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Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been providing their thoughts on a key update on the club’s pursuit of Tammy Abraham this summer.

Along with Newcastle and West Ham, Villa are thought to be interested in the Chelsea striker, with the Blues willing to do business over the coming months.

Sources close to ESPN claimed that the west Londoners are preparing to offload the 23-year-old in the upcoming transfer window so that they can maximise his value with just over two years remaining on his Stamford Bridge deal.

Abraham last started for Chelsea back in February, and it seems as if he is now surplus to requirements under new boss Thomas Tuchel. The Englishman, valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season, and the three interested clubs are confident that a deal can be agreed below the £40m mark.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared ESPN’s Abraham update on social media on Saturday morning.

It didn’t take long for a number of Villa fans to interact with the post, with one describing the club’s former loanee as a ‘beast’.

“Just get it done ASAP!”

Credit: @momoislam96

“Happy if it happens”

Credit: @ugondave

“not getting my hopes up too much unless he actually signs but if it happens then hell yeah”

Credit: @rad_nauseam

“BUY HIM”

Credit: @jdaucott

“Spend the money @AVFCOfficial”

Credit: @UpTheVilla566

“I’d love to see Tammy back in a Villa shirt”

Credit: @MrsCarlaCole

In other news: Villa lining up huge bid for £47,000-a-week star, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 99 appearances for Manchester City, has backed Pep Guardiola to make Erling Haaland a better player, if City were to sign the striker after BBC Sport reported he was their top target last month.

Mino Raiola and Alf-Inge Haaland were reportedly recently in Spain to discuss potential transfers with both Barcelona and Real Madrid, as Haaland potentially edges closer to the exit door at Borussia Dortmund.

Haaland has a release clause of just £75 million, however that is not active until next summer which may put several clubs, such as Man City, off from breaking the bank for the Dortmund striker.

Speaking on what makes Haaland such a great striker and why Guardiola would make him an even better player, Howey told FFC:

“Haaland is just so big, strong, powerful and he knows where the goal is. I played with his dad at Man City so I know Alfie was in Spain last week seeing if that would be a possibility.

“I’m sure if there’s somebody that could actually take Haaland on and improve him more it would be Pep Guardiola, but they’ve said they won’t pay ridiculous money for players.”

Halland has a whole host of clubs chasing his signature both this summer and next year when he will be available for significantly cheaper.

His father, Alfe-Inge, made 38 appearances for Manchester City in two years before he picked up a serious injury during a Manchester derby.

A number of Rangers supporters have been hailing commercial and marketing director James Bisgrove after some positive news emerged at Ibrox.

It has been a memorable season for Steven Gerrard’s side, who finally wrestled the Scottish Premiership title away from bitter rivals Celtic.

Rangers have completely bossed the league throughout the 2020/21 campaign, but it isn’t only on the pitch where they are now thriving as a club.

On Wednesday, it was announced that the Gers have joined a number of top European clubs and world-famous brands in being nominated for four awards at the Football Business Awards, which take place in London on July 6th.

Rangers are up for the Sponsorship/Partnership of the Year, Best Brand Activation (non Premier League) and the Best Use of Technology in a Football Club prizes, with the Rangers Charity Foundation also in the running for the Best Covid-19 Community Response award (non Premier League).

Rangers fans laud James Bisgrove

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to react positively to the news, lauding Bisgrove for the work he continues to do at Ibrox, with one supporter even calling the accomplishments ‘unprecendented’.

“James Bisgrove is lifting more trophies than Celtic this season”

Credit: @HeartandHutts

“We will be naming a stand after James Bisgrove – he’s truly been one of the best appointments we’ve made”

Credit: @55ilverFox_55

“Bisgrove RSC”

Credit: @Pena_Cartel

“Well done to all at the mighty Glasgow Rangers so proud of them when you consider where we were. Outstanding”

Credit: @WilliamSpeirs5

“6 trophies in one year. Unprecedented”

Credit: @JudeMcilreavy

“This is top notch! Well in Bisgrove and his team”

Credit: @SpeckyRSC

In other news, Rangers could be set to offload two players – find out who they are here.

Some players at Newcastle United have reportedly been left to rage at Miguel Almiron in a behind-the-scenes claim by Football Insider.

The Paraguay international, who Alan Shearer claimed was ‘magnificent’ in a 3-2 home win over Southampton back in February, has recently made an admission at a local radio station that he would like to play in a team that ‘fights more’, which has reportedly caused a big stir among several players in the Magpies squad.

A source in the northeast has since said that a lot of players at the Tyneside club have been left to feel ‘extremely unhappy’ with the comments that he made, and believe that he is trying to distance himself from some recent bad displays in the hope of potentially engineering a move away in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Almiron’s comments suggest that the squad are not fighting enough to stay in the Premier League, to which there is ‘anger’ among the camp.

Not what Newcastle need right now

This behind-the-scenes claim of tension among the Newcastle players is certainly not what the Toon Army want to or need to hear right now as they look to try and avoid being relegated from the Premier League.

Whatever disagreements they may currently have at this moment in time, the players at St James’ Park must stick together in order to try and get themselves out of the mess in which Steve Bruce’s team find themselves.

In other news, find out what inside claim Mark Douglas has dropped on two potential managerial candidates at Newcastle!

The Athletic’s Crystal Palace journalist Matt Woosnam has recently provided some details about Jean-Philippe Mateta’s situation at the club.

Mateta had joined Palace on a loan deal in the January transfer window and his term at the club ends after 18 months, when the Eagles have the option to sign him. However, the striker has not featured regularly for Roy Hodgson’s men in recent weeks.

Woosnam provides Mateta update

The Athletic recently opened up a Q&A session for Palace fans ahead of their game against Everton. One fan asked Woosnam about Mateta and his lack of involvement in the Palace first-team under Hodgson.

The 23-year-old didn’t start against the Toffees on Monday either, but Woosnam revealed that the striker is a long-term signing for Palace even though Mateta was aware of a plan to use him this season. The journalist compared him to Michy Batshuayi, saying that his hold-up play isn’t great and he doesn’t fit into Hodgson’s plan and tactics at the moment.

Here’s what the journalist said in full: “He is on an 18-month loan, he was aware that the plan was to use him here and there in this season and then see how he does going forward. It’s a longer-term signing who can contribute now but is there for the future. Based on his performances to date and also what can be gleaned from the data and observations from previous clubs, he is someone who needs service and the ball to come to him, he doesn’t hold it up well. To some extent there are similarities with Batshuayi.

“But he doesn’t particularly suit Hodgson’s system or style at the moment.”

Despite limited game-time, Mateta has already scored once for Palace, finding the back of the net against Brighton back in February (Transfermarkt).

Mateta signing could work out in the long-term

Before arriving at Palace, the £13.5m-rated Mateta had impressed for Mainz this season. He played 15 Bundesliga games for them, scoring seven times and getting one assist for the club. He also got three goals in two DFB Pokal games for Die Nullfünfer (as per Transfermarkt).

It shows that he is certainly an able goalscorer and, while he might not fit Hodgson’s system, the manager’s contract at Palace runs out in the summer. Palace could well have a new man in charge from next season onwards, and perhaps that could help Mateta to flourish at Selhurst Park.

In other news, many Palace fans have been reacting to a news about Eddie Howe – read more here.

Fans of Southampton have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding the current contract situation of Saints centre-back, Jannik Vestergaard.

According to the report by The Athletic, talks are yet to take place over a new contract for the £60,000-per-week defender, whose contract at St Mary’s expires in the summer of 2022.

The report goes on to mention Vestergaard’s links with a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur, as well as relaying the 28-year-old’s comments in a recent interview with Tipsbladet, in which the Denmark international admitted he was flattered by the reported interest in his services.

And, after Southampton Page relayed the report on Twitter, as well as asking fans of the club whether they feel Vestergaard deserves to be awarded a new contract with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, many of the St Mary’s faithful flocked to have their say on the matter, with the majority appearing to be desperate for the club to tie the £16.2 million-rated man down to a new deal.

So, what exactly did these Southampton fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Jannik Vestergaard?

“Been a great signing, he deserves a new contract. I’ve no faith in Semmens and Crocker to get a contract agreed. Don’t seem to be able to get things done.”

@ScottHammy87

“He’s been superb and has been really tested this year. He’s a must!”

@bfgfox

“Top three player for the Saints this year. A new 4 year deal for him would be great.”

@mwmiller3471

“Without a doubt. The most improved player over the last year.”

@SimonParkerPT

“No brainer. Special player, just hope we can keep him.”

@MarcRolf1

“Yes, otherwise he’ll be off.”

@toblermoan55

“Deffo, no question about it.”

@Stevewe1965

In other news: lots of Saints fans buzzed at the link with this star who’s ‘better than Redmond’ –  find out more here!

Many Crystal Palace fans are delighted to hear the latest injury update on Wilfried Zaha provided by Roy Hodgson in his press conference before the match against Manchester United.

The Eagles manager said: “It’s quite good news really, he’s [Zaha] returned to training albeit a little bit modified. But he looks really ready to go again. We’ll have to wait for the green light from the medical staff, but it’s looking really positive.”

For the south London side, an injury to Zaha, especially a hamstring one, was awful news and could not have happened to a more influential player. He is their talisman and has managed nine goals and two assists in his 19 Premier League appearances this term.

In some of the games he has missed this season, like the matches against Burnley and Newcastle at Selhurst Park, Palace lacked creativity as they lost both games without scoring a single goal. Therefore, this update is great to hear for all associated with the club and hopefully he can return as soon as possible.

With the club currently 13th, the Ivory Coast international’s returncould be a huge boost for the club and give them an outside chance of finishing in the top ten.

These Palace fans on Twitter were naturally “buzzing” with the update on Zaha:

Here is how fans reacted to the news:

“Wilf’s been modified into RoboWinger. Beware!”

Credit: @antgodwyn

“We move”

Credit: @ReubenPinder

“PRAISE THE LORD”

Credit: @HLTCO

“So, in theory, both Schlupp and Zaha should be fit and firing by the time we play West Brom”

Credit: @TCPalacePod

“MY SWEET LORD”

Credit: @MATTT046

“Buzzing”

Credit: @letstalkpalace

In other news, many Palace fans reacted to these Hodgson comments!

Recent reports have linked Manchester City with Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz and if he were to join the Citizens, he could potentially be the club’s next David Silva.

According to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), the Citizens have ‘never stopped following’ the Spanish midfielder and the summer could be the ideal time to make a move for him.

The report suggests that whilst the 24-year-old hasn’t enjoyed the best season will Napoli, Pep Guardiola has not forgotten about him, and the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid are also well aware of the potential he showed during his time with Real Betis.

City have been linked with the Spanish international in the past and after a difficult season under Gennaro Gattuso, perhaps the upcoming summer transfer window will see him move on from the Serie A side.

Ruiz joined Napoli from Betis in 2018 and has gone on to make 115 appearances for Gli Azzurri, in which he has contributed 13 goals and 10 assists.

Last season saw the midfielder average an impressive 7.03 rating for his performances in Serie A, as he managed three goals and six assists in 33 appearances but his performances this season have been far less impressive.

In 20 league appearances, he has managed just one goal and one assist, resulting in a 6.80 rating, although Napoli have struggled as a whole, as they currently sit sixth in the Serie A table.

Despite his indifferent club form, Ruiz continues to impress for his country, which suggests that he could drastically improve his form if he were to join a side better than Napoli.

WhoScored suggests that the 24-year-old’s main strengths are his passing and his through balls, which certainly suggests that he could fit in well in this City side, and potentially be a replacement for David Silva, who departed to join Real Sociedad last summer after a decade with the Citizens.

The 35-year-old’s strengths are described as his passing, through balls and key passes, which suggests that the two share a lot of similarities, and with them both being Spanish, you would imagine that they have been instructed to play in a certain way when playing for the national side.

The Napoli man earned a lot of praise from Hoffenheim star Diadie Samassekou last year, as he said:

“It was incredibly difficult to defend against him because he is extremely agile and only ever needs two touches.”

Therefore, Ruiz could end up being the ideal man to replace Silva should he join City this summer, so Guardiola should encourage the club to bring in the £43.2 million-rated midfielder.

And, in other news… £99m-rated City star’s place could be under threat after 23 y/o’s super display

MatériaMais Notícias

Ao desembarcar no Brasil, Fernando Prass foi questionado sobre o lamentável episódio de racismo no estádio Parque Central. Durante o jogo entre Nacional e Palmeiras, um torcedor do time uruguaio foi flagrado imitando um macaco para o atacante Gabriel Jesus. O camisa 1 condenou a situação e disse que espera medidas duras sobre o caso.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPrass cita feitos do Palmeiras para manter fé em vaga na LibertadoresPalmeiras18/03/2016PalmeirasEntenda o que o Palmeiras precisa fazer para se classificar na LibertaPalmeiras18/03/2016PalmeirasPalmeiras repudia ato racista contra Gabriel Jesus e aciona a ConmebolPalmeiras18/03/2016

– É um absurdo. Não vou dizer que surpreende nos dias de hoje, porque nossa sociedade está tão maluca em termos de conceito e comportamento que nada mais nos surpreende. Muitos seres humanos foram para um lado irreversível, e a gente só tem a lamentar e tem de ter uma postura firme e mostrar que, embora a gente entenda que aconteça, não é conivente com isso – disse.

– Tem que separar da sociedade do bem as pessoas que fazem esse tipo de coisa, e para isso cabe a nossas atitudes e também posições fortes de quem comanda para firmar a posição de que isso não vai ser tolerado e levado como uma brincadeira. Tem que ter uma posição firme, não sei qual vai ser a punição, mas o Palmeiras vai defender seu atleta. Não é só o atleta, qualquer pessoa que se sinta discriminada tem seus direitos. Para mim isso é um dos crimes mais repulsivos que tem – afirmou.

continua após a publicidade

O clube acionou a Conmebol por conta do caso e entregou imagens da partida à entidade. O Verdão, em nota oficial, repudiou o ato, e blindou o jogador, que na chegada ao Brasil não falou com a imprensa sobre o caso.

MatériaMais Notícias

Emprestado pelo Botafogo ao América para a disputa do Campeonato Carioca, o zagueiro Matheus Menezes teve boas atuações nas duas últimas rodadas do Estadual – vitória contra o Resende, e derrota para o Macaé, as primeiras dele pelo clube. Deste modo, o defensor, de 24 anos, ganhou a posição no time titular e está confirmado para o jogo desta quinta-feira, contra o Bangu, às 21h, em Edson Passos, em Mesquita, na Baixada Fluminense, pela quinta rodada do Estadual. Satisfeito pelas oportunidades que vem recebendo na equipe, o jogador fala do bom momento e das expectativas dele para a sequência do trabalho.

– Estou muito feliz pelos elogios que recebi, mas é o início de um trabalho e tenho de me manter com foco no trabalho e buscar uma evolução ainda maior. Eu fiz uma pré-temporada intensa, e estava preparado para esta oportunidade. Realizei dois jogos consecutivos como titular e a tendência é crescer com esta sequência de jogos, sequência que não tive nos outros clubes pelos quais passei. O trabalho aqui está sendo muito bem feito e estamos assimilando bem o que o Ricardo Cruz (treinador) nos pede. Vamos fazer um grande campeonato – afirmou Matheus, confiante para a partida contra o Bangu esta noite:

– Nossos jogadores estão muito bem preparados e confiantes. Vamos jogar em casa e, com apoio da nossa torcida, temos que entrar em campo pensando apenas na vitória.

No América, Matheus tem formado a dupla de zaga com Fábio Braz, ex-jogador de clubes como Vasco e Corinthians. Para Matheus, a experiência do companheiro tem acrescentado muito e a tendência é que, com o passar dos jogos, o entrosamento entre eles melhore, consolidando ainda mais a defesa rubra no Estadual.

– O Braz é um jogador muito experiente. O benefício de jogar com alguém que tenha uma vasta experiência é estar sempre ouvindo os conselhos e as orientações dele dentro de campo, na busca de uma evolução tanto individual quanto coletiva. Nós formamos uma uma boa dupla nestas partidas anteriores, as coisas estão dando certo e acredito que irão melhorar com certeza, porque temos trabalho por isso – afirmou.

Revelado pelo Goiás, Matheus chegou ao Botafogo para a equipe sub-20, em 2011, e foi capitão da equipe campeã estadual daquele ano, sendo promovido ao elenco profissional. O jogador acumula ainda passagens por Icasa, Tombense e Aparecidense. Agora, mais amadurecido, o jogador afirma estar preparado para os desafios no América, que retornou à Série A do Estadual neste ano, e, consequentemente, na carreira.

– Estou muito satisfeito aqui, fui muito bem recebido por todos aqui no clube, e estou retribuindo dentro de campo com trabalho e dedicação. A primeira meta e atingir os objetivos do América no Campeonato Carioca, em seguida, veremos qual a posição do Botafogo, clube ao qual ainda tenho contrato – disse o zagueiro, que tem vínculo com o Botafogo até dezembro deste ano.