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Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini started for Italy in their crucial 2018 World Cup play-off second leg against Sweden at the San Siro on Monday night, and Saints fans were quick to have their say on his showing as a goalless draw meant that the Azzurri failed to qualify for the competition for the first time since 1958.

The Italians knew that they needed to at least score after losing 1-0 against the Swedes in the first leg on Friday night, and despite not starting then Gabbiadini was named in the XI by Gian Piero Ventura in Milan.

The 25-year-old played just off of Ciro Immobile up top but he couldn’t help his country find the goal that they needed before he was replaced by Andrea Belotti in the 63rd minute, but he certainly had a lot more touches in the first half (29) than he did in 65 minutes against Burnley (eight) before the international break.

Southampton supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on Gabbiadini’s showing, and while one believes the club can “get the best out of him by playing him in the number 10 role”, another said in relation to the number of touches that it is “amazing what happens when you play two up top” – something that Mauricio Pellegrino hasn’t really been willing to do since he took charge of Saints.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Everton defender Mason Holgate has insisted that he will remain patient as he searches for a return to the starting XI at Goodison Park.

The 21-year-old, who is valued at £4.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has made four Premier League appearances for Everton this season, but has not featured in the top flight since the draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last month.

Interim Everton boss David Unsworth has selected experience over youth during his time in charge, meaning that Holgate has been forced to spend time on the sidelines.

The England Under-21 international has vowed to bide his time, however, as he looks to secure a return to the first team approaching the busy festive period.

Holgate told Everton’s official website:

“The team has changed a fair bit this season. I just have to wait for my chance and, when it comes, I will be ready to take it.”

Everton are still without a permanent manager, and former England boss Sam Allardyce recently ruled himself out of the running after becoming frustrated with the Merseyside club’s indecision.

The Toffees will return to Premier League action with a trip to basement side Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester United have received some positive news following Sunday’s defeat to neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s side avoided a horror tie in the Champions League last-16 draw, which will see all five English teams competing.

United will take on Sevilla across two legs in the hope of reaching the quarter-finals of the elite competition.

The North-West outfit have not played in the Champions League since the 2015-16 season, in which they failed to progress from the group stage.

United were unable to claim a top-four finish in the 2016-17 league campaign, but winning the Europa League ensured their place this season.

The last-16 tie will mark the first time that the two clubs have played against one another competitively.

United’s arch rivals Liverpool are familiar with Sevilla having faced them twice in the group stage and drawing both games.

Following the announcement of the draw, fans tweeted their reaction, which was by and large full of confidence.

Newcastle United’s dismal run of form continued as they were beaten 1-0 by Everton at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, and Magpies fans weren’t impressed with Mo Diame’s performance.

The Senegal international was handed just his fourth start of the Premier League season having been an unused substitute in the loss at home to Leicester City on Saturday, but he couldn’t prevent the Tyneside outfit losing for the seventh time in their last eight top flight fixtures.

The 30-year-old played in the No 10 role against the Toffees, but he failed to make an impression and perhaps should have done better with the rebound when Matt Ritchie’s effort hit the woodwork, before being subjected the ironic cheers when he was replaced by Joselu in the 67th minute.

Newcastle supporters were quick to have their say on his display via social media, and while one said “Cabaye was more useful when he was on strike”, another slated him and said “his attitude is a joke”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Arsenal have contacted Paris Saint-Germain about the availability of Goncalo Guedes, according to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

What’s the word?

The report states that Inter Milan are also interested in the 21-year-old, while Valencia, who had Guedes on loan last season, are keen on a permanent move.

The Portugal international, who has earned 14 caps for his country, is believed to be keen to return to Valencia, but the Spanish outfit are yet to hear back from PSG.

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Arsenal have reportedly entered the race, and perhaps that is because of the manager’s connection to the French club.

Unai Emery spent two years at Parc des Princes before getting sacked, and it appears that he is keen to swipe a player from his former club.

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Is Guedes good enough?

During the 2017-18 campaign, the left winger had a decent loan spell at Valencia, scoring six goals and creating 11 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.

At the World Cup, though, it was a different story as he struggled to make a significant impact before Portugal were dumped out of the tournament at the last-16 stage in Russia.

Guedes featured in all four matches, and his only contribution was a single assist.

Arsenal are not crying out for a new winger, so if Emery wants to bolster that side of the pitch, then he should only be targeting top-class talent.

No disrespect to Guedes, but he is not quite at the level that the Gunners’ require, particularly in a position that they do not need to strengthen.

Southampton announced on Friday that they had completed the signing of Jasper Vestergaard from Borussia Monchengladbach on a four-year contract.

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The Saints have been linked with a move for the central defender for some time, and it is understood that they have beaten a number of clubs to the 25-year-old’s signature.

Vestergaard had been with the Denmark squad at the 2018 World Cup, but did not feature for his country, who lost in the last-16 stage of the competition to Russia.

Vestergaard has followed Stuart Armstrong, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Angus Gunn in making the move to St Mary’s ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

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The Southampton fans were delighted with the arrival of Armstrong, and have now been commenting on Vestergaard’s move to St Mary’s.

It would be fair to say that it is a real coup for the Premier League outfit, and it is not a surprise that the Saints fans are so pleased with the club’s latest addition.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

The glow of the World Cup is fading and that can only mean that the new Premier League season is coming into view, with the big kick off coming on Friday 10th August, when Manchester United host Leicester City.

The fact that the Foxes have been champions more recently than Jose Mourinho’s men is sure to rankle their fans who will hope that 2018/19 will see them close the gap on local rivals Manchester City.

In between, clubs are releasing the kits that they will play in during the coming season and United have unveiled their latest home shirt ahead of their pre-season tour of America.

Adidas are one of the best kit manufacturers on the market but United are yet to see the benefit and this season’s effort is arguable their worst effort since taking on the responsibility ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

The traditional red is set off by black stripes on the stomach, which is not a look that has gone down well with United fans, as the angry responses below prove…

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Leeds United’s transfer window has yet to truly take off in the manner many predicted it to when Marcelo Bielsa arrived at the club in June, although a recent report from Sky Sports suggests that could be set to change in the coming weeks.

According to the report, Manchester City are open to the possibility of sending Phil Foden out on loan this summer after Pep Guardiola stated that a decision on his future will be made “at the end of pre-season”.

Guardiola’s admission has stimulated a whole host of fresh reports regarding Leeds United’s potential interest in the 18-year-old wonderkid, and in fairness there is plenty of reason to suggest that a short-term deal could be on the cards.

Riyad Mahrez’s recent arrival at Man City has intensified competition for places in attacking positions and forced Foden further down the pecking order.

Considering Foden (valued at £6.3 million by Transfermarkt) only played 43 minutes of Premier League football last season without the presence of Mahrez, it’s unlikely that his situation will improve next season with the Algerian ace’s presence to consider.

But in the best interests of Foden’s development, Guardiola will be eager for him to play on a regular basis whether that be for City’s youth team or away from the club, so the prospect of sending him to Leeds will certainly carry a weight of appeal for the Spaniard this summer.

And the fact that Marcelo Bielsa – one of Guardiola’s strongest influences – would be the man in charge of Foden’s development could be the most critical factor of all.

The dynamic between Guardiola and Bielsa is one which is characterised by admiration and respect, so there’s no doubt that if City’s manager was to allow the club’s most promising young talent to leave the club, Leeds would be one of, if not the most likely destination.

After rising to fame with a World Cup U17 victory and winning the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year award within the space of the past 12 months, there’s no doubt that interest for Foden will be rife among Championship clubs if he becomes available, but Bielsa’s relationship with Guardiola could ultimately prove to be the decisive factor in the 18-year-old’s next career move.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to The Mirror, West Ham United have joined the race for Bristol City defender Joe Bryan ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

What’s the story?

Bristol City will do extremely well to keep hold of Bryan this summer when considering his performances over the last few seasons, and indeed the interest surrounding him.

The 24-year-old scored seven times in 48 appearances for Bristol City in all competitions last term – including a goal against Manchester United in the EFL Cup.

Leeds United and Middlesbrough have both been linked, whilst it is understood that Newcastle United are also considering a move.

According to The Mirror, West Ham are now very much in the hunt, with Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini still in the market for new signings ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Bryan looked at home against Man United in the EFL Cup last season, and managed five Championship goals during a very impressive 2017-18 campaign.

Should West Ham sign Bryan?

Aaron Cresswell’s future at West Ham was believed to be in doubt following the arrival of Pellegrini, but it is understood that the club’s new head coach sees the Englishman as a key part of his XI next term.

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On the face of it, a move for Bryan makes little sense when considering Arthur Masuaku’s presence in that area of the field, with both players miles better than the Championship player.

The arrival of the 5ft 7in ace would give Pellegrini plenty of options down the left, but having three players for one position, given they have Andriy Yarmolenko to play wide on the left, seems a little excessive.

West Ham have already been very busy this summer with some smart additions, but Bryan would not be one of them.

Deadline day is now a week away and Newcastle are still very much looking to conduct some business as the window counts down. 

Rafa Benitez has been given a very tight budget to work with this summer. As a result, the Magpies have brought a few new faces but for very little expenditure.

Primarily, Newcastle need a striker, especially now since the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham. According to reports, Newcastle are close to signing Japan international and Mainz forward, Yoshinori Muto but as of yet have not finalised the deal.

Although the striker is well-rated, Benitez still needs some more depth up front to help bolster the 39 goals the club scored last season. With that in mind, L’Equipe via Get French Football News is reporting that the club is interested in Lyon striker Myziane Maolida.

The Breakdown

Capable of playing across the front three positions, Maolida is a very talented striker who impressed at the recent UEFA Under-19 Championships.

The 19-year-old French striker is yet another talent to come from the famed Lyon academy and could be another star to have been created in the south of France.

While the youngster wouldn’t immediately start for the club up front, he could well take one of the spots on either wing.

Maolida made 13 appearances for Lyon in League 1 last season, and although he only scored one goal, given the added playing time and competition in the Premier League, he may just blossom into a top talent.

What do you think Newcastle fans?