According to club insider @ExWHUemployee on episode 74 of The West Ham Way radio show, West Ham United have handed new signing Patrice Evra a contract worth £75,000-a-week, and Irons fans have been quick to have their say on the rumour.
Hammers boss David Moyes has chosen to bring the former Manchester United man to the London Stadium on a free transfer – presumably after the six-match ban that Arthur Masuaku received for spitting at a Wigan Athletic player last month – with the 36-year-old being sacked by Marseille in November following an altercation with one of his own fans.
Given his age and his circumstances, his lucrative pay packet isn’t one that has impressed the London Stadium faithful, especially as Moyes also missed out on signing the defensive midfielder he wanted during the January transfer window.
West Ham supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the wage, and while one said it’s “a ludicrous amount of money”, another said “classic Sullivan”.
To describe Sadio Mane as the weak link in Liverpool’s attack may seem overly critical, but after coming in and out of the side during the start of the season, the Senegal international’s form since recovering his role on the left-hand side has paled in comparison to Roberto Firmino’s and Mohamed Salah, undoubtedly amongst world football’s best in their respective positions during this moment.
Indeed, since his last Champions League outing against CSKA Moscow in December, the Reds speedster had found just two goals in all competitions. Compare that to Firmino with nine goals during the same time frame, alongside five assists, and Salah with an incredible twelve strikes and four setups. If Liverpool were to make one addition to their front-line this summer, current form suggests it would be at Mane’s expense.
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But attacking players are inevitably confidence players, and sometimes it takes just one performance to rediscover the powers of old, the kind of powers we saw from Mane last season when his presence was so intrinsic to Liverpool’s results – Jurgen Klopp’s side didn’t actually pick up a Premier League victory without the African forward until April, and their win-rate dropped by 26% across all competitions when he wasn’t in the side.
That’s exactly what happened last night against FC Porto, as Liverpool recorded a huge 5-0 win over the Portuguese side on their own patch to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League barring an incredible comeback in the reverse fixture at Anfield. Amid the demolition job, Mane bagged a hat-trick with just four shots at goal.
It must be said that there was an element of good fortune in the 25-year-old’s route to the match ball; his first goal was a calm and composed strike, but the curling effort slipped under the Porto goalkeeper’s body, while his second was a rebound from a Firmino shot that Jose Sa parried straight into his path.
But Mane deserved his luck last night. Whether running with the ball or pressing the defence off of it, the 48-cap international always works hard for the cause and that was the case against FC Porto, Mane completing two dribbles and helping to set up counter-attacks with three huge tackles.
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By the time of Mane’s third goal, it was easy to tell his confidence had restored. Galloping forward on the break, the wide forward latched onto a Danny Ings pass and rifled the ball home from just outside the box, giving the Porto ‘keeper no chance of saving it.
That’s the kind of relentless threat we consistently saw from Mane last season, and the kind of quality that puts him on parity with Firmino and Salah when in top form.
Toby Alderweireld’s recent absence from Tottenham Hotspur’s squad has led to speculation over his future.
It is widely known that the defender has not signed a new contract yet, which naturally sparks rumours about a possible exit.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has since explained that Alderweireld was left out of the squad to face Arsenal, as well as the travelling party to play Juventus in the Champions League due to his recent injury troubles.
The Argentine boss has indicated that the Belgian needs to work on his fitness having only recently returned to action following a three-month layoff with a hamstring injury.
According to ESPN, talks between Tottenham and Alderweireld regarding a new contract have broken down, with the North London outfit reluctant to meet the defender’s wage demands of around £150,000 per week.
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Charlie Nicholas, though, does not think that Pochettino’s decision to leave one of his key players out of recent important matches has anything to do with the 28-year-old’s future.
While discussing the upcoming FA Cup games in a piece for Sky Sports, the Scotsman said:
“I think [the tie against Rochdale] will be another game for Toby Alderweireld to be eased back in again. I don’t think there is anything more to his absence than managing his recovery because Pochettino is a very honest and open man.”
Heung-min Son will be feeling the love from Spurs fans this morning after the South Korean apologised to fans for getting knocked out of the Champions League.
Spurs were stunned at Wembley on Wednesday by a second half flurry from Italian champions Juventus.
The home side held the advantage from the first leg, the 2-2 draw in Turin giving Spurs the upper hand on away goals. Son looked to have wrapped things up in the first half, his scuffed finish giving the hosts a deserved lead on the night.
But the Old Lady showed their experience in the second half, as quick-fire goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala left Spurs on the ropes. The home side pushed for an equaliser, but Harry Kane’s late header could only find the post.
Son apologised to fans after the match, saying he was proud of the team and the fans…
The 25 year-old has been in fine form for Spurs this season, and has been especially potent at home – he has five goals and an assist in his last three appearances in all competitions.
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Needless to say, the flying winger has endeared himself to the Wembley crowd this season and has received nothing but praise after his post match comments.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has provided a puzzling update on midfielder Harry Arter via the Bournemouth Echo, with the Republic of Ireland international a reported transfer target for West Ham United.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Express reported on March 2 that the Irons are ready to make a £10m bid for the 28-year-old this summer with David Moyes keen to have a shake-up of his midfield options at the end of the season.
While Arter has been a key player for the Cherries in recent years, he has found first-team opportunities hard to come by over the course of the last couple of months, potentially throwing his future with the south coast outfit into doubt.
His manager, Howe, has explained the situation of the Sidcup-born player via the Bournemouth Echo, in order to explain his recent absence from the XI.
What did Howe say?
The 40-year-old said, via the Bournemouth Echo: “He is not totally out of the picture at all. Harry’s still very much part of our plans.
“I have to make decisions, pick teams, pick squads and Harry’s only focus is to try to get back to his best.
“Harry has a challenge on his hands to displace Dan Gosling and Lewis Cook, who are performing very well in the team at the moment.
“Everyone who is here has a future. They can change their future in the short term or the long term depending on how they train and play.”
How has Arter done this season?
While he was a regular earlier in the campaign, the 28-year-old has found himself sidelined in more recent times, and he hasn’t played a single minute of their previous eight Premier League matches, leaving West Ham fans unimpressed with the link to him.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
He would certainly bring some energy and character in the middle of the park for the Irons – something they have been badly lacking at points this season – but his recent non-involvement at Bournemouth would have to be a bit of a worry for the club and Moyes.
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They need to be signing players that are improvements on what they already have and who can be key first-team players for a number of years, and it is difficult to see Arter fitting into that category.
Everton and Spurs are leading the way to offer Luke Shaw a way out of Manchester United according to The Times.
What’s the word?
Shaw’s relationship with Jose Mourinho has completely broken down, after the young full back was withdrawn at half time in Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Brighton.
Mourinho attacked Shaw after the match, claiming the youngster lacked class, personality and tactical nous.
Everton and Spurs have emerged as leading contenders to offer the 22 year-old a way out of Old Trafford, but could face competition from several Premier League clubs.
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Is he worth the hassle?
Shaw moved to Old Trafford from Southampton in 2014, but has never really made the desired impact at the club. A horrific double leg fracture derailed his season in 2015, and United fans are still waiting to see what he promised before the injury.
The 22 year-old left back was once criticised by former United manager Louis van Gaal for his lack of fitness, and has barely played at all since Mourinho took over.
Still, if the youngster could get a fresh start at a new club, there is no reason he could not recover his previous form. When fully fit, Shaw has the technical ability to slot into any team and is solid enough defensively as well.
Spurs could opt to go for Shaw as a replacement for the enigmatic Danny Rose, but Everton need to be front of the queue for the youngster. With Leighton Baines reaching the end of his career, an opportunity like this may not come around again.
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Quality young left backs do not grow on trees, and given Shaw’s current situation he could be reasonably priced as well. Everton must do everything they can to convince Shaw that coming to Merseyside is the best thing for his career.
Everton fans, would you like to see a deal for Shaw? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
Tottenham Hotspur face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow in a match that could go a long way towards determining who finishes in the top four of the English Premier League this season.
With UEFA Champions League qualification so important to both clubs and the Blues in fifth place, five points behind Spurs, it’s a huge fixture.
One of the talking points going into the match is the fitness of star Spurs striker Harry Kane, with Mauricio Pochettino revealing this week he has a ‘small possibility’ of featuring against the reigning champions.
He suffered an ankle injury against Bournemouth on 11th March, a problem which was thought to be more serious than allowing a return just two matches later.
Fans would of course love to see him back in action, but they’re wary of rushing him back to action too quickly, fearing he could suffer a setback and be out for their crucial FA Cup semi-final.
They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his potential return tomorrow…
Liverpool are expected to be without Emre Can for next week’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City due to injury, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Germany international has not played since mid-March due to a back problem, and it is believed that the injury will keep him out of next Tuesday’s crucial fixture.
BBC Sport claims, though, that it may not be the end of Can’s season as the club are hopeful that he will return to fitness before the campaign comes to a close in May.
Some Liverpool fans have not been too happy with the former Bayer Leverkusen star due to the uncertainty over his future at Anfield.
The midfielder’s current contract expires this summer, and at the moment, there are no indications that the 24-year-old is going to pen fresh terms.
This latest injury update has led some supporters to question whether there is a hidden meaning to his absence, while others are concerned about how it will impact team selection next week.
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Many were hoping that Can would fill in for Jordan Henderson, who will miss the fixture due to suspension.
Antonio Valencia’s form for Manchester United has been a little hit and miss in recent weeks, but the 32-year-old has still been one of the team’s most consistent players this season.
The full-back has also come up with three Premier League goals, and has worn the armband this season due to the absence of Michael Carrick, who will retire this summer.
Valencia has a number of attributes, but it would be fair to say that one of his strengths is not crossing the ball.
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The Ecuador international was also disappointing defensively at the weekend as United suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to the league’s bottom team West Bromwich Albion.
The fact that Valencia still does not speak English after a long time in the Premier League also seems to be a bit of an issue for the United supporters.
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A lot of United fans are frustrated with life at the moment, and a number have taken it out on Valencia, with the full-back coming in for some pretty harsh words on Tuesday.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Tottenham Hotspur’s proposed transfer activity this summer has been centred around potential outgoings, but the club need to strengthen.
Over the last few years, manager Mauricio Pochettino has helped transform the North London outfit into genuine trophy challengers.
However, they continue to fall short following failed Premier League title bids in the previous two seasons.
Spurs were well positioned to claim their first piece of silverware in a decade after reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
It was not to be, though, as the team were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United at Wembley, despite taking the lead through Dele Alli.
With the club due to move into a new stadium this summer, they could couple it with a statement signing that would boost their midfield.
James Rodriguez – valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt – has been linked with a switch to the Premier League numerous times, and after his performance against parent club Real Madrid in Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final first leg, Tottenham should take notice.
Despite losing the tie 2-1, the Colombian international performed well for the Bavarians, and provided the assist for Joshua Kimmich’s goal.
Out of all the Bayern players on the pitch, Rodriguez provided more key passes than anyone else and also committed the joint-most tackles alongside Thiago Alcantara.
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With the future of Mousa Dembele uncertain, Tottenham could do with a player of Rodriguez’s calibre who can contribute with attacking moves, as well as break up play in the middle of the park.