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Manchester United have made a move for Crystal Palace recruitment specialist Jamahl Jarrett.

The Daily Mail shared the news on Friday, which led to numerous Eagles fans sharing their thoughts on the off-field development on social media.

According to the report, the Red Devils are set to bring in Jarrett, currently assistant head of academy recruitment at Selhurst Park, to be their lead southern scout.

Jarrett has been with Palace for 10 years, six of which have been in a full-time position.

But it now seems as if he will end his association at Selhurst Pak by making a move to the Old Trafford outfit.

The 32-year-old is highly thought of and was the co-founder of South London club Lambeth Tigers in 2010, where he has since helped more than 250 youngsters go on to join high-level youth set-ups around the country.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the Daily Mail’s report on Twitter on Friday. This is what some Palace supporters had to say in reply to the proposed move, with one describing it as ‘hilarious’.

“Bit late for April Fools….”

Credit: @_YTCP_

“I’m not surprised he wants to leave, Roy hasn’t used any of the youngsters regularly (AWB excepted and injuries forced that on him). Our promising lads just move on as soon as they can.”

Credit: @Cpfc1905Dh

“We have a recruitment specialist?!!!! Hilarious.”

Credit: @audreysprayer

“Didn’t even know we had a recruitment specialist”

Credit: @CPFC_GH

“So basically he’s gonna be getting all the best players from South London and taking them to United?”

Credit: @joelcpfc_

“why would players move across the country at such a young age for a worse academy?”

Credit: @ElGaeito

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz at club’s summer plans, find out more here. 

Sheffield Wednesday have nine games left remaining in their quest to survive in the Championship.

The Owls need to build on their win prior to the international break if they are to even have a chance, as they remain six points adrift but do hold a game in hand on the side occupying that valuable 21st place.

Despite the uncertainty over which division the Yorkshire club will be competing in next season, several decisions need to be made before the end of the current campaign as several players are out of contract.

Having been in charge for a month now, you’d imagine that Owls boss Darren Moore has a pretty good idea of who he wants to keep around, and who he doesn’t.

In that latter list should almost certainly be defensive flop Joost van Aken, who appears to be a wanted man anyway.

According to The Star, the Dutchman is attracting interest from the Netherlands, 2. Bundesliga, Turkey and Belgium, although no specific clubs have been named. He is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any of the unnamed teams, given they play outside of England, meaning he could already know where his future lies.

It’s also claimed that the 26-year-old is thought to be keeping his options open, meaning a stay at Hillsborough isn’t out of the realms of possibility, either.

However, it’s probably wise if Moore and Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri wave goodbye to him, irrespective of how their immediate future pans out.

Van Aken is yet to feature for the club in 2021, and that very much has been the story of his Wednesday career. It’s easy to forget that he signed from SC Heerenveen for a total of £4.5m in the summer of 2017.

In the four seasons since, the £900k-rated ace has only made a total of 33 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit and was even sent out on loan to 2. Bundesliga side VfL Osnabruck.

At that current rate, he’s managed eight appearances per season at Hillsborough, and that’s just not good enough.

What makes it even worse is the fact that he sits amongst the Owls’ highest-earners on a whopping £20k-per-week, as per Salary Sport – no wonder he may want to stay at the club.

Only the likes of Keiren Westwood, Jordan Rhodes, Barry Bannan, Adam Reach and Tom Lees are earning more, and these are all first team starters – regular ones when fit, too. Van Aken is not, so the club are clearly sending a lot of money down the drain on him.

Excluding his season-long loan in Germany, the Owls have spent around £7.25m – and counting. That’s around £220k per appearance, and you’d have to say it just has not been worth it.

Aside from persistent injury problems, van Aken has been amongst the Owls’ worst performers this season, averaging a rating of 6.52 as per WhoScored. By comparison, Moses Odubajo (6.54), Sam Hutchinson (6.66) and Massimo Luongo (6.65) have all done better despite their own doubts.

Moore must move on from the Dutch flop this summer.

AND in other news, Moore could solve a season-long Owls problem by unleashing this academy gem…

Celtic are closing in on appointing Manchester City transfer guru Fergal Harkin as their new director of football.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Football Insider, who claimed that a deal is now ‘90% done’ following further talks in recent days.

Celtic impressed by Harkin

Football Insider were the first to link Harkin with the newly-created role earlier this month, with his knowledge and experience during 11 years at Manchester City impressing the Hoops.

His current title at the Etihad Stadium is football partnerships manager, but it seems as if he could well be making the move north to play a key role in a Parkhead rebuild over the summer.

Transfer Tavern take

One of Harkin’s first jobs in his potential new role could be to help the club find Neil Lennon’s long-term successor.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month that the Hoops were aiming to finalise a director of football appointment before narrowing down their new manager search. The successful candidate would then help to identify the next Hoops manager.

It appears to be an exciting time for Celtic off the field ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and it seems as if Harkin will be a key figure for the club going forward.

In other news: Premier League giants withdraw interest in Celtic ace but other teams circle, find out more here. 

A claim involving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been dropped after the failed takeover of Newcastle United.

As per The Sun, the group have reportedly switched their attentions over from the St. James’ Park faithful to Inter Milan.

The news outlet understands that PIF are currently in talks with the Serie A club, who are valued at roughly £850m.

Inter have been desperate to sell since the end of last year and the publication report a source as claiming that PIF ‘look to have given up’ on the North East club.

Huge blow for Newcastle

If the claims that PIF are looking elsewhere are true, then it could potentially be a big blow to the hopes of a takeover on Tyneside.

For the original deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA consortium to be revived, they would need to put themselves back onto the table, but it looks as if they may be starting to lose interest in that.

Inter are currently a club who ‘tick all the boxes’ given that they are currently top of their domestic league at the moment, six points clear of their local rivals AC Milan after 26 games, with just 12 more left to play.

That puts Antonio Conte’s team in pole position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the start of the 2021/22 term, which may well be seen as a more attractive proposition than taking over at the Magpies.

In other news, find out what PIF claim has been dropped by a finance guru on the potential takeover here!

According to reports, Leeds are interested in signing Bournemouth’s teenage sensation, Ajani Burchall.

What’s the story?

The 16-year-old has broken onto the scene at the Vitality Stadium this season, making his first-team debut at the back end of December when he came on as a second-half substitute in a 5-0 win over Huddersfield. The occasion was even marked by former Premier League striker Shaun Goater, who lauded his fellow Bermudan, calling him “the future”.

Now, Football Insider claim that with Burchall having rejected a scholarship deal with the Cherries, Leeds have registered their interest in signing him this summer.

The report adds that Leeds are not alone in their chase for the left-winger, with the likes of West Ham and Arsenal also said to be keeping an eye on his situation.

Next Sam Greenwood

It’s been one of the features of Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta’s regime at Elland Road over the past few seasons, that Leeds have looked to snap up a number of exciting young talents to boost the club’s academy.

The likes of Cody Drameh, Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood have all arrived from other Premier League and Championship clubs, with the latter in particular making arguably the biggest impression thus far by making his first-team debut in the FA Cup clash against Crawley Town earlier this year.

Burchall, while he may be just 16, could follow in Greenwood’s footsteps as another exciting, attacking talent, who seemingly bears some of the same characteristics that has marked the former Sunderland youngster out as a promising player.

Bournemouth’s official club website has written that Burchall is “predominantly plays wide and is an exciting forward player who likes to take opponents on and has an eye for goal, while also being a hard-working, tough-tackling winger” – not too dissimilar to Greenwood.

Meanwhile, Burchall’s teammate at the Cherries, Steve Cook, said after his debut: “You could see how special a player he is. His first involvement was checked his shoulder, cut across a player and won his foul. For a 16-year-old, that awareness, that knowhow, I think the club have produced a really good player.

“On Saturday we had a few players who have come through the youth system, so it’s terrific. The club’s been known for that and I think Ajani has got great talent. He obviously can’t train with us day-to-day because he’s at school! But I’m sure he’s got a very good future and a very proud moment for his family.”

Orta could very well land Leeds’ next Greenwood by signing Burchall this summer.

Southampton are reportedly taking an interest in former Celtic centre-back Jozo Simunovic, with the Croatian available on a free transfer and if he were to sign, it could be bad news for Mohammed Salisu.

According to Goal, Southampton, VFB Stuttgart and FC Augsburg are all vying for the 26-year-old’s signature after his release from Celtic last summer.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have struggled from a defensive point of view in recent weeks, conceding 18 goals in their last five Premier League fixtures, including that heavy 9-0 defeat against Manchester United.

Whilst someone such as Simunovic could steady the ship, the Saints have welcomed back both Jannik Vestergaard and Salisu from injury recently, with the Ghanaian still yet to make an appearance for the South Coast club since his arrival from Real Valladolid in the summer of 2020.

It would be a blow for the 21-year-old’s chances if the 6 ft 3 Simunovic were to arrive, as it could potentially make him fifth-choice centre-back under Hasenhuttl – the likes of Jan Bednarek, Vestergaard and Jack Stephens have all been regulars at the heart of the Southampton defence this term.

Simunovic was solid at Celtic and helped them to five league titles in a row, making 126 appearances in that time, but was released last summer, most likely due to the injury issues that kept him out for large periods during his time with the Hoops.

Signing another injury-prone defender is the last thing Hasenhuttl needs when you consider the number of issues he has had to deal with this season, with Salisu having struggled with fitness and injury problems throughout his time with the Saints.

Therefore, Southampton may be best served by avoiding the six foot three Simunovic due to his injury concerns, as well as the fact that it could seriously harm Salisu’s chances of ever establishing himself in the first-team under Hasenhuttl.

And, in other news… Ruthless Ralph: Hasenhuttl must bench Saints “hero” who is bereft of confidence

According to YorkshireLive’s Dom Howson, the currently unemployed Paul Cook has applied for the vacant Sheffield Wednesday managerial role at Hillsborough Stadium.

The 53-year-old is keen to return to the dugout and commented on the Owls job whilst appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports at the weekend, speaking about the speculation, he said:

“It is very, very flattering to be linked. I am an out of work manager and I am desperate to get back into football,” before adding: “Sheffield Wednesday is an absolutely massive football club. It would be a fantastic club for anyone to manage so while I’m being linked with it, it is obviously very flattering.”

Wednesday have been without a manager since chairman Dejphon Chansiri pulled the trigger on Tony Pulis after just one win in ten games over two weeks ago.

Whilst Cook has been out of work since resigning from Wigan Athletic at the end of the 2019/20 season and despite Neil Thompson’s unbeaten start as interim boss, the former Portsmouth and Chesterfield man appears to be the front-runner.

But how might the Owls look under his tenure? We know that he favours a 4-2-3-1 system, so here’s the XI we could see if he is indeed hired by Chansiri…

At the Latics, Cook delivered promotion to the Championship from League One and departed with a win-rate of 41.9%, which considering all of their off-pitch struggles, is rather respectable.

He primarily deployed that sturdy 4-2-3-1 formation so it would be a surprise to see any difference at Hillsborough.

In goal, it is likely to be veteran shot-stopper Keiren Westwood, especially after Pulis brought him back into the fold whilst a traditional back four could contain Chey Dunkley, his first-ever signing at the DW, former Owls skipper Tom Lees, Liam Palmer and even Matt Penney.

The 22-year-old is the only ‘senior’ left-back at the club, perhaps Cook could mould him into his next Antonee Robinson.

Whilst in the engine room, a robust double-pivot could see current captain Barry Bannan continue his partnership with Joey Pelupessy, and when fit, Massimo Luongo is played in the hole.

It means neither of Garry Monk’s permanent summer signings, Josh Windass and Callum Paterson, feature – the 27-year-old revealed that Cook was the reason behind his exit from Wigan to Wednesday, so there’s surely no chance he’s fancied to start.

Cook would be light on options on the wing, so it would be a surprise to see anyone but Adam Reach and Kadeem Harris start, though he will want to utilise their only centre-forward, Jordan Rhodes.

Despite being linked with an exit, at 6 foot 1, he represents the only target man-like presence in this squad and that’s what the 53-year-old had in Kieffer Moore.

If only Steven Fletcher was still around.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday gem who won 83% duels just gave Thompson a big headache…

MatériaMais Notícias

Suspenso para o jogo de quinta-feira contra a Friburguense, em São Januário, o meia Nenê mostrou a categoria de sempre e deu trabalho ao goleiro Jordi nas cobranças de faltas.

Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for PSG forward Kylian Mbappe and the Frenchman could be the man to take Jurgen Klopp’s side to the next level.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish news publication Sport (via Express) Klopp has been in contact with the 22-year-old in the hopes of convincing him to make the move to Anfield, having dreamed of signing him for a long time now.

The former Monaco man’s contract with PSG is set to expire in the summer of 2022 and if no extension is agreed, Mbappe could well be made available for transfer by Les Parisiens.

The man to evolve Liverpool’s attack?

Liverpool’s attack has won a lot of praise in recent years, with the trio of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino often referred to as the best front three in world football.

The summer arrival of Diogo Jota only improved this attack further, with the Portuguese international starting his Reds career in sensational form before his unfortunate injury.

Firmino is, of course, integral to this Liverpool side and is brilliant at the job he does but it could definitely be argued that Klopp is lacking an out-and-out striker such as Mbappe who can cause problems with his incredible pace.

It did seem as if the Merseyside club were in the market for this sort of forward, as they were heavily linked with Timo Werner before his move to Chelsea, although based on current form they might be glad they avoided him.

However, Mbappe’s superb record with PSG speaks for itself, as in 142 appearances for the club, the £162 million-rated striker has managed 104 goals and 57 assists.

Fellow superstar Neymar was full of praise for the young striker after he scored an incredible four goals in 13 minutes when he was just 19-years-old, saying:

“For me he’s a phenomenon. I hope it will continue like that for several years because football will thank him.”

Certainly, in recent fixtures, Liverpool’s attack has definitely been missing a spark that someone such as Mbappe could provide, as they have managed just one goal against West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton.

Firmino will turn 30 this year and the Reds must start looking to the future, as they did with the signing of Jota, and the French World Cup-winner could prove to be a top player for the Merseyside club for the next decade.

Therefore, sporting director Michael Edwards must do everything he can to bring Mbappe to Anfield, as it’s clear that Klopp is a big fan of the Frenchman, and he could definitely evolve this Liverpool attack.

AND, in other news, Bye-bye Phillips: Edwards can solve LFC crisis with £13.5m “leader” likened to Vidic…

MatériaMais Notícias

Quatro meses. Foi o tempo em que Rodrigo ficou sem sentar na sala de entrevista para conversar com os jornalistas. Na última vez, o humor não era o dos melhores por conta da fase terrível do Vasco dentro de campo, além de ter sido agredido com um tapa por um torcedor vascaíno. Agora, porém, mudou completamente. Bem-humorado, foi apenas sorrisos na quinta-feira, em Pinheiral, indo de encontro com a harmonia do elenco para fazer o Vasco voltar à elite. Mas o zagueiro não se satisfaz: quer nota dez, o que ainda não crê estar.

– De “dez” do que o Jorginho está trabalhando, acho que conseguimos chegar no “seis”. Hoje (ontem) foi a primeira vez que realmente abriu o campo todo. Ele vinha treinando em campo reduzido – disse o zagueiro Rodrigo para completar:

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Rodrigo, em setembro de 2015, foi agredido por torcedor na entrada de hotel
da concentração

– Em cima daquilo que ele está trabalhando, nós conseguimos fazer. Temos que aprimorar mais. Ele fez algumas trocas, está pensando nisso. Na hora que ele tiver o padrão de jogo, vai ficar melhor. Tudo o que ele está fazendo nos treinamentos vai nos ajudar bastante.

Aoesar de ser o mais experiente do elenco, Rodrigo se vê ano passado sem paciência, ao lado dos outros jogadores do Vasco. O zagueiro destacou que este ponto está sendo trabalhado pelo técnico Jorginho para que o 2016 seja proveitoso:

– Hoje nós temos um time e é o mais importante. Em 2015, tivemos que formar isso, chegaram jogadores no meio do torneio. Sofremos muito ano passado, estávamos sem paciência para chegar até o gol. Hoje nós estamos com mais paciência

O trabalho nesta pré-temporada não deixa apenas Rodrigo sorrindo, e sim a torcida. A missão, agora, é manter o sorriso até dezembro.