West Ham United dodged a bullet with their failed pursuit of Josh Maja in January as the Girondins de Bordeaux striker has proven to be a flop at Fulham.

The Irons were credited with an interest in a move for Maja before the Frenchman joined Scott Parker’s relegation-threatened Cottagers on loan, with the Sunderland product targeted as a replacement for Sebastien Haller.

David Moyes held a keen awareness in the 22-year-old as he faced an uncertain future in Ligue 1 after falling out of favour at the Matmut Atlantique, where Jean Louis Gasset had awarded Maja only 11 starts in 17 top-flight appearances this term.

Fulham eventually came to his rescue and offered Maja a move to the Premier League on Deadline Day, and would seal his signature on a half-season loan that carries a £9m option to purchase.

It remains to be seen if the south west Londoners intend to buy the one-time Nigeria international, but his form across the capital will have given West Ham confidence that they made the right decision by walking away from negotiations with Bordeaux.

Maja made his 11th outing for the Cottagers on Sunday as they held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw thanks to the London-born forward converting from the spot inside a quarter of an hour of the second half, after Gabriel Magalhaes was deemed to have fouled Mario Lemina.

It was only the third goal that Maja has scored for Parker’s side since his arrival after a brace at Everton in February, after being given the first start in the Premier League of his career at Goodison Park.

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He has since started just a further seven top-flight games but failed to have any direct involvement in the scoring, and has only helped Fulham to clinch nine additional points in their quest for survival.

Parker expected Maja to boost the Cottagers’ threat in the final third when his signing was finalised, as “the boy’s a finisher” and he settled into his new club quickly.

Parker said, via quotes by the Independent: “I’m very pleased we’ve got him with us and have got him on board, and I’m looking forward to seeing his qualities and working with him.”

But Maja has proven to be an underwhelming signing for Fulham that West Ham did well to avoid, having directed just 0.5 shots on target per Premier League game and offered little offensive creativity for his Cottagers teammates with 0.5 key passes, per WhoScored.

Haller may not have set the world alight in claret and blue with three goals in 16 Premier League games this term, but had offered West Ham a marginally superior option with 0.7 on-target efforts and 0.6 key passes on average a game.

Antonio, meanwhile, has seven goals in 21 appearances this term thanks to striking one of his average 2.4 shots on target per game, and has offered the second-most assists (5) at the London Stadium from an average of one key pass an outing.

If West Ham had been the ones to unveil Maja as a Deadline Day signing, he would likely have spent the following months sitting on the bench waiting for his chance, having proven to be a flop at Fulham where minutes have been more regularly forthcoming.

AND in other news, a £4.5m-rated West Ham enforcer is being lined up for a summer move out of east London…

MatériaMais Notícias

Solução no primeiro turno, o sistema defensivo tornou-se o principal problema do Fluminense nas últimas rodadas do Fluminense no Campeonato Brasileiro. Os erros individuais e coletivos resultaram no jejum de seis jogos sem vitórias e na demissão de Levir Culpi. O problema estava tão claro que, ao anunciar a saída do treinador e confirmar Marcão no comando técnico do Tricolor até o fim da temporada, o presidente Peter Siemsen cobrou um time com um “bloqueio mais forte na intermediária”.

A declaração deixou o novo comandante em situação delicada, ainda mais porque, mesmo se desejar, Marcão não tem grandes, ou muitas, opções para fazer mudanças na defesa do Fluminense nos quatro compromissos que restam ao clube em 2016: Atlético-PR (C), Ponte Preta (F), Figueirense (F) e Internacional (C). A tendência é que os laterais Wellington Silva e William Matheus e os zagueiros Gum e Henrique sejam mantidos entre os titulares.

Gum e Henrique atuaram lado a lado na defesa do Flu em 31 rodadas do Brasileirão

Para as laterais, Giovanni e Igor Julião já tiveram suas chances quando os donos das posições se contundiram, mas as atuações não convenceram a última comissão técnica. Tampouco a torcida. No miolo da zaga, Marcão só tem um nome à disposição além de Henrique e Gum: Nogueira, de 21 anos, revelação do clube, mas que pouco atuou entre os profissionais até agora.

Assim, Marcão terá a missão de dar uma nova cara à pior defesa entre os nove times melhores colocados do Campeonato Brasileiro na base da conversa e da organização tática. Nas atividades que fez no CT Pedro Antônio até agora, o ex-volante não deu dicas de como escalará a equipe na terça-feira, diante do Atlético-PR no Maracanã.

O defesa tricolor já sofreu mais gols nos 15 jogos do returno do que em todo turno: 21 a 20

A boa notícia fica por conta de Pierre, que pode voltar ao time após cumprir suspensão automática contra o Cruzeiro, na derrota por 4 a 2 no Mineirão. Resta saber se o técnico atenderá ao pedido presidencial, que afirmou que o Flu vinha tendo melhores resultados com três volantes. Douglas, Marquinho, Edson e Cícero estão de olho em uma vaga no time principal.

أيد رئيس الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم، نويل لو جرييه، فكرة استبعاد روسيا من بطولة كأس العالم 2022 والتي ستقام في قطر في الفترة من 21 نوفمبر إلى 18 ديسمبر المقبلين.

ولم تحسم روسيا بعد بطاقة التأهل إلى مونديال قطر حيث تنتظرها مباراتين في ملحق التصفيات أمام بولندا في البداية في نصف النهائي وإذا فاز سيواجه الفائز من السويد أو التشيك وجميعهم يرفضون مواجهة الروس ردًا على حربها على أوكرانيا.

اقرأ أيضًا | كيفن جونسون: الأهلي سيتأهل لدور الثمانية.. ويجب ألا يجلس لاعبه احتياطيًا

وتحدث لو جرييه عن وجهة نظره في حوار نقلته صحيفة “لو باريزيان” الفرنسية، وقال: “لم أناقش بعد مع الاتحادات الأخرى هذا الرأي، لكني أميل إلى استبعاد روسيا من كأس العالم المقبلة”.

وتابع: “هذه هي مشاعري الآن، عادة، أعتقد أن الرياضة موجودة للربط بين الناس في جميع الدول وتخفيف التوتر بين الشعوب، لكن ما يحدث الآن، لا يمكن أن يجعل عالم كرة القدم محايدًا، بالتأكيد لن أعارض فكرة استبعادهم”.

وأضاف: “الأمر بسيط ولا داعي للتفكير طويلًا، الأمر منتهي ولن نذهب هناك أبدًا، في هذه الظروف المأسوية، كيف يمكننا التفكير في ممارسة كرة القدم ضد هذا البلد؟”.

وبسؤاله عما ذنب اللاعبين وكرة القدم في روسيا بما يحدث في السياسة، قال: “نعم، لكن ذلك سيكون سهلًا للغاية، فهو ليس قرارا فرديا، هناك دولة كاملة، بالطبع، هذا ليس خطأ كل الروس، لكن لا يمكننا أن نبقى محايدين، في مواجهة كل هذا، اعتقد أننا سنشهد بالأحرى رد فعل موحد ورمزي من عالم كرة القدم”.

وواصل: “لكن نبقى مع الرياضة، يجب ألا ننسى الأوكرانيين، في 20 مارس، كان منتخب فرنسا للشباب سيذهب إلى أوكرانيا لخوض تصفيات كأس أمم أوروبا 2023”.

وأتم: “حتى الآن، قرر الاتحاد الأوروبي خوض المباراة على ملعب محايد، لا نعرف أين بعد، لكن من الناحية الرمزية، من الجيد أن يكون للشباب الأوكراني الحق في الدفاع عن فرصهم في التأهل لتلك البطولة”.

Jonjo Shelvey has hit back at doubts over his work ethic in a Newcastle United fan Q & A.

A supporter asked the the former Liverpool midfielder why he is lazy, to which he was adamant that his running statistics are up to standard and that he couldn’t ‘get away’ with doing less than his teammates.

Shelvey tells critic to ‘be quiet’

“I think I give off this thing with my body language – the way I run,” he said.

“The way I am – I’m quite a laid back character but listen it might look that but the stats say different and as long as I’m doing it, being recorded and monitored, you can’t get away with not running.

“If I’m going to be honest, I’ll take not running at all and win the game comfortably, keep the ball and play possession football, but you can’t get away with anything these days.

“You need to roll your sleeves up, run and I feel that’s what I’m doing and the proof is in writing so Davy can be quiet.”

Shelvey ever-present for Newcastle since mid-January

Shelvey looks to be one of Steve Bruce’s most trusted lieutenants at this moment in time. He hasn’t missed a minute for Newcastle since the 1-0 loss at Sheffield United on 12 January, when he was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

With Jamaal Lascelles sidelined in the last two matches, Shelvey has donned the captain’s armband.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Shelvey’s place in the starting line-up has come under external scrutiny. Before Newcastle’s trip to Burnley, for instance, The Athletic correspondent Chris Waugh pondered whether it was ‘time to drop Shelvey’.

One of the players he is keeping out of the XI is Arsenal loanee Joe Willock, who has come off the bench to earn Newcastle four crucial points in their games against Spurs and West Ham.

It’s certainly intriguing to see such a critical question included in a club-run fan Q&A. As journalist Liam Kennedy suggested on Twitter, though, that it sounded like ‘something the player wanted to address’.

Still, it’s tempting to wonder whether Shelvey’s prospects at St James’ Park might be dealt a significant blow if they part company with Steve Bruce at the end of the season, as the former Aston Villa boss is seemingly a big fan.

In other news, this defender is said to be destined for Newcastle United.

سجل فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الوداد البيضاوي المغربي، هدف التعادل في شباك نظيره الزمالك، لتصبح النتيجة 1-1.

المباراة مقامة الآن على ملعب استاد مركب محمد الخامس في الدار البيضاء، ضمن ثالث جولات دور المجموعات ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

فيديو | زيزو يسجل هدف الزمالك الأول أمام الوداد

وكان أحمد سيد زيزو قد سجل الهدف الأول للزمالك بتسديدة قوية في الدقيقة الثالثة.

وأحرز زهير المترجي هدف التعديل للوداد في الدقيقة 27 من عمر اللقاء بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

يذكر، أن الزمالك يخوض المباراة وفي جعبته نقطتين يحتل بهما المركز الثالث بالمجموعة الرابعة، بينما يأتي الوداد وصيفًا بـ3 نقاط. هدف الوداد الأول أمام الزمالك

Forgotten Leeds United man Rafa Mujica could seal a permanent move to Las Palmas this summer, with the Spanish club keen on completing a deal.

The Lowdown: No Leeds future for Mujica

Mujica has had a nomadic career in recent years, having loan spells at the likes of Extremadura, Oviedo and Las Palmas. It is quite clear that Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t see a long-term future for the 22-year-old at Leeds, with the Argentine surely showing trust in him by now if that wasn’t the case – the Spaniard hasn’t even made a matchday squad for a competitive Whites fixture.

That is despite him impressing some of the Elland Road faithful during a pre-season fixture in 2019, only for it to prove a false dawn.

Mujica is currently at Las Palmas, where he has only managed four Segunda Division appearances this season and not made a single start.

The Latest: Las Palmas keen on permanent signing

Despite that, AS reported [via Sport Witness] that the Spanish club ‘show interest’ in signing the forward on a permanent basis this summer.

Las Palmas have an option to buy and it appears as though they are willing to take Leeds up on the offer.

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The Verdict: Time to move on

In makes perfect sense for Mujica to leave Leeds at the end of the season in order to settle at a club and begin the next chapter of his career. Bouncing from club to club is not benefiting anyone, in truth, and with his Leeds deal expiring in the summer, a new contract is highly unlikely to come his way.

The Whites are now at a point where they should be aiming for the the European places next season, in which case they need a higher calibre of player than Mujica.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly battling some heavyweight clubs for the signing of one player. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed reports that the Reds are interested in the signing of Sevilla centre-forward, Youssef En-Nesyri, this summer.

According to the report by Foot Mercato, both Liverpool and Manchester United are thought to be interested in a move for En-Nesyri in the upcoming transfer window, with the LaLiga side though to be demanding a fee of around €46 million (£40 million) in order to part with the 23-year-old.

So far this season, the Morocco international has highly impressed over his 32 league appearances for Julen Lopetegui’s side, with the former Malaga man bagging 17 La Liga goals, as well as scoring a further six goals in eight Champions League fixtures.

And, after LFC Transfer Room relayed news of the Reds’ interest in En-Nesyri on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing delighted at the prospect of their club making a move for the striker this summer.

So, what exactly did these Liverpool fans have to say in reaction to the Reds’ interest in Youssef En-Nesyri?

“He’d be so good for our crossing hoofball as a plan B. Elite finisher. Yes please.”

@FabinhoBall

“Please.”

@lfcjason1

“Sign him.”

@ii_am_dml

“Please please get him.”

@MoAshoor25

“Now that’s a signing I want.”

@_Nastee

“I literally said on here yesterday we should go for him! I hope there’s some truth to this.”

@JasnRoberts

“Yes please. Absolutely ideal 9 to play alongside Mo.”

@TwoFootedPod

“Oooo – this. He’ll be dangerous.”

@itssaliiiiii

In other news: ‘Will be official’ – Journalist drops ‘massive’ Liverpool transfer claim – find out more here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell has backed Celtic to get Roy Keane back into football management after his spell as a pundit.

Keane hasn’t been a manager since his spell with Ipswich Town, however he has been an assistant in recent years with Martin O’Neill at both the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.

Celtic have reportedly held more talks with Keane after their number one target, Eddie Howe, continued to stall over whether or not he really wanted to take the job and succeed Neil Lennon.

Speaking on the link to Celtic and why someone like Roy Keane should be in football and not in a studio, Jewell told FFC:

“His knowledge of the game is huge and his enthusiasm for the game is obviously still very high, so someone like Roy Keane should be in football.

“From what I’ve seen of him, yeah, why not give him a chance? I think he would probably rather be on the training pitch than sitting in a studio, even though he will know which one is easier.”

In the last 12 months, the 49-year old has been an ever-present on Sky Sports’ coverage of games and he hasn’t been afraid of giving his opinion on players, clubs and managers, no matter how controversial they may be.

Celtic parted ways with Neil Lennon in February but are still yet to find someone who can help them take the SPFL title off Rangers next season.

Newcastle United travel to Anfield on Saturday afternoon riding a wave of their best form all season, to play guest to Liverpool after a rough week for the reigning Premier League champions.

The Reds’ involvement in the proposed European Super League lasted less than 48 hours, before a public apology from owner John Henry and manager Jurgen Klopp pleading for supporters to show their forgiveness.

Steve Bruce will hope he can add to the misery with his side’s first top-flight win at Anfield since April 1994, as the Toon look to claim a third straight league victory for the first time this term and continue a season-high run of results after wins over Burnley and West Ham.

Newcastle are yet to go unbeaten in four successive Premier League fixtures this season but can do so on Saturday. So, with that in mind, here’s a potential line-up that Bruce may field with two changes from the XI that beat the Irons…

Newcastle travel to Liverpool with a near fully fit squad available for Bruce to select from, with the Toon boss confirming on Friday that Allan Saint-Maximin will be on hand after overcoming a knock taken to his ankle in last week’s 3-2 win over West Ham.

The Frenchman was forced to limp off following a kick to his ankle, but should open the action at Anfield beside Callum Wilson with the Magpies’ 10-goal top-scorer also fit to feature for potentially his first start since sustaining a hamstring injury on February 6.

Bruce will be without Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Ryan Fraser on Merseyside as the trio continue their recoveries from respective knee, foot and groin injuries, while Karl Darlow will be replaced on the bench by Mark Gillespie after a small operation on his knee.

Schar returned to training earlier this week but is unlikely to feature against Liverpool, leaving Bruce to name an unchanged back-line from the Irons affair with Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Jacob Murphy protecting goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

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Sean Longstaff has started each of Newcastle’s last three games as they held Tottenham to a draw before wins over Burnley and West Ham, but is likely to fall to the bench in place of last Saturday’s match-winner Joe Willock.

The £20,000-per-week Arsenal loanee made the telling contribution within seconds of his introduction in place of Longstaff, who had played just 12 accurate passes before his exit in the 80th minute – fewer than Magpies shot-stopper Dubravka (15), per WhoScored.

Bruce opting to start Wilson in attack with Saint-Maximin would be expected to come at the expense of Joelinton, despite the Brazilian enjoying his best run of form in front of the net since joining Newcastle in a club-record £40m deal with TSG Hoffenheim in 2019.

The forward struck his second goal in three games against West Ham after finding the back of Tottenham’s net, after which Ian Wright lauded Joelinton for his “nuisance value” having been involved “in everything”, to now boast five goals in 64 career Premier League games.

AND in other news, Newcastle United hold keen interest in £35m titan who “flung his teammates under the bus”…

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts has exclusively told Football FanCast that the club are likely to appoint a new manager after the season finishes.

Jose Mourinho was sacked last month with Spurs at risk of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League for the second consecutive season.

But Daniel Levy has since missed out on appointing any of his top three targets.

Julian Nagelsmann left Leipzig, only to become the new Bayern Munich boss, Brendon Rodgers confirmed that he’ll be staying at Leicester, whilst Ajax boss Erik ten Hag ended speculation by penning a new contract in the Dutch capital.

Ryan Mason was placed in interim charge for the remaining six Premier League matches and has made a bright start with victories over Southampton and Sheffield United sandwiching the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

The likes of Graham Potter, Scott Parker and Nuno Espirito Santo have also been mentioned as potential replacements for Mourinho, but Roberts doesn’t expect an announcement until the end of the campaign.

He told Football FanCast:

“Ryan Mason has been told he’s got it until the end of the season, so I’m not expecting anything before then. If we win our last four games, you got a chance of the Champions League, but you need to win all four.

“The aim is either to finish in the Champions League or Europa. They threw the last cup final away and have got four more.”