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The opening few weeks of Bruno Lage’s tenure at Wolves has been encouraging if not profitable.

The Old Gold have found life tough under the Portuguese, failing to score or pick up a single point from their first two Premier League matches.

A combined haul of 42 shots had been taken in those defeats to Leicester and Spurs as they were able to achieve everything but a goal.

Yet, against a dejected Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, the floodgates finally opened. Wolves’ attacking unit has been untethered and set free by Lage and you can tell it’s something they relish.

As they won 4-0, they were also boosted by the returning Daniel Podence who will no doubt provide the manager with more cover in offensive areas.

Although he spurned a succession of chances, the forward found the net and looked in phenomenal touch after coming back from injury.

However, it wasn’t Podence, Fabio Silva or even Trincao who caught the eye the most; that honour has to go to the wise old head of Joao Moutinho.

Throughout last season, it was widely tipped that 2020/21 would be the veteran’s final as a regular in the starting XI.

Though, Lage has made him a key part of his plans and he’s started the new campaign with aplomb. He and Ruben Neves ran the show during the loss to Spurs last weekend but he was at his majestic and magical best when they played Forest.

Moutinho didn’t find the net or register an assist but the composure and control he brought to the middle of the park was simply a class above.

No player on the whole field touched the ball more regularly than the Portugal international who picked up possession on 128 occasions.

Furthermore, the £100k-per-week earner completed more passes (109) than anybody else at a success rate of a whopping 96%.

What made that even more impressive was his desire to be creative. Moutinho made a jaw-dropping nine key passes as Wolves ran rampant against Chris Hughton’s men.

How the 34-year-old didn’t come away with an assist is baffling. He played a delightful ball into Podence during the first half but he fluffed the chance after evading the onrushing goalkeeper.

The duo continued to have a vibrant understanding as the clash went on, but Silva was the man who eventually ended up supplying his goal.

This may have been a performance against a struggling Championship outfit but it proved why Moutinho is still so important to Wolves. It was a display that rolled back the years and gave us a timely reminder of why he’s been held in such high esteem on the continent.

AND in other news, Wolves eye move for £9.9m-rated gem with “unbelievable quality”, he may replace Traore…

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his first-team squad before the window closes.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Reds are one of several Premier League clubs to have been offered the 18-year-old’s services this summer, with the rest of England’s traditional ‘Big Six’ also in the mix for his signature.

The report states that West Ham United, Leicester City, Wolves and Everton are also in the running to secure Moriba’s signature after Moriba’s representatives held talks with multiple interested parties after contract negotiations with Barca reached an impasse.

Moriba’s current deal at the Camp Nou has fewer than 12 months to run, and with an agreement over fresh terms yet to be reached, the Catalan giants are believed to be looking for a potential buyer.

Klopp would love him

Liverpool have been credited with an interest in several central midfielders in recent weeks after Gini Wijnaldum’s departure left a substantial void in the club’s engine room.

A trio of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner did a solid job against Norwich City on the opening day of the new season in his absence, but Graeme Souness outlined his belief that Klopp needs reinforcements in that area of the pitch after the 3-0 win at Carrow Road.

“I’d like to see Liverpool spending a few bob, but they score goals for fun”, he told Sky Sports (as reported by the Liverpool ECHO).

“I think it was very easy to look at Liverpool and talk about their front three and say how special they were, but I think a lot of their great play came from the three midfield players. (Gini) Wijnaldum’s gone, (Jordan) Henderson’s a year older, James Milner’s a year older.

“I know they’ve got some good kids coming through. I saw them against Osasuna on Monday night, I was up there watching that game. I’d like to see something else in midfield. It’s going to be a long hard season,” Souness concluded.

Bringing in Moriba would be seen as a major coup for the Anfield outfit given his potential and the level of competition for his signature, meaning Klopp would surely love the opportunity to work with such a talented youngster.

Former Barcelona B manager Garcia Pimienta lauded the teenager and Konrad de la Fuente last year after the duo put in an outstanding performance for the reserve side, saying: “Both Ilaix and Konrad have been decisive. Ilaix has a lot of merit because he is a first-year youth, but Konrad is third, and in such an important match they have shown that they have an incredible future.

His natural quality and potential to improve would make Moriba a dream Wijnaldum replacement, but Liverpool will have to see off several domestic rivals for the £22.5m-rated gem to make this deal become a reality.

And, in other news…David Ornstein drops major Liverpool update that will leave fans absolutely buzzing 

Leeds United could still sign Manchester United winger Daniel James before the summer transfer window closes, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on James

The Whites have been linked with a move for the Welshman throughout this summer, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to add to his wide options.

Although James started Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Wolves on Sunday, he is going increasingly down the attacking pecking order, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo joining from Juventus.

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The Latest: Hay gives update

The reliable Hay has now provided an update on Leeds’ pursuit of the winger, admitting in a Q&A for The Athletic that a move could still happen before deadline day is over. He said:

“It goes without saying that Leeds and Bielsa have a long, long interest in him.

“Our understanding is that he will be made available by Man Utd (although whether he’ll want to go is another matter). It’s not a secret that Bielsa likes him.”

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The Verdict: Ideal wide competition

James may be a somewhat one-dimensional footballer, relying hugely on his electric pace – he has scored just nine goals in 74 appearances for United – but he could be an ideal squad player for Leeds.

At 23, he should still have plenty of time to mature, and he could provide an alternative option to the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, proving to be a key counter-attacking threat.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will make a late bid for James, but it would certainly be better than not bringing in any wide players at all.

In other news, Leeds could reportedly make a late swoop for one European youngster. Find out who it is here.

Former All Leeds TV presenter Joe Wainman feels Leeds United were never in the running to sign Matheus Pereira, contrary to reports.

Pereira swapped West Bromwich Albion for a big-money contract with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal earlier this month.

The move came after the Baggies suffered relegation to the Championship despite the Brazilian winger notching 12 goals and six assists last season.

A number of clubs were keen to keep Pereira in English football, with Leicester City and West Ham United being named as two of the interested parties.

According to ESPN Brazil, Leeds were also courting the 25-year-old. The report suggests Aston Villa and Crystal Palace joined the race to sign Pereira before he opted to join Al Hilal.

However, JustJoe Football Show anchorman Wainman has rubbished claims a move to Elland Road was ever on the cards, although he does question why boss Marcelo Bielsa did not raise an interest in the winger.

He told Football FanCast: “I was quite surprised when we heard from Pereira’s agent that Leeds had not been in contact at all.

“I know some Premier League clubs were but the fact that we never actually opened up dialogue was a little bit surprising because I think he would have fit in nicely.

“I understand why he has gone abroad – it is what it is. It’s money for him and that kind of money can’t be sniffed at.”

A prediction has been made by Noel Whelan regarding when he thinks the Newcastle United takeover process may be concluded.

The Lowdown: Arbitration adjourned

As shared by the official website of the St. James’ Park faithful, the arbitration hearing between themselves and the Premier League has now been adjourned until early 2022 because of issues with the disclosure of evidence.

The hearing was expected to take place this month, but now further delays have been implemented, leaving things in limbo for the foreseeable future.

The Latest: Whelan on takeover process

Whelan, a pundit who played as a striker for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has since given his thoughts on the takeover process to Football Insider, claiming that he cannot see it being concluded even next year, leaving a question over just how long it will take:

“I think it’s been a farce ever since it first started, to be quite honest with you.

“This doesn’t surprise me that they don’t want to disclose any kind of findings. They’re going to drag it on as much as they possibly can.

“It’s not good for Newcastle because they want this takeover done. They want the takeover done because it’s going to improve and bring more money into the football club.

“It’ll strengthen their squad and position in the Premier League.

“You can never see this one settling very quickly because there’s two strong personalities at either end of this: Mike Ashley and the Premier League.

“The Premier League will need to make sure they’ve got all their documents in order, as will Mike Ashley.

“The process is going to drag on. I probably can’t see it getting concluded in 2022 either.”

The Verdict: Worrying

These are certainly worrying times for the Toon Army, as they go into yet another season with uncertainty surrounding the North East club.

Even though the arbitration hearing is now set to take place next year, there is a chance that it could be delayed even further as it has done already.

If Whelan’s prediction that the process may not even be concluded before 2022 is right, then a serious question has to be asked over how long the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium will be willing to wait and ultimately, whether a takeover on Tyneside will ever be completed.

In other news, find out which £50,000-per-week target is attracted to a Magpies move here!

أفاد النجم الأرجنتيني آنخيل دي ماريا أنه سيضع حدًا لمسيرته مع منتخب بلاده الأرجنتين بنسبة كبيرة بعد نهاية مونديال قطر 2022.

وتألق دي ماريا في فوز الأرجنتين أمام إيطاليا على ملعب “ويمبلي” مساء الأربعاء، بنهائي كأس فيناليسما الذي يجمع بطلي اليورو وكوبا أمريكا.

وقال دي ماريا في تصريحاته لموقع “يويفا”: “أنا سعيد جدًا بالفوز بهذا اللقب، أريد أن أهديه لجميع عائلاتنا التي ترافقنا دائمًا ولكل هؤلاء الأشخاص الذين كانوا حاضرين اليوم، لقد كان الأمر جنونيًا”.

وأضاف بشأن مستوى المنتخب الأرجنتيني: “كل شيء تغير بعد كوبا أمريكا، نخلع حقيبة الظهر هذه، ونحن الآن نتمتع بأنفسنا عندما نلعب، ونقضي وقتًا ممتعًا والأشياء تحدث بسهولة أكبر لنا، نحن متحمسون ولكن يجب أن نحافظ دائمًا أقدامنا على الأرض”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ميسي: جاهزون لمحاربة أي فريق.. ومن سوء الحظ عدم تأهل إيطاليا لكأس العالم

وأشار دي ماريا لإمكانية اعتزاله دوليًا في تصريحاته لصحيفة “Ole” الأرجنتينية: “بعد كأس العالم، أعتقد أن الوقت قد حان، هناك العديد من الأولاد الذين هم في نفس مستوى المنتخب الوطني، وهم ينمون، أراهم في كل مرة أذهب فيها، شيئًا فشيئًا يظهرون أنهم في مستوى عالٍ في أنديتهم وعندما يذهبون إلى المنتخب”.

وأتم دي ماريا: “سيكون الأمر أنانيًا مني بعض الشيء، بعد سنوات عديدة، بعد أن حققت ما كنت أرغب في تحقيقه وأن أقترب من كأس العالم، أريد أن أكون في كأس العالم، ثم، من المؤكد أنني سأتنحى جانبًا”.

وبهذه الطريقة، كل شيء يشير إلى أن كأس العالم ستكون المسابقة الأخيرة لدي ماريا مع المنتخب الأرجنتيني، وهو أحد المراجع العظيمة للألبيسيليستي، الذي كان بطل التتويج في كوبا أمريكا البرازيل 2021 والمتألق في كأس العالم في البرازيل 2014، بالإضافة إلى الميدالية الذهبية في أولمبياد بكين 2008. 

Alex Rae has revealed his fears over the future of Glasgow Rangers defender Connor Goldson, who has just one year left on his contract at the club.

The Lowdown: Goldson future up in the air

Goldson has just 12 months left on his contract (Transfermarkt), although the Ibrox outfit are eager to get him signed up to a new three-year deal (Football Insider).

West Ham United are said to be interested in his services.

The Latest: Rae worried

Speaking to The Times, Rae has expressed his fears in regards to centre-back Goldson. He said:

“My only concern right now would be Connor Goldson because he’s in the final year of his contract [and] this isn’t a business model where they let players run down their contracts. So I’d like to see Goldson signing because he has been outstanding and is a leader.”

The Verdict: Must get it done

Rae is bang on the money – tying down Goldson to a new deal has to be one of Steven Gerrard’s and Ross Wilson’s priorities this summer. He played every single minute of every single game last term as the Gers conceded just 13 times (thefishy.co.uk) on their way to the Premiership title.

He clearly has a huge impact on the side, and is a player Gerrard clearly relies on. Aged 28, he still has a good few years left in front of him – the Gers cannot afford to let him go, and if they do, it must be after he has signed a new deal in order to strengthen the club’s negotiating position.

Hopefully, the Gers will be able to come to an agreement with the £6.75m-valued (Transfermarkt) former Brighton man in the near future.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid with this Club 1872.

MatériaMais Notícias

Jair Ventura foi expulso contra o Fluminense, na partida da última quinta-feira. No domingo, contra o Bangu, cumpriu a suspensão. Mas a vida do treinador do Botafogo pode piorar. Isso porque o árbitro daquela partida, Mauricio Coelho Junior, relatou na súmula xingamentos do técnico alvinegro.

O treinador, pelo menos ainda por enquanto, não foi denunciado, mas poderá ser enquadrado no artigo 243-F do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva do Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva. O artigo diz respeito a ofensas. Confira o relato da súmula.

– Aos 47 minutos do segundo tempo, expulsei o treinador da equipe do Botafogo F. R., sr. Jair Z. Ribeiro Ventura, após o quarto árbitro da partida me informar sobre reclamações insistentes por gestos e palavras e dizendo as seguintes frases: “Vai tomar no c…, só três minutos, ‘tá’ de sacanagem.” “Já dá pênalti para os caras e não dá para a gente”, “Num f…”

De acordo com o árbitro, e as câmeras de televisão também captaram, Jair Ventura deixou o gramado, após a expulsão, batendo palmas ironicamente.

RelacionadasBotafogoLindoso ‘cobra’ Botafogo nas finais do Carioca e espera retomar titularidadeBotafogo28/03/2017BotafogoOpção para o ataque, Joel acaba liberado de treino por conta de vistoBotafogo28/03/2017

Most of Newcastle United’s players are ‘baffled by what is going on takeover-wise’, Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder reports. 

The lowdown

A Saudi Arabian-backed consortium had agreed a £300million deal to buy Newcastle in April 2020, only to pull out at the end of June (via BBC Sport).

They were said to have lost patience as the Premier League conducted its owners’ and directors’ test.

The prospects of reviving the deal are in the hands of an arbitration panel which will assess the validity of the league’s concerns.

Meanwhile, Mike Ashley has also launched an anti-competition claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Newcastle and their would-be owners are in the midst of a ‘series of attacks’ on the top flight as they demand that arbitration be held in public, rather than privately.

The latest

‘Sources close to some of the players’ have relayed the feeling of confusion within the squad following the return to training.

Manager Steve Bruce is said to have a challenge on his hands as he looks to shift focus away from the external noise and onto their preparations for the new season.

Meanwhile, staff have been told little beyond the fact that the club’s anti-competition claim is ongoing and that there remains no date for arbitration proceedings.

The verdict

It would be naive to think that Newcastle could separate this dogged off-field battle from footballing matters.

A club needs stability to truly thrive on the pitch, and the lack of it at Newcastle leaves Bruce with a limited transfer budget to elevate his squad anywhere beyond mediocrity.

This is an institution in limbo with a potentially seismic takeover still on the table, and the drawn-0ut process will have become just as exhausting for some of the players as it surely has for many supporters.

In other news, this journalist reveals what takeover sources have said about arbitration.  

A fresh twist has emerged about Rangers target Salih Ozcan, one which looks like it will end any chance of the player making a move to join Steven Gerrard at Ibrox this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to Kicker, as relayed by GGFN, Rangers target Salih Ozcan is poised to put pen to paper on a contract extension with Koln this week, ending speculation over his future. Koln manager Steffen Baumgart held talks with the midfielder and convinced him that remaining with the Bundesliga outfit was the best option for him, with a deal now in place to keep him at the club.

Earlier this month, Kicker reported that Rangers were interested in a swoop for the German. At the time, Ozcan was prepared to see out of his contract and leave on a free transfer at the end of the month, as he was said to be keen to experience a new league. However, he now looks set to reject the chance to sign with the Scottish giants to stay put in Germany.

Gerrard will be gutted

Gerrard will be gutted by this fresh twist in the club’s pursuit of Ozcan. The 23-year-old signing a new contract with Koln seemingly puts an end to their chances of landing him in the current transfer window and they will now need to look elsewhere for targets. This is a shame because Ozcan could have been an excellent addition to the former Liverpool midfielder’s squad.

Ozcan has already racked up over 100 appearances in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga during his short career to date, highlighting his experience at the top level. He has also dipped his toes into European football, with five starts in the Europa League for Koln in 2017 – suggesting that he could have been a useful player for Rangers in Europe next season.

However, it is worth mentioning that Ozcan did not enjoy a successful 2020/21 campaign for Koln. He started 15 games for the club in the Bundesliga, with a further 13 substitute appearances, and averaged a disappointing WhoScored rating of 6.28, but he has previously performed much better than he did last year.

The £3.15m-rated dynamo had found his rhythm the previous season with Holstein Kiel on loan, though. In 26 starts for the 2. Bundesliga outfit, Ozcan produced five goals and seven assists from central midfield and averaged an exceptional WhoScored rating of 7.08.

This shows that he is capable of putting in superb performances at a good standard, which is why Gerrard will be frustrated that he now looks set to miss out on a bargain deal for the midfielder.

AND in other news, Rangers handed boost over “fabulous” beast compared to Kante, Gerrard will be buzzing…