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Former midfielder Jamie O’Hara has told Tottenham Hotspur to avoid signing Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha this summer, per Love Sport Radio.

The club are seemingly set to reinvest in the squad this summer after two transfer windows without securing a signing.

What’s he said?

Spurs have long been linked with a move for Zaha, with reports in 2018 claiming he was a major target of Mauricio Pochettino.

They actually tabled a bid for the Palace star in 2016 but O’Hara has insisted that the club need to focus their attention elsewhere when the transfer window reopens.

Indeed, he does not even believe that Zaha, who has scored eight goals and laid on eight assists in the Premier League this season – is good enough to get in Spurs’ team regularly and instead thinks the midfield needs reshaping.

He said: “Zaha is a fantastic player and a great prospect but I think Tottenham need to be looking at someone now who is going to change that team and add to that team.

“Does Zaha start in front of Moura or Eriksen or Son? I don’t think so. I think they need to really strengthen in midfield. I’d like to see them sign a world-class midfielder. That’s the first thing Tottenham need to do.

“They need a couple but I’d like to see them go for someone special just to say ‘we’ve arrived now, we’ve got our stadium, this is what we’re thinking and this is where we’re going’.

“They don’t need to sign bit-part players.”

Right wing depth

Zaha would offer depth on the right-hand side of Spurs’ midfield, but O’Hara is right to claim that he would not be an immediate starter.

Instead, he would have to be bedded in by manager Pochettino, who is definitely better off taking O’Hara’s advice.

Mouse Dembele has left the club, while fitness doubts continue to plague Eric Dier.

Bringing in a “world-class midfielder” would be a statement of intent far bigger than acquiring Zaha’s signature, and that’s what Daniel Levy and Pochettino’s priority should be in the coming transfer window.

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According to Sky Sports, Lee Bowyer, who is a reported candidate for the vacant QPR role, is keen on stepping into Steve McClaren’s shoes amid ongoing doubts over his future at Charlton, despite the incredible job he has done for the Addicks this season.

The former midfielder might be relatively new to the managerial scene, but he is already making a huge impression in League One and looks like the perfect fit for QPR at the current time.

On the chalkboard

McClaren, who has ironically been nicknamed ‘McClown’, was fittingly given the boot on April Fools Day, with John Eustace stepping in on an interim basis.

Bowyer has been identified as one of the names on the shortlist having guided Charlton into the play-off places this campaign despite a lack of funding and confidence from the club’s controversial owner, Roland Duchatelet, who is inexplicably yet to offer him a new deal.

What would undoubtedly be Charlton’s loss, though, would certainly be QPR’s gain – Bowyer has all the attributes to succeed at Loftus Road, and here’s why.

A perfect fit

Aside from the fact they have both fallen from grace in recent years, something else QPR and Charlton share in common is a dodgy owner who insists on making things as difficult as possible for those who take the gauntlet, with Bowyer and former R’s boss McClaren suffering as a consequence.

The former has been forced to work with stringent funds since being appointed permanent boss in September 2018 and has done a remarkable job. Even the January loss of Karlan Grant hasn’t halted the Addicks’ progress – they are unbeaten in their last eight league games.

QPR and Tony Fernandes are also no strangers to selling their star players – Bowyer would certainly be able to make the best out of a difficult situation and achieve results regardless of a lack of financial backing, that is if his Charlton exploits are anything to go by.

With hefty financial problems to contend with, Fernandes would surely love to have a man as adaptable as Bowyer at Loftus Road.

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed…

The 42-year-old is also willing to use the youngsters where possible – he has brought through the likes of George Lapslie at the Valley – and would be a great man to have in charge from Eberechi Eze’s perspective.

The England Under-21 international fell out of favour under McClaren in his last few weeks as Hoops boss but will undoubtedly be a key player going forward; Bowyer would likely put his trust in the number 10, who is one of QPR’s most influential players on his day, to prove that he’s worth his salt.

Another positive for QPR if they appoint Bowyer is that he would likely bring the diamond midfield approach – a thoroughly successful one at Charlton – to Loftus Road, which would mean that he can accommodate the aforementioned Eze and Freeman down the middle, where they are both at their most effective.

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According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are ‘reluctant’ to spend more than £12m on Salomon Rondon in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

Rondon joined Newcastle on loan from West Bromwich Albion last summer, with Dwight Gayle moving in the opposite direction.

The Venezuela international is enjoying a fine season for the Magpies, finding the back of the net on nine occasions in the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are keen to land the striker on a permanent deal, but do not want to spend more than £12m.

Rondon has a £16.5m release clause in his current deal with West Brom, which will expire at the end of the 2019-2020 campaign.

It seems difficult to believe that the Premier League club will potentially miss out on the South American over a difference of £4.5m, but that could well occur.

Should Newcastle hold firm?

No, pay the £16.5m. The simple fact of the matter is that Newcastle will not be able to sign a player of Rondon’s quality this summer for that price.

It is not exactly as if the forward is entering the final stages of his career. Indeed, he will not turn 30 until September and arguably has another three or four seasons left at the top level.

Rondon’s nine Premier League goals this season have helped the team, but his overall work rate has been clear for everyone to see and will have been much appreciated by the supporters.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

It is not difficult to understand why Newcastle are reluctant to meet the buy-out figure due to the fact that the striker’s deal with West Brom will expire next summer.

However, to potentially miss out on a move for Rondon over a relatively small figure would be poor business when considering the player’s quality.

علّق مختار مختار المدير الفني لنادي الإنتاج الحربي على تعادل فريقه أمام مصر المقاصة، في المباراة التي أقيمت أمس الخميس في الدوري.

الإنتاج تعادل سلبيًا مع المقاصة، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الأخيرة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز هذا الموسم.

وقال مختار خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “كنت أتحدث مع اللاعبين، وأبغلتهم أننا نريد الفوز للحصول علي المركز السابع في ترتيب الدوري”.

وتابع: “اللاعبون قدموا أداء مرضي جدًا وأتيحت لنا فرص هائلة، ولو كانت المباراة تسير بشكل طبيعي، كنا استطعنا أن نفوز المباراة بكل سهولة وبساطة”.

طالع | الإنتاج الحربي لـ بطولات: لن نستغنى عن باسم مرسي.. رحيله يعني إهدار مال عام

وأضاف: “لدي تحفظ كبير جدًا في مباراة الإسماعيلي والإنتاج، كان يديرها حكمًا دوليًا ولنا ضربة جزاء مستحقة لم يحتسبها”.

وواصل: “ما الذي حدث لهذا الحكم وما رد فعل لجنة الحكام ضده، الأمر صعب جدًا”.

وأكمل:” في مباراة المقاولون أيضًا كانت لنا ركلة جزاء واضحة جدًا، وحكم الفيديو المتواجد قال لحكم المباراة إنها ضربة جزاء، ولم يتم احتسابها أيضًا”.

وأردف: “المحللون أكدوا صحة ركلة جزاء 100%، لا بد أن يكون هناك موقف من لجنة الحكام، ولكن لا يوجد شىء ولا أعرف ما السبب، هل هذا لأننا فريق (على قده) وليس لدينا ضغط إعلامي؟”.

وأتم: “أتمنى من لجنة الحكام أن تراعي ذلك ويكون لها رد فعل مع الحكام، وتعلن العقوبة”.

وأنهى فريق الإنتاج الحربي بطولة الدوري هذا الموسم في المركز الثامن برصيد 44 نقطة.

أبدى حمادة أنور، عضو مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، ثقته في لاعبي فريقه قبل خوض مباراتهم المقبلة أمام الرجاء المغربي.

يلتقي الزمالك نظيره الرجاء المغربي، في التاسعة من مساء الأربعاء، في إياب دور نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، المقرر إقامتها على ستاد القاهرة، بعدما انتهت مباراة الذهاب بفوز الأبيض بهدف دون رد، في المغرب.

اقرأ ايضًا.. الرجاء المغربي يفقد حارسه الأساسي أمام الزمالك بعد تأكد إصابته بـ كورونا

وأضاف حمادة أنور خلال مداخلة هاتفية عبر “ملعب أون تايم”: “اعتدنا من اللاعبين أنهم على قدر المسؤولية، رأيناهم في مواجهات صعبة وكانوا رجالًا ويمتلكون شخصية البطل”.

وتابع: “لن نعتمد على نتيجة مباراة الذهاب، سنبدأ مع فريق الرجاء وكأن النتيجة صفر صفر، وإن شاء الله تكون مباراة كبيرة تليق بالفريقين”.

وواصل: “نتمنى أن يكون النهائي مصريا وهذا قلته قبل تأهل الأهلي، كل هذا يحسب للدولة المصرية، وأتمنى بالتأكيد تتويج الزمالك بالبطولة وإهدائها للجماهير”.

واختتم: “مصطفى محمد عانى من شد خفيف ولكن هو بحالة جيدة، الموسم كان شاقًا واللاعبون كانوا تحت ضغط بالتأكيد، ولكن حسمنا المركز الثاني من أجل المشاركة في دوري الأبطال الموسم المقبل والآن نركز على مباراة الرجاء”.

وينتظر الأهلي الذي تأهل إلى نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا عقب فوزه على الوداد المغربي، بنتيجة 5 / 1، في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والعودة في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، الفائز من مباراة الزمالك والرجاء، لخوض النهائي الإفريقي الذي سيقام يوم 27 من شهر نوفمبر الجاري.

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Loads of Newcastle fans have been reacting to a post from the Premier League’s official Twitter account, as they shared one of Yohan Cabaye’s best Toon goals.

Newcastle’s transfer business has been the subject of much ire since Mike Ashley took over the club, and rightfully so.

Far too often the club have sold their best players only to replace them with lesser quality, which is exactly what happened with Cabaye.

The Frenchman joined the Magpies in 2011 for a relatively low fee, and eventually moved to Paris Saint-Germain three years later for £22.5m.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Despite his short stay on Tyneside, the 33 year-old was a huge hit with the fans, due mainly to his knack of scoring wondergoals.

And that’s exactly what he did at Goodison Park back in September 2013, sending an absolute peach from outside the box in a 3-2 defeat.

Goals from midfield is a foreign concept at Newcastle these days, and fans are desperately missing their French maestro.

He has been without a club since January, so could the Magpies bring him in on a cheap deal this summer? The Twitter reactions down below certainly hope so…

Silver lining: Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino absences opens the door for Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster to make a name for himself against Barcelona

Circumstances beyond Liverpool’s control means they will be missing two of their star players heading into Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona, who currently sit 3-0 up on aggregate.

Admittedly, the already difficult task of scoring four without conceding is now nigh on impossible, but it gives youngster Rhian Brewster the chance of a lifetime to really show his pedigree against one of the best teams in world football, if not the best.

Everyone knows Rhian Brewster and why he is held in such high esteem. However, despite being England’s top scorer when they won the under-17 World Cup in 2017, the 19-year-old has found it difficult to replicate his form on a domestic level having suffered a serious injury that put him out of action for 440 days.

Klopp said (with quotes sourced by the Daily Mail): ‘Yes, there is a big chance. He’s ready. Next season he will be playing 100 per cent and he knows that.’

Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi are also both available for selection but having already shown their talents – or lack of – on a number of occasions, there will not be as much as a fanfare surrounding their introductions as the plucky English youngster’s.

At risk of sounding overly defeatist, the virtual loss of the Premier League and Champions League in the space of two weeks means fans will be looking towards almost anything to boost their morale (though their general performance this year really has been incredible). And a strong performance from Brewster, one of their own, provide them a welcome source of joy.

Liverpool fans, how important to you is seeing Rhian Brewster flourish? Do you think he could break into your starting team in the next few years? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Sadio Mane has been voted the Premier League PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Month for the second time this season. In a vote run by fan engagement experts, Snack Media, the Senegalese forward won with 47% of the vote, beating Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, who finished in second place with 14%.

In the first of five divisional votes carried out over nine days via Snack’s digital and social networks and supported by top flight football clubs and press, it was evident that Mane’s standout performances – scoring three goals to help keep up Liverpool’s title charge – has resonated with football fans up and down the country.

The full list of contenders from the final shortlist polled were as follows:

– Sadio Mane (Liverpool) – 47%

– Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) – 14%

– Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Crystal Palace) – 14%

– Lucas Digne (Everton) – 11%

– Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 7%

–  Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) – 7%

The Championship vote opens at 11am on Monday 8th April. To vote go to: www.footballfancast.com/pfa-awards

[ad_pod ]It was the 2013/14 season, and a 23-year-old Jordan Henderson was running the show in midfield on most weekends under Brendan Rodgers.The former Sunderland man, an academy graduate of Black Cats, had developed a bit of a reputation as a box-to-box midfielder during his time on Wearside, as well as in his early days at Anfield.Here was a player with evident bundles of energy, a real burgeoning midfield player who could pass the ball, cross it, and find the net from a very young age.Five goals and seven assists were what Henderson came out of the aforementioned 2013/14 season with, as he and Liverpool came within touching distance of a first Premier League title – it was telling that Henderson was suspended for the final three games of the run-in, when Rodgers’ men ultimately bottled it.Check out the latest hilarious video by 442oons in the video below…Rodgers was given the sack in October 2015, and in came Jurgen Klopp, a man who has done wonders for the football club so far ever since, but not so much for Henderson.The energetic player who was making an impact at both ends of the pitch had quickly turned into a stifled midfielder, one who didn’t really look to have a unique role in the team nor did he have a defining presence on the field as Klopp deployed him deeper.”Boring sideways passer”. “He offers nothing!” These were the types of cries that would find their way onto Liverpool fans’ and neutral fans’ Twitter accounts, or would be the topic of the post-match pub chat amongst supporters. What had happened to Henderson, someone who was rated as one of the best English talents in the country just a few years previous?

A natural No.8, Henderson now found himself stuck as a No.6 under the German. With the armband strapped around his bicep, was he going to kick up a fuss about it? Of course not. The England international simply got on with it for the sake of his team, sacrificing his reputation in the game as an exciting roaming midfielder, and instead picking up the label of a non-creative figure simply happy to keep the game ticking over.

A lack of a natural holding midfielder meant Henderson had to cover there with no other options available.

However, following the arrival of Fabinho, a natural defensive midfielder, Henderson has taken the opportunity to return back to his ways of old. A conversation with Klopp, in which he discussed his preference to play in a more advanced role, saw the 28-year-old thrust back into his former position from the bench against Southampton.

With the score at 1-1, Henderson got an assist and scored a goal to help his side to a 3-1 win, and immediately looked far more comfortable in the advanced role than he had whilst playing deeper for the last 18 months.

He was deployed there again in the 2-0 win over Porto in the Champions League quarter-finals, where he was instrumental in victory over the Portuguese side.

Following that game, Klopp even admitted to stifling his captain’s ability, and apologised. The former Borussia Dortmund boss said: “It was my fault that for one-and-a-half years he played as a No 6. Sorry for that! But we needed him there.”

Now approaching his 29th birthday, Henderson is regarded by many neutral fans as a bang average midfielder who offers very little, an opinion that may not change despite his obvious preference for the No.8 role.

Klopp may now have realised the errors of his ways after Henderson took it upon himself to chat with his boss, but could his entire career have been completely different had he been played in his favoured position?

We’ll never know, but the chances are that Henderson would be viewed very differently right now.

The race for automatic promotion in League One has seen supporters of the five clubs involved experience a roller-coaster of emotions this season.

Barnsley looked to be in a superb position to finish in the top-two alongside runaway leaders Luton Town last month yet by dropping points in their last two outings against Coventry City and Burton Albion, Daniel Stendel’s side have squandered their advantage over the likes of Sunderland, Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic.

Although the Black Cats failed to fully capitalise on the Tykes’ 2-1 defeat to the Brewers, their draw against the same opponent in mid-week was still good enough to see them to leapfrog their rivals in the standings. With Jack Ross’s side now holding a one-point lead over Barnsley and still having one more game to play between now and May, it is looking increasingly likely that the Yorkshire-based outfit may have to settle for the play-offs.

However, despite having a good recent relationship with the competition having achieved promotion via the final in 2016, the Tykes’ entire season could be shaped by the outcome of their clash with Fleetwood Town at Oakwell on Saturday. If they fail to secure a victory against the Cod Army, it could be disastrous for their hopes of making an immediate return to the Championship.

By embarking on a bad run of form towards the crescendo of a season, it can be extremely difficult for a side to bounce back when they enter the play-offs. For Barnsley, the last thing that they want is to enter a two-legged clash with either Charlton, Portsmouth or Doncaster Rovers without any confidence as all three of those sides have experienced a resurgence in recent weeks.

Therefore, by beating Fleetwood convincingly later, the Tykes could build up some much-needed momentum for their remaining fixtures in League One.

What do you think Barnsley fans? Can your side still secure automatic promotion? Or do they now need to prepare for the lottery of the play-offs in May? Get in touch below.