West Ham: Irons Chiefs Eyeing "Incredible" Manager Move

West Ham United chiefs have been 'alerted' to Ligue 1 boss Will Still as they kickstart the process of considering replacements for David Moyes.

What's the latest on Moyes and West Ham?

The Scotsman has been a pivotal figure at the club over these last two Premier League seasons, guiding West Ham to consecutive European qualification campaigns and making supporters dream again.

Moyes' side reached the semi-finals of last year's Europa League and could yet reach the same stage of the Europa Conference League this year with victory tonight against Gent.

West Ham supporters have been gifted fond memories since he replaced Manuel Pellegrini in December 2019, yet this campaign has been a disappointing one overall.

The east Londoners have fell far below expectations despite spending around £160 million last summer and a further £10.5 million in the signing of Danny Ings mid-season (Transfermarkt).

West Ham are still in the relegation dog-scrap despite picking up form of late, losing just once in their last five league games, but this won't be enough to save Moyes as the club apparently start considering replacements.

According to The Daily Mail, sources have indicated that the task of weighing who will succeed Moyes has 'begun', and there are a few candidates.

There is apparently a 'growing sense' Moyes will leave before the start of 2023/2024, with Reims boss Still firmly in the running. Indeed, West Ham chiefs have apparently been 'alerted' to the tactician who also has family ties to the club.

Still's side went on a headline-grabbing unbeaten run earlier this season, a period which seriously rose his stock in the footballing world and him one of this season's fairytale stories.

Should West Ham turn to Still?

The 30-year-old is hugely inexperienced for a job this big in England, which could count against him as the West Ham board measure their most suitable candidates.

That being said, Still has been revered for his work at Reims this season, and could even be considered one of Europe's most promising young coaches.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe certainly thinks so, recently hailing the 'incredible' job he's done whilst calling it very impressive – explaining (via Chronicle Live):

"I'm not sure on Will's background and how he's built his career to this point but very impressive to be managing at his age.

"The success he's had has been incredible. Are managers getting younger? I'm not sure if that's a fact or not. But certainly it is a very demanding job."

WICB signs new deal with Digicel

The West Indies Cricket Board has signed a new agreement with telecom sponsor Digicel for the next four years

ESPNcricinfo staff25-May-2016

West Indies have already won three ICC titles this year – the Under-19 World Cup, the men’s World T20 and the women’s World T20•IDI/Getty Images

The West Indies Cricket Board has signed a new agreement with telecom sponsor Digicel for the next four years. Along with the men’s team, Digicel will also sponsor the women’s and the Under-19 teams this time.In addition, Digicel will help the Caribbean islands develop their coaching clinics to find and nurture players for the future. In a move to further develop the longer format in West Indies, the mobile phone network provider will also help the WICB broadcast the Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Competition, their domestic first-class competition, later this year.”The new partnership meets a number of our strategic commercial goals, and we are delighted to be continuing our long association with Digicel,” Michael Muirhead, WICB’s chief executive officer said. “This new era sees an expanded level of support for all of our teams and a focus on growing the next wave of Caribbean cricket champions in all formats.”John Delves, chief commercial officer at Digicel Group, said: “The stunning recent successes of the men, women’s and U19s teams have once again broadened the appeal of the game and excited new audiences. We are delighted to be involved now with all of the WICB teams and particularly pleased to be partnering on the coaching clinics which will help to nurture future champions from the Caribbean.”Despite ongoing issues with the WICB, West Indies have already won three ICC titles this year – the Under-19 World Cup, the men’s World T20 and the women’s World T20.

Aston Villa’s £75k-p/w Star Was A "Handful" Today

Aston Villa slumped to their second consecutive Premier League defeat this afternoon against Wolverhampton Wanderers, as the home side secured a vital 1-0 win at Molineux.

Unai Emery would have been hoping to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester United last weekend, but despite a few chances throughout the tie, resolute defending by Wolves proved to be the difference.

Several Villa players simply didn’t show up. Bertrand Traore started the match with hopes of scoring his third league goal in his last six matches, yet he was hooked at half-time after winning just two duels, succeeding with zero dribbles and delivering one accurate cross in what was a poor display.

There was one shining light for the Spaniard, however, with Emiliano Buendia demonstrating just how important he could be to the club heading into next season, with an excellent performance that should ensure he starts the next match.

How did Emiliano Buendia perform for Aston Villa against Wolves?

The Argentinian was tasked with leading the line alongside Ollie Watkins against the Old Gold, and despite Villa coming up short and failing to score for the second match in a row, he was lively throughout.

He took five shots in total (although just one was on target), while he also caused the opposition defence havoc by succeeding with all four of his dribble attempts.

Buendia took 45 touches during his spell on the pitch, suggesting he was keen on making things happen for his team, making two key passes in the process.

The £75k-per-week star also shone defensively too, clearly proving there are more aspects to his game than just creating chances and scoring as he won 75% of his total duels, including seven from nine ground duels, and it looked as though no Wolves' player could regularly get the better of him.

Journalist Gregg Evans was among those impressed by his performance, particularly in the first half, praising him for his build-up play before Watkins missed a chance.

Emi Buendia for Aston Villa

He said: “Brilliant from Buendia in the build-up. He's a real handful today.”

Although a real handful and Villa’s “most creative player” on the day according to Evans, he couldn’t quite grab a goal or set up a teammate that could have secured a vital point during the dying embers of the game.

Even so, Emery will be hoping the same Buendia turns up against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

Liverpool Eye Swoop For ‘Complete’ Star

Liverpool could be set for a transformative transfer window this summer after a troubling Premier League campaign and now a new report has emerged about the club's scouts being sent to France to watch potential targets.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Kevin Danso?

According to 90min, Liverpool scouts were in attendance for Lens' victory over Marseille last weekend to watch Kevin Danso, Seko Fofana and Lois Openda.

As per the report, the Reds are joined by Manchester United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers in their interest in Danso, with Liverpool keen to add defensive reinforcements this summer.

Would Kevin Danso be a good signing for Liverpool?

There is no doubt that big changes are needed at Anfield if they are going to return to the highest level both domestically and on the European stage.

Bolstering key areas of the pitch and providing Jurgen Klopp with players who can become part of the next generation of success at Anfield will surely be the highest priority for the powerbrokers at the club and the signing of Danso could be a fantastic place to start.

Indeed, the Reds acquired the services of young centre-back Ibrahima Konate in 2021, however, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both well into their 30s at this point, it would be beneficial for the club to continue searching for young defenders to replace them.

Over 34 Ligue One appearances, the 6 foot 3 titan has tallied up a phenomenal haul of 14 clean sheets, all while amassing a pass completion rate of 90% and registering two assists.

From a defensive point of view, the centre-back has managed one interception, 1.1 tackles, 3.5 clearances, and won 5.5 duels won per game.

Not only that, Danso ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, shot-creating actions, pass completion and successful take-ons, proving that he is a huge presence and one of the hottest prospects in Europe.

Premier League, Liverpool news, Liverpool latest news, Liverpool update, Liverpool transfers, Liverpool transfer news, Kevin Danso

The £23m-rated talent has been lavished with praise for his outstanding contributions in France this season, with Lens head coach Frank Haise claiming:

"He is a leader by nature. This role suits him wonderfully and he fulfils it with much enthusiasm. Kevin is a top professional. Every day in training, he is very serious.

"Kevin is now one of the best central defenders in Ligue 1, but also in Europe.

"He has developed into a complete defender who is not only strong in the air but also has good technique with few mistakes in his build-up play and very clean passing."

With that being said, Danso would be a great addition to the Liverpool squad this summer in their efforts to add young talent into the team and could be the perfect replacement for Van Dijk in the future.

Spurs Predicted XI V Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action to face off against Crystal Palace this afternoon, and interim manager Ryan Mason will be quite aware that anything other than victory will close the door on an unlikely route to Champions League qualification.

The north London outfit appeared to have rectified their recent woes after remarkably restoring parity through Richarlison in the 93rd minute at Anfield, having been 3-0 down to Liverpool after 15 minutes, only to squander their comeback to Diogo Jota's exquisite finish after a mistake from Lucas Moura.

The Lilywhites have not won in four league outings and must string together a pleasing run of results if European football is to be on the cards next season, especially given the seventh-placed team are currently one point behind Brighton & Hove Albion, who have two games in hand.

Despite the defeat to the Reds last time out, there were encouraging signs, and Mason will look to channel that energy into dispatching resurgent Palace.

Here's what Football FanCast is predicting…

How will Tottenham line up against Crystal Palace?

Mason might only make two alterations despite the club's recent misfortunes.

In goal, Fraser Forster will retain his place after Hugo Lloris was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to a hip injury.

Ben Davies could be set to start once again after a gallant performance against Liverpool as he won 11 of his 15 contested duels; Cristian Romero and Eric Dier will be expected to retain their roles in the back three.

Pedro Porro and Ivan Perisic will occupy the flanks, hoping to utilise their creativity to bypass Roy Hodgson's sturdy defence, while £14.5m midfield starlet Pape Sarr – who dazzled at the San Siro – could make just his third league start of the term after Oliver Skipp's head injury in the previous fixture.

In the offensive third, the £110k-per-week Dejan Kulusevski, praised as a "ridiculous" talent by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, could be confined to the bench after failing to inspire confidence across recent weeks, while £60m summer signing Richarlison could earn a shot from the start after finally breaking his Premier League duck last week.

richarlison-tottenham-hotspur-crystal-palace-premier-league-mason-kulusevski

Harry Kane, who has impressively scored 25 goals from 34 matches in the top flight this term, will undoubtedly lead the line once again, with a revitalised Son Heung-min possibly combining with the England skipper to wreak havoc on this Eagles defence.

Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-3): Forster; Romero, Dier, Davies; Porro, Sarr, Hojbjerg, Perisic; Son, Richarlison; Kane

Spurs Could Sign Their Next Ardiles

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among those interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister this summer, with the Argentina international looking likely to secure a summer exit from the Amex.

What's the latest on Mac Allister to Spurs?

According to 90min, the Lilywhites – as well as both Newcastle United and Chelsea – have 'registered their interest' in the 24-year-old, albeit with Liverpool currently the frontrunners in the race for his signature.

The former Argentinos Juniors ace only signed a new long-term deal on the south coast earlier in the campaign, although the report suggests that the player's representatives are 'working hard' to find a suitable next club for the highly-coveted asset.

As the piece also notes, a move within the Premier League is set to be the most likely move for the 5 foot 9 sensation, with the playmaker said to be valued at more than £70m heading into the summer window.

Would Mac Allister be a good signing for Spurs?

While the priority at present for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be on finding a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, the Englishman will also need to consider potential new recruits ahead of next season, with Mac Allister likely to be a dream, Premier League-ready target for the north London outfit.

The midfield maestro has enjoyed a stellar campaign to date to help steer the Seagulls into European qualification contention, having scored ten goals and provided two assists in 30 games in all competitions.

The £50k-per-week ace notably came to wider attention, however, after proving something of a "revelation" during his country's World Cup success in 2022, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig, having started six of the seven games in Qatar.

Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister

For Spurs, it would not be the first time that they have snapped up an Argentine midfielder off the back of tasting World Cup glory, with club legend Ossie Ardiles having made the move to England in 1978 after also helping guide the South American giants to success in that summer's edition on home soil.

While unlike Mac Allister, the iconic ace had only featured in his homeland prior to making the move to north London, he subsequently went on to enjoy a glorious decade at N17, winning the FA Cup on two occasions as well as the UEFA Cup in 1984.

The 70-year-old – who made 311 appearances for the club across all competitions in that ten-year spell – mirrored Mac Allister in also shining in a central midfield berth for both club and country, establishing himself as a real cult figure among Spurs supporters.

While the Brighton gem would have to go some way to be able to emulate the success of his compatriot, the hope for Levy and co would be that the emerging superstar could follow in the great Ardiles' footsteps and become a central figure for the long haul at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

فيديو | في 5 دقائق.. الوحدة الإماراتي يسجل هدفين أمام الزمالك

سجل فريق الوحدة الإماراتي هدفين متتاليين أمام الزمالك في المباراة الجارية بينهما في بطولة الوحدة الودية الدولية في الإمارات.

الزمالك يلاقي الوحدة، في بطولة الوحدة الودية التي تقام خلال الفترة من 18 إلى 24 يناير، وتضم أندية الوحدة والاتفاق السعودي وأم صلال القطري.

وسجل هدف الوحدة الثاني اللاعب زليمخان باكييف في الدقيقة 71 بتسديدة صاروخية من خارج منطقة الجزاء سكنت شباك محمد عواد. هدف الوحدة الإماراتي الثاني أمام الزمالك

وأضاف الهدف الثاني لنادي الوحدة، أحمد نور الله في الدقيقة 75 بعد خطأ فادح من محمود حمدي الونش في عودة الكرة إلى حارس المرمى محمد عواد يستغلها لاعب فريق الوحدة.

طالع | فيديو | منصور صالح يسجل هدف الوحدة الأول أمام الزمالك هدف الوحدة الإماراتي الثالث أمام الزمالك

وكان الوحدة تقدم بهدف في الشوط الأول عن طريق لاعبه منصور صالح بتسديدة قوية من على حدود منطقة الجزاء.

Man United Ready To Move For "Special Player"

Manchester United are ready to launch a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Palhinha?

Palhinha arrived at Craven Cottage over the summer from Sporting Lisbon and has been a regular under Marco Silva, making 34 appearances in all competitions.

The 27-year-old has made an impact in the Premier League, with Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir labelling him as "one of the signings of the season".

The Portugal international is under contract until 2027, but it seems as if he could be on the move already this summer, with Old Trafford a potential destination.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared a transfer update regarding Palhinha in the last 48 hours, where United were one of three Premier League sides named with an interest.

He stated that the Red Devils, along with Chelsea and Tottenham, are ready to make moves for the midfielder this summer. Fulham are thought to be aware of the interest in Palhinha’s services and are braced for offers.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes in action with Fulham'sJoaoPalhinha.

Should Man United sign Palhinha?

Erik ten Hag has made midfield and attacking reinforcements his transfer priority this summer. Hailed as a 'special player' by former manager Ruben Amorim, Palhinha has been key for Fulham this season, winning 30 more tackles than any other player in the Premier League this season.

As per WhoScored, Palhinha has been Fulham’s third-best performer this season behind Alexsandar Mitrovic and Bernd Leno, comfortably outperforming United midfielders Marcel Sabitzer, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Fred.

It remains to be seen if Sabitzer will extend his Old Trafford stay following his loan spell, whereas McTominay has told United officials he wants to leave the club this summer.

Should McTominay get his wish and depart, Ten Hag would be left with Casemiro as his only recognised defensive midfielder, so signing someone like Palhinha could be a shrewd move, where he could come in and partner Casemiro with Bruno Fernandes featuring further forward.

Palhinha has already shown Ten Hag how he could be an effective signing as well after putting in a tackling masterclass against United earlier this season, winning nine tackles and 12 duels in the meeting at Craven Cottage prior to the World Cup.

It looks as if this could be a transfer to watch heading into the summer, however, it appears as if they will need to pip two of their rivals to his services.

Vice-captaincy will not affect my batting – Rahane

Batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who had been appointed vice-captain for India’s tour of the West Indies in July-August, has said the new role will not affect his batting.”As a vice-captain there will be responsibilities and I like to take responsibilities,” Rahane said. “When I toured Zimbabwe as a captain, I learned a lot from my team-mates, it was a good experience and we had won in Zimbabwe.”There is certainly a sense of responsibility when going to the West Indies. I enjoy taking responsibilities and I will learn new things from this team and it will be important how I go ahead step by step… I don’t think that captaincy and vice-captaincy make any difference on batting.”Rahane, who had toured the West Indies with the India A side in 2012, said that he was looking forward to the challenge of playing in different pitches.”I had toured the West Indies as part of India A around 3-4 years back, at that time the wickets were little slow,” Rahane said.”In international cricket, there will be different wickets. I have heard there is good bounce and pace in Barbados, Jamaica.”At the same time, I feel the wickets may be spin-friendly. We will get the idea of the wickets once we go there. But it is an exciting tour in the West Indies. We are going with a young Test team. We have done well recently and so we are looking forward to the tour.”Rahane also said that he would look to pick the brains of Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar before the tour.”Whenever they (Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar) are available, I try and converse with them about each tours,” Rahane said. “Before going to the West Indies, if I can meet them, I will ask them about their experience, conditions and what kind of cricket is played there. If they are available, I will like to speak to them.”

Chelsea Interested In Signing £60m Premier League Star

Chelsea has been named one of the clubs monitoring Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.

What’s the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Chelsea?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the World Cup winner is definitely leaving the South Coast this summer and Chelsea have been “interested, but it's not a priority.”

As per the briefing, rivals Liverpool are currently leading the race for the 24-year-old and have already had a direct meeting to present their project and plan to the player.

After Jude Bellingham’s proposed move to Real Madrid, the Reds are set to enhance their chase for Mac Allister.

However, considering the excessive spending of the new Blues ownership, they cannot be discounted, and the midfielder, who is valued at £60m, would be an excellent addition to a side crying out for a rebuild.

Who could Alexis Mac Allister replace at Chelsea?

The £50k-per-week man arrived in the Premier League in 2019 from Argentinos Juniors as a relatively unknown quantity but is now one of the country's most sought-after and consistent players.

The 16-cap international – whose current contract expires in 2025 – was catapulted into worldwide stardom as he played a pivotal role in his nation’s World Cup success, having played in six of the seven games with two goal contributions.

His performances generated much acclaim and Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero labelled the player as "very intelligent."

Domestically, the form has been replicated and the Argentine star has averaged 2.1 tackles per game, a 68% dribble success, and an 88% pass completion to become a fantastic all-rounder.

Alexis-Mac-Allister-Brighton

He is an integral cog of a massively over-achieving Brighton side and has the third-highest rating (7.2) of the squad, as per Sofascore.

This prestigious resume means that Chelsea is sniffing around this tremendous talent, and he could be the ideal replacement for Mateo Kovacic, who is reportedly edging close to an exit from Stamford Bridge.

The Croatian has endured a hugely tricky season and appears a shadow of his former self. The 28-year-old has averaged a horrendous average rating of 6.77, with just the 18th-highest rating on the team.

Compared to Mac Allister, he ranks poorly, making just 1.4 tackles per game and registering a pass accuracy of 86%. It's in attack, however, where there are huge disparities. The Argentine has managed 2.6 shots and 1.2 key passes, whereas the Chelsea dud only manages 0.9 for both metrics.

The former Real Madrid man’s deal runs out in 2024 and the Blues may choose to cash in to avoid losing him on a free next summer and make room for Mac Allister.

The technician is an engaging and attractive prospect, who has appeared across the midfield and has already cemented his legacy by assisting Ángel Di María in the World Cup Final against France.

Although he isn't a priority, welcoming Mac Allister to the club would still be an unbelievable first step in a rebuild for the incoming Mauricio Pochettino.

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