Leeds will be making smart move by tying Pablo Hernandez down to new contract

According to reports in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United attacker midfielder Pablo Hernandez, rated at £1.8m by Transfermarkt, is set to sign a new two-year deal with the club, ending speculation over his future.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Spaniard’s contract with the Yorkshire outfit was due to expire this summer and there had been much talk about whether he was going to stay at Elland Road or not in recent weeks.

However, now the Yorkshire Evening Post is reporting that the 33-year-old is set to commit his future to the Whites for another two years until 2020, which should be a huge boost for manager Paul Heckingbottom and the passionate supporters, who pleaded with the club on Twitter earlier this month to ensure he stayed.

The Yorkshire Evening Post adds that the popular attacking midfielder is set to win the club’s Player of the Year award after their last Championship game of the season against Queens Park Rangers next month.

How has Hernandez done this season?

He has been one of the few bright sparks in what has been a largely disappointing campaign in which Leeds have once again fallen short in the race for promotion to the Premier League.

The Spaniard has scored seven goals in 40 Championship appearances – and nine in 42 outings in all competitions – while he has shown his creative ability by assisting 10 more.

While he is coming to the latter stages of his career, Hernandez’s stats continue to prove what a huge impact he is making – and can still make – at this level.

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How good is this news for Leeds?

It is really brilliant news.

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The fans of the Yorkshire outfit would have been worried that they could be set to lose one of their most influential players in the final third, and they will certainly need him as they look to be involved in the promotion race against next season.

Hernandez’s experience will continue to prove to be vital both on and off the pitch, while the fact that they have moved to tie him down shows the club’s ambition for the future.

They will just be hoping age doesn’t catch up with him and that he continues to be a regular fixture in the XI next term.

Revealed: Small majority of Liverpool fans would pick Alexander-Arnold over Clyne for Champions League final

With the Champions League final over two weeks away, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has time to assess his options with regards to team selection.

The Merseyside outfit have delighted with their attractive attacking displays, but in the last few games, something has been missing.

Klopp’s men have lacked urgency, and their once clinical touch in the final third has been non-existent in recent Premier League matches against Stoke City and Chelsea, which ended in a goalless draw and defeat respectively.

With the top-four race going to the wire, Liverpool know that they need to beat Brighton on the final day of the campaign in order to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Of course if they fail to do so, they have the opportunity of securing their place by winning the final on May 26.

The Merseyside outfit will be underdogs heading into the contest as they take on Real Madrid, who are hoping to win their third consecutive trophy in the competition.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt – has been first-choice right-back in recent weeks, and he hugely impressed in the quarter-final tie against Manchester City.

However, in the second leg of the semi-final against Roma, the 19-year-old showed his age and struggled to cope at times.

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Given that Liverpool will be up against world-class elite when they face Madrid in Kiev, we asked you whether Klopp should stick with Alexander-Arnold or turn to experienced Nathaniel Clyne.

The right-back has started just two matches this season, and judging by the results, the fans are keeping faith with Alexander-Arnold, but only marginally.

Neymar is already looking for PSG exit and both Manchester clubs should be excited

According to reports in Marca, Paris Saint-Germain have been made aware of Neymar’s desire to leave the club despite the Brazilian only arriving at the club last summer.

What’s the story?

Paris St-Germain signed Brazil forward Neymar for a world record fee of 222m euros (£200m) from Barcelona in August 2017.

The gifted winger signed a contract with the club worth 45m euros (£40.7m) a year – 865,000 euros (£782,000) a week – before tax from the initial five-year deal, a total outlay of £400m.

At the time the 26-year-old said he had joined “one of the most ambitious clubs in Europe”.

“Paris St-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings,” he added.

“I feel ready to take the challenge. From today, I will do everything I can to help my new team-mates.”

Fast forward to the present and Neymar has reportedly asked to sit down with PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi to negotiate his exit.

Why does he want to leave?

Already the ex-Barca man reportedly regrets making the move to Ligue 1 with the Brazilian struggling to adapt to the PSG dressing room.

Neymar is said to have a poor relationship with Argentine core of the team, Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore, while his relationship with strike partner Edison Cavani is said to be equally tense.

Where could he go?

While most teams in world football would love to have Neymar in their squads, the sheer cost of any possible deal with PSG limits the Brazilian’s options to a handful of clubs.

A return to Barcelona doesn’t seem likely with outgoing icon, Andreas Iniesta, recently stating it would be “weird to see him back at Barca.”

Don Balon has previously linked Neymar with moves to both of the Manchester teams with both sides equipped with the financial means needed to pull off the deal.

Even so, Real Madrid appears to be Neymar’s preference.

During the Ballon d’Or gala held in Paris on December 7, 2017, Neymar reportedly expressed his desire to sign for the 12 times European champions even if it meant forcing an exit from PSG.

Analysis

Should Los Blancos convince the PSG hierarchy to sell their prized asset the transfer fee would be in excess of 250 million euros, a slight increase on what the French champions paid to prise the forward away from the Camp Nou.

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Real Madrid are the most likely to complete any deal for Neymar Jr. with the club looking to appease their expectant fanbase with a marquee signing after surrendering their title challenge to arch-rivals Barcelona.

However, Los Blancos officials are reportedly wary of Man City complicating any deal because of their financial power and the draw of enigmatic manager, Pep Guardiola, who Neymar has previously admitting his desire to play under.

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Doucoure is the perfect Kouyate upgrade for West Ham

Abdoulaye Doucoure is expected to be hot property in the transfer market this summer, and West Ham should be at the front of the queue for his signature.

What’s the word?

Everton fans have been debating a move for Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure this week, after Soccer Saturday pundit Charlie Nicholas said the Toffees “will surely be looking to snap him up”.

Arsenal and Spurs have also been linked with a move for the Frenchman, but he would be much better suited moving to West Ham, where he would be guaranteed the playing time he wouldn’t get at a top six club.

The Hammers desperately need a new spine to their team this summer, and with Manuel Pellegrini looking likely to take over, could Doucoure be the former Manchester City man’s first signing?

A much needed upgrade?

Every club and fan base has a scapegoat when things aren’t going their way, and for many Hammers’ fans this season that scapegoat was Cheikhou Kouyate.

The Hammers will probably need to sign an entire new spine to their team this summer if they want to move up the table, and upgrading Kouyate to the more technically gifted Doucoure would be an excellent start.

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Doucoure has been the standout performer for Watford this season, grabbing seven goals and three assists from midfield.

The 25 year-old has also impressed in a defensive sense, averaging 2.1 tackles per game and 1.5 interceptions per game. Kouyate actually betters the Frenchman’s tackling at 2.2 tackles per game, but has less interceptions.

Where the contrast between the two players is really stark is on the attacking end, where Kouyate has added just two goals and three assists in 32 league starts.

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The Senegalese international averages just 0.5 key passes a game, less than half of what Doucoure offers, averaging over one key pass every game. Doucoure also averages more successful dribbles and a better pass success rate.

The Hammers have more than one position they need to upgrade on this summer, but hijacking Everton’s interest in Doucoure would be an excellent starting point, and Pellegrini will no doubt prefer more technically gifted players given how his Manchester City side played.

So, West Ham fans, would you back a move for Doucoure? Would he be an upgrade on Kouyate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Swansea pair would transform West Ham’s defence

West Ham are one of a number of clubs interested in a summer swoop for the relegated pair of Alfie Mawson and Lukasz Fabianski.

What’s the story?

According to a report in the Guardian, Swansea City are resigned to losing Mawson and Fabianski this summer, and there are a whole host of Premier League clubs queuing up for their star duo.

A whopping 85 per cent of West Ham fans said this week they would back a move for Mawson, and a double deal could solve two of the Hammers’ problem positions at once.

The Hammers are joined by Tottenham and Southampton at the front of the chasing pack, while Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle are also showing interest.

The perfect double swoop?

If West Ham fans were to pick out three areas they most need to improve this summer, they would likely all be down the spine of the team – goalkeeper, centre back, centre midfield.

Signing Fabianski and Mawson would be a huge step in the right direction for the Hammers, and the Swans’ relegation means the pair could be available for as little as £25m.

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24 year-old Mawson, who led his side in passes, long passes, aerial duels and clearances this season, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dark season for the south Wales club.

His quality on the ball, instincts, and downright fearlessness make him a fit for pretty much any Premier League team, and a partnership with the ever-improving Declan Rice could solve the Hammers’ defensive crisis for years to come.

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Plenty has of course been made of the goalkeeping situation at the London Stadium this season, and a bargain deal for the 33 year-old Fabianski is the perfect short-term fix.

The report from the Guardian claims multiple top six clubs are interested in making the former Arsenal man their number two, but guaranteed playing time could sway the odds in West Ham’s favour.

So, West Ham fans, would you back a summer swoop for the Swansea City pair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Liverpool fans can’t help but feel sorry for Loris Karius after horror final performance

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius had a Saturday night to forget after contributing heavily to a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final.

Gifting the Spaniards’ opener after throwing the ball into the path of Karim Benzema, he then failed to deal with a Gareth Bale shot, palming it into the net for the third and fatal goal.

After months of consistent form between the sticks for the Reds, it was a cruel end to the season and hearkened back to periods when the goalkeeper was under pressure on a weekly basis due to mistakes.

No-one was more disappointed with the performance than the shot-stopper himself, visibly emotional at the end of the game and seen trying to apologise to the thousands of travelling supporters.

While there was obvious frustration from Liverpool fans around the world at his display, many have, perhaps surprisingly, taken to social media to offer him support and their backing, believing that he should not be singled out for the errors.

Can he put this mistake behind him? Or is it the beginning of the end of his Liverpool career?

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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Revealed: 65% of Newcastle fans rule against hijacking Hammers’ Pastore move

Newcastle fans have been debating a possible deal for West Ham target Javier Pastore, but the majority of fans would avoid a swoop for the PSG star.

West Ham fans have been in frenzy since they were linked with moves for PSG’s Pastore and Lazio’s Felipe Anderson, but Newcastle fans aren’t interested in hijacking a move for the former.

PSG are almost certain to sell Pastore, as injuries and competition for places meant the Argentine international started just 14 Ligue 1 games last season, and the French champions need to offload some players to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

He managed four goals and five assists last season, and certainly has the quality to make a difference to any side in the world.

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He has also been working in Unai Emery’s high tempo pressing style, so would be able to transition to the hard work demanded by every Newcastle player under Rafael Benitez.

PSG’s willingness to sell means he could be available for around 20m, and Newcastle are in desperate need of some creativity and goals, so it seems a no brainer to make a bid.

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Surprisingly though, fans are against hijacking the Hammers’ move for Pastore, as 65 per cent said no to a summer swoop for the 29-cap man.

You can find the full poll results down below…

Tottenham fans are split on prospect of signing Mario Gotze from Dortmund

Tottenham Hotspur fans are unsure about pursuing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze this summer, after he was linked with a move to the Premier League last week.

Football.london reported that Spurs were a number of English clubs considering a move for the 2014 World Cup winner, with the player thought to be available for around £18m in the upcoming transfer window.

Gotze was once one of the brightest talents in world football, excelling for both Borussia Dortmund and rivals Bayern Munich before scoring the winning goal for Germany in a World Cup final.

These days though his profile is less stellar and he’s struggled to become a key member of Dortmund’s starting eleven after returning from Bayern.

With talented undoubtedly there though, he is an interesting link for Spurs and could find the best of his form under a motivating manager like Mauricio Pochettino.

Spurs are split on signing him, taking to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all.

Some are definitely in favour of such a move…

Others though are less excited…

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Clinical Kane is proving his worth on the biggest stage of all

After underperforming hugely at Euro 2016, Harry Kane was under pressure to deliver as England captain at World Cup 2018 and so far he is doing just that.

The Tottenham hitman’s style is such that he can be anonymous for much of the game but devastating when opportunities are presented to him.

In a World Cup, that could prove to be deadly and he already leads the way in the race for the Golden Boot with five goals to his name so far after yet another clinical display as England thrashed Panama 6-1 on Sunday.

The Three Lions played better in their opening match against Tunisia but the ruthlessness that was missing then was present in abundance here as Gareth Southgate’s men scored with practically every attack.

Kane epitomised that with his hat-trick, netting two emphatic penalties before diverting Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s shot into the net, yet again getting the very most in terms of return out of a game when he was not heavily involved in open play.

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Southgate will be elated to have a man on such hot form in his ranks as he guides his side into the knockout stages; Kane is making England a side every other nation must be wary of as the tournament wears on.

Tottenham fans are loving links to impressive Quintero

Plenty of Tottenham fans are loving the latest transfer rumour, as impressive World Cup performer Juan Quintero has been linked with a move to North London.

According to Argentinian outlet Ole, Spurs have joined the race to sign Porto playmaker Quintero, who has been wonderful for Colombia at the World Cup.

The report claims River Plate, where he has been on loan from Porto, are set to trigger a clause that makes his move there permanent, but he will then have a new release clause of just €22m (£19.5m).

Mauricio Pochettino is clearly keen to add even more firepower to his exciting young Spurs squad, and Quintero’s performances at the World Cup have shown he may finally be fulfilling his potential.

The crafty little 25 year-old has been highly rated for years, but attitude problems have seemingly held him back from succeeding at Porto, having been sent out on loan three times.

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Quintero got his country off the mark in Russia with a wonderfully intelligent free kick against Japan, before providing a lovely assist for Radamel Falcao in the 3-0 annihilation of Poland.

Around £20m is pennies for a Premier League club signing a breakout World Cup star, but the report does say Real Madrid are also sniffing around the Colombian. If Tottenham can wrap up a deal around that price, it would be an absolute bargain, providing Pochettino can get him consistently playing to his potential.

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Fans are loving the reports, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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