'Muita vontade': Neymar reitera sonho de jogar no Flamengo e clube retribui

MatériaMais Notícias

O craque Neymar reiterou o sonho de jogar no Flamengo. Em entrevista ao Esporte Interativo, ao lado de Zico, o atacante da Seleção Brasileira e do Barcelona não escondeu o desejo de defender o Rubro-Negro.

– Eu tenho muita vontade de jogar pelo Flamengo, Maracanã lotado, Libertadores… (risos) – comentou.

Pelo Twitter, o Rubro-Negro agradeceu pelo carinho e desejou ‘Feliz Páscoa’ ao atacante do Barcelona. O Flamengo publicou uma foto do craque com o personagem Mickey, da Disney, lembrando da brincadeira de que ‘só faltava o Mickey’ a ser contratado pelo clube da Gávea. No início de 2015, Guerrero e Conca, hoje no Fla, posaram em foto ao lado do ícone do mundo da fantasia.

No fim do ano passado, durante o Jogo das Estrelas, no Maracanã, Neymar já tinha falado sobre o desejo de defender o Flamengo no futuro.

-Quem sabe (jogar no Flamengo)? Para mim seria uma grande honra jogar no Flamengo, no Maracanã, estar aqui todo dia. É um time que eu tenho sim vontade de jogar – garantiu.

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Treinador do Novorizontino, Silas confia em classificação contra o Palmeiras e quer time 'sem medo'

MatériaMais Notícias

Até a 7ª Rodada da primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista deste ano, o Novorizontino parecia não ter futuro na competição, apenas brigar contra o rebaixamento. Até então eram duas vitórias, um empate e quatro derrotas. Campanha que culminou na saída do técnico Junior Rocha. Para o seu lugar, Silas foi contratado e tudo mudou. Cinco rodadas depois, o Tigre disputará neste domingo, às 19h, em Novo Horizonte, a partida de ida das quartas de final do Paulistão contra o Palmeiras, e o que não falta é confiança.

– Nós estamos semeando um trabalho para enfrentar o Palmeiras e para depois de enfrentar o Palmeiras, eu disse pra eles que a gente vai classificar, disso eu não tenho dúvidas, mas e depois que a gente classificar? Está bom já? Não, não. Eu falei para não atrapalharmos aquilo que Deus quer dar para nós, porque se ele quiser nos dar a semifinal, não tem quem tire – declarou Silas em entrevista ao LANCE!

Desde que recebeu o convite de seu amigo Luís Carlos Goiano, também ex-jogador e agora diretor do Novorizontino, Silas sabia que estava assumindo uma equipe com a qual poderia chegar às quartas do estadual.

– A gente está muito contente, porque chegar em um clube como esse, muito ajustado, que cumpre com tudo, agora já temos essas quartas de final contra o Palmeiras, então está tudo caminhando bem. Quando eu vi o time, eu falei pra eles que a gente iria classificar, vi jogador por jogador, a gente analisou bem o grupo e eu disse que a gente tinha chances de classificação e foi o que aconteceu – afirmou.

A mudança de rumo da equipe com a chegada de Silas foi imediata. De um time que parecia não sair do lugar e que brigaria no máximo para não cair, passou a ser favorito a conquistar a segunda vaga no Grupo C. Nas duas primeiras partida sob o comando do novo treinador, duas vitórias, seguidas por dois empates que sacramentaram a classificação.

– Logo no primeiro jogo a gente já venceu a Ferroviária, procuramos afastar primeiro a questão do descenso, principalmente nos jogos em casa. A gente tratou de alimentar isso com os atletas, eles colaboraram muito, conseguiram até antes do esperado essa questão do rebaixamento, quando ganhamos da Ponte Preta em Campinas, depois, pela dureza que é o Campeonato Paulista, empatar com Mirassol e Audax não foi nenhuma surpresa, porque tanto um quanto outro foram bem contra os grandes, então a verdade é que não foram resultados ruins – explicou o comandante.

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“Agente não vai para São Paulo fechado, para jogar por um empate. A gente vai para jogar, até porque se a gente quer almejar alguma coisa, a gente precisa se portar como tal”

Como se diz popularmente, Silas precisou trocar os pneus com o carro andando, assumiu a equipe durante o campeonato que já passava de sua metade. Mesmo assim, fazendo uso de seus métodos, conseguiu efetuar alguns ajustes e convencer os jogadores a acreditarem no desafio.

– A gente voltou a jogar com dois volantes e também tratamos de colocar nossa maneira de enxergar o jogo, corrigir algumas coisas, eles aceitaram, toparam o desafio. Está todo mundo fazendo a mesma coisa, as táticas, o planejamento de jogo, a gente tem batido na tecla com eles é entender os motivos que levam uns a ganhar e outros não. Aí relacionamos a parte física, a questão dos scouts de posse de bola, de movimentação durante o jogo… Mostramos também os números de alguns times, mostramos os nossos, onde a gente precisava chegar, e eles aceitaram. Lógico que a gente não tinha tanto tempo para acertar, mas a gente conseguiu acelerar o processo.

Um dos trunfos do Novorizontino para o confronto é o seu desempenho como mandante. Há dois anos o time não perde dentro de seus domínios. O estádio Dr. Jorge Ismael de Biasi é o porto seguro de Silas e seus comandados, mas independentemente do resultado obtido no Jorjão, a ordem é não jogar apenas para se defender na capital paulista.

– É confronto de 180 minutos, a gente sabe que o primeiro jogo é na nossa casa, então a primeira ideia é fazer uma grande partida, nós não vamos para o Pacaembu para nos defendermos, se a gente conseguir um resultado positivo aqui, a gente não vai para São Paulo fechado, para jogar por um empate. A gente vai para jogar, até porque se a gente quer almejar alguma coisa, a gente precisa se portar como tal. De que adianta passar pelo Palmeiras por sorte e já cai na outra eliminatória? Não vale a pena.

“É difícil? É! É muito difícil? É, mas não é impossível. O Palmeiras é favorito? É lógico que é, mas temos condições de passar também”

Se o time de Novo Horizonte poderá utilizar seu estádio nas quartas de final, o mesmo não vai acontecer com o Verdão, que precisou transferir o seu mando para o Pacaembu, já que o Allianz Parque está reservado para shows. Para Silas, isso pode dar uma pequena vantagem para sua equipe, mas o mais importante é não temer o adversário, seja qual for o palco.

– Não, acho que não muda nada, não é o Allianz, não é a casa deles, mas também não deixa de ser um estádio tradicional no Brasil. Só que é um estádio muito mais aberto, não tem aquela pressão do torcedor, pode ser uma pequena vantagem, mas é. O que eu quero é que os meus jogadores, dentro ou fora de casa, ocupem espaços no campo, que não tenham medo de fazer as coisas e pronto. É isso que eu quero, que a gente jogue o que a gente tem jogado, como jogamos contra a Ponte Preta, sem medo, respeitando muito, mas sem medo. Claro que temos as medidas preventivas e defensivas, que a gente acaba utilizando em um momento ou outro, mas isso não pode ser já de entrada. “Ah vamos jogar para empatar”. Não conseguiu ganhar, empatou, tudo bem, mas vamos jogar para ganhar – avisou.

Como disse Silas, o Palmeiras pode esperar um time que não vai se limitar a marcar e sair para o ataque somente nos erros do adversário. Apesar da confiança e da manutenção de um estilos, o treinador prega o respeito ao rival das quartas e joga o favoritismo no colo palmeirense.

– O Palmeiras é um time que tem vários jogadores de seleção, não só brasileira, como de outros países, então tem que ser respeitado, é o campeão brasileiro, longe de nós achar que vamos ter jogo fácil aqui ou lá, mas a gente sabe que o futebol se decide dentro do campo e a gente pode sim vencer. É difícil? É! É muito difícil? É, mas não é impossível, então a gente vai trabalhar para manter essa confiança. O Palmeiras é favorito? É lógico que é, mas temos condições de passar também – finalizou.

Aussies scheme to reverse Kiwi one-day dominance

COLOMBO – Australia is working on a plan to reverse New Zealand’s recentdominance in trans-Tasman one-day cricket clashes and avoid yet anotherearly exit from the Champions Trophy tournament.Australia meets New Zealand, the defending champion, in its Trophyopener on Sunday.Captain Ricky Ponting, commenting on Australia’s first-round exit in theprevious two editions of this tournament when it was a knock-outcontest, joked that “at least we get two games this time”.But with the second game for both teams against minnow Bangladesh, ithas essentially come down to a knock-out match between the two oldrivals for a place in the semi-finals.”All our work and training over the next few days is geared around NewZealand,” Ponting said.New Zealand had it all over Australia in last summer’s one-dayinternationals, winning three of four matches in Australia – and onlylosing the other after a Michael Bevan Houdini act with the bat whenAustralia was down and out in Melbourne.Asked if Australia had done any work to address the questions raised byNew Zealand last summer, coach John Buchanan said: “The answer’s ‘yes’but not that we’re going to elaborate here.””Certainly New Zealand played to a very good game plan and theycertainly challenged the way we played and we didn’t necessarily respondto that very well through that series.”That’s one of the issues we’ll focus on ahead of this game and we’llhandle that a lot better this time.”New Zealand beat Australia by casting a spell over the top order batsmenwith Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Damien Martyn and Ponting all averagingless than 16 against the Kiwis last summer.Australia also failed to adapt to New Zealand’s tactics as accuratebowling and precise field placements undid the batting line-up.The Australian selectors responded by axing the Waugh brothers while IanHarvey was another fixture who would eventually be removed. Australiahas since played dynamic cricket under Ponting, with 10 wins, a tie, ano result and three losses in the past 15 games.New Zealand, on the other hand, has struggled for form – winning onlythree of its past 15 games, and will be missing key all-rounder ChrisCairns, who is injured.New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said tactics and planning wouldagain be the foundation of New Zealand’s efforts.”We respect them as a cricket side and you have to be at the top of yourgame to compete well with them, but we back ourselves to do that throughhard work and good planning.”New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming admitted the loss of Cairns couldhurt his side.”The absence of Chris Cairns has affected the balance of the sidebecause he is a world-class all-rounder, but it has given an opportunityto younger players and they have come to the fore.”Also out is pugnacious batsman Craig McMillan, who refused to tour forsafety reasons.New Zealand has had a tough time in Sri Lanka in recent years, withtours coinciding with terrorist attacks in 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2001.Fleming singled out fast bowler Shane Bond and all-rounders Scott Styrisand Jacob Oram – New Zealand’s answer to big Tom Moody – as the playersto look out for.”Shane Bond is an exceptional talent, a fast bowler with genuine pacethat we are very lucky to have. Jacob Oram is an exciting all-rounderand Scott Styris had a successful tour of the West Indies.”

Everton board way of Benitez discontent

To cut Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright some slack, they have been dealt with a situation they never expected to walk into.

Carlo Ancelotti unexpectedly left Everton three weeks ago and while they were planning their recruitment for the summer ahead, they are now wasting precious time in having to find a new manager as well.

What’s the word?

The favourite for the job at the moment appears to be Rafael Benitez.

He has been in talks with the club for a few weeks now but he also faced competition from Lucien Favre and Roberto Martinez.

Indeed, judging by fan reaction, they’d accept anyone besides Benitez at Goodison Park.

However, a big twist could be on the cards if you believe reports in the Italian press. Calcio Mercato reported this week that despite thoughts to the contrary, an agreement between the two parties is yet to be found.

They went onto claim that the Spaniard’s profile is liked by the Toffees hierarchy but they are keen to avoid a Spurs/Gattuso 2.0 situation in Merseyside, aware of fan discontent.

Will Benitez become the new manager?

That’s impossible for us to say at the moment but reports from the English press specify that the 61-year-old is still close to being appointed at Goodison Park.

Though, with the board now aware of the uproar amongst fans at his potential arrival, it bodes well that they may actually look towards somebody else.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-manager-transfer-nuno-conte-wood-marcelo” title= “Read the latest Everton manager and transfer news!”]

Fan power has been all too apparent in the last few months with supporters of the big or greedy six as they’re now being referred to, battering down the proposed European Super League.

Some of the continent’s biggest clubs aimed to break away from the Champions League but fans rallied around in protest against their team’s ownership.

Tottenham have witnessed a double dosage of that, not only protesting against the ESL but also taking aim at the board for their handling of the managerial situation.

They are on the hunt for a new boss after Jose Mourinho’s sacking and were close to hiring Paulo Fonseca. Though, after the deal collapsed, they targeted Italian stalwart Gennaro Gattuso.

Supporters instantly hated the idea and the plug was eventually pulled the plug on talks. Everton fans will now be hopeful that the same eventuality befalls their club.

They have voiced their displeasure at seeing a former Liverpool manager in the dugout and if Moshiri wants to appease those who hold the Toffees so dearly to their heart, he will have to look elsewhere.

After Benitez called Everton a “small club” back in 2007, they’d be delighted at seeing him walk away from negotiations. The board need to act sensibly on this one.

AND in other news, Toffees may be hit with massive blow after Everton news emerges, Brands will be livid…

Steven Gerrard in contention for Spurs job

Another fresh twist has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search this weekend…

What’s the word?

According to Sportitalia journalist Rudy Galetti, a “surprise” name could become new sporting director Fabio Paratici’s latest target, that being Rangers’ title-winning head coach Steven Gerrard.

It’s thought that the 41-year-old’s qualities are becoming more attractive for the north London club’s hierarchy, as talks with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo continue on.

This would back up recent claims from the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, who suggested that the Liverpool legend is certainly “on their radar.”

Another twist

With Spurs’ hunt for their next manager running into a third month, this latest claim represents another twist in the tale.

Jose Mourinho was sacked in mid-April and it seems like the north London outfit are no closer to finding out who will be in the dugout, a worrying prospect with the squad set to return to pre-season training on July 5.

Several names have been linked and either been ruled out or joined another club, including Julian Nagelsmann, who was widely thought to be Daniel Levy’s first top target before he opted for Bayern Munich.

Spurs were then close to sealing a Premier League title winner in Antonio Conte before talks between the two parties collapsed.

Paulo Fonseca also seemed to be on the verge of being appointed before an 11th-hour blow, while fan backlash stopped the controversial Gennaro Gattuso from being hired.

It seems only a matter of time before Gerrard returns to the English top flight, particularly if he continues to impress at Ibrox, where he has just won Rangers their first Scottish Premiership crown in a decade, ending Celtic’s spell of dominance.

Paratici is said to be ‘pushing hard’ to secure Nuno, according to Football Insider, in a move which would upset much of the fanbase once again as many have voiced their concerns over the Portuguese’s brand of football and the club’s lack of ambition, having been linked with the likes of Conte and Mauricio Pochettino.

If Gerrard is genuinely a contender as these reports suggest, the hunt for Spurs’ next boss may not be done yet in what is an intriguing twist which will likely please the supporters more than Nuno.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Spurs transfer claim which will surely leave fans excited…

Vitória divulga a lista de relacionados para duelo contra o Bahia de Feira

MatériaMais Notícias

Argel Fucks, técnico do Vitória, ainda não anunciou qual será o time que irá a campo diante do Bahia de Feira, às 17h (de Salvador), deste domingo, em jogo válido pelo Campeonato Baiano. Apesar disso, o clube divulgou a lista dos jogadores relacionados e a expectativa é que Argel não faça grandes alterações.

Para o volante Uillian, que deve ser um dos titulares, apesar da indefinição do técnico Rubro-Negro, o Vitória tem um elenco recheado e não terá problemas para enfrentar o rival neste domingo.

– O elenco é muito forte. Temos dois ou três jogadores por posição. São jogadores importantes, de qualidade. A gente sabe que eles têm muito a dar.

Líder do Baianão com nove pontos, o Vitória deve contar com a seguinte escalação: Fernando Miguel, José Welison, Kanu, Fred e Geferson; Uillian Correia e Willian Farias; David, Cleiton Xavier e Kieza; André Lima.

O Vitória viaja na noite deste sábado para a partida em Feira de Santana.

Confira a lista dos jogadores relacionados:

Goleiros: Caíque e Fernando Miguel;
Zagueiros: Alan Costa, Fred e Kanu;
Laterais: Euller, Geferson e Leandro Salino;
Volantes: Bruno Ramires, Uillian Correia, Willian Farias e José Welison;
Meias: Cleiton Xavier e Dátolo;
Atacantes: André Lima, David, Jhemerson, Kieza, Paulinho e Pineda.

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England's batting needs confidence-boosting lift in next match

England are struggling to avoid a serious batting crisis going into the first Test of their three-match National Bank series with New Zealand

Lynn McConnell04-Mar-2002
MarcusTrescothick
Photo CricInfo
England are struggling to avoid a serious batting crisis going into the first Test of their three-match National Bank series with New Zealand.Two collapses suffered against State Championship minnows Otago, their late arrivals from England all struggling for form and time in the middle, their leading batsman on the last day of their game against Otago, Marcus Trescothick, complaining of concentration problems and the prospect of no respite against a stronger Canterbury team in their next game starting on Thursday at Hagley Oval.The only point in England’s favour going into the Test has to be that New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond is still on the injured list.Trescothick admitted after today’s drawn game with Otago that he was tired after having played all of England’s one-dayers against India and New Zealand and in most of the other games on the Test section of the Indian tour.He was hopeful that he might be spared duty when Nasser Hussain returns to lead the side against Canterbury.”I find I’m not mentally switched on when I’m going out to bat.”I found that in the last two or three one-day games,” he said.It was a problem that needed to be assessed as soon as it happened to find out what was going wrong and try hard to put it right.”I’ve found it very tough to concentrate. I’ve been going out and working really hard in the nets, almost twice as hard as I normally do, trying to get it right but the mental side of it has been the problem and being able to concentrate properly,” he said.Trescothick said he had a similar problem last summer when scoring five centuries in six innings just before the first Test against Australia. He took a week off before the second Test and scored a century in the second innings so on that occasion the break had worked.It was a fact with the amount of cricket being played that this sort of thing happened.”If anything I need a bit more of a break than the constant cricket,” he said.However, his innings of 68 today in England’s second innings had been of some comfort to him as he found his batting rhythm returning and he was pleased with his shot selection.His newly-arrived team-mates from England did struggle to make an impact however and it would be tough for them to be ready in time for the Test.”Two games to warm up is all right for those who were here for the one-day games, the rest of the guys, I don’t know. Having come from England where there was no outdoor practice, it will be tough for them,” he said.While not dominating Otago, England had managed to “cover” them, he said and there had been some good opportunities for the bowlers to have a good, long bowl.”We should have batted a lot better than we did, we still came out of it OK,” he said.Leading bowler Andy Caddick did pick up seven wickets during the game and he had a good work out.”He’s still got a little bit of work to do – his rhythms were coming back the more and more he bowled. He came back right at the end bowling five overs, sometimes I’ve seen him and that’s the best time he bowls, when he is quite tired. Sort of running him into the ground almost, as he tends to get a bit more rhythm,” Trescothick said.

Watford handed boost in Urhoghide pursuit

Watford have been handed a boost to their chances of bringing Osaze Urhoghide to Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that it appears increasingly unlikely that the Sheffield Wednesday centre-back will sign a new deal with the Owls, with his current contract at Hillsborough due to expire next month.

The Hornets have been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old defender, as Xisco Munoz’s looks to build a side capable of remaining in the Premier League come next summer.

Giaretta will be buzzing

While Sheffield Wednesday endured something of a season to forget this term, Urhoghide’s breakthrough into Darren Moore’s side was undoubtedly one of the brighter aspects of the club’s campaign.

Over his 16 Championship appearances, Urhoghide turned in a number of admirable displays for the Owls, helping his side to keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.63.

While these may not be overly groundbreaking metrics, when taking into account the fact that the 20-year-old was playing for a side fighting at the wrong end of the Championship table, as well as not having a great deal of first-team football under his belt, they would appear to indicate that the £270k-rated man has a great deal of potential in the game.

Indeed, Moore has claimed that he believes Urhoghide is an “immense” player within his team, while the general feeling around the club is that the youngster is one of their brightest and most promising players.

As such, the news that the 20-year-old looks set to become available on a free transfer in the coming weeks is sure to leave Cristiano Giaretta buzzing, as the addition of the centre-back would appear to bode very well for the future of the Watford defence, as well as providing the club with greater depth over what is likely to be a challenging Premier League campaign next season.

In other news: Watford gain transfer boost over “tireless” £31k-p/w beast that’ll have fans buzzing

Wout Weghorst: West Ham’s own Vardy?

A fresh name has emerged in West Ham’s search for a new striker this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Irons are keen on signing Wolfsburg talisman Wout Weghorst, although they face competition from Jose Mourinho’s new club AS Roma.

It remains to be seen how much the 28-year-old would cost the Premier League outfit, although CIES Football Observatory currently value him at €30m (£26m).

London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Dutchman in the past, so Mourinho’s interest should come as no surprise.

Shades of Vardy?

Despite being a towering 1.97m (6 foot 6), Weghorst has earned some interesting comparisons in the past.

As a late bloomer, perhaps the most obvious one is former Manchester City frontman Edin Dzeko, but even more interestingly, there has been a likeness made to a current top-flight beast in Jamie Vardy.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein, who wrote: “[Weghorst is] Holland’s taller, chunkier answer to Jamie Vardy — minus the bit with the electronic tag and the Skittles-flavoured vodka — still plays like he’s got a point to prove in every match. He flies into tackles, wins more headers than almost anyone and frequently tops his team’s charts for most distance covered.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip-gsb-moyes-striker-future-signings” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Indeed, this relentless work rate is a trait which has seemed to follow him throughout his career, only furthering those odd comparisons to the nifty Leicester City star. Wolfsburg teammate Admir Mehmedi described him as “crazy”, claiming: “He runs a lot for the team and has a really strong mentality. I can’t think of another player who is so crazy, in a positive way!”

Their captain Josuha Guilavogui dubbed him “incredible” and “outstanding”, and that’s before even factoring in his impressive goal record.

As per Transfermarkt, the Dutch international has found the net a whopping 25 times in all competitions his term, also providing nine assists, which could suggest that he would be a perfect foil for Michail Antonio as either a partner or rotational option in West Ham’s attack.

It’s no secret that David Moyes desperately needs a new forward to bolster his frontline next season, with no senior alternative to Antonio, and perhaps GSB should look no further than Weghorst.

The Wolfsburg colossus is a different presence to Vardy, but in him they could well get the same hardworking style which fits the Scotsman’s system to a tee.

AND in other news, GSB must secure West Ham swoop for “hardworking” 34-goal beast who’s perfect for Moyes…

Leicester City interested in Ryan Bertrand

Leicester City are set to compete with Arsenal for the signature Ryan Bertrand over the summer after he leaves Southampton on a free transfer.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, Brendan Rodgers is set to offer the 31-year-old left-back a contract over the summer as he searches for Christian Fuchs’ replacement.

Bertrand announced that he is set to end his six-year stay on the south coast over the coming months, and several Premier League clubs are expected to do battle for his services.

One particularly strong performance against Manchester United last summer led to the defender being hailed as “superb” by The Athletic correspondent Dan Sheldon, who was speaking on the Total Saints Podcast [via This Is Futbol]. Meanwhile, his averages of 2.1 tackles, one interception and 1.3 clearances per game hint at a player with an unfailing defensive work rate.

Rodgers masterstroke

With 35-year-old full-back Fuchs expected to leave the King Power Stadium after the conclusion of the current campaign and James Justin facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, bringing in some experienced competition for Luke Thomas has become a priority for Leicester.

The Foxes are also reportedly interested in signing Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare and Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard as Rodgers looks to add strength in depth to his relatively thin ranks ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and those are transfers which could take up a sizeable chunk of the club’s budget.

Therefore, acquiring Bertrand on a free transfer to solve a temporary issue may prove to be a masterstroke from their Northern Irish manager.

Leicester have had incredible success over the last few seasons by being very clever in the transfer market, signing relatively unknown talents such as N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez for low fees before selling them on for a healthy profit.

Their policy has allowed the 2016 Premier League champions to punch well above their weight, and this could prove to be the latest clever acquisition, but for slightly different reasons.

Bringing in Bertrand while the highly-rated Justin recovers will allow Rodgers to focus his side’s modest resources on more important areas of the pitch, meaning that a push for the Champions League qualifications could once again be the cards for next season.

Signing a £9m-rated player (Transfermarkt) with more than 250 Premier League games under the belt for free should be a smart piece of business, and when it means Leicester can strengthen in other positions as well, it can be considered a significant coup if it comes off.

In other news… Leicester could land Rodgers his next Vardy with £40m swoop for “incredible” colossus – opinion

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