Jurgen Klopp would turn Leon Bailey into a world-beater

Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey has confirmed Liverpool have a “concrete interest” in signing him this summer, according to German news outlet Kicker.

What’s the story?

The 20-year-old only signed for the German club in January 2017 from Genk but he has since shone in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals and registering six assists last season in the league.

The Jamaican averaged two key chances per games last season and is considered one of the hottest young prospects around and has been linked with a move away from Leverkusen this summer.

According to the interview, Bailey has stated that Liverpool, Chelsea and Roma have all shown “concrete interest” in him this summer, but explained that his club will make the final decision on any transfer.

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Snap him up

Bailey has shown that he is one of the top young talents in Europe at the moment with his dazzling performances for Bayer Leverkusen last year.

His valuation of £40.5million on Transfermarkt is modest and it will take a significant bid to prise him away from the German club.

He may find it hard to displace Liverpool’s front three at first, which has seen them installed as second favourites to win the league this season with 888sport, but they need cover and he would be an exciting option for Jurgen Klopp to mix things up.

It would be galling for Liverpool to see him become a star elsewhere if they have a chance to sign him this summer so they should use the opportunity to snap up the precocious talent and make him a Liverpool legend.

West Ham could really regret not signing Danilo Pereira

West Ham were sent crashing back down to life from their successful pre-season when they started their Premier League campaign. 

Manuel Pellegrini along with ten new signings have made up a new-look West Ham that will take time to adjust to the Premier League. They certainly have the potential to build on their 13th place finish from last season but all will have to fall into place soon for them to do that. 

The London Stadium is certainly expected to be a happier place than last season, with fans disgruntled at the lack of spending but after the Chilean boss has shelled out more than £100 million, no complaints can be had, or so you would think. 

It’s been made obvious that West Ham really could have really benefited from signing a defensive midfielder, specifically someone in the form of Porto’s Danilo Pereira – who is valued at £21.6 million on Transfermarkt. 

West Ham made a deadline signing in that position with Carlos Sanchez but some are frustrated with the lack of ambition in a position they really needed to strengthen. 

Last season the Hammers really needed a talented midfielder to provide more protection for the defence, who had the joint-worst record of conceding goals in the Premier League. 

Danilo Pereira would have been the perfect signing as the big, physical midfielder provides not only height but great passing and tackling ability. He isn’t a stranger to the goal either, having scored 2 goals and provided a further two assists last season. 

Alongside Declan Rice as well, Pereira could have been the ideal player for the young Irishman to look up to and learn his trait from.

Their pre-season and opening day showings presented the need for a top defensive midfielder like Danilo Pereira and seeing as they decided against splashing the cash on the Porto man, West Ham could soon regret that decision greatly. 

Should West Ham have signed a defensive midfielder like Danilo Pereira… Let us know! 

Aston Villa should bring Odegaard to Villa Park

According to The Mirror, Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard on loan for the 2018-19 campaign.

What’s the story?

Odegaard hit the headlines when he trained with Stromsgodset’s first team in 2012 at the age of 13, and he made his first-team debut for the Norwegian club at the age of 15.

The biggest clubs in European football were battling to sign the teenager in the early stages of 2015, but it was Real Madrid that won the race.

Odegaard linked up with Real Madrid Castilla for the second half of the 2014-15 season, and he went on to feature regularly for the second team during the 2015-16 campaign.

Despite his high profile, the attacker has actually only made two first-team appearances for Real Madrid – one of which came during the 2014-15 season, and the other in November 2016.

The 12-time Norway international has just returned to the Bernabeu following 18 months on loan at Dutch side Heerenveen, and according to The Mirror, Villa could bring the teenager to the Championship for the 2018-19 campaign.

Would it be a good signing?

The fact that Odegaard has been around for so long means that it is easy to forget that the Norwegian is still just 19 years of age.

It was never going to be easy when he was thrust into the spotlight at Real Madrid on a huge salary, but the midfielder managed 43 appearances during his time at Heerenveen.

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One thing is for sure, Odegaard has an incredible amount of ability, and the sight of him alongside Jack Grealish would surely excite the Villa supporters.

It was a difficult summer for Villa, but the club were able to keep a number of their star players, and can certainly challenge for promotion to the Premier League this term.

Managing to secure the signature of Odegaard would be a stroke of genius by head coach Steve Bruce, there is no question about that.

A number of other clubs are also said to be in the running for the teenager, but Villa should fight hard to secure the playmaker’s services.

Liverpool fans react as Rabiot rejects PSG contract

Liverpool fans are all calling for a move for Adrien Rabiot, after reports claimed the midfielder has rejected another contract offer from PSG.

Liverpool fans feel they are one or two signings away from having a complete world class squad, and they’re hoping one of those signings will be PSG’s Rabiot.

The French midfielder seems the perfect fit to play in that third midfield spot alongside Fabinho and Naby Keita, and the latest contract update has got fans clamouring for a move.

According to Paris United (via GFFN), the 23 year-old rejected a second offer from PSG, and his current deal expires next summer.

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This means there will be teams queuing up to sign him on a pre-contract agreement in January, and the Reds may have an advantage after he posted on social media about his love for Anfield.

The wiry midfielder is a defensive-minded player, but he is one of the most gifted passers in world football, and his footballing IQ is second to none.

Liverpool have done some excellent business in recent seasons, and getting a rising star with league-winning experience on a free transfer would be more incredible business.

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You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

West Ham fans loved Anderson performance vs Arsenal

Loads of West Ham fans have been giving their verdict on Saturday’s defeat at Arsenal, and they’re delighted with the performance of Felipe Anderson.

The Hammers fell to a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but there were plenty of reasons for optimism.

Carlos Sanchez was impressive as a holding midfielder, Marko Arnautovic got himself yet another goal, but most of all fans are loving new signing Anderson, who played a slightly different role as a number ten.

The former Lazio winger joined for a big fee with a big reputation, and after a difficult first game at Anfield he is slowly but surely showing his potential.

The Brazilian provided the assist for Arnuatovic’s goal, and the pair looked like they have been playing together for years.

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Anderson registered two shots, drew four fouls, made three key passes, and put a delightful ball across the face of goal which should have been tapped home in the second half.

The Hammers have an incredibly tough fixture list to open the season, but if Anderson and Arnautovic keep up their form it seems like only a matter of time before they grab some serious goals.

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You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

QPR look to raid Stoke City for Geoff Cameron

Queens Park Rangers are looking to bolster their squad with the addition of Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron on loan, West London Sport reports.

What’s the word?

After a turbulent start to the Championship season, QPR boss Steve McClaren is frantically trying to bolster his squad for the gruelling campaign that lies ahead and is seeking a number of additions before the loan market shuts on Friday.

A new central defender and a midfielder are top of the former England boss’ wishlist and West London Sport state Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron is the prime target due to his versatility that makes him a candidate to play in either position.

Relegated with the Potters last season, 33-year-old Cameron has spent his entire career in English football with Stoke but has yet to play for Gary Rowett’s side this season and may be allowed to move on six years after he was signed from Houston Dynamo.

Worth a move?

Geoff Cameron would be the ideal signing for QPR this week for a number of reasons, with the biggest benefit of a move for the veteran being the fact that he would bolster the depth in both defensive and midfield areas.

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That versatility will be key heading into the remainder of the season as QPR face a transfer embargo in January and the club’s options are also restricted due to Financial Fair Play regulations, so Cameron would kill two birds with one stone.

Moreover, Cameron’s experience with Stoke and the United States national side is exactly what QPR have been crying out for this season following a woeful start that has seen the West London side concede 13 goals already this term.

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Now is the perfect time for Tottenham to launch a much needed Luke Shaw raid

Tottenham fans watched their star players struggle during England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Nations League.

Harry Kane was awarded the Golden Boot before the game due to his goalscoring exploits at the World Cup, but the forward was unable to pose any threat to the Spaniards. Dele Alli and Kieran Trippier were also kept quiet by the former world champions with goals from Saul Niguez and Rodrigo condemning Gareth Southgate’s side to defeat. England face Switzerland in a friendly before the Premier League returns.

One of the stars of the season so far, Luke Shaw, looked great on his return to the England setup before being stretchered off due to a head injury. The ex-Southampton defender was reportedly nearing an exit from Manchester United in the summer after falling out of favour with Jose Mourinho. However, Shaw has been one of United’s top performers this season.

Despite his excellent showings, the defender has less than one year on his contract with the Red Devils. United are reportedly keen to tie him down to a new deal, but reports suggest the England international is in no rush to commit his future to the club. Tottenham should look to take advantage and deal a significant blow to their rivals.

Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, Shaw could be the perfect replacement for Danny Rose who could be set for a January exit after almost leaving the club in the summer. The defender worked with Mauricio Pochettino during his time with the Saints and could favour a reunion given his frosty relationship with Mourinho. He would provide excellent competition for Ben Davies on the left side.

Potentially available at a great price, Tottenham should make sure United’s loss is their gain.

Tottenham fans, thoughts?

Everton fans blast Kevin Mirallas over exit comments

Kevin Mirallas has told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he was forced out of Everton, and the English club’s supporters have been reacting to his quotes on social media.

Mirallas joined Everton from Olympiacos in 2012, and has played close to 200 matches for the Toffees in all competitions.

The attacker spent time on loan at Olympiacos last season before sealing a loan move to Fiorentina last month, and the Belgian is unlikely to represent Everton again.

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Mirallas has claimed that the Merseyside outfit forced him to leave during the summer, and a whole host of the club’s fans have been on Twitter offering their views on the situation.

Mirallas actually scored 28 times over his first three seasons at Goodison Park, but his attitude has been questioned over the last couple of years.

It would be fair to say that the Everton fans do not miss the winger, and a selection of their Twitter reaction in relation to his quotes can be seen below:

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HYS: Should Scott Sinclair start for Celtic in the Europa League clash with Rosenborg?

Celtic were lacking a cutting edge as they failed to break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw with St Mirren last Friday evening, and Brendan Rodgers must bring in Scott Sinclair to start in the Europa League group game against Rosenborg for that reason.

Frenchman Odsonne Edouard started up front at the Simple Digital Arena on Friday and he was supported by Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor in the attacking roles of Rodgers’ 3-4-2-1 formation, but all three failed to beat 34-year-old Craig Samson in the St Mirren net.

Sinclair has been at Celtic since moving from Aston Villa in the summer of 2016 and his move north of the border has reignited his career. Since the move to Parkhead, the now 29-year-old has made 115 appearances for the Bhoys and has scored a hugely impressive 44 goals and provided 31 assists during that time.

On Friday, Rodgers left Sinclair on the bench as the Hoops searched for a goal, but he could certainly do with him on Thursday evening against Norwegian side Rosenborg.

So, Celtic fans, would you like to see Sinclair start in the Europa League? Have your say by voting in the poll below.

Kris Boyd is absolutely right: Celtic need more from winger Scott Sinclair

Celtic supporters have been drowning their sorrows in recent times after seeing their side slump to a second Scottish Premiership defeat of the season on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers’ men went into their encounter with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park off the back of victory over Rosenborg in their opening Europa League group match on Thursday night, and thus full of confidence ahead of the meeting with Steve Clarke’s side. And while the Bhoys took the lead on Sunday through Leigh Griffiths in the first half, goals from Chris Burke and Stuart Findley after the break sealed a deserved 2-1 success for Killy, thus inflicting a second league defeat of the campaign on the defending champions.

As such, there have been many disappointed Celtic fans up and down the country in recent times, several of whom are likely to be interested in recent comments from Kilmarnock forward Kris Boyd, who has said that winger Scott Sinclair looks a ‘shadow of the player he was’.

And in adding that the former Aston Villa star ‘ain’t anywhere near where he needs to be’, the 35-year-old is absolutely spot on to suggest that the Englishman seriously needs to buck his ideas up.

Ultimately, 29-year-old Sinclair made the move north of the border back in 2016 after a testing spell at Villa, and he certainly produced the goods in his first season at Parkhead in netting 25 goals and laying on 12 assists in all competitions to help Rodgers’ side to an unbeaten league campaign, as well as the domestic treble.

At the time, the winger was arguably the best player in Scottish football and some were even speculating whether he should get a call-up to the England squad, and while he didn’t perform as well the season after, scoring 18 goals and laying on 17 assists in all competitions, he still enjoyed a very impressive campaign.

However, while those figures last season were good, Sinclair did only manage two league goals in 2018 before the start of this term and was even dropped to the substitute’s bench on occasion by manager Rodgers – thus, his influence began dwindling at the rear end of last season.

And Boyd is absolutely right to suggest that he is struggling for form this time round as well given he has bagged just once in 11 appearances in all competitions, while the fact that he has started only one game in the Scottish Premiership underlines how highly Rodgers currently rates the winger: not very highly at all.

Yet this is a player who little over 12 months ago was tearing it up in Scotland and proving to be a very shrewd addition by Rodgers upon his arrival at Celtic Park back in 2016 – as Boyd correctly states, if the Bhoys are to improve, Rodgers needs his big players to ‘stand up’, and Sinclair definitely falls into that category.

Ultimately, little over 12 months ago, there was talk of a possible return to the England squad for Sinclair, yet now he can’t even command regular football at his club – as such, Boyd is spot on to suggest that the £4.05 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) needs to improve and buck his ideas up to thus help Rodgers’ side this season.

Celtic fans… what do you think? Let us know!

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