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West Bromwich Albion Technical Director Luke Dowling has claimed in quotes per The Express & Star, that the club won’t try and sign Dwight Gayle again due to financial reasons.

What’s the word?

Gayle was absolutely sensational for West Brom this season and alongside Jay Rodriguez built a partnership that nearly took them to the Premier League.

Albion were within five penalty kicks of sealing a place at Wembley but without Gayle, who was suspended, they crashed out of the play-offs in the semi-finals.

However, despite the striker scoring 24 crucial goals for the Baggies in 2018/19, he won’t return to the club. This is according to the words of Dowling who issued the following statement which was quoted by The Express & Star.

“Financially, we were prepared to pay the money for Dwight’s contract for this season. It hasn’t worked out. Dwight’s contract is a Premier League contract and we will pay Premier League contracts, but we’ll only do that once we’re back in the Premier League.

“I know it won’t be the news Albion fans want to hear, but they need to trust us and know we’re doing everything right for this club.”

Playing safe yet again

The news that Gayle wouldn’t sign next term was bad enough for the supporters but the lack of ambition Dowling and the club are showing has once again put a cloud of negativity over the Hawthorns.

This isn’t the first time things have been dealt with in this manner, though.

The managerial appointment of Jimmy Shan until the end of the season was safe, choosing to go with the cheap option rather than finding a coach who could have got them promoted. Therefore, the decision not to bring Gayle back because of finances is another dagger to the heart.

Until West Brom learn from this then they will continue to fall into mediocrity. More risks need to be taken and that doesn’t just count for the playing staff, but also for whoever walks through the door as their next manager.

Was Darren Moore’s sacking unfair? The Pl>ymaker FC squad name which Championship bosses should have gone instead in the video below…

If the Baggies needed to keep just one player at the club then it would be Gayle. He is the epitome of a good Championship striker and they could well struggle to replicate their play-off bid without him next term.

In short, Dowling and Mark Jenkins can no longer afford to play things safe. Trying to secure Gayle again would have been a statement. Instead, everything feels as though it’ll be far too similar to previous years.

كشف سيد عبد الحفيظ مدير الكرة بالأهلي، عن سلبية المسحة الطبية التي خضع لها وليد سليمان لاعب الفريق بعد إصابته بفيروس كورونا.

وكان وليد سليمان قد تغيب عن مباراة الأهلي والزمالك مساء أمس بسبب إصابته بفيروس كورونا بجانب زمليه صالح جمعة وأليو ديانج.

وقال سيد عبد الحفيظ في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “صدى البلد”: “مسحة وليد سليمان سلبية وتتبقى مسحة أخرى وفقًا للبروتوكول الطبي، ويجب اجتيار اللاعب مسحتين، وديانج سيخضع للمسحة الأولى غدًا”.

واستطرد: “مباراة الزمالك أمس كانت متعبة جدًا من أول دقيقة لآخر دقيقة، كنا نعلم قيمة وأهمية واهتمام الجماهير بهذه المباراة ليست في مصر فقط بل على مستوى إفريقيا والعالم العربي لأنه حدث لا يتكرر كثيرا حتى في أوروبا لا يتكرر كثيرًا، أن تجد فريقين من بلد واحدة في نهائي قاري”.

وتابع: “أحداث اللقاء كانت غريبة وكان بها مفاجآت خاصة هدف أفشة، ومن حق جماهير الزمالك أن تسعد بفريقها أدوا مباراة قوية أمس”.

توج الأهلي بلقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا للمرة التاسعة في تاريخه، بعد فوزه على الزمالك بهدفين مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما أمس الجمعة على استاد القاهرة.

طالع | حسين الشحات: موسيماني “صايع كورة”.. وهذا رد فعله بعد فرصتي المهدرة

وأوضح: “إن شاء الله نحقق الثلاثية ونفوز بكأس مصر والسوبر الإفريقي، ومن حق الجماهير أن تسعد بالبطولة بعد الحصول عليها”.

يذكر، أن الأهلي يستعد لمواجهة الاتحاد السكندري مساء الثلاثاء المقبل في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس مصر.

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With a return to the Premier League to look forward to next season, Norwich fans were given an added boost as the club announced via their official website that Timm Klose had signed a new deal.

The Swiss international had reached the end of his existing contract, but has now extended his stay at Carrow Road until the summer of 2022.

Having seen the defender become an integral part of their Championship title-winning campaign this season, many Canaries fans took to social media to laud the club’s decision to offer him a new contract.

They feel ‘his experience and leadership next season’ could prove vital as they bid to beat the drop, and he will continue to be an invaluable figure in the Norwich dressing room.

With the Canaries also boasting some exciting emerging talent, many on Twitter feel Klose’s ‘massive character’ would make him a ‘great influence for the young lads’.

Indeed, with concerns that the defender could leave on a free at the end of the campaign, some have even expressed a sense of relief that a new deal has been sorted out, and used Klose’s contract as motivation to tackle the Premier League next season.

Check out the delighted reaction of Norwich fans below:

There’s currently only a handful of versatile players in West Ham United, which is a fairly big reason for a system that often looked really rather clunky during Manuel Pellegrini’s first campaign.

Indeed, for any team to keep up their momentum over a whole season, they need players capable of putting in a shift in multiple roles, that much is obvious. As a result, Manuel Pellegrini is seemingly looking for such talents and has pinpointed an impressive one.

According to reports (via Football Insider), the Chilean’s aiming to raid his former team and sign Fabian Delph from champions Manchester City. Obviously, the versatile player has operated mainly as a backup left-back for the defending champions but is renowned for his role in centre-midfield, traits that’d make him a star in Stratford.

Delph works as an effective left-back, proving the reliable, defence-minded option the Hammers require. With Aaron Cresswell close (per the same outlet) to leaving and Arthur Masuaku still honing his defensive skills, the 29-year-old can slot in extremely effectively. Moreover, his natural position is centre-midfield where he works as an effective ball-winner capable of slotting in with Declan Rice or Mark Noble.

It just makes so much sense. A bit-player at the Etihad, the Irons could surely offer him a starring role.

The experienced star can bring a winning mentality to the Hammers, something that could potentially rub off on a number of teammates at the early stages of their career. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s also a brilliant passer, with Pep Guardiola’s system working wonders for him.

Delph can put in extra shifts with ease and cover up the gaping holes plaguing Pellegrini’s side. The 29-year-old’s someone the Chilean can rely upon due to his defensive expertise and big-game experience. Indeed, he might not be the “superstar signing” the fans crave, but yet a highly effective destroyer to bring stability into their system.

West Ham fans, would you like a versatile player like Delph next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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It was another extremely successful season for Manchester City and their troops. 2018/19 saw them clinch another Premier League title and Kevin De Bruyne, despite missing a big chunk of it, was an integral part as always.

The 27-year-old Belgian only made 19 appearances but still managed to rattle the net twice, assisting a further two in the process. However, as the season is already behind us, De Bruyne is very much in holiday mode, enjoying his time in the pool. He shared his

/ByxprwQjWLN/” data-lasso->Instagram snap with the fans showing him having fun with his son.

The new season doesn’t kick-off until August so that gives De Bruyne some time to relax before the 2019/20 campaign is underway, and he has shown in this latest image what a big fan of basketball he is away from the football field.

Pep Guardiola will no doubt be wanting to lead the team towards their second title-defence in a row with the Belgian as one of the key pieces of the puzzle next term – if he can remain fit.

[ad_pod ]Manchester United have entered a summer of rebuild led by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Ed Woodward giving him the motivational and financial backing he needs to recreate a new identity for this tired squad.Solskjaer earned himself the full-time role after a brilliant first three months in the job, but since signing the permanent contract his side have dipped dramatically in form, accentuating quite what a long and arduous process reviving this United side is going to be.The Norwegian manager has vowed to succeed at the club, stating that players who don’t perform for him will face the axe. With a summer clear-out in mind, the decision on who will wear the captain’s armband at Old Trafford is one the ex-Molde boss is having to come to a conclusion about as well.

Recent reports in the Times claim that while Paul Pogba could be offered a deputy role, it’s experienced title-winning veteran Ashley Young who’s expected to make the step up to club captain following the departure of Antonio Valencia.

The 39-cap Englishman has been one of United’s most committed and devoted players, appreciated by most United managers of the last six years. However, a string of poor performances has brought criticism his way and the fans aren’t happy about the latest update on the situation…

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Writing in his Daily Record column, Barry Ferguson believes Rangers star Ryan Jack deserves more international recognition and could get it under new Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

What’s he said?

With the arrival of a new international manager comes speculation about what his team will look like moving forward, and as a former Scotland regular Ferguson knows a thing or two about what it takes to play for the country.

He’s been blown away by the progress Jack has made under Steven Gerrard over the last couple of months, and now reckons the 27-year-old is well placed to make a big impact on the international scene.

Writing in The Daily Record, he explained:

“Ryan Jack has been a Scotland player in waiting for the last six years. But it’s the way he’s been playing over the last six weeks that makes me believe he’s finally about to come of age at international level.

“Put it this way, I’ll be absolutely amazed if the Rangers man is not selected to be part of Steve Clarke’s plans next week when the new manager announces his first squad for the qualifiers against Cyprus and Belgium.

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s always had the ability. That’s why he got his first call-up for a game against Croatia in 2013 after captaining the Under-21s.

“Yet in all that time he’s only picked up two full caps and that tells you he’s never fully managed to deliver on all of his promise. He’s always been almost there. Nearly ready. Always there or thereabouts on the edges.

“But the player I’ve seen recently looks like he could step right into international football and really make his presence felt. I honestly believe he’s improved that much in such a short space of time.”

Should Jack be winning more caps?

There’s no doubt that Jack is now a deserved firm fixture in Gerrard’s first-team and has really improved since joining as one of Pedro Caixinha’s signings in 2017.

His problem when it comes to Scotland though is the quality of competition available in the midfield that Clarke can call upon.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

Callum McGregor has proven to be a far more effective midfielder in the Scottish top-flight over the last couple of years and there’s stars such as Stuart Armstrong who are playing at a higher level than both.

With others emerging like Scott McTominay, making a serious breakthrough at Man United, and John McGinn, who won Aston Villa’s player of the year award, the chance of Jack being a regular starter for Scotland seems slim.

That’s not to say he shouldn’t be included in upcoming squads, just that his readiness to take the Scotland team by storm is perhaps a bit overblown by Ferguson.

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Going into the play-off final on Monday Aston Villa fans are sure to be looking for ways to feel more confident.

After all, this is the biggest game of their season.

The Villans tasted heartbreak at Wembley this time last year, losing out to Fulham at the national stadium. So a year on, what’s changed? Arguably a great deal.

The club have new owners, a new manager and a better squad to boot. Dean Smith, backed by Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris have helped change the face of the football club this season.

Formerly of Brentford, the now Villa manager has done a sterling job in taking his side to the play-off final. All that remains now is to achieve something they couldn’t do against the Cottagers in 2018.

Villa’s form lately shows they deserve to go up. That ten game winning streak and the battling displays against West Brom over two legs prove that.

And going into their clash with Derby, they’ll hold an advantage. This season Villa haven’t conceded to the Rams, winning 3-0 and 4-0. They were fantastic wins but Frank Lampard’s men are now a different beast.

Those are just two of three occasions in which Smith has got the better over Derby though. The only other match in eight previous meetings was a 4-0 win for Brentford in April 2017. When he does beat them, he seems to go big.

What we can expect judging by the 48-year-old’s record against the Rams are goals. He’s only ever had one goalless draw with the Derbyshire club, whilst in the last four meetings between Smith and Monday’s opponents, one team has scored three or more goals. That’s per 11v11’s records for both Villa and Brentford.

Derby weren’t exactly watertight against Leeds so that may well continue. Of course, this game cannot end in a draw. Extra-time and penalties will be needed if necessary. It’s an eventuality both sides will be wanting to avoid.

Recent omens suggest Villa will reign victorious. You feel the Rams will have to spring an almighty surprise given their two displays against the Midlands club in 2018/19.

However, in a one-off game at Wembley anything can happen.

Smith only beat Derby once when he was with the Bees. For Villa’s sake, they’ll be hoping he can avoid his previous mistakes.

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Goal.com recently claimed that Liverpool could sell Xherdan Shaqiri in this summer’s transfer window if the club received a suitable offer for the attacker.

However, recent comments from Shaqiri seem to suggest that the 80-time Switzerland international will not be heading anywhere ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

Indeed, Goal.com have quoted the 27-year-old – speaking to reporters following Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final – as saying that he is desperate to win the Premier League title with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Liverpool could, of course, still decide to sell the attacker this summer.

However, the Merseyside club’s fans have reacted positively to quotes from Shaqiri, who has been looking ahead to the 2019-20 campaign.

Does your club have a legend who is criminally overrated? Fans answer this tough question in the video below…

A number took to social media last month to react negatively to the initial claims that the attacker could be sold.

And now a number of have reacted to the fact that Shaqiri is targeting the Premier League title next term.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

أشاد لوكاس هيرنانديز لاعب بايرن ميونخ الألماني، بمستوى فريقه السابق أتلتيكو مدريد، خلال المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين أمس على ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو.

وشارك الفريق الثاني في بايرن ميونخ خلال المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن الجولة الخامسة من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، بعدما قرر المدرب هانزي فليك إراحة عدد كبير من النجوم، أبرزهم ليفاندوفسكي ومانويل نوير.

وانتهت المباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي 1/1، بعدما كان أتلتيكو مدريد متقدمًا في النتيجة، حتى الـ3 دقائق الأخيرة، قبل أن يتعادل توماس مولر من ركلة جزاء.

وقال لوكاس في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “جئنا إلى ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو من أجل التسجيل، وحققنا ما أردناه”.

وأضاف: “حصلنا على نقطة بفضل ركلة الجزاء في الدقائق الأخيرة، وكان هدفنا هو التسجيل، أردنا الفوز لكن لم نتمكن من ذلك، الأهم أننا سجلنا”.

وأردف: “أتلتيكو مدريد؟ فريقي السابق، أتابعهم كثيرًا في الدوري، والحقيقة أنهم يقومون بعمل رائع بمختلف المسابقات، صحيح أن الأمر في الأبطال أكثر تعقيدًا، لكنهم يقدمون مستوى جيدًا”.

وشدد: “أثق في أن أتلتيكو مدريد سيصعد إلى دور الـ16، آمل أن يقاتل أتلتيكو مدريد من أجل كل شيء، لديهم فريق رائع ومدرب رائع، ويمكنهم التأهل إلى دور الـ16”.

ويحتاج أتلتيكو مدريد للفوز على ريد بول سالزبورج في الجولة الأخيرة، من أجل الصعود إلى دور الـ16.