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When you think of Sam Allardyce’s managerial career, one player sticks out like a sore thumb.

Kevin Nolan has played under the 66-year-old more times than anyone else, racking up 390 appearances across two different clubs and the ‘firefighter’ will need characters like him in this West Brom side if they are to beat the drop.

Luckily for Big Sam, he has an almost like-for-like already at the Hawthorns in the shape of Jake Livermore.

Whilst his old skipper, Nolan, was often deployed in the hole behind Andy Carroll, it wasn’t his attacking exploits that made him so effective, but rather his defensive contributions.

Combative, efficient and industrious. The ideal mix for any Big Sam midfielder. That’s pretty much Livermore down to a tee, is it not?

The Albion captain started his first game in five outings in Slaven Bilic’s swansong draw at Manchester City and proved to be a hassle for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.

In nine Premier League starts, the 31-year-old is averaging 2.2 tackles and 2.3 fouls per match, via WhoScored. A perfect combination of being hard to beat and disrupting the opposition.

Indeed, Big Sam should be salivating over the prospect of unleashing the former Spurs powerhouse against Villa this Sunday.

He arrived in the west Midlands for just £10m in 2017 and has been here ever since and this unwavering loyalty is another factor that will have the new Baggies boss rather excited.

SmarterScout claimed earlier this season that the midfield veteran had “been massive, an aggressive defender with decent tackling” but lacked that extra bite in his duels with poor ball-retention, and that’s something Allardyce will need to improve fast to restore some stability.

The Albion “leader” could well hold the keys to Big Sam successfully pulling off another phenomenal safety bid. If Livermore is on form in the engine room, then at the very least, West Brom will have a firm foundation to build off going into 2021.

AND in other news, Big Sam may already be heading for his FIRST mistake at the Hawthorns…

Manchester United can repeat their Facundo Pellistri masterclass last year by beating Chelsea to the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in the summer.

What’s the word?

Rice has established himself as a first-team regular starter under David Moyes and is widely considered to be one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are reportedly eyeing up a move for Rice which would see them rival Frank Lampard’s side next summer.

However, it’s claimed a move for Rice could be dictated by what happens to Paul Pogba in the summer – despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s insistence that the France international isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The report adds Solskjaer is keen to strengthen his squad at the end of this season and a forward, central defender and a defensive midfielder will be at the top of his shortlist.

Michael Carrick 2.0?

It was only last year that United were embroiled in a transfer battle with Chelsea and Manchester City over the signing of highly-rated Penarol winger Pellistri. He penned a five-year deal with Solskjaer’s side which put paid to Lampard’s hopes of snapping up the teenage sensation.

If Ed Woodward can repeat the same trick with Rice, there’s no denying the fact that it would be a bitter pill for the Blues boss to swallow, as he is known to be a big admirer of the England international.

Despite his young age, the 22-year-old has featured 128 times for the Hammers, and has scored three goals and supplied five assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

But it is his defensive contributions that cannot be ignored – in fact, in 17 top-flight appearances this season, the Englishman is averaging 1.9 tackles and 2.1 interceptions this season, with Moyes lauding the fact “he could arguably be my best centre half and best midfielder” right now.

Should Pogba depart Old Trafford, his potential departure may create space for Rice in the squad, while there are still questions over Donny van de Beek.

In a similar way to Michael Carrick, Solskjaer could emulate his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson and deploy Rice as a defensive midfielder who can also play as a centre-back. You could also compare this to Scott McTominay, who was previously deployed in defence by Jose Mourinho during his time at Old Trafford.

West Ham head coach Moyes hailed his young charge after the 1-0 win over Sheffield United last year and said: “He is such an improved player. ‘I really think he is doing a great job as a player and we are building up hope that he will be an outstanding captain.

“The role, his responsibility he takes on the pitch because of his young age, his leadership qualities will build. He has learned from Harry Kane and Mark Noble.”

Whilst West Ham’s demands of £70m for the midfielder could prove to be a major stumbling block, there’s no doubt that he would make a fine addition to Solskjaer’s squad. Get it done, Woodward, before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Man Utd must get rid of Marcos Rojo in January…

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Destaque do Vasco na última temporada, o meia Nenê chamou a atenção no treino da equipe com bons passes, gols e por cobrar o zagueiro Rodrigo.

حقق منتخب مصر للشباب مواليد 2003 فوزًا هامًا على حساب منافسه موريتانيا بنتيجة 2-1 في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما ضمن دورة شمال إفريقيا.

وتقام بطولة شمال إفريقيا في دولة تونس، وتشارك بها خمس دول، وهي مصر والجزائر وليبيا وموريتانيا وتونس.

وكان منتخب مصر قد استهل مشواره في البطولة بالفوز على ليبيا بنتيجة هدفين مقابل هدف، بينما فاز أمام الجزائر بنتيجة 1-0 في المباراة التي أقيمت يوم الخميس الماضي.

طالع أيضًا.. اتحاد الكرة يُعلن مواعيد مباريات منتخب مصر للشباب في بطولة شمال إفريقيا

يذكر، أن الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر يتكون من، محمود جابر مديرًا فنيًا، أيمن حافظ مديرًا للمنتخب، كرم مرسي مدرب عام، حمدي حمدان مدرب مساعد، إيهاب جلال مدرب حراس مرمى.

Leeds United are never far from a bit of drama, and despite a transfer window that seemed to mostly go swimmingly, the Whites still managed to find time for a gripping transfer saga that all went wrong.

Of course, we’re talking about the failed signing of Michael Cuisance.

The French midfielder seemed set to come to Elland Road on a permanent deal, but complications with his medical saw the deal fall apart at the 11th hour.

Unfortunately, Leeds won’t get the chance to revisit this one in January as he’s already found himself a new club, joining Marseille on loan, with the French club holding the option to buy him.

To make matters even worse, he’s been solid since joining the French outfit.

The 21-year-old may not have any goals or assists to his name as of yet, but he has been brilliant in a defensive sense, something his Leeds counterpart Mateusz Klich has struggled with.

We’ve covered Klich’s defensive problems in some depth before, but to cut a long story short, his main issue is that he’s dribbled past far too often.

Indeed, the Pole is dribbled past 2.7 times per game, making him the second-most dribbled past player in the division, but while Klich is struggling in that area, Cuisance is thriving.

It’s rare to see Cuisance taken on, with the Frenchman being dribbled past just once per game, and it’s not as if he’s one to shy away from putting a foot in either, making three tackles per game this season.

It has to sting to see Cuisance thriving where Klich is coming up short.

There was plenty of disappointment for everyone associated with the club when the initial deal fell through, perfectly highlighted by Noel Whelan’s comments at the time:

“Disappointment because I think everyone was getting quite excited, 21-years-old from Bayern Munich, big prospect so on that front, very disappointing. It is a setback, absolutely.”

Leeds fans can only be left wondering what could have been after missing out on their man.

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A partida contra o Santos, além dos três pontos e da esperança de escapar do rebaixamento na última rodada, marcou a comunhão entre time e torcida do Vasco nesta reta final de Brasileirão de 2015. Um dos momentos mais marcantes do jogo de São Januário foi quando os jogadores entraram para aquecer no gramado. Com o vestiário alagado, essa entrada se deu pelo meio da torcida, que fez uma festa bonita que arrepiou alguns atletas do elenco.

– Para fazer o aquecimento contra o Santos, passamos pela torcida. E aquilo arrepiou. Muito tempo que eu não via algo como o que a torcida do Vasco fez neste jogo. Lembrando que estava chovendo. Se a torcida abraçar o time, não tem como dar errado. Só tenho que agradecer aos torcedores pelo papel. Quando estávamos em uma situação pior, em momento nenhum eles nos largaram. Claro que existe a cobrança, mas eles apoiaram mais do que cobraram. No domingo, podemos confirmar a permanência graças a essa ajuda – disse Serginho.

Agora, o Cruz-Maltino conta com o apoio dos torcedores que irão comparecer ao Couto Pereira, para a partida contra o Coritiba, que poderá marcar o capítulo final dessa grande arrancada dentro do Brasileiro. Serginho comentou sobre a dificuldade do confronto e garantiu o time focado.

– Iniciamos a semana alegres, mas focados no próximo jogo. Vai ser uma partida muito difícil, que pode selar a nossa permanência na Série A. Vamos respeitar o Coritiba e procurar fazer uma grande partida – destacou o volante.

RelacionadasVascoJulio Cesar valoriza arrancada do Vasco: ‘Dava para fazer um livro’Vasco02/12/2015FluminenseTorcedores levam faixa ‘entrega’ para treino do FluminenseFluminense02/12/2015VascoBlog do Garone: Após empréstimo, oito jogadores voltam a ter contrato com o VascoVasco02/12/2015

As the dust settles on another hectic transfer window, Aston Villa’s attentions will already have turned towards their plans for the following year.

Big decisions will have to be made, not just in terms of the kinds of signings that need to be made, but also which of Dean Smith’s current first-team squad need to be sold.

And one man whose future is really up for debate, is Ahmed Elmohamady. The Egypt international’s contract at Villa Park comes to an end in the summer of 2021, meaning that he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs in January and thus eventually seeing him leave on a free transfer when his deal expires.

Whilst the right-back has proven to be an astute piece of business since arriving from Hull City in 2017 – he has made an impressive 117 appearances for Villa – the time is surely right for the club to say goodbye to him.

At 33, he’s way past the peak years of his career, and whilst he’s done well in terms of his longevity thus far, if Smith is intent on ensuring his side push on and establish themselves as a top ten club, then making ruthless decisions on players like Elmohamady have to be made.

The £25k-a-week earning ace has been a reliable performer and welcome dressing room presence for Smith, with the Villa boss waxing lyrical about the veteran right-back when he penned an extension to his deal in 2019.

He said: “He’s deserved it for his performances, which is what all players deserve to get new contracts from. He was integral to the 10-game winning run we had at the end of last season to get into the playoffs. If you captain a country like Egypt, you have to be a certain type of character and player. He’s established himself in our dressing room and the English game and he’s a very well respected and good player to have in our squad.”

With Villa also spending decent money on Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest, it already feels like the club are moving in a fresh and new direction. When Elmohamady’s contract comes to its end, the Midlands side should just bid a fond adieu.

Marcos Rojo is ‘likely’ to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, according to his agent. 

The Red Devils have tried to sell Rojo in four of the past five summer transfer windows but haven’t succeeded so far. The veteran is currently on loan at Estudiantes de La Plata after agreeing a move in January.

Rojo has barely featured at all for his boyhood club, as a combination of injury and bad luck has limited him to one solitary appearance. The outcast has fallen out of favour with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is considered surplus to requirements.

Jonathan Barnett, who also represents Daniel James, told Stretty News: “I couldn’t comment on what Solskjaer thinks but I think it’s obvious, I think with Rojo, probably [a move] is more than likely somewhere else.”

After years of trying to get rid of him, it looks like the club have finally got their wish. The 30-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2014 for £18m (as per Transfermarkt).

Barnett didn’t disclose a destination for the defender, as he admitted that he is “not sure” if the Argentine will stay in his homeland. However, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that his time at the Theatre of Dreams is coming to an end.

United were unhappy after he was caught breaking the lockdown rules on two occasions earlier this season and issued the defender with a stern warning. Estudiantes don’t seem to pay too much attention to such behaviour as they are keen for him to stay at the club.

The centre-back, who is currently valued at £7m via Transfermarkt, is reportedly in favour of making his loan deal permanent if the two sides can reach an agreement. However, Los Pincharratas are struggling to cope with the uncertain times that many clubs are also experiencing and will only be able to afford another loan.

Whatever happens, everything points towards Rojo heading out the door, and United are ready to cut their losses as his contract will expire in a year anyway.

United fans, do you think Ed Woodward should sell Marcos Rojo this summer? Let us know by commenting below!

Just as it the case for many of the European giants this summer, Juventus are undergoing a huge change, both in terms of personnel and overall style of play. The former Chelsea gaffer Maurizio Sarri has been sacked and in his place came Andrea Pirlo, who will now be looking to give the team his own outlook.

According to the transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio who reported the news for Sky Sports Italy, the Bianconeri are looking for potential partners for Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala in the forward line. One of the new players who popped up on their radar is actually Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette.

Of course, this is not exactly the first time we hear the Frenchman’s name in this context as he was already linked with a potential move away from the Emirates and the Premier League earlier in the window.

Pirlo will need someone new and fresh in attack, especially if he ends up losing one of the two aforementioned stars. The financial situation in Turin is not great, partly because of the recent outbreak of the pandemic and partly because of their astronomical wage bill. For that reason, they are bracing for big changes in the immediate future and Lacazette might have a role to play.

But with not a lot of money to spend and Mikel Arteta still being fond of his forward, it will be interesting to see how the Italians go about completing this transfer.

Verdict

Needless to say, losing Lacazette would indeed be a big blow for the London outfit. Arteta is slowly but surely moulding this Arsenal team into proper contenders and fierce rivals and the Frenchman is surely a big part of that process.

But seeing how Juventus don’t have that much money to spend and the Gunners are not necessarily in a hurry to sell, maybe they end up keeping their striker after all.

Manchester United fans have been reacting to the latest update involving reported transfer target Jadon Sancho this week.

According to the Evening Standard, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still wants to sign the English hotshot in the summer despite claims from Ed Woodward that some clubs will not be able to afford mega-money additions.

It has led to many a supporter discussing the news on social media after the information was relayed by popular Twitter account UtdReport.

United’s executive vice-chairman said: “I cannot help feeling that speculation around transfers of individual players for hundreds of millions of pounds this summer seems to ignore the realities that face the sport.”

Yet Solskjaer is determined to lead a squad overhaul beginning with the likes of Sancho, who could cost in excess of €110m (£96m).

Some supporters have been suggesting audacious swap deals whilst others have, of course, taken a swipe at Woodward.

Here’s what has been said so far…

AND in other news, Man Utd fans react to David Ornstein’s Grealish update…