You’ll be missed: Liverpool fans hail the outgoing Alberto Moreno

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Alberto Moreno will officially leave Liverpool when his contract with the Champions League holders expires at the end of this month.

The 26-year-old joined the Reds from Sevilla in August 2014 and has gone on to make 141 appearances for the English outfit in all competitions.

Moreno only played two Premier League matches during the 2018-19 campaign, however, due to the stunning form of Andrew Robertson at left-back.

Things have not worked out for the four-time Spain international at Anfield.

However, there is absolutely no question that clubs will be lining up to sign him on a free transfer ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

The Liverpool fans have not always been kind to Moreno due to some dodgy performances during his time on Merseyside.

Watch the best UCL final reactions from Liverpool and Spurs fans (and their enemies) in the video below…

However, the club’s supporters were out in their numbers to lavish praise on the full-back after his departure was confirmed.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Transfer Focus: Liverpool move for Chiesa could bring the best out of Salah

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Liverpool are reportedly in a massive transfer battle to sign Fiorentina wonderkid Federico Chiesa.

What’s the story?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Reds have identified Chiesa as a target this summer, but face competition from Juventus, Roma and AC Milan.

The 21 year-old had a stunning breakout campaign in Serie A last term, earning himself his first 11 Italy caps.

A report from Corriere dello Sport expects the youngster to cost upwards of €70m (£62.15m).

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Perfect for Salah?

Capable of playing in midfield, as a number ten or further forward on the wing, Chiesa could improve the Reds in a number of ways.

His role could potentially be that of the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Naby Keita, tasked with adding an extra creative spark in games where the midfield workhorses just aren’t cutting it.

What is perhaps more appealing though, is the thought of deploying the young Italian in Mohamed Salah’s place on the right wing, shifting Roberto Firmino into the number ten position and the Egyptian superstar up front.

Salah performed impressively in a central role for large parts of last season, and would get tons of chances playing in front of the likes of Firmino and Chiesa, alongside Sadio Mane of course.

Chiesa averaged 3.6 shots, 1.5 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per game in Serie A last term, per Whoscored. To put that in perspective, Firmino averaged 2.2 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.4 dribbles in the Premier League – inferior in all three categories.

The Fiorentina starlet is only 21, but his agility, balance, creativity and hunger to get himself on the scoresheet are all mightily impressive.

If Salah were to shift to a central role to make room for the Italian, we could well see the Reds no. 11 return back to his 2017/18 form thanks to the added creativity surrounding him.

Get rid: Everton fans are keen for Mirallas to leave Goodison Park

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According to Het Nieuwsblad, via Sports Witness, Kevin Mirallas is keen to leave Everton this summer to return to Belgium.

Mirallas has scored 38 times in 186 appearances for Everton since joining the Merseyside outfit from Olympiacos in 2012.

The 31-year-old spent the second half of the 2017-18 season back on loan at the Greek giants, though, before representing Fiorentina on a temporary basis last term.

Mirallas still has one year left to run on his contract at Goodison Park.

However, according to Het Nieuwsblad, via Sports Witness, the attacker wants to leave Everton to return to the country of his birth this summer.

Mirallas – said to be on £70,000-a-week – is said to have attracted interest from Belgian trio Standard Liege, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp.

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And it would be fair to say that the Everton supporters are desperate for the 60-time international to leave their club in this summer’s transfer window.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Jacob Bruun Larsen can reach potential with Jurgen Klopp reunion at Liverpool

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Liverpool are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund talent Jacob Bruun Larsen this summer, according to The Sun.

What’s the story?

Fresh from their UEFA Champions League triumph, the Reds shouldn’t stand still this summer with important challenges ahead domestically and in Europe again next term.

The target will likely be winning the English Premier League and additions are needed to freshen up Jurgen Klopp’s successful squad.

One player they are looking at, say The Sun, is Dortmund youngster Larsen, who made a first-team breakthrough at the Bundesliga outfit last season.

The paper reckon that they are fighting it out with rivals Manchester United and Arsenal for his signature, but that Klopp maintains strong contacts with his former club – potentially giving them an advantage.

The report states that the 20-year-old signed for the German giants back in 2015 when Klopp was still in charge, signing him from under the noses of the interested Everton.

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Where would he fit in at Liverpool?

Larsen plays on the left wing and with Sadio Mane in imperious form on that flank last season, there’s likely little scope for him to be first-choice for the Reds.

His senior experience is limited, having made just 32 appearances for Dormund, scoring three and assisting four. Not exactly numbers that suggest he is ready to be relied upon in the first-team on a consistent basis.

Taking up a role as Mane’s understudy is viable though and he has a prolific record at youth level that would suggest he may be able to produce the goods eventually. He scored 36 times and assisted 31 times in just 49 appearances for the club’s U19s side after being signed during the Klopp days.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Still just 20 years of age, if Liverpool take a long-term view of the player and gradually expose him to Premier League football as he learns from exciting wide players such as Mane and Mohamed Salah, the Reds could be on to a winner.

Aston Villa should be wary of splashing Premier League cash on Stoke City man: Opinion

With Aston Villa returning to the Premier League, the English game once again has one of it’s oldest and most successful clubs back in the top flight.

The Villans are looking to make an impression now they are back in the Premier League, and under Dean Smith, there is every chance that the Villans could indeed make a big mark now they are back among the elite in English football.

However, big spending could well be needed by the club to ensure they do perform well, with the club utilising the loan market last season as the likes of Tammy Abraham and Tyrone Mings made big impacts with the club.

This weekend then has seen them linked with a mega-money move for Stoke City ‘keeper Jack Butland, but here in the Tavern, we feel that Villa need to way of overspending on this one.

The Potters are reportedly seeking a sum in excess of £20m for the England stopper, but with Villa only just getting back to the top flight, we feel that fee might be something that the club needs to avoid paying.

While Butland is of course a top talent and someone who can be relied upon to deliver quality performances week in week out, there has to be a question raised over whether paying such a fee is the wisest thing for Villa to do.

We saw last season with Fulham that the tactic of splashing the cash and over spending can indeed prove to be a nightmare, and you’d assume this is something that the Villa board have taken note of.

This is not to take away from the fact that Butland would be a superb number one for the club, but in a time when making the right decisions in the market is going to be so crucial, it’s a decision the club needs to seriously take their time over.

Leeds fans excited about Alfie McCalmont

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Leeds United fans are expecting big things from young midfielder Alfie McCalmont after he posted an image on Twitter of him in training.

McCalmont is a young midfield player who could very easily play a part in Bielsa’s side next term.

The teenager returned to training this week for pre-season, and some fans have been talking up his abilities.

The 19-year-old is yet to make a single senior appearance for the Whites, but his impressive performances for the U23 squad has led to a number of supporters clamouring for him to get a chance.

The Northern Irishman has been rated as one of Leeds’ brightest young talents, and he has been capped at under-19 level for Northern Ireland.

His performances for the U23s caught the eye of many supporters as he showed his talents, with goals such as the one against Millwall showing exactly what the youngster is capable of.

One supporter compared him to England international Jack Wilshere, while another stated he could be a replacement for Kalvin Phillips if he left for Aston Villa.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

Leeds fans complain about Sky Sports again after Bristol fixture is moved

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Leeds United fans on Twitter are already moaning about Sky Sports’ interference in their matches after their opening day fixture against Bristol City was moved for television coverage.

United supporters have often taken issue with the broadcaster due to how their scheduling affects fans’ abilities to watch games live.

If you venture down to any Leeds home game, then you will likely hear the fanbase express their thoughts about Sky. Unsurprisingly, they aren’t their biggest fans.

A Saturday 3:00pm slot would be perfect for most spectators as it allows adequate time to travel to and from the match while enjoying the festivities of the day. Instead, Leeds’ faithful have often found themselves making long trips back to Yorkshire late at night on a Sunday due to matches being moved to suit Sky Sports, such is the pull of their club.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side will now face Bristol City at 4:30pm on Sunday, and supporters aren’t happy.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

بيتوني يكشف طلب زيدان بعد فوز ريال مدريد على ألافيس ويوضح سبب استبدال هازارد

تحدث ديفيد بيتوني مساعد زين الدين زيدان عن فوز فريقه ريال مدريد في مينديزوروزا أمام ديبورتيفو ألافيس برباعية لهدف، لأن زيدان لم يتواجد بعد أن أثبتت إصابته بفيروس كورونا.

واكتفى ذراع زيزو ​​الأيمن بالإشادة بالأداء الجيد للاعبي ريال مدريد، وأوضح حديثه مع زيدان، كما كشف سبب استبدال إيدين هازارد.

وقال بيتوني في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “كان فوزًا مستحقًا، استحوذنا على الكرة وقدمنا ​​مباراة جيدة، كنا جادين جدًا في الدفاع لأنهم أقوياء في الانتقالات ويقاتلون على كل الكرات، سعداء جدًا بلعبة الفريق”.

وأضاف: “في المباريات الأخيرة كنا نستحق أكثر من ذلك بقليل، اليوم كان جهد اللاعبين هائلاً، لعبنا بشكل جيد للغاية وسيكون مفيدًا للتحضير للمباراة القادمة، ضد ليفانتي”

وتابع بيتوني: “أنا سعيد حقًا بجهود الفريق، بالأمس أعددنا المباراة جيدًا واللاعبون قدموا أداءً رائعًا، أن ألافيس يلعب الكرات الطويلة، لذلك كانت الفكرة الأولى هي تجنب هذه الكرات”.

وأكد: “في مدريد عندما نخسر مباراة، هناك انتقادات وضغوط للمباراة القادمة، تعودنا على ذلك، لدينا خبرة، نحن نعلم أنه في كل مرة نسقط سننهض”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بنزيما: سعيد بهدف هازارد وأتمنى أن يكتب قصة جديدة مع ريال مدريد

وبشأن التبديلات وتواصله مع زيدان، أردف: “بالنسبة للتغييرات أردت أن أعرف ما يعتقده زيدان لأنه المدرب وأهم شخص”.

وعن استبدال هازارد، أوضح بيتوني: “هازارد بخير، استبدلته لأنني أردت أن أضع فينيسيوس في مكان أكثر عمودية، لقد مر إيدن بموسم ونصف صعب مع الإصابات، عليك أن تتحلى بالصبر، رغم أننا نعلم أن الصبر في مدريد معقد”.

وشدد: “نحن نثق به كثيرًا واليوم قدم مباراة جيدة، لعب 63 دقيقة بشكل جيد، سجل وصنع هدفًا، رأينا نسخة مميزة منه اليوم، هازارد لديه موهبة ونحن بحاجة إليه”.

وكشف بيتوني عن الحديث مع زيدان، متابعًا: “من الواضح أنه كان سعيدًا جدًا بسلوك الفريق ولعبه، أخبرني أن أهنئ اللاعبين كما كان سيفعل لو كان معنا؛ لا شيء مميز، نحن نعلم أن كل مباراة هي قصة مختلفة، سعيد بموقف الفريق، الآن للراحة والاستعداد لمباراة ليفانتي”.

وامتدح بيتوني لاعبه لوكا مودريتش: “إنه لاعب جيد للغاية، ويتعاون بشكل جيد للغاية، نحن لا ننظر إلى عمر مودريتش، نرى أنه يعتني بنفسه، وأنه يتدرب بشكل جيد ويؤدي بشكل جيد للغاية في أيام المباريات”.

وأتم بشأن فارق النقاط مع المتصدر أتلتيكو مدريد: “نفكر في مباراة تلو الأخرى، لا ننظر إلى الفرق الأخرى، إذا كان أتليتي في الصدارة، فذلك لأنه يتمتع بقدر أكبر من الاستمرارية ويستحق ذلك، سنقاتل في كل مباراة لخفض فارق النقاط، يبقي الكثير وعلينا أن نركز على أنفسنا وليس على الآخرين”.

Kenny Miller believes Rangers could end up receiving £10m for James Tavernier

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Rangers striker Kenny Miller believes the club could end up getting as much as £10m if James Tavernier left the club, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

What’s he said?

Miller played alongside the Rangers captain during his most recent spell at Ibrox so is well placed to offer a bit of insight on the full-back’s ability.

Manager Steven Gerrard admitted back in May he was expecting bids for Tavernier this summer, but to date there has been no serious move from any interested parties.

Miller thinks that when the time comes, the Ibrox outfit can expect to receive a healthy fee.

The fans in the video below had some very strong words for Michel Platini who was detained over alleged corruption this week…

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the new Partick Thistle signing said:

“One of my best mates, Gary Caldwell, sold him from Wigan. I was asking why would he let him go from League One in England to play for Rangers.

“But Tav has got better and better. He’s now huge for Rangers and they won’t want to lose him. I don’t think they’ll let him go on the cheap.

“They could end up getting £10m for him, so he’s been a really good investment. I don’t think you’ll get another Tav for £200,000 in this day and age. He’s grown into the club and he really cherishes it now. It would take something special for him to leave.”

Can Rangers afford to lose him?

Tavernier is not just a key member of the Rangers defensive line and a dressing room leader as captain, but also a massive contributor when it comes to their attacking output.

Last season he scored an incredible 17 goals, also assisting on 20 occasions, linking up with attackers such as Alfredo Morelos and Daniel Candeias from the right flank.

Replacing that kind of contribution would be hugely difficult for Rangers, especially from a right-back.

If any bids do come in for the 27-year-old this summer, as Gerrard expects, then the club will have to think seriously about whether to cash in on him or not.

Losing such an important player could be a critical blow when it comes to their attempt at winning the league next term.

The Chalkboard: Lobotka could be key to changing West Ham’s style

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West Ham United are interested in signing Celta Vigo midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, per The Guardian, a player who could afford the club the potential to change the way they play.

On the chalkboard

Lobotka is a defensive midfield player and the Hammers are said to have indicated they are willing to pay £30m to secure his signature.

A Slovakia international, he has been with Celta Vigo since 2017 and has made 73 appearances for the club.

The 24-year-old, per WhoScored, is a remarkably efficient passer of the ball, averaging 45.3 passes per game with an accuracy of 89.2%.

The Guardian report claims he has been compared with Real Madrid’s world-class star Luka Modric, such is his command of the ball, while he also averages a dribble per game, along with 0.8 interceptions and one tackle.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen to sign a new defensive midfielder to partner with Declan Rice, and bringing in Lobotka would tick that box while allowing the Hammers greater attacking freedom in the final third.

Attacking transformation

Lobotka rarely loses the ball and when he has it, he’s fantastic at finding a team-mate with it.

If he is paired with Rice in midfield, Pellegrini will have the opportunity to field his attackers in something approaching a laissez-faire formation, giving the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson the opportunity to roam.

It would free them up, safe in the knowledge that the defence is adequately shielded.

While he would be an unspectacular signing on the surface, he would allow the club’s forward players the security they need to run off the leash and make things happen.

With the flair boasted by Anderson, Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic, this has been a long time coming; the signing of Lobotka could be exactly what West Ham need to get back to playing the entertaining, attacking football they are known for.

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