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Tottenham Hotspur have submitted a bid of €20million (£16.9million) for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, according to a recent report from French publication Homme Du Match.

What’s the story?

Berge has been with United since 2020, and has gone on to make 33 appearances in total for the Blades, which includes 16 from the 2020/21 season.

That was a frustrating campaign for the club though, as United were relegated from the Premier League, much to the frustration of the Bramall Lane faithful.

Despite the Blades’ struggles, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp labelled Berge as ‘interesting’ for his showing against Liverpool whilst with Belgian side Genk, whilst former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder called him ‘outstanding’ for his performance against the Reds.

However, with the Blades playing their football in the Championship this term, that has seen Premier League clubs come calling for some of their key players.

Tottenham are the latest club to enter the race to sign Berge, with the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Arsenal previously being keen on reaching an agreement to land the Norwegian international’s signature before the summer transfer window reaches a conclusion on August 31st.

‘Outstanding’

Berge has settled into life at Bramall Lane with Sheffield United well but the midfielder’s future remains ‘up in the air’ at this moment in time, with a number of clubs rumoured to be interested in signing the 23-year-old.

He has featured in both of United’s matches in the 2021/22 campaign, which will be pleasing to see for the Bramall Lane faithful this term.

Berge had an average Whoscored rating of 6.43 from the 2020/21 season with United, which put him 14th on the list in the Blades’ best performers from last year’s campaign.

It has been well-documented that Slavisa Jokanovic’s side are well-placed to sign Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, which could turn out to be a shrewd addition to the Blades’ squad.

That will leave the newly-appointed Sheffield United boss with a number of strong options to have in central midfield, with Berge being one of them, if they can keep hold of him.

It’s already been revealed that United hold him in high regard, with the club looking to stand firm in their valuation of the midfielder, and that’s exactly what they should be doing moving forwards into the later stages of the summer transfer window.

If they can keep hold of Berge and add Vieira to their squad, then a midfield trio of those two plus Oliver Norwood could be a frightening prospect for teams coming up against the Blades.

It would be a big call by United to keep Berge with the club, especially if they’re to turn down sizeable offers for his services between now and August 31st, but it would be a real statement of their intent and ambitions to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking if they do just that.

That’s exactly what they should do too.

Former Leeds United player David Norris believes his ex-club need a bit more quality in depth.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side enjoyed a brilliant first season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth on 59 points and playing some really eye-catching football.

Leeds’ squad has reduced in numbers as Pablo Hernandez, Gaetano Berardi and Ezgjan Alioski have all departed Elland Road this summer, but the club are linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke according to Football Insider.

Leeds have some outstanding players, non-other than England international Kalvin Phillips who was an ever present in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 starting XI.

Whilst Norris recognises the talent of Phillips and the front three at Elland Road, he is fearful for the team if they get injured.

Norris told FFC “It was a dangerous front three or four whenever they played, so they are probably going to need some back-up there or some support. Get two or three of them out or Kalvin Phillips out then it’s a different team and you might be struggling a little bit.  

“I don’t think there’s any positions for me that are desperately needing attention, I think they just need a little bit more quality in depth.”

Leeds have already been active in the summer window completing three deals. Junior Firpo arrived from Barcelona for £13m, whilst Jack Harrison completed a permanent move to Elland Road and Lewis Bate joining from Chelsea, both on undisclosed fees.

أعلن إيهاب جلال المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الأول، قائمة اللاعبين المبدئية المقرر لهم خوض معسكر الإعداد المُقبل، استعدادًا لمواجهات تصفيات كأس الأمم الإفريقية 2023.

منتخب مصر يتواجد في المجموعة الرابعة بالتصفيات المؤهلة لكان 2023، رفقة غينيا وإثيوبيا ومالاوي.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب مصر مع غينيا وإثيوبيا، في الجولتين الأولى والثانية في التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس أمم إفريقيا 2023، يومي 5 و9 يونيو المقبل.

طالع أيضا.. بينهم مصري وحيد.. ميدو يختار أفضل 5 لاعبين في تاريخ إفريقيا قائمة منتخب مصر

في حراسة المرمى: محمد الشناوي – محمد صبحي – محمد أبوجبل – محمود جاد.

خط الدفاع: محمد هاني – عمر كمال – عمر جابر – أحمد حجازي – محمود علاء – علي جبر – محمد عبدالمنعم – محمود الونش – محمود مرعي – مصطفى الزناري – ياسر إبراهيم – أيمن أشرف – أحمد فتوح – محمد حمدي.

خط الوسط: حمدي فتحي – إمام عاشور – أحمد حمدي – خالد الغندور – حسين الشحات – محمد النني – نبيل دونجا – مهند لاشين – محمد متولي كناريا – عمرو السولية – محمد مجدي أفشة – محمد إبراهيم – أحمد عبدالقادر – محمود حسن تريزيجيه – محمد صلاح – مصطفى فتحي – أحمد سيد زيزو – إبراهيم عادل – أحمد رفعت – رمضان صبحي – عمر مرموش – مصطفى شلبي.

خط الهجوم: أحمد عاطف – مروان حمدي – محمد شريف – مصطفى محمد.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Pedri as their search for a Georginio Wijnaldum replacement goes on, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Enjoying a commendable 2020/21 campaign, the youngster recorded four goals and six assists in 52 appearances for the Blaugrana [Transfermarkt].

Now on international duty with his native Spain, Liverpool are reportedly considering paying upwards of £70m in order to secure the teenage transfer target [Liverpool Echo].

Pedri has enjoyed a surprise rise to prominence following his €5m (£4.3m) signing from Las Palmas which could rise to €25m (£21.46m) after add-ons [Football Espana].

Worryingly for Nou Camp chiefs, his contract is set to expire in 12 months’ time, which may open the door for the Reds to offer the 18-year-old Premier League football [Liverpool Echo].

Despite these rumours, many Liverpool fans took to Twitter to quickly dispel the notion of Pedri being on the books at Anfield in 2021/22.

[web_stories_embed url=“https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy-3/” title=“The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=“” width=“360″ height=“600” align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react

Replying to popular fan outlet Empire of the Kop, here is how some Liverpool fans summarised their reactions to recent developments:

“Barca won’t let him leave. No way and bet he has a massive buyout clause”

Credit: @Mikelee11148Lee”As if they would sell him he is their next superstar”Credit: @ericdraven1234″Not a chance.”Credit: @_Blow15″#1 Barca won’t sell him. #2 Liverpool can’t afford him.”Credit: @Stat_Man_John”Jones>>”Credit: @jonah_s10″Zero chance of this happening”Credit: @nishmcnishIn other news, many Reds fans react to a transfer update on this Liverpool ace.

Newcastle United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Dion Sanderson, with Sheffield United now lining up a bid for his services [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Newcastle United get set for 2021/22

Moving towards 2021/22, many Magpies supporters will be intrigued to see how manager Steve Bruce goes about improving on their 12th placed finish last term considering the awkward state of limbo surrounding the takeover.

Though they haven’t dipped their toes into the transfer market waters as of yet, the Toon have been linked with moves for the likes of Sanderson and Ozan Kabak in recent days.

However, it appears they are facing an uphill battle to acquire the 21-year-old as more and more interest is drawn to his services.

The Latest: Sheffield United set to rival Newcastle and Sunderland for Sanders0n

Sheffield United are said to be readying an offer to lure the youngster away from Molineux, revealed by a Football Insider recruitment source.

Newcastle United have been interested in Sanderson as far back as last month alongside rivals Sunderland, and saw a £1.5 million bid rejected by his current employers for his signature.

Intriguingly, the Blades are willing to attempt to bring the 6 foot 1 ace on a loan deal if a permanent deal cannot be achieved, perhaps giving them the upper edge in negotiations if Wolves want to pursue a temporary switch.

The Verdict: Would be a bitter blow for Newcastle United

Predominantly used as a central defender, Sanderson’s concentration and awareness to dangerous situations at such a young age have catapulted him to be a sought-after commodity this summer.

In 2020/21, the Wolverhampton-born stopper made 27 appearances on loan at Sunderland, registering one goal [Transfermarkt].

Demonstrating his domineering presence at the back, Sanderson won 2.3 aerial duels on average per game across the campaign [WhoScored]. Sniffing out perilous situations was his forte, making around 2.7 clearances per match within this timeframe [WhoScored].

Looking ahead to the forthcoming campaign, the Magpies should be looking to gazump Sheffield United to sign Sanderson before it’s too late, as missing out on a promising young talent for what seems a relatively small fee could be a huge blow.

In other news, Newcastle United are interested in an international defender.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo volta a campo pela Libertadores na noite desta quarta-feira, às 21h45, contra a Universidad Católica (CHI), um adversário que é uma espécie de “pedra no sapato”. O Rubro-Negro já enfrentou a equipe chilena em quatro partidas justamente pela fase de grupos do principal torneio sul-americano. Foram três derrotas e apenas uma vitória. O duelo será no Estádio San Carlos de Apoquindo, em Santiago, no Chile.

A única vitória do Flamengo sobre o rival da noite de hoje foi na estreia da Libertadores de 2010. Naquela partida, o lateral-direito Léo Moura teve grande atuação, com um gol de falta e uma assistência para o atacante Adriano. No jogo de volta, porém, os chilenos venceram o Rubro-Negro por 2 a 0. Técnico do time carioca nessas ocasiões, Andrade faz elogios ao adversário.

– O time da Universidad Católica é um time cascudo na Libertadores, desde 2008 vem disputando com frequência. Mas perderam muitos jogadores importantes, alguns para a Europa e com isso eles deram uma “caída”. Porém, mesmo assim é um time muito difícil de bater, já que eles estão acostumados com a competição – diz o Tromba, que, por outro lado, confia no Flamengo.

– Mesmo assim, o momento do Flamengo é muito bom, tem tudo para vencer. Tem que jogar com inteligência, segurando a bola e com sabedoria nos primeiros minutos de partida. A torcida vai empurrar e fazer pressão. Mas marcando forte e conseguindo segurar o início do jogo, o Flamengo tem condições de vencer lá no Chile – avaliou.

Em 2002, O Flamengo foi eliminado ainda na fase de grupos da Libertadores, sendo derrotado nos dois jogos pela Católica: 2 a 1 no Chile e 3 a 1 no Maracanã.

RelacionadasFlamengoDirigentes de Universidad Católica e Flamengo confraternizam em almoço na véspera do jogoFlamengo14/03/2017Fora de CampoDaniel Alves faz elogios ao Flamengo, em liveFora de Campo14/03/2017FlamengoWillian Arão projeta partida difícil contra a Universidad CatólicaFlamengo14/03/2017

Nick Knight and Jim Troughton did their best to frustrate Surrey’s drive to win their third Championship title in four seasons, but the leaders still held their own on the first day at Edgbaston

Stephen Lamb27-Aug-2002Nick Knight and Jim Troughton did their best to frustrate Surrey’s drive to win their third Championship title in four seasons, but the leaders still held their own on the first day at Edgbaston. Knight made a steady 74 and Troughton a brisk 61 as the hosts ended the day on 300 for nine. Saqlain Mushtaq continued his magnificent run of form, with four for 88 for the visitors.Somerset’s hopes of lifting themselves away from the relegation zone haven’t improved, as they suffered a batting collapse after bowling Lancashire out for 251 at Old Trafford. Richard Johnson (six for 47) was the hosts’ main tormentor, while Andrew Caddick also took two wickets. Stuart Law made a brisk 77 and Chris Schofield 40 in an otherwise lacklustre batting effort. 20-year-old James Anderson then impressed again with two wickets as Somerset’s top order was swept away. At the close they were 91 for five.Anthony McGrath took a career-best four for 49 as Yorkshire, another side threatened with the drop, bowled Hampshire out for 269 at The Rose Bowl. Veterans Robin Smith (58) and Shaun Udal (40) starred for the hosts, and Udal then took a wicket as Yorkshire ended the day on 53 for two in reply, with Matthew Elliott unbeaten on 30.Leicestershire had the better of the first day against Sussex at Grace Road. Devon Malcolm took five for 38 as the visitors folded for 215, despite 62 from Robin Martin-Jenkins and 60 from Chris Adams. James Kirtley then broke through in the first over of the hosts’ reply to dismiss Trevor Ward, and at stumps Leicestershire were 50 for two.In Division Two, leaders Middlesex recovered from a disastrous start at New Road, after Kabir Ali (five for 70) had reduced them to 25 for three. But Ed Joyce (125) and Sven Koenig (81) added 142 for the fourth wicket before the fightback was completed by David Nash (67*) and Paul Weekes (46). Middlesex closed on 374 for seven.Jason Gallian kept Nottinghamshire’s promotion hopes alive with an unbeaten 162 against Glamorgan at Colwyn Bay. Gallian shared an opening stand of 172 with Guy Welton (92), and Usman Afzaal chimed in with 40 as the visitors reached 325 for three at stumps. Only Michael Kasprowicz shone for the hosts, with two for 42 off his 25 overs.Durham’s wooden spoon credentials were enhanced as they subsided for 240 against Northants at Chester-le-Street. Australian quickie Mathew Inness (four for 60) did the bulk of the damage. No one managed a half-century; Nick Phillips (47) was nearest. Although Steve Harmison managed one breakthrough for the hosts, Northants ended the day handily placed at 60 for one.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has delivered a fresh update on Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search…

What’s the word?

On Wednesday, the BBC reported that Spurs had opened talks with former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca, who is available after being replaced by Jose Mourinho in May.

It was also claimed that a deal was yet to be struck and that, after the recent setback over Antonio Conte, there is wariness from the north London hierarchy.

Romano has now suggested that these negotiations are still ongoing, despite rumours speculating a three-year contract for the Portuguese coach. In response to a question on Twitter, he replied: “Fonseca still in talks… let’s see.”

Word of warning

Understandably, Spurs are to err on the side of caution over any talks, and the word that this looks to be rumbling on may be enough to worry any supporter.

The Lilywhites have been left frustrated in their attempts to find a successor to Mourinho and it is widely thought that Fonseca is actually their sixth-choice candidate, as per the Daily Mail.

Daniel Levy and co have failed with moves for Bayern Munich bound Julian Nagelsmann, Leicester City’s FA Cup-winning boss Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag, Mauricio Pochettino, and of course Conte.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-manager-gossip-transfer-rumours-team-and-injury-updates-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, team and injury updates and more!”]

At one stage, the Italian looked set to sign on the dotted line, before talks broke down at the 11th hour over concerns that the club could not match his ambition – or in other words, he would not be well-backed in the transfer market.

The longer talks drag out with Fonseca, the more doubt will start to creep in, just as it did with Pochettino and then Conte.

The prospects of this saga continuing into a second month aren’t the only reason Spurs fans should be worried – it’s the fact that he was the sixth option on the shortlist. He’s also just been replaced by the man Spurs sacked to create this vacancy.

After numerous fans recently protested against the chairman and the club’s owners, the ENIC group, this appointment is far from the inspiring sort they needed to win back their supporters.

Fonseca failed to surpass fifth in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico and was recently embarrassed by Europa League runners up Manchester United, not to mention his daft mishap in using six subs, rather than five, during a cup defeat to Spezia.

All in all, this latest development from Romano should be enough to keep plenty in north London worried about the future.

AND in other news, Paratici could secure a “perfect” Kane replacement with “crazy” £26m goal machine…

Aston Villa have been handed an update on their pursuit of Southampton and England midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Guardian, Dean Smith is keen on making a move for Ward-Prowse, and now, Football Insider have delivered an update on the situation.

They claim that a recruitment source has told them that Smith’s side have now registered their interest in the midfielder and that it is very much “concrete”.

The report adds that a potential deal is still in the early stages, but Villa are planning for midfield changes this summer.

Dean Smith will be buzzing

Dubbed a “machine” by his teammates at Southampton, the £27m-rated Ward-Prowse had a fine season in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and providing a further seven assists in the top-flight – that also included a brace against Villa themselves back in November when the Saints ran out 4-3 winners.

The latest update that Villa have now registered their interest in the English ace, and that the Midlands club are “planning for midfield changes” will be music to the ears of the Villa boss.

The Villa midfield is arguably the one part through the spine of the team that was found lacking last season, with Emi Martinez a stand-out in goal, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings a formidable presence in defence (they conceded just 46 goals all season), and Ollie Watkins up top.

But in central midfield and in the number ten role, Villa were lacking, with the likes of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Ross Barkley all well off the pace – none of them managed more than three goals each.

But with Ward-Prowse’s ability to get goals both from open play and from set-pieces, Villa could add a real game-changer to their ranks in the middle of the park.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news” title=”Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

And, given what Smith has recently said about what he wants from his new signings, Ward-Prowse fits the bill.

He said: “In terms of our recruitment, we talk about the sweet spots that we’re looking for, which is that the players have Premier League experience and are (ideally) British because there is no adaptation risk at all.”

It’s exactly why this latest update should have Smith buzzing.

Meanwhile, Villa could form a superb partnership with this star…

حذر كارلو أنشيلوتي المدير الفني لفريق ريال مدريد من مواجهة تشيلسي، في إياب دور الثمانية من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويواجه ريال مدريد نظيره تشيلسي غدًا في تمام التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة على ملعب سانتياجو بيرنابيو، بعد أن فاز ذهابًا بثلاثية مقابل هدف.

وقال أنشيلوتي في المؤتمر الصحفي للمباراة: “”من الطبيعي أن يعلم الجميع أنها ستكون مباراة صعبة. لقد بلغوا ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، وهم دائمًا خصم صعب، رغم ما حدث في مباراة الذهاب”.

طالع أيضًا.. كاسيميرو: ريال مدريد يعيش للفوز بالمباريات الصعبة.. وبيل جزء من تاريخ النادي

وأضاف: “يجب أن نلعب مباراة متكاملة، نعرف كيف نتألم ونقاتل ونتنافس، وأن نكون حاضرين لمدة 90 دقيقة، وعلينا تقديم نفس المباراة التي قدمناها في لندن”.

وأكمل: “أنا محظوظ لأن فريقي يعرف هذه المباريات جيدًا وما يمكن أن يحدث للتعامل معه. نحن سعداء ولدينا فرصة لبلوغ نصف النهائي، نحترم تشيلسي كثيرًا، وبالتأكيد هم كذلك”.

وأشار: “نحن لا نفتقر إلى أي شيء للفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا، لكن البطولة معقدة للغاية، والوصول إلى النهائي يكون صعب، والمنافسة نفسها من البداية لا تستطيع توقع ما ستذهب إليه، ولكنني قلتها من قبل، أن ما يحتاجه أي فريق، لدي في ريال مدريد، وهو شخصية الأبطال والجاهزية لمنافسة مثل دوري أبطال أوروبا”.

ورد على توخيل: “كل شخص وله رأي، لكن تشيلسي مازال في اللعبة، وسيأتي إلى بيرنابيو للقتال من أجل الفوز والتأهل، ويعلمون جيدًا أن الأمر صعب، لكنهم سيحاولون، والأندية الكبيرة دائمًا ما تقاتل ولا تستسلم”.