Leeds target Omar Colley expected to leave

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Omar Colley is expected to leave Sampdoria this summer, according to a fresh report which emerged on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked in the past

The Whites have been tipped to sign a host of names in recent months, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to make his exciting team even stronger.

One player who has been linked with a move to Leeds is Colley, who made 29 appearances in Serie A for Sampdoria last season, impressing at centre-back.

Local sources in Italy have been mentioning Leeds in connection with the towering 6 foot 3 defender for months.

The Latest: Colley set to leave

There has been another update on the 28-year-old’s future, with Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness] claiming Bielsa is ‘monitoring’ the 25-time capped Gambia international, while West Ham are also interested.

Meanwhile, SampNews24 state that Colley is ‘destined to leave’ during the summer transfer window, giving more hope to the Whites.

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The Verdict: Is he needed?

While Colley is undoubtedly a good player who has pedigree – he started 28 games in Serie A last term and was his club’s highest-rated outfield player (Whoscored) – it is hard to see where he would fit in, considering Leeds’ current centre-back options.

Bielsa already has Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk to call upon, and unless one suddenly leaves, having five options there would feel like overkill.

The money could be spent in more pressing areas, such as left-back or central midfield, where reinforcements are needed more, particularly the former.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly been offered the chance to sign a player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Man Utd targeting defensive midfielder

Manchester United are targeting a new defensive midfielder ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to reports.

What’s the story?

Well-known journalist James Cooper recently made a huge claim on a Sky Sports News broadcast, linking Man United with a signing that would dramatically alter how their team sets up. He said (as posted on Twitter by United Journal):

“United could be in the market for a player that lessens the need for a double-pivot and frees up Paul Pogba to express himself.” 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has often opted for a combination of Fred and Scott McTominay, aka McFred, for added protection in big games, but it appears as though the Red Devils boss is hoping to move away from that safety-first approach in the future.

Fans will be buzzing

The Old Trafford outfit made good progress in 2020/21, achieving a consecutive top-four finish in the Premier League for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Winning the Europa League on Wednesday night in their first European cup final in four years would be the ideal way to end an impressive campaign for the English giants.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done to restore United to their former glory, with a 12-point gap to table-toppers Manchester City evidence of the distance between themselves and league title success.

Several star names have been linked with a move to Solskjaer’s charges in recent weeks. The likes of Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane and Raphael Varane are all reportedly attracting admiring glances from the club’s hierarchy, but it’s a less attractive position that appears to be taking priority.

In the modern era, a lot of Europe’s top teams, such as City and Liverpool, play with a single holding midfielder, allowing the other midfielders freedom to join the forwards in attack, creating a far more dangerous attacking unit.

City have had Fernandinho and then Rodri in that particular role, Liverpool have Fabinho and Real Madrid use Casemiro, but Solskjaer has very rarely felt comfortable enough to entrust that responsibility upon one man, instead opting to double up in the centre of the park.

What United gain in the defensive third, they lose at the top end of the pitch, and therefore, the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing at Cooper’s latest revelation that the manager plans to be a bit more attacking next year.

If Solskjaer can find the right man for the job, it will allow the likes of Paul Pogba license to roam forward and showcase their world-class creative talent much closer to the opposition goal, potentially causing havoc for opponents.

And, in other news…Forget Lindelof: Man United must swoop for “quality” £50m prodigy

West Indies rout Zimbabwe to book finals spot

Australia will face West Indies in next week’s Carlton Series finals after the latter successfully defended a modest total against Zimbabwe here at the WACA Ground in Perth tonight.Set a target of 179 runs for victory, Zimbabwe was on the back foot after just five balls – courtesy of Nixon McLean – and was eventually removed for just 134 within forty-three overs. Captain Heath Streak made a valiant unbeaten 33 but ultimately ran out of partners.


NixonMcLean
Photo CricInfo

McLean (3/21 from nine overs) struck thrice within the first seven overs, removing Alistair Campbell (1), Stuart Carlisle (5) and Andy Flower (4) to leave Zimbabwe at 3/20 – a position from which it never recovered.But, despite McLean’s quick strikes and a graceful innings from Brian Lara (83*) – as well as Zimbabwe’s production of a record-equalling five run outs in the field – the match will probably not be remembered for much in the way of high-quality cricket.West Indian captain Jimmy Adams underlined this by stating that his charges needed to “sharpen their game” if they were to seriously challenge Australia in the finals series, which starts in Sydney next Wednesday.


JimmyAdams
Photo CricInfo

“Anything is possible,” he nonetheless said, adding the West Indians were under no illusions as to the quality of said opposition.Adams remarked that he was very happy to escape with the win over Zimbabwe and to secure the consequent finals spot given that the team’s score was about fifty runs short of what they had expected.”We showed a lot of guts this evening, defending what I thought was a modest total,” Adams said. “I was pleased with all the bowlers (not just McLean) to be honest.”Meanwhile Zimbabwean captain Streak said that, with a finals spot up for grabs, his side could not put all aspects of the game together – despite bowling and fielding impressively.”We just couldn’t go out and do it with the bat,” he said.The game began in bizarre circumstances when West Indies opener Sherwin Campbell, brought back into the side in place of the injured Marlon Black (shoulder), was run out in the fifth over while attempting to run a single.Campbell set off from the non striker’s end only to run smack bang into then-bowler Streak’s large frame following through, the batsman coming to a complete halt just over halfway down the pitch before his bails were removed.The umpires later confirmed that the collision was accidental, adding that when no appeal was forthcoming they asked Streak whether he would like to pose the question. Streak said ‘yes’ and Campbell (0) was sent on his way, the first of a spate of run out victims that robbed Lara of some much-needed support.Streak (0/20 from nine overs) said he had “no intention” of obstructing Campbell.”He (Campbell) bumped into me and stopped,” the Zimbabwe captain said. “We’ve had incidents where the shoe’s been on the other foot.”Campbell’s departure was the first of a number of early setbacks for West Indies, others of which came when Marlon Samuels (10) and Daren Ganga (22) made their own exits.From the discomforting scoreline of 3/43, Ricardo Powell (37) and Lara then combined to plunder a quickfire half century stand which headed West Indies past the century mark and accelerated an until-then dormant scoring rate.It was a measure of their centrality to the cause that, when Powell offered slip fieldsman Alistair Campbell his second catch of the innings, it triggered a batting collapse. Three consecutive run outs followed – Adams (8), Ridley Jacobs (9) and Laurie Williams (0) all departing needlessly. The innings – and Lara’s century hopes – were eventually terminated when the last three wickets fell for just seven runs, Dirk Viljoen (2/31 from 6.2 overs) and Mluleli Nkala (2/34 off eight) the bowling catalysts.Zimbabwe’s chase was on shaky ground from as early as the first over, when McLean found the edge of the bat of Campbell (1) and handed wicketkeeper Jacobs a difficult one-handed diving catch to his left.The paceman then struck in his third and fourth overs to produce another two wickets, Carlisle (5) snared by second slip Sherwin Campbell and Flower (4) gloved by Jacobs.From there, it was pretty much all downhill for Zimbabwe, the only respite coming in the form of a brisk forty run partnership between Streak and Viljoen (29).When Viljoen top edged a third catch to Jacobs – this time from the bowling of Samuels (3/25 off 7.3 overs) – the writing was on the wall. Samuels duly obliged by capturing another two wickets to help wrap up the victory.”I knew, when Dirk went out, it was going to be difficult,” Streak said afterwards.After being handed the man-of-the-match award for his crucial knock, Lara said next week’s games gave the Windies the chance to end their rollercoaster Australian tour on a high note.”If we can get our game together, we can give them a fight,” he said.Lara stated that, while nothing seemed unreasonable for Australia at present, West Indies’ play was still progressing – as evident in the high level of confusion between batsmen when running between wickets. He added that, while Ganga’s run out was a bad call on his behalf, the last three were soft dismissals that were not of his making.The five run out dismissals equalled the one-day international record for the number of run outs in an innings, most recently set in a clash between India and New Zealand during the 1998-99 season.Meanwhile, Streak said that Sunday’s game at the WACA against Australia, now meaningless to the Series standings, was another chance for Zimbabwe to show its mettle before the squad returns home.”We have to show our presence out there and not sit back,” he lamented, adding that Zimbabwe needed to be less reliant on its experienced players.

Do G6 à 'influência externa'! Lembre o que marcou o Brasileirão de 2016

MatériaMais Notícias

O Campeonato Brasileiro teve seu ponto final no último domingo, mas suas lembranças ainda se estenderão por muito tempo na memória do torcedor. Além do título do Palmeiras e do inédito rebaixamento do Internacional, muita coisa deu o que falar neste 2016.

O LANCE! traz o panorama dos fatos que marcaram a competição. Confira!

LIBERTADORES? HÁ VAGAS!

O início de outubro sacramentou uma mudança na lista de vagas para a Copa Libertadores de 2016: da noite para para o dia, o Brasileirão pulou do credenciamento dos quatro primeiros para seu inédito G6. Além do campeão Palmeiras, coube a Santos, Flamengo, Atlético-MG, Botafogo e Atlético-PR inaugurarem a nova lista de vagas.

‘CUCABOL’

O Palmeiras teve seu estilo de jogo contestado por parte da imprensa, que qualificou a equipe como refém de jogadas ensaiadas, como cobranças de laterais de Moisés e jogadas aéreas. Surgiu assim a expressão “Cucabol” (uma referência ao técnico Cuca). Alheio a isto, o Palmeiras foi começando a se firmar na liderança, viu nomes como Gabriel Jesus e Tchê Tchê se destacaram, e levou o título com antecedência.

CHANCE AGARRADA COM FIRMEZA

Com Fernando Prass lesionado e o reserva imediato, Vagner, em má fase, coube a Jaílson a responsabilidade de ficar na meta. E o outrora terceiro goleiro agarrou a titularidade em grande estilo, tornando-se fundamental com suas defesas, e terminando o Brasileirão com o Verdão invicto em jogos em que ele esteve em campo.

E ESSE CHEIRINHO…?

Sob o comando de Zé Ricardo, um interino alçado a efetivado, o Flamengo viu a chegada de Diego e a ascensão de nomes como Réver, Leandro Damião e Guerrero fazerem a confiança saltar no coração da torcida rubro-negra, que criou a expressão “cheirinho de hepta”. Frequentemente, os torcedores foram ao aeroporto para apoiar a delegação nas viagens para jogos decisivos. Mesmo tendo que mandar jogos longe do Rio de janeiro, a equipe rondou a liderança, mas derrapou no fim.

A ESTRELA SOLITÁRIA SOBE!

O Botafogo iniciou o Brasileirão sob o rótulo de uma equipe que brigaria para não cair, e patinando feio em suas primeiras partidas. Quando a situação parecia piorar com a saída de Ricardo Gomes, porém, eis que o Fogão emergiu em grande estilo: sob a regência de Jair Ventura, a equipe se encaixou, foi galgando posições e terminou o ano com uma das vagas da Libertadores de 2017.

TIMÃO SEM RUMO

Já o Corinthians até começou bem, mas, depois da saída de Tite para a Seleção Brasileira e das denúncias da Lava-Jato sobre suspeitas na Arena Corinthians, degringolou no Brasileirão. Vieram Cristóvão Borges, Fábio Carille e Oswaldo de Oliveira mas… a equipe passou longe do título e viu o sonho do G6 se esvair na última rodada. Durante um clássico diante do Palmeiras, houve xingamentos até para o mandatário Roberto de Andrade.

TRICOLOR PAULISTA, DE NOVO, VAI MAL

A outra decepção paulistana veio no Morumbi. Com uma série de crises internas e pressões de organizadas, o São Paulo chegou a se aproximar da zona de rebaixamento. Após a saída de Edgardo Bauza, que não deu padrão ao time, a equipe seguiu patinando e passou por nova mudança. Agora, a espera fica por Rogério Ceni em 2017.

PORTUGUESES NAUFRAGAM NO BRASIL

O Brasileirão viu o desembarque de um técnico de nível europeu: Paulo Bento, que tem no currículo comandos do Sporting e da seleção de Portugal, foi contratado pelo Cruzeiro em maio. Porém, sua aventura durou cerca de dois meses e muita frustração. Outro técnico português foi ainda pior em terras tupiniquins: Sérgio Vieira durou 43 dias no América-MG, tendo uma vitória em nove jogos.

TÉCNICOS ITINERANTES

A dança das cadeiras já é algo corriqueiro ao falar de técnicos no Brasileirão. Porém, houve quem pulou de galho em galho. Ricardo Gomes oscilava no Botafogo quando deixou o clube rumo ao São Paulo, de onde foi demitido por maus resultados. Já Argel Fucks passou por três times diferentes: caiu no Internacional, pediu demissão no Figueirense e salvou o Vitória do rebaixamento apenas na última rodada do Brasileirão.

O AVISO VEIO DE FORA?

Em 13 de outubro, um gol anulado entrou para a história do Fla-Flu. O tricolor Henrique estufou a rede nos últimos minutos da partida em Volta Redonda. A princípio, o assistente anulou a jogada, por impedimento. Porém, ao saber que era o zagueiro quem fizera o gol, o árbitro Sandro Meira Ricci a validou. Pouco depois, houve um mistério, uma leva de pressões e, sob suspeita de influência externa, a jogada foi novamente anulada por Ricci. A vitória por 2 a 1 do Rubro-Negro foi impugnada a princípio, mas os três pontos foram validados.

APITO EM XEQUE

Após o polêmico Fla-Flu, cartolas não pouparam pressões à arbitragem. O presidente do Palmeiras, Paulo Nobre, definiu que o clássico foi “uma reunião de condomínio” e ainda disse: ‘Ninguém vai levar o campeonato na mão grande’. O mandatário do Flamengo, Eduardo Bandeira de Mello, questionou a arbitragem do jogo entre Verdão e Figueirense, e ainda disse: ‘Mas fazer o quê? Está sendo assim desde o início do campeonato?’.

CADÊ O GRINGO QUE ESTAVA AQUI?

O Atlético-MG não ficou marcado apenas pelo faro de gol de Fred, Robinho e Pratto. Após servir à seleção do Equador, Cazares não se reapresentou ao lado da delegação do Galo e irritou a diretoria.

AMARGURA COLORADA

Campeão gaúcho, o Internacional começou o Brasileirão de maneira promissora e até ficou na liderança por algumas rodadas. Porém, a derrocada veio em grande estilo: em um turno foram apenas oito pontos. Em meio a uma volta do dirigente Fernando Carvalho e a entrada de uma “SWAT Colorada”, quatro treinadores passaram pelo Beira-Rio. A equipe gaúcha viu este planejamento atropelado culminar no inédito rebaixamento.

STJD E COMPARAÇÃO TRÁGICA

A reta final colorada ainda trouxe episódios marcantes de maneira negativa. Irritado pelo adiamento em uma semana da rodada, devido à tragédia que abalou a Chapecoense, o dirigente do Internacional, Fernando Carvalho, soltou a frase “também temos a nossa tragédia particular”, e precisou se retratar. Para completar, o clube entrou no STJD pedindo punição ao Vitória, por uma suposta irregularidade do zagueiro Victor Ramos. Houve até suspeita de falsificação de documentos da CBF.

CRUZ PARA CARREGAR

O Santa Cruz chegou até a dar o ar de sua graça no Brasileirão, com direito a Grafite colecionar uma leva de gols e a equipe ir para a liderança. Porém, a crise financeira na qual o clube está mergulhado foi refletida em campo, e o final foi bem triste: penúltima colocação, com queda antecipada.

E ISSO TINHA DE APARECER…

Os baderneiros continuaram a surgir pelos estádios afora, e custaram punições a seus respectivos clubes. Torcidas de Palmeiras e Flamengo brigaram, com direito a spray de pimenta no Mané Garrincha. No Maracanã, corintianos tiveram de esperar e foram encaminhados para a delegacia para, depois, serem identificados e responderem a processos. Brigões também renderam um momento lamentável em Porto Alegre: colorados invadiram residência de um casal identificado como autor de um “drone” que sobrevoou o Beira-Rio com a letra B e depredou o carro, a casa e fez ameaças. Curiosamente, os donos da casa também são torcedores do Inter.

RelacionadasBrasileirãoTop 5 lambanças: Relembre as jogadas que deram errado no Brasileirão 2016Brasileirão13/12/2016BrasileirãoRanking de clubes divulgado pela CBF é criticado por jornalistasBrasileirão13/12/2016BrasileirãoCorações a mil! Último ato do BR é marcado por doses de emoçõesBrasileirão13/12/2016

Hendrie gutted Villa missed out on Phillips

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Kalvin Phillips “would have been a great addition” to Dean Smith’s squad.

This comes after a recent interview where Phillips revealed he considered leaving Leeds United for Villa back in 2019 in a quest for Premier League football.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have since gone on to win promotion to English football’s top flight to give Phillips what he craved, and the 25-year-old has managed to settle in nicely.

Phillips has thrived in his debut Premier League campaign, winning plaudits from pundits such as Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

He is a player admired by Hendrie, though he believes his former club have missed their opportunity to sign the England international.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Phillips, Hendrie said:

“He would have been a great addition. I think trying to get him now, I don’t think he’d be in Villa’s category if I’m being particularly honest. I think if one of the top five wouldn’t jump at him, I’d stand on my head; I really would.

“I just feel that, you know, sometimes you miss the boat on situations and I feel that if Villa really forced the issue, they possibly could have from what Kalvin Phillips is saying, possibly could have got him at that stage.”

A regular under Bielsa since his arrival at Elland Road back in 2018, Phillips is clearly a very important player for his manager, so the Argentinian will no doubt be glad he decided to remain at the Yorkshire club in the end.

الأهلي يُعلن إعارة ثنائي فريق الشباب إلى الدوري التشيكي

أعلن أمير توفيق، مدير التعاقدات بالنادي الأهلي؛ عن إعارة محمد مغربي ومحمد ياسر ثنائي فريق الشباب؛ لنادي تيبليتسه التشيكي.

ووفقًا للموقع الرسمي فإن توفيق أعلن إعارة ثنائي الشباب المذكور لمدة موسمين ونصف، مع أحقية الأهلي في استعادة الثنائي أو أحدهما في أي وقت خلال مدة الإعارة في موسم 2023-2024.

وأوضح أمير توفيق أن إعارة الثنائي جاءت وفقًا لاستراتيجية الأهلي وبالتنسيق الكامل مع الكابتن محمود الخطيب رئيس النادي، وموافقة لجنة التخطيط للكرة، وخالد بيبو مدير قطاع الناشئين، وذلك لمنح الفرصة لعدد أكبر من شباب الأهلي للاحتراف في الدوريات الأوروبية.

وأضاف أن إعارة الثنائي مغربي وياسر تأتي استمرارًا لرؤية وخطة النادي في إكساب العديد من عناصر قطاع الناشئين المزيد من الخبرات البدنية والفنية، فضلًا عن تسويقهم في السوق الأوروبي وبما يخدم أهداف النادي.

طالع أيضًا.. موسيماني يتغنى بثنائي الأهلي: يمكنهما اللعب في الدوري الإنجليزي أو الإسباني

وأشار توفيق إلى أن إعارة ثنائي فريق الشباب لن تكون الأخيرة، خاصة في ظل التعاون القائم بين الأهلي وعدد من الأندية الأوروبية وبدأت بالدوري التشيكي مؤخرًا.

جدير بالذكر أن الأهلي يستعد لمواجهة نظيره مصر المقاصة غدًا الثلاثاء في إطار الجولة العاشرة من الدوري المصري الممتاز.

Celtic closing in on landmark appointments

Celtic’s hunt for a new manager has become a rather arduous task as the Bhoys attempt to replace the outgoing Neil Lennon.

The Northern Irishman hasn’t been in the dug-out for a fair few weeks now but the Hoops are yet to find a resolution to their woes.

What’s the word?

Roy Keane became the early favourite to become the Celtic manager but he has since been surpassed by Eddie Howe in the running.

Keane supposedly had an interview about the job but in the days that followed, he suddenly became unlikely to arrive at Paradise.

That being said, the Hoops hierarchy have now performed a major U-turn. With Howe stalling over the role, they have reignited their interest in the Manchester United legend.

With that, it looks as though Celtic are closing in on three separate landmark appointments.

According to Football Insider, the Irishman already has his backroom team in mind.

Keane not only wants to bring Nicky Butt with him to Celtic but he also wants former Scotland striker Ian McParland with him in the dug-out.

There appears to be growing support for the former Sunderland boss amongst the boardroom and now there is a very realistic chance he comes to Scotland.

Desmond will be delighted

After several arduous weeks searching for a new manager, this news will be enough to delight a certain majority shareholder; Dermot Desmond.

The businessman has faced plenty of critics this season but issued a defiant response last month claiming he wouldn’t sell his shares.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-lampard-klimala-ajer-gossip” title= “Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

This has also been a difficult time in his bid to find a successor to Lennon. On a constant basis, he has been dealt setbacks over their quest for Howe.

He doesn’t want to return to management until the summer while he’s now taking the interest of Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Brighton.

There are also issues surrounding his backroom staff. One source has revealed that the 43-year-old wanted to bring the “kitchen sink” to him with Parkhead which hadn’t been received well by those in the board room.

Coaching roles don’t appear to be an issue with Keane, though.

With that in mind, this would represent the easy way out for Desmond given they’ve targeted the likes of Howe and the eye-catching Lucien Favre.

The duo have both been linked with moves elsewhere but Keane hasn’t taken the fancy of any other suitors.

It would seem the chips are beginning to fall into place for the former midfielder.

AND in other news, Worse than Kenny: Celtic star who made just 15 passes should be finished at Paradise…

ExWHUemployee shares another injury boost

According to an update by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, writing on his Patreon, West Ham United have been gifted another injury boost after the good news regarding Aaron Cresswell – with Manuel Lanzini now apparently back in full training and available for selection. 

West Ham gifted another injury boost

Lanzini missed out on the latest victories over Wolves and Leicester City after picking up a knock in training, but after recovering, the Argentine has now returned and ‘should be in contention’ for a match day squad place against Newcastle this weekend.

ExWHUemployee’s news of his return comes as another injury boost for the side after Claret & Hugh also revealed Cresswell’s hamstring problem is nowhere near as bad as first feared – with the latter man expected to be back within 2-3 weeks.

Lanzini has played little part for Moyes over 2020/2021 bar a sensational wondergoal away to Spurs before the new year, but his availability gives the gaffer another attacking option while he currently has not one out-and-out striker, so could prove invaluable.

In these last few games, supporters could be hoping Lanzini will replicate those north London heroics if called upon – especially considering the vitally important run of fixtures that loom ahead.

Transfer Tavern take

The Hammers have managed to keep their European dream very much alive with a string of crucial wins recently, but each one has proven nervy for the supporters.

Since West Ham managed to squander a 3-0 lead at home to Arsenal, it appears the scar has somewhat stuck as Moyes’ men also nearly threw away that same advantage at Molineux and at the London Stadium against Leicester.

Just seven games remain for the Irons and Europe is well within reach, but the last few encounters will certainly prove anxiety-inducing.

To clinch the European dream, manager David Moyes will need every available West Ham asset to play their part, and perhaps Lanzini can pop up with another wonder-goal now he is back in the fold.

In other news: West Ham eyeing this Slavia Prague star, it’s not Sima – find out more here.

Aston Villa fans keen for Abraham signing

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts on a possible big-money move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham on social media.

Dean Smith and John Terry remain huge admirers of the former Villa loanee, according to the Birmingham Mail.

Abraham’s Chelsea struggles under Tuchel

Abraham has only started three league games under Thomas Tuchel, with the new Blues boss preferring Olivier Giroud to the Englishman. The 23-year-old has still managed to net 12 times in all competitions this season, though, with his current Stamford Bridge deal running until 2023.

The Birmingham Mail asked Football.London’s Chelsea reporter Adam Newson all about Abraham and the possibility of a return to the Midlands materialising.

Newson believes that any deal for Abraham would have to exceed the £28m Villa spent on Ollie Watkins last summer and would depend on Chelsea bringing in a striker of their own.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the Q&A with Newson on Twitter, asking supporters if they would like to see Abraham arrive in a club-record deal.

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in response, with one labelling Abraham as the ‘perfect’ player to feature alongside Watkins and Jack Grealish.

“Without doubt! Young, hungry, natural finisher, works hard, perfect to go up alongside Ollie and Jack!!”

Credit: @StevieHanks

“In a heartbeat!”

Credit: @AVillan55378820

“YES, absolutely”

Credit: @OTriane

“YES!”

Credit: @LasseMange

“100% – no brainer”

Credit: @GarethJDTrax

“I’d sign him up but need a few more players on top”

Credit: @Paul79822179

In other news: Villa handed potential transfer boost due to Premier League giants’ interest in £50m-valued star, find out more here. 

Howey praises John Stones rejuvenation

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 193 Premier League appearances during his career, was full of praise for John Stones after fighting his way back into Pep Guardiola’s side.

Alongside Ruben Dias, Stones has established himself as a top Premier League centre-back after being dropped from the side last season when he made just 16 appearances in the league – one less than he’s made this campaign.

The former Everton defender has been chipping in with goals as well as finding the net three times despite failing to score in the league for City before scoring twice against Crystal Palace in January.

During Manchester City’s 15-game winning run in the Premier League, Stones only missed three games which all occurred when Aymeric Laporte returned from injury, such is the level Stones has been performing at this season.

Speaking on Stones’ form this season and how he managed to become a trusted member of Guardiola’s squad, Howey exclusively told FFC:

“I think John Stones has gone away and it’s been a difficult time for him because he was getting criticised and did look a little bit short of confidence. There was no doubt he was a good player.

“I thought sometimes he took too many chances when he was at Everton but I think Pep’s cut them out of his game.

“He’s come back a bigger, better and stronger player. For me personally, he starts for England at the Euros.”

Stones appears to be one of the first names on the team sheet at City nowadays after proving his ability to defend and bring the ball out of defence, which can only be a positive for Gareth Southgate and England.

As well, Man City are still on course to complete the quadruple with the Premier League all but won and are in the final of the Carabao Cup against Tottenham Hotspur.

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