Crystal Palace target Jon Moncayola is unlikely to leave Osasuna this summer, La Liga expert Euan McTear has told The Transfer Tavern.

Moncayola is reportedly on Palace’s shopping list, with AS (via Football FanCast) claiming last month that the south London club could make a move for him this transfer window.

The 23-year-old midfielder was one of Osasuna’s standout players in La Liga last season. He finished the campaign with the best pass success rate (81.7%) in Jagoba Arrasate’s squad and also averaged 1.7 tackles per game, only bettered by Raul Navas’ average of three (via WhoScored).

McTear, however, cannot see Moncayola moving to England this summer after he signed a 10-year contract earlier this month.

“He’s signed a 10-year contract to 2031, which is… I’ve never seen anything like that,” the Spanish football expert said. “That kind of tells me he’s not moving this summer.

“I mean, 22 million release clause, I think they made it low enough that if someone comes, he could still leave before the 10 years. But I don’t imagine him signing a 10-year contract, announcing that to the fans and then disappearing.

“He’s been really good for Osasuna. He’s very different to your normal kind of northern Spanish, tough, battling midfielder. He’s a bit more technical than what they’re used to.”

Considering all of that, Moncayola does look like he would be a good signing for Palace this transfer window.

However, given the small problem of that 10-year contract, even with that release clause, it is hard to imagine the Spaniard leaving the El Sadar Stadium anytime soon.

Hampshire have named a strong squad for the semi-final of the 2nd XI Trophy match at Stamford Bridge, near York when they will play Yorkshire on Monday (August 12th).

Richard Isaacs09-Aug-2002Hampshire have named a strong squad for the semi-final of the 2nd XI Trophy match at Stamford Bridge, near York when they will play Yorkshire on Monday (August 12th).Jason Laney, who was recalled to the first XI for the Championship clash at Old Trafford this week, returns to lead the seconds and takes John Francis, Alex Morris and James Tomlinson from the 12 in Manchester with him.Yorkshire, winners of the North group with four victories and one defeat (three games were abandoned) tackle the South West champions – four wins and two defeats being Hampshire’s record.Uxbridge hosts the other semi-final with Middlesex hosting Kent.Hampshire team: Jason Laney (capt), John Francis, Alex Morris, Lawrence Prittipaul, James Adams, Chris Benham, Iain Brunnschweiler (w-k), James Hamblin, Irfan Shah, James Tomlinson, James Schofield, Ian Hilsum (12th man).

أدلى يورجن كلوب المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول بتصريحات بعد تأهلهم أمس إلى نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، على حساب فياريال.

ليفربول فاز على فياريال بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين في إياب نصف نهائي دوري الأبطال، وذلك على ملعب لاسيراميكا. أهداف مباراة ليفربول وفياريال

وقال كلوب في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “إنه أمر رائع، لقد جعلناه أمرًا صعبًا للغاية بالنسبة لأنفسنا، كنا نعلم من قبل أن هذا النوع من الأشياء يمكن أن يحدث”.

وأضاف: “في الحياة، يتعلق الأمر دائمًا بكيفية رد فعلك عندما لا تسير الأمور على ما يرام، الهدف الذي استقبلناه بعد دقيقتين أو ثلاث من بداية الشوط الأول، كان من الواضح أنه عكس ما كنا نريده”.

وواصل: “يجب الإشادة بفريق فياريال، ومدربهم، إنه أمر لا يًُصدق ما فعلوه، وضعونا تحت الضغط، لم نلعب كرة القدم على الإطلاق في الشوط الأول، أخبرت الأولاد بأن لديهم زخم ولكن لا يظهروه، علينا استعادة ذلك، كان علينا اللعب في المساحات، لقد أجبرونا على الدخول في مباراة لم تبدأ بشكل جيد، فجأة عندما كسرنا الخطوط ووجدنا مسافات وأصبحنا أكثر مرونة، أصبحنا داخل المباراة، سجلنا الأهداف وحققنا ما نريد”.

واستكمل: “بين الشوطين عرفنا ما هو الخطأ، كان ذلك واضحًا، لكن لم يكن لدينا موقف نظهره عندما كان ذلك صحيحًا، كنا هادئين، إذا لعب فياريال الشوط الثاني كما لو لعبوا الأول ونحن فعلنا نفس الشيء، لكانوا وصلوا إلى النهائي، أخبرت اللاعبين أننا ما زلنا هنا ولذلك أعتقد أنه يمكن أن نجرب، وهذا ما فعلناه”.

وأكد كلوب أنه سيشاهد مباراة اليوم بين مانشستر سيتي وريال مدريد، حيث قال: “نعم سأشاهدها، أيًا كان من سيتأهل، ستكون مباراة ضخمة، من سيفوز سيستمتع بالأمر ثم سنواجه بعضنا في باريس”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O elenco do Vasco começou nesta sexta-feira os trabalhos já visando a partida contra o Vitória, pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, na próxima quinta-feira.Os jogadores que atuaram mais de 45 minutos contra o time goiano fizeram um trabalho regenerativo no Caprres. Já os demais atletas realizaram uma atividade no campo anexo de São Januário, entre eles Luis Fabiano.

Os jogadores que foram para o campo anexo começaram os trabalhos com uma atividade física para aquecimento. Logo depois, o técnico Cristovão Borges comandou um treino técnico. Luis Fabiano participou do treino com bola e segue buscando sua melhor forma para fazer sua estreia com a camisa cruz-maltino, que ainda não tem uma data definida.

O Fabuloso foi apresentado e fez seu primeiro treino pelo Vasco no dia 21 de fevereiro. Na sua chegada, ele disse que esperava estar apto para entrar em campo entre duas ou três semanas.

O treino desta sexta-feira não contou com o zagueiro Luan, que vai ter que operar o pé direito por conta de dores no local. Nenêsegue tratando lesão no bíceps femoral na região posterior da coxa esquerda, mas se mostra confiante em participar da partida contra o Vitória, na próxima quinta, em São Januário.

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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…

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been linked with a move to Arsenal, who could be willing to pay £20m for his services, according to the Daily Star.

The Lowdown: West Brom look towards 2021/22 with intrigue

Moving into 2021/22, the Baggies will be looking to assemble a squad capable of regaining promotion to the Premier League following their relegation last term.

Finally making inroads in the transfer market under Valerien Ismael, the West Midlands club completed their first summer signing in the form of Alex Mowatt this week [BBC].

However, another key component of future success will be their ability to hold onto prize assets at The Hawthorns. Could they now be set to lose one of their star men in the near future following recent reports?

The Latest: Arsenal interested in Sam Johnstone

Arsenal are said to be readying a move for West Brom goalkeeper Johnstone ahead of the forthcoming campaign, with the Gunners also interested in Sheffield United number one Aaron Ramsdale [Daily Star].

Despite that latter interest, a move for the 28-year-old now looks more feasible due to the Baggies’ openness to do a deal for around £20m.

The England international has also attracted attention from another London club in West Ham United in recent times [football.london].

The Verdict: Losing Johnstone would be a blow

Losing Johnstone may be perceived as a major blow to West Brom on first viewing. He made 37 league appearances for the Baggies last season; achieving six clean sheets within this timeframe and missing only one top-flight match [Transfermarkt].

Receiving apt reward for his contributions, he was named in England’s 26-man Euro 2020 squad at the start of June [Birmingham Mail]. Owing to his shot-stopping capabilities, Johnstone was also once labelled as ‘magnificent’ by former Baggies manager Sam Allardyce [talkSPORT].

Always likely to invite attention, any sanctioned sale would not come as an enormous surprise due to his contractual situation. Unlikely to sign a new deal in the Midlands, his current agreement will expire in 12 months’ time [Transfermarkt].

Should they receive the quoted £20m in exchange for his signature, West Brom would have plenty of financial resources to secure an adequate replacement for Johnstone if he makes the move to the Gunners.

In other news, a pundit has dropped a glowing verdict on a West Brom signing target.

The Express and Star journalist Matt Maher has dropped some exciting news involving Aston Villa.

What’s the story?

While new signings will, of course, dominate the news cycle during the summer transfer window, Dean Smith’s side have moved quickly to ensure that the future of their academy players also remains bright, confirming that several youngsters have put pen to paper on new deals.

And after relaying the news, Maher has also now dropped an update on one of those players, in particular; Kaine Kesler.

Writing via his official Twitter account, he said: “#avfc have handed 18-year-old Kaine Kesler, who captained their youngsters to glory in last season’s FA Youth Cup final, a five-year professional contract. New deals too for Mungo Bridge, Akos Onodi, Viljami Sinisalo, Myles Sohna, DJ Sturridge and Tyreik Wright.

“Will need to look back in the books for confirmation but pretty sure Kesler’s five-year pro deal is the longest #avfc have ever given an 18-year-old. Jack Grealish, for context, signed a four-year contract after just turning 19 in 2014.”

Villa fans will be buzzing

The fact that Kesler has signed the longest pro deal of any teenager in the club’s history – even surpassing that of Villa talisman Jack Grealish – is a real indication of the kind of high regard that the 18-year-old is held in.

The right-back, who can also play further forward too, was instrumental as Maher says in captaining Villa’s youth side to FA Youth Cup success, wearing the armband in a 2-1 triumph over Liverpool in the final.

He was also, of course, involved in the ‘senior’ side’s FA Cup third-round clash against Jurgen Klopp’s men, when Villa’s youngsters had to step in to replace the usual first-team stars .

Here on FFC, there have been numerous calls for Smith to unleash Kesler in the Premier League already, and the success he enjoyed with the youth sides last season should surely see him into the manager’s plans ahead of the new campaign, especially with Ahmed Elmohamady having departed this summer.

Plenty of Villa fans have already made it clear just how much they rate him when they urged Smith to start him against Manchester City towards the end of last season.

News that Kesler has signed a five-year contract, and thus ensuring his long-term future is at Villa will surely have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been handed an encouraging transfer update…

Former Wolves striker Steve Bull has warned potential Adama Traore suitors that the 25-year-old will only leave Molineux for a top-four club.

Traore has been heavily linked with a move away from Wolves, with one Premier League rival said to be very keen in particular.

According to Eurosport, Leeds United have a long-standing interest in Traore and are willing to pay up to £40m for the player this summer.

The same outlet reports that Wolves value Traore closer to the £80m mark, which may come as a shock to Leeds given his goal record and the fact that he has just two years left on his contract.

Whatever the case, Bull cannot see the Spanish winger moving to a club that is outside of the top four. He told TT in an exclusive interview:

“He’s too good to play for Leeds, put it that way. That’s no disrespect to Leeds. I think if he’s going to go anywhere, he’s going to go to a top-four club or he’ll go back to Spain, or Italy or Portugal – he’s a talented player.”

As well as Leeds, Chelsea are also said to be interested in Traore, with The Telegraph reporting that he is one target for Thomas Tuchel, so perhaps a move to a top-four club could be on the cards.

Andros Townsend has revealed he would be open to a move to Glasgow Rangers should the opportunity arise.

The Lowdown: Townsend is a free agent

29-year-old Townsend is a free agent this summer as he will leave current club Crystal Palace at the end of the month (Transfermarkt).

As such, he could be signed as a free agent – however, the Gers would surely need to convince him to lower his £58,000-a-week wages (salarysport.com).

The Latest: Townsend open to Gers move

Speaking to talkSPORT (via The Daily Record Transfer Blog, 23/05, 13.44), Townsend revealed he would be open to a move to Ibrox. He said when asked whether he would consider Rangers or Celtic:

“I’m open to everything.

“If there’s an option that presents itself and it’s the best one for me and fulfils my needs, I wouldn’t turn it down just because it’s in another country.”

The Verdict: Stellar option

While there have been no reports of interest in the 13-time England international as of yet, Townsend would be a stellar signing for Rangers were they to make a move. During his career, he has made more than 240 appearances in the Premier League, while he has 48 goals and 72 assists to his name.

As Steven Gerrard and co prepare the Gers squad for a potential Champions League run next term, players with the quality of Townsend could be vital to helping the Gers be successful. After these comments, it remains to be seen whether Ross Wilson initiates contact.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this 20/21 reveal.

Air Commodore Ajith Jayasekera submitted his resignation on Thursday, July 18, to the Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, as a Member of the Interim Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, in order to take up the post of Manager of the Sri Lanka team.Air Commodore Jayasekera takes over his duties as Manager from today, Friday, July 19, 2002, for a period of two years. Air Commodore Jayasekera earlier served as Manager of the Sri Lanka team from December 2000 up to January 2002, which included tours abroad to South Africa, New Zealand and twice to Sharjah, as well as Test series at home versus England, India, the West Indies, and Zimbabwe, the Asian Test Championship Test versus Bangladesh, and triangular tournaments involving New Zealand and India, and West Indies and Zimbabwe.