Villa lining up move for £25m star who’d be an upgrade on Duran

Aston Villa have got the ball rolling in recent days after winding around PSR sticking points in recent weeks. Douglas Luiz's transfer to Juventus has yet to be concluded but is edging toward completion, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea headed to Villa Park.

Circumnavigating financial issues has left Unai Emery unable to enjoy the kind of thrilling start to the transfer window that last season's top-four Premier League finish called for, though a deal in excess of £35m has also been agreed for left-back Ian Maatsen and Everton's Lewis Dobbin is in advanced negotiations with the Lions.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery

All told, there's a lot going on. Staying within spending regulations and preventing a damaging points deduction next season is paramount, yes, but Villa need to ensure competitivity in the Champions League, with a centre-forward now being considered.

Villa eyeing new striker

As per i news, Aston Villa are among the clutch of Premier League clubs interested in signing LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David, though currently trail Manchester United, who have made contact with the player's representatives.

LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David

Lille president Olivier Letang confirmed last week that the Canada international is available for transfer with just one year left on his current deal – offers in the £25m ballpark will be met with consideration.

Why Villa are interested in Jonathan David

Aston Villa boast one of the best forwards in the Premier League in Ollie Watkins, but Chelsea's efforts to sign Jhon Duran would leave Villa Park a little light up front, so signing a replacement is paramount.

It goes without saying that Champions League football will bring thrill to Villa Park but it will also bring rigours that a lack of depth will succumb to, leaving Emery's squad leached and lethargic in the later stages of the campaign. Duran is young but he's been highly effective as Watkins' understudy, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming that he has "the potential to become a top striker".

David, who scored 26 goals and added nine assists from 47 matches for Lille in 2023/24, would be the perfect replacement. Still only 24, he's been hailed an "unbelievable finisher" by journalist Austin Ditlhobolo, ranking among the top 17% of strikers across Europe's top five leagues last season for non-penalty goals scored per 90 (FBref).

Ligue 1: Top Scorers 23/24

Rank

Player

Goals

1.

Kylian Mbappe

27

2.

Jonathan David

19

2.

Alexandre Lacazette

19

4.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

17

5.

Wissam Ben Yedder

16

Stats via Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Not just a sharpshooter, the Canadian also ranks among the top 3% for pass completion, speaking highly of his technical, staccato-fired distribution, combining and conducting in attacking phase to maintain a fluent, all-together kind of advance.

For Villa, who ranked 16th in the Premier League last season for long balls, this kind of snappy, straightforward passing would prove to be a welcome addition to the build-up structure.

Jhon Duran for Aston Villa

By selling Duran to Chelsea, Villa Park would frankly lose some raw power, and prodigious gusto, that scant few targets could effectively imitate upon arrival, but David is a refined and polished goalscorer who would bring some maturity and experience needed for the forthcoming European campaign.

Duran, aged 20, scored eight goals in all competitions last term and notably dissembled Liverpool's defence in the penultimate game, bagging twice to all but confirm a seat at Europe's elite table.

But starting just three top-flight fixtures, he's clearly still got much to learn. David's 84-goal return from 183 matches for his French club highlights the kind of attacking prowess Emery would be adding to his team, providing Villa with the finished article as opposed to a talent such as Duran, who will likely need several seasons yet before offering the full package.

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David would be an excellent replacement for Duran, taking 2.3 shots per game in Ligue 1 last season and missing only 15 big chances despite scoring 19 goals. That's the mark of a clinical striker.

Canada's Jonathan David

The Aston Villa transfer target is also wonderfully two-footed, with 22 of his 71 Ligue 1 goals scored by his weaker left foot (44 with his right, five with his head). Duran, conversely, bagged all five of his Premier League strikes with his left, suggesting David would offer a greater sense of fluidity and more angles in his attacking game.

For a bargain £25m fee, Villa must surely move to snap David up and bolster their frontline with his clinical qualities – especially if Duran is sold to Chelsea for the mooted £40m price.

He's a dream for Maatsen: Villa really interested in signing £40m star

This coveted player is expected to leave his club this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair

Juventus delighted that Newcastle want to sign their "excellent" player

Newcastle United are bang in the mix for an exciting new addition come the summer transfer window, with his currently club said to be happy for the opportunity to cash in.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies continue to be linked with new signings, even though the January transfer window has closed, with summer reinforcements now being looked at by Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth, following a season that has been disappointing on the whole, with FFP affecting their ability to spend last month.

Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach is one player who has been backed to complete a move to St James' Park at the end of the season, being seen as someone who can add further influence in the middle of the park, averaging 3.1 tackles per game in the Bundesliga this season, which is more than any other Newcastle player.

Dan Ashworth speaking with Steve Cooper.

Sheffield United youngster Oliver Arblaster in another player who has been mentioned as a long-term addition, with the 19-year-old spending last season on loan at Port Vale, not to mention winning a combined nine caps for England Under-20s and Under-18s.

These aren't the only Newcastle-related stories doing the rounds, however, and it looks as though an attacking ace could be on the cards, with extra depth needed amid injury problems for Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

Newcastle want Matias Soule

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Juventus are pleased that Newcastle are interested in signing Matias Soule, with the Serie A giants watching with "interest and satisfaction" at his progress on loan at Frosinone this season, seeing it as a reason to cash in on him.

Matias Soule for Juventus against Benfica.

Both the Magpies and Crystal Palace are credited with interest in the 20-year-old, and they "could soon make concrete offers" for his services in the summer transfer window. The report says that he is valued at "at least €40m (£34.2m)", so he wouldn't be arriving on the cheap as the Old Lady look to offset some financial issues of their own.

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Soule could be looked at as an excellent long-term signing by Newcastle, with his impact at Frosinone outlined by a tally of 10 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this season. Capable of playing up front, off the striker as a number ten or on either wing, he has been hailed by manager Eusebio Di Francesco, who has compared him to Italy attacker Domenico Berardi:

"In certain aspects, he resembles Berardi, but he must learn to shoot on goal more often. He doesn’t lack qualities and has excellent dribbling, but in the game, he needs to be more lucid when making his choices. My thought is that his talent should not be limited; with time and experience, he will improve in many aspects."

Matias Soule's Serie A stats this season Total

Appearances 21 Goals 10 Assists 2 Dribbles per game 3.3 Key passes per game 2.4 Tackles per game 1.3 Pass completion rate 81% Newcastle need to be in a situation where they are planning for both the present and future, and Soule ticks both of those boxes, being experienced enough to make an impact from the off, but also someone who should only get better as the years pass. Newcastle could now sign another top striker as PIF prepare for busy summer

The Magpies could make up for a quiet January transfer window.

ByTom Cunningham

Primarily a right-sided forward, it could even be that the Argentine is considered a direct replacement for Miguel Almiron, should the Magpies attacker move on at the end of the season.

Arsenal: Arteta’s ‘elite’ £100k-p/w dynamo could finally replace Saka

Arsenal are set to enjoy a quick turnaround after Sunday's taxing clash with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as they now face cup action with a trip to Brentford.

Although on paper it marks another gruelling outing for Mikel Arteta's men to face, their task has been made slightly easier by Everton of all teams, who showcased the fragility of Thomas Frank's team with a battling win at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday. Given they were a side who lost just two home games in the whole of last season, perhaps they will not be so unbeatable again this year.

However, this is a notion that the Gunners will have to work for, with the Bees always willing to provide a workmanlike challenge to whomever they face.

Fortunately, a bright start to the new campaign for the visitors suggests they will rise to the challenge, as they find themselves fifth in the Premier League table having yet to taste defeat. Then, as they kickstarted a new Champions League term, they would run riot as the Emirates played host to the 4-0 demolition of PSV Eindhoven.

With their Spanish manager surely seeking to win every competition available, it is unlikely that he will dismiss the EFL Cup. So, with changes expected, the side will still remain strong.

Who could start for Arsenal vs Brentford?

The only issue that arises regarding Arteta's potential squad selection is the speed with which they have been asked to prepare for the latest game, with tonight's clash marking their third fixture in just seven days' time.

As such, some of their stars simply must be rested, whilst there are also numerous injuries to contend with.

Gabriel Martinelli missed the weekend's north London derby due to a hamstring complaint, but it was noted that he was touch and go in the run-up. Although the Brazilian could be fit, it is unlikely he will be risked.

Nottingham Forest'sBrennanJohnsonin action with Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli

Another absentee from that match was Leandro Trossard, who "felt a muscle tightness" in training before, as Arteta noted. Again, he is one unlikely to be risked.

Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka actually started the game but had to be withdrawn due to separate injuries. Their manager would even suggest that the latter could miss their match with AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, noting: "He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field, which is never a good sign as well. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session."

Arsenal's EFL Cup performance

Round Exited

Scoreline

22/23 – Brighton and Hove Albion

Third

1-3

21/22 – Liverpool

Semi-Finals

0-0 & 0-2

20/21 – Manchester City

Quarter Finals

1-4

19/20 – Liverpool

Fourth

5-5 (9-10 pens)

18/19 – Tottenham Hotspur

Quarter Finals

0-2

With a true selection headache to contend with, as well as a floodlit ground synonymous with statement victories over the last 12 months, Arsenal will not have it easy as they seek to kickstart a cup run.

How good has Bukayo Saka been this season?

That absence of Saka could prove to be a true hammer blow for the Gunners, who have relied heavily on the exploits of the England international this season.

In fact, such is his importance and ever-presence within the side, their draw with Spurs marked the 86th consecutive league appearance for the 22-year-old, a club record.

And it should come as no surprise to note why, given last term saw him finish on 14 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League alone, with his dynamic exploits down the right flank very nearly spearheading them to a first title since 2004.

Despite falling painfully short, he is set to emulate such blistering form again this year, having already scored four and assisted four across eight games in all competitions, even marking his Champions League debut with a goal and an assist.

There is little Saka cannot do, and as such the winger has been lauded by many. Arteta has been particularly effusive in his praise for a man who lives his life devoted to winning: "He sets himself new targets and new demands year by year. He seems to complete those because he is extremely hungry and willing to learn and improve.

bukayo-saka-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-noni-madueke-chelsea-postecoglou-academy

"He wants to be the player that decides games every three days. He's a very focused boy and does everything right – the way he prepares himself, the way he trains, the way he lives his life."

To potentially be without such an outstanding star marks a tough challenge for the staff to contend with, but fortunately in Reiss Nelson, they have an alternative who is more than capable of stepping up in moments of need.

How good is Reiss Nelson?

After all, some of the club's brightest moments last campaign came courtesy of the 23-year-old, with captain Martin Odegaard even naming his late winner at home to AFC Bournemouth as the Norwegian's best memory in an Arsenal shirt thus far.

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Although chances were limited throughout that term, with the £100k-per-week livewire failing to make a single league start, when handed an opportunity he often took it.

For example, as Saka was forced off in last season's win over Nottingham Forest, the Hale End graduate filled his boots with ease, scoring twice and assisting another to complete the 5-0 rout.

A former teammate of his, Alex Iwobi, actually sought to praise the mindset that allows the former Feyenoord loanee to thrive despite a lack of starting opportunities: "He was a joke in training,” the Nigeria midfielder told The Beautiful Game Podcast. “He used to do bare tricks, sometimes they’d say to him ‘Reiss it’s only three touch’ and he’d still be twisting up man but still creating a chance.

"I think before we played them and he wasn’t even playing, he was just chilling, and I have to respect that, every time he’s come on to play he’s delivered, I think he’s been the most impactful sub this season, so I have to give it to him.

Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson.

“For someone to be able to do that and not be playing regularly, to have that elite mindset to know that you’re going into a game and I’m going to do my thing and make sure I help the team win, I have to rate it.”

Now surely set to be handed a chance to shine by Arteta, the 5 foot 9 maverick could stamp a true first-team claim by starring in the absence of all of their key figures.

Sky Sports Share Positive Man United Transfer News

Manchester United’s summer transfer plans won’t be affected by the ongoing takeover saga, Sky Sports report.

What’s the latest Man United news?

The Glazers are still yet to make a concrete decision when it comes to a potential Old Trafford sale, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe still waiting to see if their bids have been successful.

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag are also yet to bolster the squad with any new signings, and there has been previous speculation that there are concerns from Old Trafford that the takeover process could derail Ten Hag’s summer plans.

Sky Sports shared an update from Old Trafford regarding the takeover saga, claiming that the Glazers are still considering offers from Jassim and Ratcliffe. However, they have learned that the club’s transfer plans “won’t be affected” as there is “enough cash available” currently to bolster Ten Hag’s squad, within FFP rules, in what is a positive transfer update.

“The Glazer family are still considering bids from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“According to sources close to United, summer recruitment won’t be affected by the results, with enough cash available to enable United boss Erik ten Hag to invest in the team, although Financial Fair Play rules will limit what can be spent.”

Who could Man United sign this summer?

There could be plenty of incomings and outgoings, with up to 13 players reportedly up for sale at United this summer. Should a number of players move on, that could increase the funds available to Ten Hag.

A key target in recent weeks has been Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, with the Red Devils making a number of offers, with a £55m bid still on the table.

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Alongside a new midfielder, a new goalkeeper could also be on the cards, with David de Gea’s future still up in the air with his contract set to expire at the end of the month. Inter Milan’s Andre Onana looks to be the key target to potentially come in as first choice for De Gea, with a bid being readied in Manchester.

Should a couple of high-profile additions come in over the next few weeks such as Mount and Onana, it may relieve some stress for Ten Hag with pre-season just around the corner, and by the looks of it, nothing is stopping that from happening, so supporters will be hoping to see some activity over the coming weeks.

Pundit believes De Zerbi could be West Ham’s next manager

Robbie Mustoe believes that Roberto De Zerbi would be a great David Moyes successor at West Ham.

The Lowdown: Pressure growing on Moyes

The pressure is certainly growing on David Moyes with every passing week and every passing Premier League fixture at least as the Hammers find themselves outside of the bottom three but only via goal difference.

While West Ham are very impressive in Europe this season having won every game in the Conference League, if they end up winning that competition but get relegated, not many people will be impressed.

Despite West Ham’s poor run of form this entire season, there have been no grumblings from inside the club with reports suggesting Moyes does indeed still have the backing of the board.

The Latest: De Zerbi would be a top appointment

While nothing appears to be imminent in terms of sacking Moyes, Mustoe has admitted on The 2 Robbie’s podcast that Brighton’s De Zerbi would be a top replacement for Moyes having shown his ability this season averaging 1.44 points per game in the Premier League.

He said: (59:30) “If I was Director of Football at West Ham I would be like, let’s stick with David Moyes, trust him to get us out of it as he’s done it before but in the summer let’s have a look around a little bit.

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“De Zerbi, Roberto De Zerbi I think there’s quite a lot [of potential managers] but how good would he be for West Ham by the way.”

The Verdict: West Ham have a huge decision on their hands

The idea of bringing in De Zerbi to West Ham will be exciting and something the Hammers faithful would likely love to happen, but given where Brighton and West Ham are in the table, it would be a big decision for him to leave the Seagulls.

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As things stand, Brighton are on the cusp of securing European football for the first time in the club’s history and that would likely be too good to ignore and not want to build on for next season from De Zerbi’s point of view.

Even if Moyes is able to turn West Ham’s season around, it would be quite a surprise for them to stick with the Scott heading into next season, just because he seems unable to get the most out of an expensively assembled squad under his watch.

Leeds can ditch Forshaw in Raskin swoop

Leeds United have been linked with Standard Liege midfielder Nicolas Raskin recently and the 21-year-old’s potential arrival at Elland Road could allow Jesse Marsch to finally ditch Adam Forshaw.

According to recent reports, Standard Liege are likely to cash in on the young Belgian in January after he refused a new contract with the club, as his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season.

Raskin is attracting interest from the likes of Leeds, Rangers, Barcelona and Marseille this month and all would be free to open negotiations with the young midfielder, with the view of signing him on a Bosman transfer in the summer when his contract runs out.

The youngster’s impressive performances as a defensive midfielder in the Pro League so far this campaign suggest that he could be a big upgrade on Forshaw should he arrive at Elland Road, when considering the 31-year-old’s performances, age and injury issues across recent seasons.

The Belgian midfielder was catching the eye as early as 2019, with journalist Bob Faesen full of praise for Raskin ahead of Standard Liege’s Europa League tie against Rangers.

He said:

“He is still only 19, but he has really shone. He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can play in every position in the middle of the park. He is technically gifted, but he is also a bit of a pitbull. He can run a lot, is powerful and has a good shot. He has been one of the big surprises in Belgium football this season and will be a key player for Liege who Rangers will need to be wary of.”

This season has seen Raskin make 16 appearances in Belgian top-flight, in which he has contributed four assists and earned an impressive 6.91 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Forshaw, meanwhile, has no goal contributions in five Premier League appearances this season and has averaged an extremely disappointing 6.15 rating from WhoScored.

Raskin also averaged far more tackles (3.3 vs 0.4), interceptions (0.4 vs none) and key passes (1.1 vs 0.4) per game than Forshaw, which suggests that he would be a significant upgrade in Marsch’s side this month.

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The former Brentford man has been at Elland Road for five years now but has mustered just 84 appearances in that time, with injuries sadly plaguing his time with the Yorkshire outfit.

While he can be a useful squad player on his day, the experienced Englishman’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season and it is surely time that his association with the club was brought to an end.

Therefore, Victor Orta should definitely look at bringing Raskin to the club, either this month or in the summer, as he could prove to be a great replacement for the Whites.

Grady Diangana let West Brom down again

West Bromwich Albion fell to yet another defeat last night, as they were well beaten by Bristol City in front of a miserable Hawthorns.

This result seems to outline that Saturday’s win over Reading was nothing more than a fluke, as they were tactically outdone by a side that has pulled away from them now in the table.

It leaves the Baggies with just one win in their last nine Championship fixtures, and they once again find themselves looking down as they are just one point from safety.

Yet another miserable result, it further emphasises their need to find a long-term replacement to relieve Richard Beale of his duties as interim manager.

Although, he was badly let down today by a few key figures.

Having dragged off Jake Livermore at half time, his midfield stalwart had put up a miserable 6.2 SofaScore rating that was only worsened by Alex Palmer in goal.

However, the true villain of last night’s misery has to be Grady Diangana, who continues to offer little to nothing on that left flank.

Despite his side dominating 58% of the ball, and having 14 shots, not a single one was on target.

He unsurprisingly was given the same rating as Livermore, and too was dragged off on the hour mark.

The 24-year-old only managed to touch the ball 34 times and was particularly wasteful when in possession. He only managed one attempted dribble, in which he was unsuccessful, and also only completed 15 passes. Goalkeeper Palmer even managed to complete more, with 16.

He made no key passes, attempted no crosses or long balls, and somehow even managed to offer even less defensively.

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The toothless winger lost 87.5% of his eight duels, both ground and aerial.

It boggles the mind how Diangana’s form seems to completely have fallen off a cliff, and he continued his poor form tonight.

15 Championship games this season have yielded just two goals and three assists for him. Whoever the new manager is will have a big task on his hands to revitalise this underperforming dud.

Spurs: Aouna drops Zaniolo update

Santi Aouna has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target  Nicolo Zaniolo.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Foot Mercato journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the AS Roma midfielder this summer, the Italian sporting director is set to enter into fresh negotiations with the Serie A side over a deal for the 23-year-old this week.

In his tweet, Aouna said: “Info: New discussions planned this week between Roma and Tottenham for Zaniolo.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting an addition Zaniolo would undoubtedly make to Antonio Conte’s options in the middle of the park next season, Aouna’s update concerning Paratici’s talks with the Giallorossi regarding a deal for the Italy international is sure to have left supporters buzzing.

Despite having already suffered two serious cruciate ligament injuries in his career, the £33.5m-rated talent more than proved last season that he is back on track to become one of the most talented Italian midfielders currently playing the game.

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Indeed, over his ten appearances in Roma’s Europa Conference League campaign last time out, the £76k-per-week centrocampista highly impressed, scoring five goals, providing four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the former Inter Milan starlet – who is also more than comfortable operating from attacking midfield, as well as on either wing – average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Jose Mourinho’s sixth-best player in the Giallorossi’s European triumph. With that in mind, it’s clear to see why he’d be such an exciting signing to Conte’s ranks this summer.

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Furthermore, although his returns were not quite as spectacular domestically, the 23-year-old still impressed over his four big chances for his teammates – playing a key role in his side securing a sixth-place finish in the Italian top flight.

As such, with it being reported that Conte would still like to add a new attacking midfielder to his Tottenham ranks prior to kick-off against Southampton on Saturday afternoon, Zaniolo would very much appear something of a perfect fit for the 52-year-old and his Spurs side – leading us to believe that Paratici must do everything he can to get a €50m (£42m) deal over the line for the nine-cap international in the coming days.

Liverpool told to swap Mane for Gnabry

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has backed Liverpool to complete a surprising swap deal involving Sadio Mane and Serge Gnabry this summer.

The Lowdown: Both players out of contract next year

The 30-year-old is approaching the final 12 months of his current contract at Anfield, and according to Sky Germany, Bayern Munich are interested in signing the Reds forward during the upcoming transfer window.

Gnabry’s deal with the German giants at the Allianz is also set to expire at the end of next season, and following reports that he is considering a Bundesliga exit amid interest from potential suitors around Europe, this has created the possibility of an exchange between clubs, if both players do indeed leave their current teams.

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The Latest: Swap deal on the table?

When asked during an interview with Football Insider whether or not there could be any good value in a swap deal for the Merseyside outfit, Campbell said it would be a ‘great signing’.

“That could be worth pursuing.

“Gnabry is going to be a sought-after player this summer. I know there is a lot of clubs who like him.

“He is a player who will be hotly pursued because he is still relatively young. We are talking about a Germany international who can play on either side, score goals, is quick and direct.

“He would be a great signing for Liverpool. There will be a lot of competition for Gnabry though. I think Arsenal would like to speak to him if there is an opportunity.”

The Verdict: Would be a shock to lose Mane

There’s no doubt that Gnabry would be a great signing for any team considering how much of a threat he can pose in the final third, having already found the back of the net 17 times and registered ten assists across all competitions for Bayern so far this season, as per Transfermarkt.

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However, despite not getting any younger, Mane would be a huge loss to Jurgen Klopp, as he has been part of the furniture in the Reds’ starting XI since joining in a £34m move from Southampton back in 2016.

During his time at Anfield, the Senegalese superstar has made a staggering 267 club appearances and has recorded 167 goal contributions, and even though the likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have now provided serious competition for places upfront, Mane still has a hugely integral role to play in leading the line for Liverpool for at least a few more years to come.

In other news… an exciting Reds youngster looks set to leave the club this summer.

Preview: West Ham vs Watford

David Moyes’ West Ham United side head into Tuesday evening’s Premier League fixture against Watford on the back of a rather unconvincing 2-1 (AET) victory against Kidderminster Harriers last weekend.

As is to be expected against such a close-run encounter against a side who were 113 places below the Hammers in the English football pyramid, a number of the West Ham starting XI turned in extremely disappointing performances against their non-league opposition on Saturday.

A collectively huge improvement is now required if Moyes’ side are to have any hope of besting Roy Hodgson’s Watford outfit at the London Stadium tonight.

So, how many changes will the 58-year-old make to the side that started the win over Kidderminster last time out? Here’s how we think West Ham could line up against the Hornets, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Moyes recently stating that Lukasz Fabianski is set to return to the starting XI against Watford, as well as suggesting that both Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio could also start, we expect the West Ham boss to make ten changes to the team that lined up against Kidderminster last weekend.

There are wholesale changes in the Irons’ back five, with Alphonse Areola being replaced by the fit-again Fabianski between the West Ham sticks, while Ben Johnson, Kurt Zouma, Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks all also make way.

The outgoing defensive quartet are replaced by Aaron Cresswell, 21-year-old Aji Alese – who podcaster Tom Edwards dubbed a “seriously good” talent – Craig Dawson and Vladimir Coufal.

In midfield, Mark Nobel and Alex Kral drop out of the XI for Moyes’ first-choice central midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, while Nikola Vlasic, Said Benrahma and the £100k-per-week Andriy Yarmolenko – whose display against Kidderminster was dubbed “embarrassing” by Dion Dublin – all have to make do with a spot on the bench.

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In their place, Pablo Fornals and Lanzini line up on the left wing and in the number 10 role respectively, while Jarrod Bowen returns to his natural position on the right flank, with the returning Antonio leading the line for the Hammers.

In other news: Moyes must brutally axe “shocking” WHU flop tonight, it’s “frightening” how bad he is

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