
A knee injury in December 2015 that ruled him out for the best part of three months did nothing to help his cause, and he struggled to really make it back into Pochettino’s squad thereafter.
In the end, he was shipped out on loan to French side Marseille before making a recent move to Russian outfit Dinamo Moscow. With Pochettino helping to develop the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Kane amongst others, seeing N’Jie fall by the wayside is surely one of the few failures on the part of the former Spurs boss.
Speaking a couple of years ago, the striker remained adamant that he didn’t regret his time at Spurs. He revealed: “It’s a choice I needed to make. The club was OK with it. Everyone thought it was a good solution. I acquired a lot of experience during that adventure at Tottenham. It really helped me afterwards, and it still does. Therefore, I have no regrets.”
Now valued at a measly £2.52m, N’Jie’s decline since making the move from Lyon is a blight on Pochettino’s track record. The Argentine had some major success stories in the transfer market – the likes of Heung-min Son and Alli for example – but the Cameroonian will go down as one of his biggest Spurs disasters.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans react to Victor Wanyama’s admission.
Alex Bruce has said it would be a “coup” if Everton were able to sign James Rodriguez this summer, in an interview with Football Insider.
What did he say?
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Toffees have offered the Colombian a four-year deal at Goodison Park, which would see him reunited with his former boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodriguez spent the past two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich, while he has seen his game time limited at Real Madrid this year due to injury.
Asked whether the 28-year-old would represent a good signing for Everton, Bruce said it would be a “hell of a coup”.
“It would be a hell of a statement to go and get someone like him, I think he’s a very good player and he’s got bags of ability,” he told Football Insider.
“For Everton to get in someone like him would be a hell of a coup. I think when you go and sign someone like that it makes people stand up and take notice of you.
“It can also attract other players of that sort of calibre once you get someone of that ilk through the door. For them to get him, it’ll mean they mean business.”
Optimistic move
A move for Rodriguez this summer would undoubtedly be a big surprise, but it remains to be seen whether it will be possible for Everton to make it work.
Clubs will likely be less willing to spend big than they have in the past, while the Colombian has struggled with form and injury in recent years.
A move for the Real Madrid man would be a statement, but given the economic circumstances, it would be a shock to see it happen.
With Amanda Staveley on the brink of brokering a deal for a Saudi-led consortium to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley, speculation over their summer priorities has been rife.
After years of Premier League preservation being the club’s primary goal, the Magpies are now being linked with a host of names as they seek to climb the table.
Currently sat 13, Steve Bruce has done a commendable job in keeping his goal-shy side closer to mid-table than to the bottom, but it appears that he, like many of his players, could be looking at the exit door.
On the incoming side of things, the club are said to be interested in players from across Europe of all positions and given their potential financial situation, they are one of a small group of clubs not expected to be impacted by the global economic situation.
Here, we look at five players the North East side should look to target this summer.
Odsonne Edouard
Soccer Football – Europa League Play Off First Leg – Celtic v AIK – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Britain – August 22, 2019 Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
A player that has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs of late, Odsonne Edouard has had an outstanding season with Celtic this term.
Bagging 22 goals from 27 league starts, the 22-year-old has stepped up this term and could offer the perfect option for Newcastle.
Joelinton has managed just one goal this term and while he can still play a valuable role, it makes sense to add a goalscorer to the squad.
According to the Daily Record, the Magpies could seal a deal for around £25m plus add-ons, in a move that could provide good value for all parties.
Dean Henderson
Having conceded just 22 goals so far this league season, Dean Henderson has been one of the form goalkeepers.
On loan at Sheffield United from Manchester United, he earned his first England call-up and will surely be looking for regular game time at Old Trafford or a permanent move away.
With David De Gea currently in possession of the number one jersey at United, Newcastle could offer an exciting opportunity for a young and ambitious player like Henderson.
Martin Dubravka has been an ever-present this term, but at 31 years of age, the club could well look to upgrade with the 23-year-old.
Wilfried Zaha
Soccer Football – Premier League – Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace – The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain – February 29, 2020 Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha reacts REUTERS/Dylan Martinez EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account
Linked with a move to Arsenal and Everton last summer, Wilfried Zaha could finally be set to get his move away from Selhurst Park.
According to The Sun, Zaha is valued at around £60m by Crystal Palace and is very much on the radar of Newcastle, who The Sun claim could spend up to £300m this summer.
An academy graduate at Palace, Zaha had a brief spell at Old Trafford before returning and appears keen to test himself at the top level.
With Newcastle said to be very ambitious it is a deal that makes plenty of sense and even though the Ivory Coast international is having his worst goalscoring season since 2015/16, his proven quality at Premier League level makes him an obvious target and upgrade on their current options.
Houssem Aouar
One of the most sought after midfielders in Europe, Houssem Aouar has emerged as a target for Newcastle according to reports in France.
Reportedly valued at around £45m, Newcastle are to be keen on the player who is said to be a target for Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United.
An outstanding dribbler and passer, Aouar is averaging 2.6 dribbles, one key pass and 42.1 accurate passes per match in a struggling Lyon side this term, while he has also scored three and assisted four goals in Ligue 1 so far.
Aged 21, he is the perfect profile for a club looking to build to the future and offers an upgrade on the likes of Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey.
Kalidou Koulibaly
In what would be a fantastic coup for the club, Newcastle are being linked with a move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly according to reports in Italy.
The club are reportedly in pole position to sign the 28-year-old due to the financial toll borne by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, who had been linked with the Senegal international.
Averaging 58 completed passes per match as well as 2.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.8 clearances, Koulibaly is rated by many as one of the best defenders in Europe and is said to be keen on a move away.
However, with Newcastle potentially one of the few sides that can afford his wages and transfer fee, it may be a choice between staying in Naples or moving to the North East.
Arsenal should take the gamble of signing Philippe Coutinho for the asking price of €80m (roughly £71.5m) as Spanish publication ABC reported that Mikel Arteta is targeting a transfer move for him in the upcoming summer window.
As per the report, the Spanish coach has already confirmed that he would like to have Coutinho at Arsenal for next season and that the Barcelona ace would be a key pillar in his project.
Arteta is apparently convinced that the player can regain his best level and help the north London club to compete with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. Coutinho has also apparently confirmed that his priority is to return to the Premier League, the competition in which he arguably lived his best moments. By style, the Gunners arguably fits perfectly with the way they play. [via ABC]
Indeed, the attacking midfield player made 152 appearances in the English top flight for Liverpool, scoring 41 goals and making 37 assists, according to Transfermarkt.
His pedigree in England’s highest division not just as a creator but also as a goalscorer could prove to be the difference between Arsenal regaining Champions League football or continuing to miss out and, with a couple more additions, maybe even competing for the league title once again.
Take Mesut Ozil, who plays in the same kind of role but has only netted once and provided two assists in 18 matches in the Premier League so far this campaign (via Transfermarkt). At 27 years of age, Coutinho is four years younger than the German and so is arguably reaching the peak of his career whereas Ozil’s best years may be drifting away.
Even though the asking price is relatively expensive, Arsenal should take the gamble on Coutinho.
Gooners, do you think the club should sign Coutinho for £71.5m? Comment below with your views!
Plenty of Newcastle United fans have been reacting the latest update from the Shields Gazette this week.
Two journalists from the local rag have answered questions on some of the Magpies’ hot topics, which of course has all been about the prospective £300m takeover for the past two months or so.
They claim that the piracy issues, something that has raised doubts in recent weeks, were apparently ironed out a few weeks ago – despite the Guardian stating otherwise – and that the Saudi state will outbid Qatar for the Premier League’s TV rights.
However, a few members of the St James’ Park faithful are sick and tired of the situation dragging on…
Although some were rather encouraged by the claims. They are, after all, set to finally get rid of Mike Ashley after 13 disappointing years.
Under his stewardship, the Magpies have twice seen relegation to the Championship and have flirted with European football for just one season before that team fell apart.
Cameo Clubs: Which obscure teams did these football legends play for?
The Sports Direct mogul’s control of the club saw popular manager Rafa Benitez depart in the summer for a job in China with his replacement being Steve Bruce, who reportedly became the lowest paid manager in the top-flight.
Whilst others were loving the news that the Saudi state would try to get the rights to the Premier League, thus taking them from beIN Sports, who employs former Sky Sports anchor Richard Keys.
His relationship with the Magpies fanbase is a sour one, to say the least, supporters slammed him last month for his comments regarding the takeover and now they would love to see him out of work.
AND in other news, Newcastle looking at coveted Championship STAR ahead of mooted summer switch…
According to a Foot Mercato journalist, Tottenham are working on the signing of Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer, with discussions between the club and the midfielder’s representatives having already started.
What’s the word?
The Denmark international has been the subject of intense speculation over these past few weeks, with reports that he had made it clear to the Saints that he has no interest in signing a new deal with them.
Can you name every one of Spurs’ top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…
That prompted Ralph Hasenhuttl to strip the 24-year-old of the captaincy at St Mary’s, and as per Foot Mercato’s Santi’ FM on Twitter, talks between Hojbjerg and Spurs are well under way ahead of a potential move come the end of the season.
Upgrade on Ndombele
Whilst Hojbjerg is having his issues with Southampton, Tanguy Ndombele has been going through some difficult at Tottenham too.
The Frenchman has had a nightmare debut season in north London, with form and fitness seeing him make just 27 appearances across all competitions. His most high-profile moment in a Spurs shirt was no doubt when Jose Mourinho delivered a stinging criticism of his performance after the clash against Burnley earlier this year.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher questioned his desire and work ethic, even going so as far to say “his performance was nothing short of a disgrace”. But whilst the former Lyon man isn’t one to get stuck in, Hojbjerg absolutely is, and just the kind of player Mourinho can rely upon.
As per Sofascore, he wins 6.8 total duels per game, and makes 2.6 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per match in the Premier League this season. And speaking earlier this month, former Spurs midfielder Michael Brown insisted that Hojbjerg is a “top-class player”, and judging by his defensive stats, is the kind of powerhouse that would provide everything that Ndombele has failed to bring.
It’s exactly why Daniel Levy shouldn’t hesitate to bring him in this summer.