Mark Douglas has made a claim on his official Twitter page about the proposed takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) group.

As per his tweet, The Chronicle journalist has claimed that “it’s over…but it’s not over” with regards to the prospective £300m deal between the Saudi-led consortium and Mike Ashley in reaction to a statement released by the Tyneside club.

As per the statement, the Magpies have confirmed that the Premier League and its chief executive have rejected the takeover bid which was made by the Middle Eastern crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), his country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), businesswoman/head of PCP Capital Partners Amanda Staveley and the billionaire Reuben brothers, originally from India but now based in London.

Newcastle made this decision based on the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT) that was made by the Premier League and its CEO in order to show if the would-be owners are fit and proper people to run a top-flight club.

The statement also claims that this conclusion has been reached despite NUFC providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the KSA government.

The club do not believe that the EPL or Masters acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all of the relevant options available to them.

As Douglas points out, the decision to reject the takeover may well be challenged, meaning that the saga might not entirely be over just yet.

Geordies, should the club challenge the decision? Comment below with your views!

He may not have spent too long at Leeds United, but it’s fair to say Ian Rush fondly remembers his time with the club.The Liverpool icon played 39 times for the Whites, scoring three times, and after seeing them clinch their return to the Premier League, took to Twitter to pass on his congratulations.

It speaks volumes of the kind of affinity players build up with Leeds, that even someone who played less than 40 games for them is still absolutely buzzing to see them do well.

Can you name every one of the Leeds’ top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

Two of Rush’s former sides in Liverpool and Leeds have both enjoyed historic seasons this year, and the prospect of seeing those two giants of English football face off once more in the Premier League is a mouth-watering prospect.

Despite still having a couple of games to play in the Championship, you can forgive anyone of a Leeds persuasion from looking past that and already eyeing up their first game back in the promised land.

Who’s excited?

West Ham head into the Premier League’s final matchday of the 2019/20 season knowing that they are safe and secure for next year.

However, the Irons welcome a side battling relegation in Aston Villa, who come to east London on the back of an impressive victory over Arsenal last week.

Meanwhile, David Moyes’ side come into this one in decent form having won two and drawn one of their last three matches with the stalemate being against free-scoring Man United on Wednesday.

The 57-year-old has some decisions to make with team selection, so here’s what we are predicting this afternoon…

The Hammers could make as many as three changes with the Scotsman balancing injuries across the pitch.

Lucas Fabianski is sure to finish the term between the sticks, but the back four in front of him will be slightly different from midweek.

Left-back Aaron Cresswell came off injured early and is a serious doubt for this one, so Arthur Masuaku takes his place alongside centre-back pairing Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop whilst Ben Johnson continues on the right.

In a small tweak to the formation, Declan Rice heralds the backline with Thomas Soucek and Mark Noble slightly more advanced in Moyes’ engine room.

Pablo Fornals also keeps his place but switches to the right-flank as the impressive Jarrod Bowen is also a doubt like Cresswell.

Felipe Anderson could be handed a chance in his absence, starting on the other side – it would be the £28.8m-rated Brazilian’s first start since a defeat to Liverpool in February.

Whilst the final change comes in the attack.

Moyes could grant Sebastien Haller an opportunity to impress ahead of the summer, he may replace Michail Antonio upfront with the 30-year-old performing like a workhorse in recent weeks.

AND in other news, West Ham can finally replace Zabaleta with £18m summer raid…

After a disappointing result at Anfield, Chelsea have one last try at securing their top four position in the Premier League.

Manchester United have crept into third place, on level points with the Blues but ahead by goal difference. Leicester are also lurking just behind in fifth, one point adrift from a Champions League spot.

Chelsea simply must get a result against Wolves or risk slumping into the Europa League for another season. With that being said, it’s more than likely that Frank Lampard will go full-strength to try and round off the campaign with a victory on home soil.

Transfer Tavern has predicted how the West London outfit could line up at the Bridge, including three changes…

After his tremendous impact against Liverpool which saw him bag a goal and an assist, there’s no way Lampard will leave Christian Pulisic on the bench tonight. He now has six goal contributions since the restart and will undoubtedly cause a headache for Nuno Espirito Santo’s back-line. He should be accompanied by an unmoved Olivier Giroud and Willian.

Mason Mount suffered a very bad day at the office on Wednesday. The midfielder, who was playing left-wing, was unable to complete any of his attempted dribbles and lost possession 14 times. Mount also missed a big opportunity to score as well as failing to be successful in any of his seven attempted duels (via Sofascore). Ruben Loftus-Cheek could return to the lineup to replace his England teammate.

Defence is another thing Lampard has been toying with this season, but he must get it right this afternoon. Wolves have proved they can be clinical in front of goal with Raul Jimenez in fine fettle, so he will need his best defenders to keep tight and composed. He could revert back to his usual four across the back and he may even opt to drop Kepa Arrizabalaga who let five past him on Wednesday.

Willy Caballero’s experience and composure during important games could be what gives him the nod over the disappointing Spaniard.

How do you think Chelsea will line up this evening, Blues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

MatériaMais Notícias

No que depender do elenco do Atlético-MG, Levir Culpi seguirá no comando da equipe na próxima temporada. Questionado sobre a situação do técnico, que negocia a renovação de contrato com a diretoria do clube, o meia-atacante Luan revelou que deseja a permanência do treinador. No entanto, ressaltou que a decisão cabe aos diretores e ao próprio Levir Culpi.

-Isso é problema da diretoria com o Levir. Não me meto. É um grande treinador, tem o respeito de todos por tudo que fez, mas não sou eu que tenho de falar que tem de renovar. Quem tem de fazer isso é o presidente e ele. Se continuar, será ótimo. Se for embora, que Deus abençoe. Eu espero que ele continue – declarou Luan.

Giovanni Augusto, titular absoluto na equipe de Levir Culpi ao lado de Luan, mostrou que o entrosamento da dupla não se restringe aos gramados e também declarou apoio ao treinador.

-É importante decidir o mais rápido possível. Tenho carinho muito grande pelo Levir. Espero que ele fique. Se não ficar, que ele seja feliz. A diretoria vai fazer o melhor para o Atlético.

سلطت وسائل الإعلام التركية، الضوء على الهدفين اللذين سجلهما مصطفى محمد، مُهاجم منتخب مصر، والفريق الأول بنادي جالطة سراي، في شباك ريزة سبور بالدوري التركي.

واستعاد مصطفى محمد ذاكرة التهديف من جديد مع جالطة سراي، وسجل هدفين ساهم من خلالهما في فوز فريقه على ريزة سبور بنتيجة 3-2، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين مساء الأحد، بالجولة التاسعة من السوبر ليج. شاهد ملخص لمسات مصطفي محمد في مباراة جالطة سراي وريزة

ثنائية مصطفى محمد هي الأولى لمهاجمنا المصري، مُنذ 5 أشهر، حيث لم يسجل مصطفى أي أهداف رسمية مع جالطة سراي، مُنذ 11 مايو الماضي.

“بطولات” رصد أبرز ما جاء في الصحف التركية في السطور التالية…

البداية مع صحفية “الصباح” والتي قالت في عنوانها عن ثنائية مصطفى.. “مصطفى محمد يكسر صيامه بسرعة!، بعد أسابيع.. يسجل هدفًا”.

وقالت الصحيفة في تقريرها: “مصطفى محمد الذي كان له تأثير وأصبح محبوب الجماهير بأهدافه في الموسم الماضي، لم يتمكن من إحراز أي هدف في 13 مباراة هذا الموسم حتى مباراة ريزة سبور”.

وأضافت الصحيفة: “كسر مهاجم جالطة سراي، مصطفى محمد صيامه بهدفين في ريزة سبور، المهاجم الذي انتقل بين نصف الموسم الماضي أصبح أول مهاجم للفريق بأهدافه”.

وتابعت: “مصطفى سجل هدفه العاشر بقميص الأصفر والأحمر، وعاد للتسجيل من جديد، وأنقذ جالطة سراي، بإحراز هدفه التعادل”.

فيما جاء عنوان صحيفة “فاناتيك”.. “مصطفى محمد يعود مع جالطة سراي”.

وأضافت في تقريرها عن هدفي مصطفى: “مصطفى محمد عاد للتسجيل مرة أخرى، بعد أن بحث عن أول هدف له، وسجل هدفين في شباك فريق البحر الأسود”.

وواصلت: “مصطفى محمد بعد صيام لـ13 مباراة سجل هدفين، وأنهى صيامه للأهداف، لأول مرة مُنذ 11 مايو الماضي”.

واختتمت الصحيفة قائلة: “إذا سجل المزيد من الأهداف، سيقوم جالطة سراي بشراء مصطفى محمد من الزمالك”.

بينما علقت شبكة “دنيام سبور” على المباراة وجاء عنوانها: “3 نقاط لـ جالطة سراي في مباراة لا تُنسي”.

وقالت الصحيفة: “جالطة سراي لعب خارج أرضه مع ريزة سبور، ومصطفى محمد عاد للتهديف وسجل هدفين ليساعد فريقه على تحقيق الفوز”.

اقرأ أيضًا – جماهير جالطة سراي بعد هدفي مصطفى محمد أمام ريزة سبور: الأسد أخرج السهم ولن يُعيده

وأضافت: “أهداف مصطفى كانت هامة ليحصل جالطة سراي على 3 نقاط هامة، في مباراة كانت هامة لفاتح تريم قبل فترة الاستراحة الدولية”.

ونختتم بصحيفة “حرييت” والتي جاء عنوانها.. “جالطة سراي ينتصر 3-2 على ريزة سبور”.

وقالت الصحيفة في تقريرها عن المباراة: “يدين جالطة سراي في انتصاره لمصطفى محمد وموروتان الذي أنقذ فريقه في الوقت القاتل”.

وأضافت : “مصطفى محمد سجل هدفًا في الدقيقة الخامسة، ثم بوهيانبالو سجل هدفين لـ ريزة سبور، لكن مصطفى عاد وجعل النتيجة 2-2 للفريق الأصفر والأحمر بهدف رائع”.

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has revealed that he is unsure of securing a return for Birmingham City’s Steve Seddon this summer.

The 22-year-old arrived at Fratton Park during the January transfer window, sealing a short term loan deal from the Championship side.

Helping Pompey to a play-off place, the left-back was involved in the League One play-off semi-final which ended in defeat against Oxford United, thus ending the club’s chances of gaining promotion to the Championship.

Making 12 appearances in England’s third tier with Portsmouth, Seddon made a good impression, netting two goals and gaining one assist despite being a defender by trade.

However, a potential permanent deal or second loan has become a difficult one with The News reporting that Jackett’s side are not in a position financially to pursue a move.

Valued at £135,000 by Transfermarkt, Seddon’s future has now been discussed by his former temporary boss.

He told The News: ‘We would need and do want a new left-back. We are working towards having two specialist left-backs for next season.

‘We haven’t got anyone else in the squad with the experience other than Lee.

‘Steve Seddon has obviously gone back and is a Birmingham player now.

‘I don’t know what the circumstances are with them, but there are a number of players we are working towards and considering.

‘By the start of the season, getting two specialist left-backs is something we will look to do.’

Seddon made a good impression at Portsmouth and he would be a superb permanent signing this summer, but finances and the salary cap introduction from the English Football League are making deals like this one very hard to pull off.

Whether or not a loan deal could be agreed does not seem to be mentioned in the reports over the last few weeks, but you would have to think that would be put forward.

Do you think Seddon could return to Portsmouth? Let us know in the comments section below…

Chelsea are currently head and shoulders above all of their Premier League rivals in the current transfer window.

The Blues mean serious business going into the new season as they currently boast a mammoth six new senior signings. They arguably have four marquee recruits after splashing the cash on the likes of Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz.

Their fourth major signing comes in the form of Brazilian icon Thiago Silva, who left Paris Saint-Germain on a free contract in search of pastures new.

A recent report from The Telegraph has brought to light some of the behind-the-scenes work that went into the 35-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge.

Brazil and former PSG teammate Neymar reportedly nudged Silva in the direction of Chelsea after warning him that he would regret not taking up the offer. The £115.2m-valued forward was one of the players from whom the Brazilian sought advice before deciding on the move to Frank Lampard’s side.

Silva has played in both the French and Italian top tiers but the chance of joining a Premier League side is a huge opportunity. Similarly to Neymar, former Blues player Willian also encouraged the veteran to pursue the move to west London.

Silva signed a two-year deal with Chelsea and could even see his career out under Lampard. He could well be the focal point of the Englishman’s defence this season as the Blues look to challenge in the Premier League title race.

What do you think of this update, Blues? Join the conversation in the comments below!

أفادت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن نادي نيوكاسل الإنجليزي يسعى للتعاقد مع مدافع برشلونة الإسباني، الدولي الفرنسي، كليمونت لينجليه خلال ميركاتو الشتاء.

نيوكاسل أصبح من القوى المادية في إنجلترا، بعد استحواذ المُلاك السعوديين على الأسهم الأكبر للنادي الإنجليزي، ويريدون أن يصبحوا أحد أقوى الفرق في العالم من خلال جلب أفضل اللاعبين.

طالع أيضًا.. برشلونة أمام شهر حاسم بشأن التجديد لقائدي المستقبل

صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، أكدت أن أول القرارات بعد تغيير الجهاز الفني، هي التعاقد مع لاعب لتعزيز الدفاع، وأبرز المرشحين هو كليمونت لينجليه.

يريد النادي الإنجليزي ضم لينجليه الذي يلعب في قلب الدفاع ويتميز باللعب بالقدم اليسرى، ولن يكلفهم الكثير من الناحية المالية، كما أنه فقد ثقة المدرب رونالد كومان وأصبح مُهمشًا على مقاعد البدلاء.

نيوكاسل لديه تاريخ في التعاقد مع اللاعبين الفرنسيين، ويريد ضم كليمونت لينجليه في ميركاتو الشتاء، كأول الاستثمارات الـ”خفيفة” في يناير، قبل أن يبدأ النادي الدخول في الصفقات الكبرى خلال الصيف بعد نهاية الموسم.

Talks between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund to sort out a deal for Jadon Sancho have stalled.

That’s according to Sky Sports, as per @utdreport, who claim that Man United will not meet Dortmund’s demands for the 11-cap England international. However, the Red Devils are not ready to give up on trying to sign Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top target this summer, despite missing Dortmund’s artificial deadline on Monday.

Sancho was the Bundesliga club’s top scorer last term, having finished the season with a total of 20 goals and 18 assists (via WhoScored).

United chiefs Ed Woodward and Matt Judge are frustrated that progress is so slow, although time is on their side as the transfer window won’t close until October.

The board have made it clear they are not prepared to pay Dortmund’s €120m (£108m) valuation, with Woodward insisting that he is not willing to pay over the odds. Nevertheless, they will have to splash the cash if they want to sign Sancho in the summer, or they may miss out on him altogether in the future if interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool resurfaces next year.

Naturally, many United fans slammed Woodward on social media, with one supporter tweeting “Woodward is finished” if he cannot get a deal done in time for the upcoming season. Several others branded the transfer news “awful” and “rubbish” in reference to the fact the club have been chasing Sancho for some time now, with seemingly no end in sight.

Scroll through some of the scathing reactions so far…

United fans, do you think Woodward will sign Sancho this summer? Let us know your views in the comments below!