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According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, West Ham have agreed a £30m fee for Brentford star Said Benrahma.

Deal agree for Benrahma

With the international transfer window now closed, some Premier League sides have turned their attention to the Championship. Benrahma, who scored 17 goals last term for the Bees, is understandably an interesting option.

Now, it appears that the Hammers have had a breakthrough and have agreed a fee for the Algeria international. That sum is said to be £30m, including add-ons, with personal terms still yet to be sorted out.

One of the stars of the Championship

Given his displays over the past couple of campaigns, the 25-year-old is arguably the best player in England’s second tier. To add to the 17 strikes he managed last term, Benrahma racked up nine assists, whilst he managed 10 goal and 15 assists respectively in 38 games during the 2018/19 campaign.

As Ornstein says, Benrahma will add creativity to David Moyes’ squad. The fee itself is obviously rather high – only Ollie Watkins will have cost more as a Championship player than the winger if he does complete a move across London. However, given his displays in recent times, it is hard to argue that he is not worth it. After two fantastic wins in a row, it seems things are about to get even better for West Ham.

Let us know what you think below!

Key Information about Edgeley Park

Edgeley Park is the home of National League side Stockport County, and it has been since 1902. The Cheshire based stadium holds almost 11,000 spectators and it was shared with Rugby Union club Sale Sharks between 2003-12.

In 2015, Stockport Council purchased the stadium for £2m, and leased it back to the club in order to block redevelopment and stop it from being demolished.

A history of Edgeley Park

Up until 1902, Stockport County had played all of their home matches at Green Lane in Heaton Norris. Throughout history, Edgeley Park has seen many greats play at the historic ground, including George Best, Bobby Moore, and Kevin Keegan. The first Main Stand was built in 1913, and it held an increased 500 seats.

Ten years later, a wooden terrace was built at the Cheadle End and in 1927 the Popular Side was reconstructed before it was extended further back to hold 16,000 spectators in 1934. Just one year after this expansion, the main stand was burnt down after the timber caught fire, though it was rebuilt a year later.

Following the Bradford City stadium fire in 1985, all wooden structures were removed from the stadium. The stadium was originally built in 1901 for Rugby League club Stockport RFC, though Stockport County moved there following the expansion of their fan base due to their entrance into the Football League two years earlier.

The longest ever football match recorded in history took place at Edgeley Park on March 30, 1946. The Division Three North Cup replay took place between Stockport County and Doncaster Rovers and it lasted an extraordinary three hours and 23 minutes. The replay commenced after the first game ended 2-2, and it was not in anyone’s minds that it would last a remarkable 203 minutes.

The replay was tied once more at 2-2 after 90 minutes, therefore the tie went to extra time; however, 30 minutes were not enough with neither team able to score during that period. Penalty shootouts were not part of the game back during the wartime so the only solution was to play-to-win until one team finally would score.

The record attendance at Edgeley Park is a massive 27,833 when Liverpool visited Stockport County in the fifth round of the 1950 FA Cup. The National League ground has four main stands; the Danny Bergara Stand, Cheadle End, Popular Side, and Railway End which is the usual home of away supporters. In the summer of 2015, Edgeley Park was passed into the ownership of Stockport Council who decided to rent the ground back to the football club on a commercial basis.

Tickets to Watch Stockport County at Edgeley Park

All Stockport County tickets are available to purchase online at Eventbrite and not through the phone. Single matchday tickets range from £5-15, and children typically can attend for free. If you are interested in season tickets, one can be purchased from £240 if you are early enough, though they are usually priced at around £300 for Adults.

Related Links

https://www.stockportcounty.com/ – Official website of Stockport County

https://www.stockportcounty.com/match/match-tickets/ – Stockport County ticket office

Sunderland target Charlie Goode has responded to the latest transfer rumours about his future and where he will play next season.

Black Cats manager Phil Parkinson is desperate to bolster his squad ahead of next season having finished eighth in the League One table, missing out on promotion for a second successive year.

As the pressure mounts on Parkinson, the 52-year-old coach has already sealed the double signing of Bailey Wright and Aiden O’Brien.

Following those deals, interest in Goode has emerged after the defender had an impressive season with Northampton Town.

The Cobblers captain led his team to promotion from League Two last month via the play-off final and those performances prompted transfer interest from a whole host of Championship clubs, with Sky Sports‘ northeast correspondent Keith Downie reporting the news.

With interest starting to develop in the £1m-valued defender, QPR seemed to have won the race earlier this week, judging by a claim from football columnist and agent Michael Vennerholm.

However, Goode has discussed his future and seemingly rubbished that report, telling Northampton Chronicle: “My focus is on the pitch, (The rumours are) something I’m aware of but at the end of the day I play for Northampton and that won’t change until my last day at the club.

“My focus is as normal and I’m just looking forward to the new season. I’ve loved every minute I’ve had at this club.”

“I came here to get promoted last season and I’ve helped us achieve that – but it doesn’t stop now.”

Whilst the comments made by Goode offer hope that the reported move to QPR is far from a done deal, he still seems keen to ply his trade with Northampton.

Of course, a lucrative contract offer could tempt him to leave, but it remains to be seen if a summer transfer window move to Sunderland will materialise.

Do you think Sunderland should go all-out to sign Goode? Let us know your views in the comments section below…

It’s June 1st and Newcastle United’s prospective £300m takeover is still yet to be complete.The Premier League’s return to action is on the horizon in just a few weeks as the tumultuous 2019/20 campaign appears to be able to finally conclude.However, it’s now fast approaching the two-month mark since news first broke that current Magpies chief Mike Ashley was to sell the club to a very wealthy Saudi-backed consortium fronted by PCP Partners’ Amanda Staveley.A couple of weeks ago, The Sun’s Neil Custis hinted that today could finally be the day that the deal gets announced, but that seems rather unlikely given latest information from the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, who tweeted the following answer in response to a fan…

He claims that the takeover is still with the Premier League, who have been conducting their owners and directors test for several weeks now. Edwards won’t put a timeframe on it happening – but does suggest that there shouldn’t be any worries over it being off completely.

Think you’re a big Magpies fan? Can you name these former players by looking at their careers? Go on, give it a go…

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It’s merely a long game of patience, and given that the new season isn’t going to start for a few months, it shouldn’t be rushed. There will be plenty of time for the new owners to do what they need in preparation for next term should they eventually be handed the green light.

AND in other news,ÂLee Ryder reveals Mapies ace is “on the brink” of EXIT…

Tottenham Hotspur bounced back from a dull draw with Bournemouth by beating Arsenal 2-1 at home. 

Toby Alderweireld headed a late winner to clinch the victory in a hotly-contested north London derby.

Spurs had struggled for form beforehand, after they slumped to a disappointing defeat to Sheffield United, edged past Everton, and took away only a point from the Vitality Stadium.

However, the Lilywhites seem to have turned things around, as they came from behind to climb above their arch rivals into eighth in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho will know his side face an almost impossible task to reach the top four, as they are currently nine points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, with only three games remaining.

As it stands, a spot in the Europa League is still up for grabs, and he will be looking to make a statement when Spurs travel to Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

Transfer Tavern have put together a predicted starting lineup, which sees Mourinho mess around with the side that beat Arsenal, as Erik Lamela and Steven Bergwijn return.

It was obvious right from the start that Mourinho had set his team up completely differently when Spurs welcomed Arsenal to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As Alasdair Gold pointed out, Moussa Sissoko was pushed out wide, while Lucas Moura started on the left.

Moura effectively played as a wing-back and the Portuguese worked out a way to neutralise Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin.

Dele Alli has missed the past three games after suffering a knee injury in training, and whether or not he will have recovered in time to meet the Magpies remains to be seen. Spurs also line up against Leicester City at the weekend and Mourinho may choose to rest him for the pivotal clash.

Working on the assumption that he will not be fit to face Newcastle, it is likely Spurs will stick to the 4-4-1-1 formation.

Eric Dier is in the middle of a four game ban, so Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld will renew their partnership in front of Hugo Lloris, while Ben Davies lines up alongside his teammates.

Serge Aurier’s brother Christopher was killed earlier this week and Mourinho has made it clear he will let him decide if he wants to play so soon after his brother’s murder.

As Kyle Walker-Peters is on loan at Southampton, Spurs do not have another designated right-back, and the head coach has been considering Gedson Fernandes, Oliver Skipp and Sissoko as possible alternatives.

Sissoko is the most experienced player out of the trio and he may get the nod on the right flank.

With a bigger game against the Foxes at the weekend, Mourinho may want to give Moura some time off. Both Steven Bergwijn and Erik Lamela could come into the side instead, with Lamela replacing Sissoko further up-field.

Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks have formed a promising partnership in the heart of the midfield and the duo worked hard in front of the two centre-backs. It is hard to imagine Mourinho will want to break the pair up, particularly as he is currently embroiled in a public spat with Tanguy Ndombele.

The club’s record signing has barely featured since the Premier League restart and stands to miss out once again when Tottenham take on the Toon, which doesn’t bode well for his future.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane was relieved to finally have a strike partner up front, and he will look to resume his healthy rivalry with Son Heung-min at the top of the pitch.

Tottenham fans, do you think this is how Mourinho will start against Newcastle? Let us know down below!

It’s been far from smooth sailing for Fred since moving to Manchester United in summer 2018 at a cost of £52m.

During his first season, he made just 13 starts in the Premier League and appeared to have the makings of a prime transfer dud.

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But fast forward to present day and Fred has missed just four top flight outings for the Red Devils this term, starting 22 of 29 overall, and his Whoscored performance rating has jumped up from 6.49 in 2018/19 to 6.95, encapsulating the improvement he’s shown.

However, Fred hasn’t done it all on his own. According to Bleacher Report, the influence of a countryman on the other side of Manchester has been pivotal, with Fernandinho stepping forward during Fred’s darkest moments.

The Brazilian pair may have to lock horns on the pitch when representing bitter rivals, but it seems they’re pretty close off it.

Manchester United fans have put the City rivalry to one side to praise the 34-year-old. Here’s what they’ve been saying on Twitter…

Meanwhile, Paul Pogba’s transfer priority for the next window has been revealed.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes that winger Grady Diangana could become a big part of manager David Moyes’ plans at West Ham next season.

The attacker is currently on loan at West Bromwich Albion and was enjoying a successful spell before a hamstring injury in December, per Transfermarkt, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 21 appearances. The Baggies are also doing very well in the Championship, as they are second in the league and six points clear of third, via BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football Insider about the winger, Whelan said: “I do not think David Moyes has seen enough of him. I think he will want to. He will want people he can trust, rely on and win him football matches.

“Moyes has steadied the ship and I think they will be OK.

“From the start of next season, he will want to look at every single player and make his decision off of the back of preseason. He could be there and be a big part of the plans for David Moyes.”

It is hard to disagree with Whelan here, the Englishman has a huge preseason ahead of him when football resumes to prove himself, but everything looks in place for him to succeed and be a big part of the Hammers’ next Premier League campaign.

It has already been reported that Moyes is keen to use the player, according to Claret & Hugh, whilst it has also been rumoured that both Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson will be allowed to leave the club in the summer.

This means that the 21 year-old, per Transfermarkt, might have less competition and his attacking statistics also highlight that he can offer an attacking threat for the Irons. He is averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.5 shots and 2.3 successful dribbles per game, which is more Yarmolenko (1, 1.3, 0.4) albeit in a lower division, whilst the Brazilian only betters him on successful dribbles per game, (1.1, 1, 2.8,) via WhoScored.

It would be interesting to see how he can impact a squad with Premier League quality players around him, but it does look like this is the best chance for the Englishman to succeed in East London, and the confidence highlighted by his attacking statistics could be the exact catalyst West Ham need so that next campaign they are looking at the teams above them rather than the ones below them.

The fact they are 16th and only two points away from 19th has not gone down with supporters but hopefully with players like Diangana, this can change in the upcoming seasons.

West Ham fans, would you like to see Diangana around the first team next season?

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Dwight Gayle has been ostracised from the first-team since his return from a loan spell at West Brom, but he deserves to have played more than the five minutes he’s spent on the pitch this season.

On the chalkboard

Attack has been a key problem for Newcastle this term, and although there has been recent improvement they still only have 11 goals from 12 league games.

However, there is now greater confidence in the team, with players like Allan Saint-Maximin excelling going forward, except when it comes to finishing chances.

Now the Magpies are at a point where there is good balance throughout the team so they are in a good position to score more regularly, but for that to happen they need a natural finisher to play – which Joelinton simply isn’t.

Too often this season the Brazilian has disappointed, and on occasion has failed to offer much in the opponent’s final third, both in terms of scoring and setting up chances.

Gayle, meanwhile, is an excellent finisher according to his manager, and that means it is surprising he hasn’t played more often. Joelinton failed to score with his four shots last weekend, though, and if Gayle can impress over the international break he could get a chance.

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Alternative option

So far this season it is clear that Steve Bruce has preferred Joelinton to act as the focal point of his attack, with wingers Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron often running in behind to great effect.

It is a system which has flourished recently, but also one that suits Gayle.

He has the pace and movement to keep up with those attackers, and considering the number of shots they have that are saved, Gayle could be the perfect option to play alongside them as he could mop up any rebounded chances.

In addition to that, he could also work well with midfielders Sean Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey. The latter has experienced an upturn in form which could prove particuarly useful, as his average of 3.1 long balls per game means he could provide service to Gayle, who would be able to run beyond the defence – unlike Joelinton.

The 29-year-old’s poaching instinct is different to the attributes of other strikers in the squad, and is likely a big reason why Bruce admitted last month he was “delighted to have him” in the squad.

The Magpies boss also praised his popularity amongst the other players, so it is surprising that he hasn’t been given a chance, although his eagerness to impress could make him seize any opportunity with both hands.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Aston Villa are interested in signing Brentford’s Said Benrahma, according to Sky Sports News.

What’s the word?

It is reported that the club are planning a move for the winger in preparation for the January transfer window, as they seek to add to their attacking threat.

The Algeria international was linked with a move to the Villans – and the chance to reunite with his former manager Dean Smith – for much of the summer, but no agreement was reached as the club refused to meet the Bees’ valuation.

Instead, they opted for Trezeguet, who has so far proved a little inconsistent with two goals in 13 games, and since Benrahma is beginning to find his own form with two goals and two assists in the previous five games, it is possible Villa will move back in for him.

Brentford want £20m for the 24-year-old, just as they did in the summer, and that could apparently prove difficult due to Smith spending £120m in the summer, though with the club hanging precariously close to the relegation zone it is possible a deal may be struck.

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Highly-thought of

Smith signed Benrahma for Brentford in the summer of 2018 and though he spent only three and a half months working with him, it was enough for him to be won over by the quality he has.

The Algerian had a superb debut season in England with 10 goals and 15 assists in the Championship, though his productivity has declined this year – perhaps due to the summer speculation.

There is no doubting his quality on the ball, however, and his technical ability allows him to glide past opponents and create chances for teammates, both of which are highlighted by his average of 2.8 successful dribbles and 2.1 key passes per game this term.

It is that kind of quality Villa are in need of, as this season they have occasionally lacked that creative spark in the wide positions, often relying instead on Jack Grealish and John McGinn to produce match-winning moments.

Those two have both contributed directly to five Premier League goals so far, whereas Trezeguet has contributed to three. Smith may feel, therefore, that there is a need for greater quality on the wing, and Benrahma seems to be his main man once more.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

West Brom somehow remain top of the Championship after a week where things could have easily gone against them.

Perhaps, them grinding out results even despite facing multiple factors is a true sign of the grit and determination required by a title-winning side, but that’s not enough to rely on as Albion boss Slaven Bilic must find a solution quickly or he’s playing with fire.

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In midweek, the Baggies had to come from behind to earn a draw against basement boys Barnsley, and on Saturday, they were up against it all, culminating in a 94th-minute penalty which clinched the visiting Charlton Athletic a point at the Hawthorns.

The result continued a recurring theme in that West Brom can barely keep a clean sheet to save their lives – it’s just the one from all 14 Championship matches this season.

Now, the problem could lie with the personnel at the back, but this latest result suggests the trouble is coming from another source…

£4m summer arrival Charlie Austin continues to struggle at the other end of the pitch – he’s scored just the one league goal in ten appearances.

It could be debated until the cows come home on whether or not he fits Bilic’s system, but the fact of the matter is, it’s just not working out, and when you deploy one man up top, you are risking pressure on the rest of the side.

This was displayed by the 30-year-old as he lost possession 12 times and won just one of his three aerial duels, per SofaScore.

By not keeping hold of the ball or even winning it, Charlton were able to capitalise and put pressure on the Albion backline – surprisingly the visitors recorded more possession at 54%, which is rare considering the west Midlands club rank third in the league for possession percentage at a similar number.

Bilic can lessen the burden on his defence by playing someone like Hal Robson-Kanu, who will be much more of a handful than Austin, clearly shown by his two-goal return from his last three appearances.

At least until January, when he can take further measures in finding the right man – just imagine how many Dwight Gayle would have in this side if he stayed around after last season’s loan spell.