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There is an obscene amount of narrative surrounding Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Liverpool, and it all surrounds Luis Suarez. The man who scored 82 goals in 133 games for the Reds of course opened the scoring as Barca knocked out their historic rivals Manchester United (or at least tried to, before Luke Shaw stole the credit) on their way to the semi-finals.  Luis Suárez heads back towards goal and it deflects off Luke Shaw and into the Man Utd net.... from All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min http://bit.ly/2URVdB2 via IFTTT

Anwar El Ghazi hasn’t had a quiet weekend by any means. The Lille loanee was at the centre of huge controversy in Aston Villa’s match with Leeds. The Dutchman was sent off for an altercation with Patrick Bamford, although replays showed he barely touched the Whites’ striker. However, L’Equipe are now reporting that his parent club wants to get rid of the player completely over the summer. The Villans already have an option to buy in his loan contract so this will boost their hopes of him signing permanently further. Reacting to the news on Twitter, the Villa Park faithful had plenty to say. One fan uttered that it would be the best pound for pound signing the club has seen in a decade. Another supporter called it a no brainer to keep him whilst a further fan said that Lille could now give him to Villa on the cheap. El Ghazi started the season off fairly inconsistently but has improved in recent weeks, barring his red card at Elland Road. So far this term, the 23-year-old has

Celtic were linked with Paris FC striker Silas Wamangituka over the weekend as the club’s need for more striking options becomes clearer each passing week. What’s the story? The 19-year-old has impressed this season and Neil Lennon confirmed  he was in attendance at Paris FC’s match last weekend. According to Calciomercato , Celtic have offered £4.5m for Wamangituka. As it stands Odsonne Edouard is their only recognised striker and though he has 14 goals this season, Celtic need more options up front if they are to see off the challenge from Rangers next season. Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below… That man however, will not be Wamangituka, who has scored nine goals in 27 appearances in Ligue 2, at least if Lennon is to be believed. “It wasn’t him,” Lennon said after the Kilmarnock win. “But we are looking at players. “And centre-forward is a position I would look at.” Could and should it happen? I

Napoli & Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio reported an eye-catching story on Monday night. Di Marzio claims that Napoli have lodged an official bid with Tottenham for defender Kieran Trippier. Trippier’s form has significantly dropped this season following an incredible 2017-18. Indeed, Trippier was one of England’s star players at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Napoli, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, are said to have offered Spurs between €18 to €20 million for Trippier. Di Marzio noted that Tottenham have rejected that offer for being too low. For the record, the 28-year-old right-back is under contract with the Lillywhites until 2022. [ @DiMarzio ] understands SSC Napoli have now submitted an offer of €20M to Tottenham Hotspur for right-back Kieran Trippier. However Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs are unwilling to sell the defender unless they receive a minimum fee €35M in the upcoming summer window. #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/h2Q8mHevQd

Man United & top four Following last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Chelsea, Man United’s hopes of finishing in the top four have shrunk once again. United are sixth in the standings on 65 points. Arsenal have 66, Chelsea 68 and Tottenham are on 70 points. If Man United are to end the campaign with a Champions League berth, they’ll need a lot of help in the final rounds. First off, United have to beat Huddersfield and Cardiff. Then they’ll need their top four rivals to drop points. Marcus Rashford & Romelu Lukaku With a mountain to climb, the Sun on Tuesday have speculated that Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku may not play for United again this season. That’s after both forwards sustained injuries in the Chelsea game. The tabloid report: Marcus Rashford has a niggling shoulder issue while Romelu Lukaku also aggravated his dodgy hamstring in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday. Both had scans and boss Solskjaer is sweating on the pair’s

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Alan Shearer has savaged Arsenal after their 3-0 loss to Leicester City, per BBC Sport . What’s he said? The Gunners recorded their third successive defeat in the Premier League on Sunday, and they are now in serious danger of failing to finish in the top-four. Defeats to Crystal Palace, Wolves and the Foxes – the Gunners conceded three goals in every game – have left Unai Emery’s men fifth, two points behind Chelsea and four behind Tottenham Hotspur. There is a possibility, then, that Arsenal could win both of their remaining Premier League fixtures, against Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley, and still fail to qualify for the Champions League. They have the opportunity to qualify via winning the Europa League and play Valencia in the semi-final, but Shearer does not see that happening either. And the former Newcastle United legend believes that their defence is to blame, with the Match of the Day pundit insisting that the backline cannot be trusted. He said : “It is a mi

​Rio Ferdinand is in line to take up a significant backroom role at Manchester United, as the former England centre-back is being considered for the sporting director position at Old Trafford.  United have come under fire in recent weeks and months for prioritising personnel with a history at the club rather than a history of successfully doing the job they're being sounded out for, but the ​Mail report that they're leaning into that tendency by bringing the six-time Premier League winner... from All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min http://bit.ly/2XUBSkK via IFTTT

​Arsenal players are becoming confused with manager Unai Emery's tactical choices, the Gunners losing their last three Premier League games with varied systems and confused defensive disorganisation.  An unfamiliar back four of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Sead Kolasinac started Sunday lunchtime's game away at Leicester, featuring two players who hadn't started against Wolves just a few days earlier – a defensive setup which itself was a departure... from All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min http://bit.ly/2XWxkdM via IFTTT

​Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will get the chance to make up for the year he's missed due to injury, with Liverpool set to hand him a 12-month contract extension.  The England midfielder returned from a year on the sidelines on Friday night, coming off the bench in a 5-0 win over Huddersfield which kept the pressure on Manchester City before their tight victory at Burnley on Sunday afternoon.  ​The Mirror report that Oxlade-Chamberlain will be given an extension to take his contract to 2023, making... from All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min http://bit.ly/2ZKwKRV via IFTTT

Pontus Jansson publicly undermined his manager’s instructions as he tried to defend against Aston Villa after Marcelo Bielsa had ordered his team to allow them to score following  Leeds’ controversial opener. Mateusz Klich netted the first goal for the home side despite many of Villa’s players stopping play as their teammate Jonathan Kodjia was injured. Undermining the manager This isn’t the first time we have seen this type of behaviour in English football this season. Kepa Arrizabalaga famously went against Maurizio Sarri’s orders in this year’s Carabao Cup final when he refused to be substituted ahead of a penalty shootout. The Spaniard was subsequently dropped for Chelsea’s next match and Sarri making an example of the keeper showed who was in charge at Stamford Bridge – albeit just for one game. Bielsa needs to do the same here where Jansson is involved due to a multitude of reasons. Jansson has to be dropped The defender didn’t only undermine his manager on Sunday he went

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According to The Sunday Mirror (28/04, page 68), Aston Villa are monitoring Cameroon striker Stephan Bahoken who is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Angers. By signing him, the Villans can repeat a certain previous success. What’s the word? Stephan Bahoken has been in excellent form for Angers this term after making the move from Strasbourg last season. In 28 appearances, the forward has netted ten goals , with four of those coming in his last ten outings. He’s scored some important strikes too, with goals coming against the likes of Rennes, Nice, Marseille and Monaco. Bahoken, therefore, clearly relishes the bigger games. However, according to The Sunday Mirror’s report, the Villans will face competition for the striker’s signature. Also keeping a close eye on the player are recently promoted Sheffield United, as well as Derby and Swansea. It’s not known what sort of fee the French club would command for his services but Transfermarkt rates him at as little as €5m (£4.

On Saturday, QPR’s final outing at Loftus Road aptly summed up their whole campaign, as they slumped to another defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, with Karim Ansarifard netting the only goal of the game before the hour mark. The R’s resurgence in a 4-0 victory over Swansea a couple of weeks back seems to have been cut – very – short and they have now returned to the ways which have seen them slide down the table. The Hoops might be safe but the fans surely can’t wait for the final whistle at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. As players often do after a loss, Toni Leistner took to Twitter to extend an apology for the performance and those which have been similarly disappointing before it. Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video below… The big German has been a solid addition for the Hoops and can hold his head high, according to the QPR faithful who responded in their numbers on Twitter…

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Tottenham Hotspur have slapped a €35million (£30.2m) asking price on Kieran Trippier amid interest from both Napoli and Manchester United, per Gianluca Di Marzio . What’s the word? Trippier has already been the subject of a bid from Napoli, per the aforementioned report, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side “insisting” on the signing of the England international. An offer worth as much as €20m (£17.9m) has been submitted to the Premier League side, but they have demanded a fee of £30.2m to countenance a sale. However, United are also said to be monitoring developments and Trippier, who was born in Bury, is said to prefer a possible move to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. The right-back, who enjoyed a fantastic 2018 World Cup, has struggled for form this season but he has still made 34 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, who are third in the Premier League and in the Champions League semi-finals. Levy’s greatest trick Receiving over £30m for Trippier will only further enhance the le

Cardiff City’s defeat to Fulham on Saturday means that either they or Brighton and Hove Albion will take the final Premier League relegation spot this season, and Crystal Palace fans have been discussing the duo’s survival chances on the Holmesdale forum . The Bluebirds actually host the Eagles in their penultimate match of the campaign this weekend, with the Welsh club lying four points behind the Seagulls with just six left to play for and a trip to Manchester United to come on the final day. Of course, Palace have a huge rivalry with the south coast side and you would think that while some supporters would want them to stay up so they can play each other twice again next term, there will be others that hope they go down. The Selhurst Park faithful have been talking about the battle to remain in the top flight. What have they been saying? Interesting comments They certainly are. It appears as though many have accepted now that after Cardiff’s latest failure that they ar

The main takeaway from Leeds United’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday was the brawl which occurred after the Whites’ opening goal. Mateusz Klich made it 1-0 despite Villa halting play due to an injury to Jonathan Kodjia. This sparked outrage and the aftermath led to a red card as well as multiple bookings. Bamford’s cheating Patrick Bamford was successful in his attempt to get Anwar El Ghazi sent off as he hit the ground as if he had been punched, feigning contact in order to get his opponent dismissed. There are times where unsporting behaviour like this is somewhat justifiable, instances such as Luis Suarez’s handball against Ghana in 2010 or Sergio Ramos’ theatrics in the 2017 Champions League final, but for Bamford this move just came across as foolish. Sheffield United were already out of sight for Leeds barring a miracle in terms of goal difference. Could prove costly The former Middlesbrough striker didn’t take into account the FA’s power to retrospectively ban players

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Celtic fans will love the latest transfer rumour, as reports claim the Bhoys will try to re-sign Patrick Roberts this summer. What’s the story? According to Football Insider , Celtic want to bring Roberts back to Parkhead after a woeful loan spell in Spain. The 22 year-old was wonderful during his loan stay at Celtic from Manchester City, but his future with the Cityzens is in doubt after mustering just one assist and no goals in 19 appearances on loan with La Liga outfit Girona this term. He is out of contract in the summer of 2020, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side could well look to cash in this year, and the Bhoys are “keeping close tabs” on the situation, per Football Insider. Perfect signing? Chris Sutton has called for Celtic to sign some difference-makers this summer, believing they rely too much on a certain way of playing and do not have the versatility to continue picking up results in this matter. Sutton asked BT Sport : “When was the last time a Celtic striker scored

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West Ham have announced a strategic partnership with blockchain-based fan engagement platform Socios.com, becoming are the first Premier League club to partner with Socios – joining the likes of European clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. Inspired by the Socios club membership model in other European countries like Spain, Socios brands itself as a 'first-of-its-kind mobile app for football fans', where fans acquire the ability to vote – by buying, earning or hunting for Fan Tokens - on... from All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min http://bit.ly/2PDUu5v via IFTTT

Rangers overcame Aberdeen in the season’s final clash between the two sides, and Steven Gerrard said all the right things after the match. After winning just one of the previous six meetings between the two sides, it was pretty clear Rangers had a point to prove on Sunday. Aberdeen arrived at Ibrox knowing they have flustered and infuriated the Gers in every clash this season, but an utterly dominant performance from Gerrard’s side resulted in a 2-0 win for the hosts. James Tavernier scored both goals from the spot after fouls on Nikola Katic on both occasions, but they could well have scored four or five if not for Joe Lewis. One surprise of the match was Lee Wallace returning to the pitch, and Gerrard gave the absolute perfect response when asked about the 31 year-old’s return. Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below… What did he say? “It’s a nice moment,

Loads of Newcastle fans are begging Isaac Hayden to stay at the club after he gave a revealing interview to The Evening Chronicle . Hayden’s season has been quite the redemption story. If truth be told, few would have expected him to ever make a real mark in the Premier League. The midfielder looked every bit of the Championship player he was signed to be, struggling to bridge the gap in quality to the top flight. 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…. Since January though, when he openly admitted he wants to leave the club due to personal reasons , he has been sensational, forming a brilliant midfield pairing with Sean Longstaff until the youngster got injured. The 24 year-old is now one of the first names on the team-sheet, and his comments about the club’s ambitions, or lack thereof, have only further endeared him to the Toon Army. “A club of this stature, the target

It may have been easily forgotten that a game of football did actually take place at Elland Road on Sunday. It was a match overshadowed by a bizarre period of events that saw Marcelo Bielsa tell his players to let Aston Villa score as the game eventually finished 1-1. The scenes that were witnessed was something no one will have seen before but in amongst that, Dean Smith made a big tactical blunder that cost his side a chance of securing three points. On 69 minutes, Andre Green was substituted, but it was a switch that came at the wrong time and arguably, proved costly for the Villans. On the chalkboard Green made a promising impact off the bench against Millwall a fortnight ago and as a result, was brought into the starting XI against Leeds on Sunday. He was preferred to Albert Adomah on the right, a player who was the fortunate beneficiary of Leeds letting their opposition score. But before that, Green had put in a lively display and constantly had the beating of Stuart Dalla

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left horrified by an official club update , confirming that midfielder Harry Winks has undergone groin surgery. Winks has emerged as a crucial player under Mauricio Pochettino in recent seasons and has made 40 appearances in all competitions this season. He has been sidelined since the 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Manchester City though. Winks has subsequently missed Premier League encounters with Huddersfield Town, City, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United, as well as the second leg against Pep Guardiola’s men. It has now been confirmed that he has gone under the knife and he will surely miss both legs of the European semi-final against Ajax, and is also likely to be absent from the Premier League encounters with AFC Bournemouth and Everton. And Spurs fans have been left devastated by the news, with Winks rapidly becoming a fan favourite in north London. Take a look at the best of the reaction below! See

Manchester City fans have taken to Twitter to ridicule Liverpool fans, after a short rallying cry emerged on the forum ‘ Red and White Kop ‘, encouraging the Reds fanbase to get themselves down to City’s game against Leicester and ‘show how much they want it’. The post is practically a call for all Liverpool fans to spend their bank holiday Monday travelling to the streets surrounding the Etihad Stadium, where Leicester will play City, and cause a stir in the hope that it will distract their title rivals from getting a result. Somewhat of a rivalry has emerged between Jurgen Klopp’s side and Pep Guardiola’s Citizens as they go head to head in one of, if not the most exciting title races in Premier League history. Who would win out of Man Utd’s treble winners and Man City today? Fans discuss in the video below… With just two games to go, Liverpool sit just a point behind City, who have to beat Leicester and Brighton to successfully defend their crown and record back-to-back titles.

Loads of Celtic fans have been running the rule over their end-of-season awards, and plenty of them feel James Forrest was robbed. After limping past Kilmarnock on an emotional Saturday, Celtic enjoyed their annual awards night on Sunday. The Bhoys’ goal of the season went to Scott Brown for his thunderous effort against St Johnstone, while Kristoffer Ajer scooped the young player of the campaign award. Next came the all-important ones of players’ player of the year and player of the year, both of which were won by Callum McGregor. Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below… There’s no doubting the midfielder has enjoyed a phenomenal season, but fans can’t believe Forrest didn’t win one of the two big accolades. The winger has 17 goals and 20 assists in all competitions , and has scored some huge goals including a beauty against Aberdeen in the cup and an Old Firm winner. You can find some of the best Twitter r

Leicester have been brilliant since Brendan Rodgers took over and the way he’s now got the team playing makes it incredibly baffling that Claude Puel neglected their classic style. Jamie Vardy is back in the goals in some fashion, whilst Puel’s parting gifts of the dynamic Youri Tielemans and James Maddison have been incredible over the last month. Maddison was having an impressive season anyway, but he was given a new lease of life on Sunday against Arsenal and it worked to devastating effect as the Foxes won 3-0. On the chalkboard The weekend prior to this dominating Leicester display saw Maddison left off the PFA Young Player of the Year nominees. This performance, therefore, made it even more startling that he wasn’t up for the award. No one was going to beat Raheem Sterling to it, but Maddison’s quality against Arsenal showed why it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was in the running next term. His performance was mesmeric but this wasn’t a typical outing for the 22-year-old. R

Salmon Rondon has been brilliant for Newcastle United this season, and this incredible stat proves just how crucial he truly is. 44% – Salomon Rondon (9 goals and 7 assists) has been directly involved in 44% of Newcastle’s Premier League goals this season (16/36), the highest percentage for the club since Alan Shearer in 2003-04 (50% – 26/52). Integral. pic.twitter.com/auIibnxKKe — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 27, 2019 Rondon’s qualities The Venezualean striker is already a fan favourite on Tyneside and signing him should be a priority for The Toon. What this stat proves is that without Rondon, Newcastle would have been releagated a long time ago but signing him on loan with an option to buy was a stroke of genius by Rafa Benitez and has to be considered one of the signings of the season. His hold-up-play is superb and allows for Newcastle to relieve pressure when they are defending deep, but his goal contribution has also been excellent and in particular the link-up with Ayoze Per

Moussa Sissoko could be fit to play for Tottenham Hotspur against Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, per the club’s official website , to the delight of the club’s fans. The France international has been integral to the hopes of Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season, having been transformed under the Argentine’s management. Sissoko has played 39 times in all competitions but sustained a groin injury in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City. He subsequently missed the Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion as well as the defeat to West Ham United on Saturday. But he will be assessed ahead of the clash with the Dutch giants and could be involved as Mauricio Pochettino’s side look to reach their first European final of the modern era. And fans believe he has an integral role to play as Spurs look to achieve history against Ajax over two legs. Take a look at the best of the reaction below! Just had a massive

Virgil Van Dijk has a lot to thank Celtic for, they were the ones who took a risk on him and allowed him to play football in Britain, he stayed for two years, played in the Champions League and became an excellent defender in that time before moving to Southampton for £15 million in 2015. On the South Coast Van Dijk grew as a defender and emerged as a real leader for the Saints before joining Liverpool for £75 million last January , in truth that price looks like an absolute bargain as the Dutchman has been the best defender in the league by miles this season. Sunday night however, was the pinnacle of the Van Dijk’s career as he was voted PFA Player of the Year in what has been a stellar season for the 27-year old, he is now a world-class defender and in his acceptance speech he praised Celtic for all they have done for him. Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below… He said : “I want to thank Celtic obviously,

Southampton’s 3-3 draw with Bournemouth was undoubtedly the highlight of the Premier League football weekend, with goals flying in left, right and centre, although amidst the on-pitch thrills, Saints fans didn’t fail to notice what Ralph Hasenhuttl did after Matt Targett scored. The defender’s goal put Southampton ahead for the second time that afternoon and, although Callum Wilson would eventually equalise, all of St Mary’s Stadium was sent into raptures – Hasenhuttl included. The Austrian’s reaction – a flurry of fist bumps and little skips – was something, to say the least, and epitomised the passion he has for the club despite having only arrived in December. From last minute penalties to being taken apart by local rivals, fans pick the moments that defined their clubs’ seasons in the video below… The former RB Leipzig boss has done a remarkable job and is right to celebrate however he wants given that Saturday’s point ensured the Saints will be playing Premier League football