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Many West Ham United fans are delighted after it was confirmed they are in talks with Slavia Prague to sign Abdallah Sima this summer.

The 19-year-old has been enjoying his breakout season with the Czech champions in 2020/21. In 31 games in all competitions, he has managed 15 goals despite not being a striker (Transfermarkt). Four of those came in the Europa League, with his effort against Leicester particularly catching the eye of English audiences.

Sima has previously been valued at £50m by Slavia (Calciomercato). However, it seems that such a fee has not put off David Moyes and co – Slavia manager Jindrich Trpisovsky has revealed they have spoken to West Ham about the 19-year-old, who are said to have the Senegal international on their list of targets.

The comments were shared on Slavia’s official Twitter account, and they attracted plenty of attention from West Ham supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Sima news

“Would be a great signing”

Credit: @JBonFootball

“Imagine being mad about this because there exists better strikers… I would be buzzing for this signing personally”

Credit: @WHUgameday

“Would be a great signing, don’t care what anyone says, although Hlozek would be my preferred option”

Credit: @Kieranwhufc

“Could be a quality signing for us still need an out and out striker would love Hlozek and get Sima to replace Yarmo”

Credit: @willearle_

“OHHHHH YES”

Credit: @Barney_WHUFC

“So hope this comes off. Sima is a huge talent and IMO would be a brilliant signing for us.”

Credit: @BlaugranaIron

In other news, many West Ham fans are livid over this David Moyes snub.

According to a report by Football Insider, Fulham manager Scott Parker is now emerging as a lead contender for the Tottenham job, coming after recent setbacks involving two previous favourites. 

Indeed, former top target Julian Nagelsmann is set to become the new manager of Bayern Munich (fcbayern.com), while Ajax boss Erik ten Hag signed a new deal with the club (Evening Standard).

While reports suggest that Spurs are still hopeful of appointing Brendan Rodgers, with Daniel Levy apparently willing to treble the Leicester manager’s wages (Football Insider), the Northern Irishman publicly distancing himself from the role could prove to be an issue.

Report makes major Scott Parker claim

As a result, the north Londoners are assessing other targets, and Football Insider have now dropped a major claim that Fulham boss Parker is emerging as a new lead contender.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for the 40-year-old but football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold stated that he would be one for the future rather than an heir to Jose Mourinho.

However, this report supports another recent claim that Spurs could now turn to Parker as a serious option, with the Evening Standard explaining he is now on the shortlist.

Football Insider have backed that whilst going a step further and saying the 40-year-old is emerging as a lead contender for the role. They added that the Parker whispers for a possible approach have ‘intensified’ over the last few days, but Tottenham are willing to bide their time.

Transfer Tavern take

Lauded as ‘exceptional’ by former managerial tutor and Fulham player Jim Hicks (the Athletic), the ex-Tottenham midfielder has also attracted praise from Pep Guardiola, who praised his brand of football (mancity.com).

However, we believe that candidates such as Ralph Rangnick are far better poised to take the role at Spurs given their experience at the top level – the German has taken charge of more than 400 senior matches in his managerial career.

A promising young coach with a promotion under his belt he may be, but Parker arguably isn’t what Spurs need at this moment in time if they are to return to the Champions League.

In other news: This £13m-per-year coach is also eyeing the Spurs job, find out more here.

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the Gers relayed the post-match comments of Steven Gerrard following the club’s draw with St Johnstone on Wednesday.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw at McDiarmid Park, the Gers boss claimed that a number of his decisions made in the match were “all about the weekend,” when Rangers, rather coincidentally, play St Johnstone once again in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup.

However, the 40-year-old did claim that it was a shame his side couldn’t “see the game out” having taken the lead, although admitted that he felt Jack Simpson’s barge on Christopher Kane, which led to St Johnstone’s 95th-minute equaliser from the spot, “was a penalty,” despite reports suggesting the referee’s decision was debatable.

And, after Rangers relayed footage of Gerrard’s comments on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing somewhat dumbstruck by their manager’s belief that Simpson’s challenge warranted a spot-kick.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to Steven Gerrard’s post-match comments?

“Can’t believe he thought it was a penalty. Everything else makes sense.”

@madeinedzell

“He’s obviously not seen that back if he thinks it is a penalty.”

@WATP115

“Ngl that’s a really bad interview from him.”

@LewisAn33964495

“That’s not a penalty.”

@rfcggg84

“Was a penalty?!”

@CrossleyJimbo

“I’m surprised at his attitude towards this game.”

@JKennedy08332

“Baffled Gerrard thinks one if not both are penalties against us, I’m just not seeing it. Especially the second. Possible he’s picking his battles. The rest I’m on board with.”

@RustyBaw72

“He’s lost it. How on earth is he saying that was a penalty?”

@DKeith0904

In other news: Rangers could now miss out on 28-goal star this summer as recruitment source drops news – find out more here!

Leicester City missed the chance to strengthen their hold on a Champions League place as they were held to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Southampton on Friday night.

Jannik Vestergaard was sent off in just the ninth minute of the game but Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes could not find a way through before the interval, even falling behind to James Ward-Prowse’s second half penalty before Jonny Evans rescued a point.

A huge culprit of Leicester’s failure to earn three points at St Mary’s on Friday was in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Despite having scored 14 goals in all competitions since early February, the Nigerian was a disappointment on the south coast last night.

According to WhoScored, he had three shots throughout the game, failing to draw Saints stopper Alex McCarthy into any strenuous work with any of them.

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He provided two key passes and it was his cross which was headed home by Evans for the eventual Leicester equaliser, but that does not quite tell the whole story of Iheanacho’s evening.

The £13.5m-rated striker could only accumulate a woeful pass accuracy rate of 58.3%, which was by far the worst from a Leicester player. This is compounded by the fact that Iheanacho lost possession on 16 occasions throughout the 90 minutes according to SofaScore as he continually struggled to control the ball.

Having also failed to complete a dribble and being flagged offside once, the Nigerian served to frustrate his team.

To compound that frustration, the former Manchester City man was at fault for the hosts’ goal, with his handball directly resulting in a penalty kick being awarded and then converted by Ward-Prowse.

Considering that the Foxes were up against ten men for almost the entire match, Rodgers will surely be fuming at Iheanacho’s hugely wasteful performance against Southampton.

AND in more news, find out why Leicester have been boosted in their pursuit of a La Liga star…

Reports by Takvim earlier this week claimed that Newcastle United have joined the growing list of suitors emerging for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who could allow Steve Bruce to say goodbye to Karl Darlow this summer.

It is thought that the Toon sent scouts to observe Bayindir in action against Gaziantep on Monday night, where they were joined by representatives from Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and AFC Ajax.

Tottenham Hotspur, Sheffield United and several Bundesliga outfits have also previously been credited with approaching Fenerbahce over a move for Bayindir, who the Super Lig giants were claimed to value at £12.5m last year.

The Yellow Canaries’ asking price has since risen in line with the heightened interest, along with Bayindir saving the Istanbul side’s blushes on numerous occasions and establishing a place in the Turkish national side.

Bayindir has kept 12 clean sheets over 34 appearances across all competitions this season, including shutting out Trabzonspor and Galatasaray, while starting all but one of Fenerbahce’s Super Lig fixtures.

His efforts have impressed Oktay Derelioglu greatly, with the ex-Besiktas striker telling Hurriyet last month: “In my opinion, the best squad of the league is in Fenerbahce. But if it were not for Altay Bayindir, the team could have been around 48-49 points.”

Instead, the Yellow Canaries are second in the Super Lig standings on 66 points, four behind leaders Besiktas and four clear of third-placed Galatasaray, with seven games to play.

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Fenerbahce would be expected to demand in excess of Bayindir’s TransferMarkt valuation of £12m to sell the shot-stopper this summer, but Newcastle sealing a deal against the widespread rival interest could see Bruce land a suitable replacement for Darlow.

Darlow has been backed to quit Newcastle at the end of the season after losing the number one jersey to Martin Dubravka, and has since failed to regain the role from the Slovakian.

Bruce had entrusted Darlow with guarding the Magpies’ net for each of their opening 25 Premier League fixtures this season and proved to be one of the Toon’s more consistent performers, yet was ousted after criticism for his efforts in defeat to Manchester United.

His performances between the sticks even led to suggestions of an England call-up, having started the season with a sublime showing at Tottenham Hotspur and later having been the star of the show to keep Liverpool at bay in December.

The handling of his becnhing angered Darlow and is expected to see the 30-year-old look to force through a move away from St. James’ Park, which would leave Bruce needing to sign cover capable of offering the same impact if called on.

Bayindir may be just the man having been lauded for his importance in Fenerbahce claiming around 20 more points than they would have been expected to claim without the 23-year-old, who commands the goal line at 6 ft 5 and could be a Toon star for the next decade.

AND in other news, Newcastle land huge boost in race to sign “intelligent” teen with five goals this season…

Liverpool could make a major transfer error in the summer, with right-back Neco Williams being linked with a departure to Southampton.

According to The Athletic, the Saints hold a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old and could make a swoop on a loan-to-buy deal.

Whilst Liverpool could rake in a fair amount for the youngster with him being rated at £9m, it would be a mistake for Michael Edwards to let him go so soon.

Williams, a nine-time Welsh international, has certainly displayed his promise after progressing through the Reds’ youth system.

He has now made 24 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, turning in some extremely competent displays on the right side of defence.

It would certainly seem bizarre for the Reds to cut him adrift so soon considering that he is finally finding a route into the first-team under Jurgen Klopp.

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Any potential deal would look even more of a mistake considering the faith put into the defender by the Anfield hierarchy and of course the German. As recently as August 2020, he put pen to paper on a brand-new five-year deal at the club, with the player himself going on to suggest that there was “no better place” for him to play football.

To then sell the youngster having committed him to a new contract would be a huge error from the Reds.

It would also be baffling to see Williams sold considering the current right-back options available to the Klopp at Anfield.

Fellow academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold is the undisputed first-choice in that position, with Williams providing back-up as the only other natural right-sided defender in the squad.

Should the former suffer with injuries or poor form at some point in the future then that would see Williams promoted to first-choice so it would be remarkable to see the youngster jettisoned.

Despite Southampton’s interest, Liverpool then should not put any deal under any real consideration. It would be an unforgivable howler from Edwards to once again leave the Reds short of genuine cover in a key position, and it would have Klopp absolutely fuming.

AND in more news, the Reds might have found their perfect Georginio Wijnaldum replacement…

Former Premier League striker Marlon Harewood has warned that Rangers could struggle to keep hold of manager Steven Gerrard, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

Gerrard etched his name in Rangers’ history after leading the Glasgow club to their first Scottish title in 10 years, ending their great rivals’ dominance in the process.

The ex-Liverpool captain also has his side flying in Europe, with the Gers managing to make it to the last-16 stage of the Europa League, and Harewood now believes the new SPFL champions could have a fight on their hands to keep their man in the Ibrox dugout.

Speaking about Gerrard’s future at Rangers, Harewood told FFC:

“It’s one of them where they could struggle to keep him, throwing that out there. As a manager, he looks so comfortable and it looks like he’s been there years.”

Should Gerrard remain in Glasgow, though, Harewood is expecting more of the same. The former West Ham and Aston Villa forward added: “If he does stay, obviously you’re going to have to try and retain the title. I think he’s going to be looking to do bigger things like in Europe and stuff like that, to try and bring trophies to the club.”

Any interest in Gerrard at the end of the season would not be a surprise given the job he has done at Ibrox this season.

The challenge of defending the title against Celtic and opportunity to manage in the Champions League, though, may entice the former England captain to remain in Scotland.

Whatever the case, the 2020/21 season will be one to remember for both Gerrard and his squad of SPFL champions.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na terça-feira, na véspera da partida contra o Juventude, o volante Hudson disse que a Copa do Brasil seria encarada como uma “Copa do Mundo” pelo São Paulo. Quem esperou ver um time ao menos semelhante àquele semifinalista da Libertadores, no entanto, se frustou. O Tricolor deu vexame e perdeu para os gaúchos por 2 a 1 na noite desta quarta-feira, no Morumbi, pelo jogo de ida das oitavas de final da Libertadores. O resultado complica os paulistas para a volta, marcada para o dia 21 de setembro, em Caxias do Sul. Veja a repercussão nos vestiários tricolores.

A Copa do Mundo citada por Hudson nem entrou no Morumbi. Passou longe. Apenas 6.643 torcedores enfrentaram o frio e foram apoiar contra um time da Série C. Quer dizer, apoiar nem tanto. Bastou o Juventude abrir o placar, aos 9 minutos de jogo, para o mundo tricolor cair. Roberson, duas vezes, jogou o time da casa contra a torcida. Ou vice-versa.

A falta de sintonia chegou ao ápice quando Carlinhos cruzou a bola para Chavez fazer, de cabeça, o gol do São Paulo, ainda no primeiro tempo. Xingado pouco antes, o lateral-esquerdo provocou a torcida colocando a mão na orelha. Passou a ouvir vaias a cada toque na bola. O clima azedou, tudo isso ainda no primeiro tempo.

A falta de sintonia entre São Paulo e torcida se explica pela irregularidade no Campeonato Brasileiro e o pobre futebol apresentado nos últimos jogos. Perdido desde que foi eliminado na semifinal da Libertadores, há mais de mês, o São Paulo chegou a quatro jogos sem vencer no Morumbi (Chapecoense, Atlético-MG, Botafogo e Juventude). A má fase resultou em revolta da torcida, que, em pouco número, passou a maior parte do jogo cobrando reação e os jogadores. As organizadas pediram “Raça!” e cantaram “Não é mole, não, estou cansado de time amarelão”. Ricardo Gomes tentou reagir.

Com Michel Bastos no lugar de João Schmidt, o Tricolor retornou melhor para o segundo tempo contra o organizado Juventude, criou algumas chances, mas voltou a sofrer quando Thiago Mendes fez pênalti em Lucas. Roberson, o nome do jogo, fez a festa gaúcha e ampliou o desespero tricolor. Drama.

O São Paulo volta a campo no próximo domingo, contra o Coritiba, novamente no Morumbi. A falta de perspectiva de melhora é preocupante. Os últimos nove gols do time foram marcados por jogadores estrangeiros, entre Calleri, Cueva e Chavez. O time parece ter ficado no passado, enterrado lá em Medellín. Agora, precisa vencer por dois gols de diferença ou por um desde que faça pelo menos três para eliminar o Juventude e seguir na Copa do Brasil.

FICHA TÉCNICA
SÃO PAULO 1 X 2 JUVENTUDE
​
Local: estádio do Morumbi, em São Paulo (SP)
Data/Hora: 24 de agosto de 2016 (quarta-feira), às 21h45
Árbitro: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (Fifa-GO)
Auxiliares: Fabrício Vilarinho da Silva (GO) e Fabiano da Silva Ramires (ES)
Público/renda: 6.643/ R$ 145.406,00
Cartões amarelos: Lyanco e Lugano, no banco de reservas (SAO); Ruan e Bruninho (JUV)
Cartão vermelho: Ruan (JUV)
Gols: Roberson 9′ 1ºT (0-1); Andrés Chávez 39′ 1ºT (1-1); Roberto 28′ 2ºT (1-2)

SÃO PAULO: Denis; Bruno, Maicon, Lyanco e Carlinhos; Hudson (Luiz Araújo 39′ 2ºT), Thiago Mendes e João Shcmidt (Michel Bastos – intervalo); Kelvin (Gilberto 29′ 2ºT), Andrés Chávez e Cueva. Técnico: Ricardo Gomes

JUVENTUDE: Elias; Neguete, Willian Klaus, Ruan e Pará; Bruninho, Vacaria (Wanderson 34′ 2ºT), Felipe Lima (Lucas 26′ 2ºT) e Wallacer; Roberson e Hugo (Caio 15′ 2ºT). Técnico: Antônio Carlos Zago

يأمل عمر كولي قائد المنتخب الجامبي لكرة القدم، أن يتمكنوا من مفاجأة الجميع في بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية 2021 التي ستقام هذا الشهر بعد يومين فقط في الكاميرون.

النسخة الـ31 من البطولة الأكبر في إفريقيا، ستشهد الحضور الأول للمنتخب الجامبي، الذي يحتل الـمرتبة 150 على مستوى العالم، وهو الفريق الأقل تصنيفًا في البطولة.

طالع أيضًا | كأس أمم إفريقيا 2021 | كل ما تريد معرفته عن منتخب جامبيا.. العقارب تترقب المشاركة الأولى

عمر كولي نجم سامبدوريا الإيطالي وقائد المنتخب الجامبي تحدث لشبكة “BBC” البريطانية: “في كل مرة يكون هناك منتخب مفاجئ في أمم إفريقيا، هذه المرة نأمل أن يكون جامبيا”.

وقال كولي لـ”بي بي سي سبورت أفريكا”: “في كل مرة يكون هناك فريق مفاجئ .. هذه المرة نأمل أن تكون جامبيا”.

المدافع صاحب الـ29 عامًا والـ32 مباراة دولية، أكد: “أنا متحمس للغاية، ليس لكوني فقط قائد الفريق، ولكن لأننا الجيل الأول الذي تأهل في تاريخ جامبيا، وهذا ليس بالأمر الهين، لقد صنعنا التاريخ ونريد مواصلة كتابته في أمم إفريقيا”.

وشدد: “فخور وسعيد للغاية بما وصلنا له، آمل أن يكون هناك المزيد وأن نكون جزءًا من ذلك لنكون نموذجا يحتذى به للاعبين الشباب في جامبيا”.

وأشاد بمدربه البلجيكي سانتفيت: “إنه محفز كبير لنا، ويؤمن بالفريق ويقول إن هذا هو أفضل فريق دربه، حتى قبل أن نتأهل، أثبت دليلًا إحصائيًا على ذلك لنا، وبالتأكيد الإحصائيات لا تكذب”.

واختتم: “لقد حان الوقت للتأهل، وأن يعرف الجميع ما تمتلكه جامبيا من مواهب ولاعبين رائعين، مع اكتساب الخبرات والإحساس بالثقة في النفس”.

ويتواجد المنتخب الجامبي في المجموعة السادسة التي تضم تونس وصيف كأس العرب، ومالي وموريتانيا.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the clubs keen on signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to TEAMtalk.

Toney joined the Bees from Peterborough over the summer and has excelled in west London. He is the top scorer in the Championship with 25 goals, five clear of Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki (BBC Sport).

Indeed, over his last 65 club games, he has netted a whopping 49 goals (Transfermarkt), a remarkable run of goalscoring consistency.

It could take £30m to sign Ivan Toney

Brentford are fourth in the table, so could conceivably offer Toney a route to the Premier League themselves.

TEAMtalk reported that it will take an offer in the region of £30m to tempt them to part with the 24-year-old, who has attracted plenty of suitors, with Leicester City, Leeds United and Arsenal all competing for his signature.

Ollie Watkins’ success at Aston Villa following his £28m move from the London club last year is a source of encouragement. He has 10 league goals to his name this season and has been among the Villans’ top performers.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Toney’s volume of goals is mighty, and he is immensely clinical, too. His 25 goals this season have come from an xG total of a little over 18 (via infogol) – hugely encouraging for interested parties.

But is Wolves the right destination for him?

Raul Jimenez is getting closer to a return to action for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side after fracturing his skull in November (via The Athletic). Also, the club shelled out £35m to bring in Fabio Silva last summer as the Mexican’s long-term successor.

Ultimately, a move to Leicester City may seem more likely given that Jamie Vardy has just turned 34. However, if Wolves can bring him to Molineux, they would be getting a proven scorer over a lengthy period.

In other news, Jamie Redknapp stunned by this statistic relating to divisive Wolves ace.