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Earlier this week, Glasgow Rangers were linked with Bordeaux striker Josh Maja, and supporters of the Scottish side were excited by this rumour. Now they might be about to get even happier following the latest update on the forward.

French football journalist Hanif Berkane was speaking to WebGirondins and talking about the possible transfer, and he said: “For Maja, it’s very real. I think that if Lille have made official the transfer of Morelos, the offer will quickly arrive on Bordeaux’s desk”

Alfredo Morelos looks likely to be heading to Lille, and it looks like Maja could be the number one replacement on Steven Gerrard’s list following Berkane’s quotes.

The former Sunderland man is only 21, per Transfermarkt, but is showing glimpses that he can perform in a top league as he has managed nine goals in 31 appearances for the French side.

He is seen as more of a substitute at the moment as he has only started eight times, per WhoScored, so to be still picking up goals does highlight the potential he has. Added to that, he also scored 17 goals for Sunderland before leaving, so has 26 first team goals in 80 appearances across his time at both clubs.

Transfermarkt value the Nigerian at £5.67 million, and if Glasgow Rangers get the £20 million that they want for Morelos, then they may be able to acquire the player and even buy another forward if necessary as it is going to be very hard to replace the Colombian who managed 77 goals in only 137 games.

Maja is young, showing potential and looks to be quite prolific, so he could be a very decent striker for the Scottish side to sign this summer.

Glasgow Rangers fans, would you like Maja? Comment below!

Name: Phil Foden

Club: Manchester City

Date of Birth: 28 May 2000

Position: Midfielder (Central/Attacking)

Phil Foden – his career so far

By now, almost everyone knows about Manchester City’s bright young talent that is Phil Foden. The 19-year-old midfielder may not be a regular starter or, at times, even a regular squad player with the Citizens, but he is definitely among the players who are expected to be the big stars of the future.

Pep Guardiola knows it and the footballing world already knows it as well. And the most important thing to note here is that Foden is a Man City product through and through, having joined the club when he was only nine years old and already a big fan of the club. But it didn’t take long for the club officials to recognise the talent and the potential of the kid from Stockport.

After advancing through the ranks and impressing along the way, Foden signed his academy scholarship in 2016 and later that year, he would also get his first senior call-up, sitting on the bench as an unused substitute in Man City’s 1-1 draw with Celtic at the Etihad.

But that was only just the beginning of a long journey towards the first-team of the Citizens. He would also accompany the team in their US tour and would already feature in some of the games as the 2017/18 campaign kicked off. His senior debut happened against Feyenoord in the Champions League in November 2017 and a month later, he became the youngest Englishman to start in a Champions League game as he appeared in the starting XI against Shakhtar Donetsk. His Premier League debut would follow ten days later.

In total, Foden has played 29 games for Man City’s U18 squad, scoring 14 goals and assisting further seven along the way. In the nine games he’s played for the U23s, the young midfielder bagged six goals and five assists.

But even more impressively, despite being only 19 years of age, Foden can already boast with a total of 62 senior team appearances during which he scored and assisted ten goals.

Needless to say, the future certainly looks bright for one of the most talented English footballers of today.

Transfer latest

One thing is clear as day when it comes to Foden’s future at the club – he is not going anywhere and Man City are counting on the 19-year-old midfielder to become one of their most important players in the not so distant future.

For that reason, there are no transfer rumours or Manchester City news currently surrounding the young talent as he looks set to stay and develop at the Etihad. Not only that but it was recently revealed that the Citizens want to find more Fodens in their academy and are hoping to unearth more talents of his calibre soon.

Of course, that is easier said than done but it’s also quite a big testament to the youngster’s talent and the reputation he already has at City. There might be a clean-up at the Etihad in the summer if the recent transfer rumours are true but Foden is unlikely to be a part of it.

Player profile

Foden is a highly creative midfielder who’s capable of both playing the role in the deeper areas of the pitch as well as closer to the opposition’s goal. His biggest strengths lie in his incredible close control and technical ability.

He can be seen deploying pinpoint passes and also beating his man to progress the ball and carry it into the final third and towards the box. These traits were evident during his stay at Man City’s academy and also came to prominence in his senior team exploits to date.

But he also seems to be quite deadly in front of goal, having that eye to rattle the inside of the opposition’s net as well as set his teammates up for success with deadly passing.

With his rather unimposing physique and height, Foden often relies on his supreme skills on the ball to exploit and create space on the pitch. Even at such a young age, he is already showing glimpses of the brilliance that could be unearthed with more grooming and developing.

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?

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been embroiled in a debate on social media this week after the club’s official Twitter account posted an image of Belgian duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, with the latter receiving the bulk of the discussion.

Both central defenders have been a key part of Spurs’ starting XI for the last five years or so but that partnership is set to be broken up after this current campaign.

Vertonghen’s contract is due to expire this summer, and it appears as if he’ll be free to leave the north London club with no apparent deal on the table yet.

Some would like to see him stay under Jose Mourinho next term…

The 33-year-old has been at Tottenham since the summer of 2013 and has gone on to record 311 appearances for the club, via Transfermarkt.

This campaign, the Belgian has managed to feature in 26 matches in all competitions – even occasionally filling in at left-back during the absence of the injured Ben Davies.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

However, there are plenty in north London that believe Vertonghen is “finished” and that it’s time to depart…

Whilst some were a little more respectful about the situation, accepting that the veteran defender is probably past his best but still understanding what a terrific career he’s had for the club.

A whole host of Serie A teams are reportedly keen on landing him, including Christian Eriksen’s Inter Milan as well as Roma, as per Calciomercato.

It remains to be seen if the delay to the end of the current campaign has changed circumstances somewhat, but for now, Vertonghen has nine more games left at Spurs should he be selected.

AND in other news, Spurs reportedly REIGNITE interest in 2011 target…

تلقى مسؤولو نادي الزمالك خطابا من قبل اتحاد الكرة لإخطاره بتأجيل مباراة الفريق أمام طلائع الجيش المقرر لها غدًا الخميس في الجولة الثالثة والعشرين لمسابقة الدوري لمدة ساعتين لتقام في التاسعة مساءً بدلاً من السابعة.

يتصدر الزمالك جدول تريب الدوري المصري، برصيد 48 نقطة، بعدما خاض 22 مباراة حقق خلالها الفوز في 14 مباراة وتعادل في 6 وخسر في مباراتين.

اقرأ ايضًا.. طلائع الجيش يعلن عبر بطولات سلبية مسحة لاعبيه قبل مواجهة الزمالك

يأتي قرار اتحاد الكرة بتأجيل مباراة الزمالك وطلائع الجيش لإقامة مباراتي افتتاح بطولة كأس العرب للصالات، حيث يلتقي منتخب مصر مع موريتانيا في الثالثة عصرا ثم لقاء الكويت مع البحرين في السادسة مساءً.

ومن المقرر أن ينتظم الزمالك في معسكر مغلق مساء اليوم بأحد الفنادق القريبة من استاد القاهرة الدولي استعدادا لخوض لقاء الغد.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Before a ball had been kicked in Southampton’s clash against Everton, something potentially agonising was on the horizon for the Saints if they suffered another defeat.

If Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side allowed the Merseysiders to get the better of them, it would mean that the Saints found themselves on the exact amount of points that they had after 12 games of the Premier League campaign last term.

We detailed how such a defeat would ‘signal an agonising moment’ for the south coast side, and as we speak now, such a grim potentiality has become a bleak reality.

Goals from Tom Davies and Richarlison sandwiched a solitary Danny Ings strike to hand Southampton an eighth Premier League defeat of the season, leaving Hasenhuttl’s side just a point off the bottom of the table.

After the 12th Premier League game of the 2018/19 campaign – a 1-1 draw with Watford – Southampton again had just eight points and were sat two places above their current position in 17th.

Incidentally, such form cost Mark Hughes his job just two games later following a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on December 1, with the former Manchester City boss handed his P45 on the third of that month having amassed nine points from 14.

By that logic, can we expect to see Hasenhuttl’s job in danger if he too adds just one more point from the next two games?

Perhaps not, as it has been reported that the former RB Leipzig boss retains the full backing of the board.

However, what you cannot dismiss is the fact that the wheels are truly not in motion at St Mary’s.

Absolutely no progress has been made from the Hughes tenure despite Hasenhuttl’s arrival and two £15m signings being made in the shape of Che Adams and Moussa Djenepo.

Amidst all the doom and gloom on the south coast right now, this detail must be one of the bleakest.

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

Little by little he’s forcing his way back into the picture.

Tyler Roberts has sort of become the forgotten man at Elland Road this season.

There has been plenty of talk surrounding who should lead the line between Patrick Bamford and Eddie Nketiah, meanwhile, Roberts has been coming back from a knee operation that he undertook during the summer.

As a result, his contributions from last season, and what he can offer in this campaign have been pushed aside. Speaking after the Birmingham City game, Roberts spoke about his recovery so far and how important it is for him to be getting back into the swing of things:

“Coming on in the second half and getting some minutes it was great, it’s been a long summer, so I’m glad to be back and helping the team get up the table.”

On the chalkboard

Roberts is the perfect man for a Marcelo Bielsa team, because whilst he has predominantly spent his career as a centre-forward, he can play in so many positions across the front line as well as an attacking midfielder.

Bielsa has spoken about his preferences to carry a small squad, so for him to be able to fill in multiple roles makes him crucial.

He’s also very effective on the pitch as well, if you take a look at his record from last season, even though it was only three goals and six assists, he spent large parts of the campaign either on the bench, not in the squad or forced out wide (where his assists came from).

Whilst Bielsa has stated that the team will be unchanged for the game against Preston North End, he really needs to consider using Roberts a lot more going forward.

Whilst the 20-year-old may be the perfect utility man to bring off the bench if there is an injury to anyone in the front-line, it shouldn’t necessarily rule him out to start games either, especially when supporters loved his cameo so much last weekend.

After all, he did start 20 games under Bielsa last season, so it’s not as if he hasn’t had the chance to prove himself. Although his numbers weren’t amazing, perhaps if he got a more consistent run in the side, he might be able to get those numbers up and help the team like he’s talked about.

Either way, he’s returning at just the right time if you consider Leeds’ struggles in front of goal. Bamford has failed to find the back of the net for seven games so they definitely need an added attacking threat.

Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko will return to his club this week on a major high after helping Ukraine to seal their place in next year’s European Championship finals.

The 22-year-old was in the team that defeated Portugal 2-1 to ensure qualification for Euro 2020 and confirm their status as Group B winners, as per UEFA.com.

Zinchenko was played in a left-sided midfield role by national team boss Andriy Shevchenko last night and he posted some impressive figures from the match.

According to WhoScored.com, he had 61 touches of the ball and an 85% passing success rate, completing 39 of his 46 passes, while embarking on two successful dribbles, winning one aerial duel and two tackles, making two interceptions and recording five clearances.

All of Zinchenko’s nine Manchester City appearances this season (and 49 of his 52 games for the club) have come at left-back, but he has played in a central or wide midfield role on numerous occasions during his club career.

These Manchester City fans on Twitter believe that the 22-year-old should be redeployed as a midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s line-up ahead of the likes of Ilkay Gundogan:

Do you think Zinchenko’s best position is at left-back or in midfield? Join in the discussion by commenting below!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

This one won’t go down well.

Not only have Leeds lost captain Liam Cooper to injury for the foreseeable future, but one former Leeds United player thinks there could be a permanent departure from the club soon if things don’t change.

What’s been said?

Noel Whelan spoke to Football Insider about young striker Eddie Nketiah, and he thinks that time could well be running out for Bielsa to show faith in the Arsenal loanee before the London club either decide to recall him, or he starts considering asking to be sent back:

Nketiah has scored four times since arriving in west Yorkshire but it’s now October and he’s still yet to start in the league.

Given Patrick Bamford hasn’t netted in six games, it would be understandable if he’s starting to grow frustrated. That’s certainly how Whelan thinks he could feel before too long. He said:

“There is the possibility he will be recalled in January. It all depends on how much game time he is getting, and at the moment he is only playing as a sub. He has showed a lot of talent and potential, and is a really exciting young striker. He’s loved by the fans.

“A lot of other clubs wanted him in the summer and you can see why. Much depends on the player’s character. It may only be a short time before he starts getting frustrated. How much is he willing to stay patient?”

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What should they do about it?

Leeds United are facing a bit of a problem when it comes to converting their chances so far this season and sit in tenth place for goals scored despite averaging the highest number of shots per game in the Championship.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that there’s a simple solution to the problem – that’s playing the Arsenal man on a regular basis.

Nketiah, despite a lack of minutes, has shown an incredible knack of finding the back of the net when presented with the opportunity and it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if he did eventually replace Bamford.

It’s now just a matter of who blinks first. Will Nketiah force his way out of Elland Road? Or will Bielsa bow to the pressure and give him more game time? It’ll be a tricky decision once the international break is done.

As Whelan says, Nketiah is loved by the crowd at Elland Road, would it really be in Bielsa’s best interests to let someone so adored just walk out because of a lack of minutes?

Imagine the backlash he’d get if he did.

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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…

Although it was only against Nottingham Forest, Unai Emery will have been happy about the way his Arsenal side put the Championship team to the sword in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

The Gunners were ruthless with their performance against Sabri Lamouchi’s side, and ended up winning 5-0.

English trio Rob Holding, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson were all on the scoresheet, while Brazilian 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli bagged himself a brace.

Watch Arsenal Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The former Ituano man was one of several youngsters who were brought into the side for the game and he took full advantage of the chance that he was gifted.

Despite having just 29 touches throughout the game, he hit the back of the net twice.

Those weren’t his only shots – he had six overall as the Emirates outfit dominated proceedings from start to finish, showing that he was not afraid to take aim.

He was also good with his feet, completing two dribbles, whilst he won the most fouls for his side, with two.

His performance will have been particularly pleasing for Unai Emery.

Other than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the former Sevilla boss has no other natural striker currently available with Alexandre Lacazette out injured. Martinelli showed against Forest that, should he need to be called upon to lead the line, he is capable of doing so.

With Arsenal next in action at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Monday, Aubameyang will surely be restored to the side as the Gunners go in search of another victory.

The young Guarulhos native, though, has given his boss a valuable alternative moving forward.