Football fans on Twitter seem to be in agreement with Gareth Southgate after he left defender Michael Keane out of the England squad.
The recent news has had plenty of fans expressing their opinions on his poor season so far.
As reported by The Times journalist Paul Joyce, Southgate said on Keane’s omission: “He has had a couple of difficult games for us and I felt this was a good moment for him to get a break from it.
“It is a chance for him to work on his game.”
The Blues defender has had a torrid season up until this point and was even dropped by Marco Silva for Mason Holgate against Tottenham Hotspur.
Prior to this, Keane had played in every Premier League game this season and struggled to impress during his stint in the starting XI.
The former Burnley man is also out of the squad based on his performances last time out for the Three Lions. Keane was pointed at for the shock defeat to the Czech Republic, which had the England fans fuming.
Plus, there is also the return of John Stones, which has further put the 26-year-old’s spot in jeopardy.
Keane’s position at both club and country is starting to come under serious threat.
Unless he starts to rapidly improve, Holgate could become a mainstay at the heard of Everton’s defence, leaving Keane’s Euro 2020 dreams in tatters.
Aston Villa’s inconsistent start to the 2019/20 campaign has seen the club slip to 17th in the Premier League table with just three wins from their first 12 league fixtures, but these fans have been loving an official club tweet regarding the 11-year anniversary of a famous result for the West Midlands side.
Villa travelled to The Emirates to take on Arsenal in the top-flight, and goals from Gabby Agbonlahor and an own goal from Gael Clichy gave Martin O’Neill’s side an important victory in a season where the club would go on to finish sixth in the league.
Although the newly-promoted side were unable to secure a similar away victory in north London when they travelled to the capital to take on Unai Emery’s side earlier in the current campaign, losing 3-2, these fans have been appreciating the 11th anniversary of the important victory, with some praising Agbonlahor’s performance in particular.
The former striker netted 86 goals in 391 games while also registering 57 assists.
Here are some of the best reactions following a tweet from the club.
Although Sean Dyche eased any pressure by overseeing Everton’s first Premier League victory of the season against Crystal Palace last time out, new owners Friedkin Group may still turn to Maurizio Sarri, who already reportedly has one target in mind.
Everton transfer news
Confirming the sale of the club, a spokesperson for Friedkin told Everton’s official website: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.
“We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”
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Their pending arrival has seemingly triggered the emergence of doubt over the future of Dyche, especially after Everton’s disappointing start to the campaign. The likes of Gareth Southgate has already been mentioned, but it’s Sarri who has found himself consistently linked with replacing the former Burnley boss. Reports at the end of last month even claimed that Dan Friedkin and Co were plotting a move to hire the Italian.
It looks as though those rumours aren’t going away anytime soon, either, with fresh headlines suggesting that the former Chelsea manager already has his first transfer target in mind. According to Inter Live, Sarri wants to bring Piotr Zielinski to Everton if he finds himself in the Goodison Park technical area.
Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
The 30-year-old midfielder spent the majority of his time at Napoli playing under Sarri and could now reunite with his old boss and end what has so far been a frustrating time at Inter, after not even a year since completing a move to San Siro.
In need of a starting place, Sarri’s potential move to Everton could work perfectly in Zielinski’s favour, finally resulting in a Premier League switch for the Poland international who has long been linked with Liverpool.
"Fantastic" Zielinski needs Sarri reunion
Now in the latter stages of his career, Zielinski needs a reunion with Sarri more so than ever before, given his recent struggles at Inter. And what better place to reunite than the Premier League and Goodison Park? If the Pole is looking for a starting place, then he should look no further than Merseyside and sitting alongside another former Napoli midfielder in Jesper Lindstrom.
Goals
3
0
Assists
2
0
Key Passes
48
13
Ball Recoveries
87
17
Sarri, of course, is a big fan of the Inter midfielder, and was full of praise for him during their time together at Napoli. The Italian previously told reporters via Forza Italian Football: “He is an absolutely fantastic talent, with great physical and technical skills. If he grows as we expect him to, with his personality as well as his skills on the field, then he can play anywhere on the pitch. He will be the new De Bruyne.”
With that said, if Friedkin pulls the trigger on Dyche’s Everton tenure and in doing so turns towards Sarri, then Zielinski may well be one to watch when 2025 arrives.
West Bromwich Albion fans would not have anticipated the electric start Josh Maja has made to this season whatsoever in the summer, when taking into account his injury-disrupted first campaign at the Hawthorns.
Maja only started one league game all of last season owing to his prolonged spells in the treatment room, with the former Sunderland youth product now a man reborn in the Championship having wriggled free of his injury issues, bagging a ridiculous seven goals from seven clashes.
Carlos Corberan will hope, if his team get there, that the 25-year-old can equally cause defences all sorts of bother in the Premier League, like this striker managed during an impactful stint donning a Baggies strip in the top-flight.
Tony Pulis' perfect signing
Salomon Rondon would have been a purchase that intrigued West Brom fans during their not-so-distant Premier League past when it was first announced, with the Venezuelan centre-forward joining the building from far-out Zenit St. Petersburg to try and help the Baggies cement their place amongst English football’s elite.
A typical Tony Pulis signing – coming in at a towering 6 foot 1 frame with a prowess for bullying defenders – Rondon would be a hit with his new fanbase from the get-go, firing home ten goals in all competitions during his debut season at the club, with his debut goal for his new side actually coming away at Pulis’ ex-employers in Stoke City.
Picked out by a similarly imposing Rickie Lambert to head home, the intimidating Baggies number 33 would be a reliable source of goals for his team over the three seasons he was situated in the West Midlands.
His powers would arguably start to wane towards the end of his spell, with only seven Premier League goals coming his way during the 2017/18 campaign, but those strikes would have at least raised a rare smile that campaign among a depressed fanbase, with the Baggies finishing rock bottom of the division.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom from West Brom’s perspective, however, as relegation meant they could try to cash in on their South American star, with Chinese side Dalian Yifang paying the Baggies £16.5m to win his services in 2019, after he had impressed away from the Hawthorns on loan with Newcastle United.
His short but sweet spell at the Magpies even saw talkSPORT pundit Jim White laud the ex-West Brom number 33 as “unbelievable”, with Rondon helping himself to a healthy goal return of 12 goals from 33 games at St James’ Park.
Salomon Rondon for Newcastle
Regardless, there are no regrets now on West Brom’s end about sanctioning a bumper deal for Rondon to move out to China, with his value now far lower than the much-talked-about £16.5m fee, according to Football Transfers.
Rondon's value in 2024
In 2024, with Rondon becoming somewhat of a globetrotter having played in countries such as Argentina, Mexico and Russia since his days at the Hawthorns, the 35-year-old’s value now stands at a lesser £1.9m.
Dalian certainly dropped the ball when it came to their expensive buy, as Rondon actually exited the Chinese Super League outfit on a free transfer, when Everton came knocking in 2021.
Club played for
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
Dalian
28
14
7
CSKA Moscow
13
4
2
Everton
31
3
1
River Plate
35
10
0
Pachuca
36
21
4
In truth, the 6 foot 1 striker has found it hard to pin down a club to call home since exiting West Brom with more than 100 games under his belt, with his time at the Toffees particularly sticking out as a low point, having only managed a paltry three goals from 31 games.
That might well have contributed to his value decreasing, alongside the fact Rondon is now very much deep into the twilight years of his career now playing for Pachuca.
He is currently shaking off any visible cobwebs for the Mexican side now, with an impressive 21 goals managed from 36 games to date, as Rondon shows there’s life still in his legs.
West Brom did, however, cash in at the best possible time before his value started to decrease, with Rondon still held in high regard to those with Baggies connections today, as the top stars coming through now under Corberan dream of playing in the Premier League.
Left for £16m: West Brom hit gold selling ace who’s now worth millions less
West Bromwich Albion sold this star on at the best possible time.
West Brom are looking at signing of a “confident” player who is without a club ahead of another English club, according to a new transfer update that has emerged.
West Brom transfer news
The Baggies knew the importance of a positive summer in the transfer market, as Carlos Corberan looked to give his side the best possible chance of going one better than last season and sealing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
Mikey Johnston was arguably the most high-profile of West Brom’s transfer window, coming in from Celtic, but the likes of Callum Styles and Gianluca Frabotta also came in from Barnsley and Juventus respectively, giving the squad plenty of fresh quality and depth.
Mikey Johnston
So far, those incomings have helped the Baggies make a strong start to the new Championship season, sitting right in the promotion mix. That’s not to say that further reinforcements may not be looked at, however, whether that be free agents, January signings or additions next summer, and one gem has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns.
West Brom eyeing move for "confident' gem
According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon [via The 72], West Brom are interested in signing teenage gem Piers Hatcliff, who was most recently at Southend United before departing the club and is yet to find a new side.
The Baggies aren’t alone in expressing an interest, however, with League One side Barnsley thought to be in the mix, although a move to The Hawthorns could offer him “a better route” in his career.
West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
Granted, Hatcliff is a relative unknown and not the high-profile type of name who will get supporters excited, but he could be a shrewd young signing with a big future in the game. The midfielder has been lauded by former youth coach at Southend, Danny Heath, who once said of him:
“Piers has been at the club since he was an under-7 and we are all very happy that Piers has wanted to stay with the club. Piers is a positive, forward-thinking player that loves to attack to build, create and take goal scoring opportunities for the team. Piers has very good technical ability to attack with dribbling skills, combination play and also the ability to show good quality to produce an end product when in the attacking third of the pitch. Socially he is confident and demands high standards from himself but also his teammates.”
Having a nucleus of young homegrown talent is always important for any club, and for that reason, Hatcliff could be considered an exciting addition who may grow into a first-team player at West Brom over time.
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West Bromwich Albion had an opportunity in the transfer window to sell this player on.
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Gauging the progress of any young player is difficult, with injuries something that can get in the way, but the hope may well be that Hatcliff proves to be a masterstroke by the Baggies, pipping Barnsley to his signature by offering him Championship football in the process.
Newcastle United are believed to have been handed the opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid winger, Yannick Carrasco, with the 29-year-old currently facing an uncertain future in the Spanish capital.
What's the latest on Carrasco to Newcastle?
According to the Chronicle's Lee Ryder, the Magpies have been suggested as a 'possible destination' for the Belgian this summer, with the 5 foot 11 ace said to be 'unsettled' in his current home.
As Ryder notes, Mundo Deportivo reported last week that the St James' Park outfit were among the clubs who have been offered the chance to acquire the one-time Monaco man, with a fee of around €19m (£16.3m) having been moted.
According to Ryder, while Atleti are believed to be keen to keep hold of the experienced wideman, the La Liga side would seemingly not stand in Carrasco's way if he could find a new home ahead of next season, with just a year left to run on his existing deal.
Should Newcastle sign Yannick Carrasco this summer?
It is seemingly understandable that Diego Simeone's side would be reluctant to part ways with the 66-cap international this summer, with Carrasco having enjoyed a positive 2022/23 campaign in which he chipped in with ten goals and five assists in 44 games in all competitions.
That tally of 15 goal contributions was only matched or bettered by Miguel Almiron (15) and Callum Wilson (23) among those in Eddie Howe's squad last season, indicating just what an astute capture it could be to bring the versatile ace – who can also feature at wing-back – to the Premier League.
Any fears over whether the £125k-per-week marksman – who boasts a haul of 91 goals and assists in 263 games across all fronts for his current side across two spells – can replicate that form in English football could well be eased by his apparent likeness to Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, according to Opta's Player Radars.
Opta Player Radar – Yannick Carrasco
The duo are notably alike due to their willingness to impact proceedings and hurt the opposition at the top end of the pitch, with the pair both ranking among the very best in Europe's top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area.
Equally, the two men also share the ability to offer a real creative threat from the flanks, with Carrasco – who has been hailed as "complete" by Simeone – ranking in the top 20% for chances created while Saka ranks in the top 12% in that regard, ensuring that the Belgian could provide quality service to the likes of Wilson and Alexander Isak.
In the case of the Gunners ace, the Englishman has utilised his creative brilliance to lethal effect of late having registered 11 assists last season, as well as proving rather clinical in his own right after chipping in with 14 goals from his 38 top-flight outings.
The 21-year-old – who only recently bagged a hat-trick for the Three Lions against North Macedonia – has proven himself to be a truly "exceptional" talent for both club and country of late, according to national team boss Gareth Southgate, with it likely to be a coup if Howe can find his own version of the fleet-footed wizard.
While Carrasco – who typically operates on the left wing – would not represent a long-term option due to his age, the Magpies would certainly benefit from having his Saka-esque brilliance on the flanks next season.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is plotting moves to improve his squad after the club finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table last term.
The Argentine head coach has been appointed as the long-term replacement for Graham Potter after Frank Lampard saw out the season on an interim basis, and is reportedly looking to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
It was recently reported by the Daily Mail that the Blues are planning to step up their negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion to land central midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer.
They stated that the club have already had one offer of £60m rejected by the fellow top-flight side and that the Seagulls are hoping to rake in a fee in excess of £80m for the Ecuador international, although it remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to match their demands or not.
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
However, with Manchester United now reportedly turning their own attention to Caicedo, Pochettino could be forced to change his plans. That may well prove fruitful though if they sign a "monster" – as he was described by journalist Benjy Nurick – in Romeo Lavia from relegated Southampton.
What is Romeo Lavia's style of play?
The Belgian defensive midfielder is a reported transfer target for the Blues, although Arsenal are said to be leading the race for his signature at this point in time, and is available for a fee in the region of £50m.
This means that the club could snap him up for as much as £30m less than the Brighton star, which has the potential to be a terrific move by Chelsea as the Saints youngster is two years younger and has shown great potential in the Premier League.
In the player radar below, as provided by Opta, Caicedo clearly excels at winning possession back for his side and Lavia is a player who has displayed similar destructive attributes.
Moises Caicedo's Brighton statistics.
These metrics indicate that both players are able to be defensive anchors for their respective teams in the middle of the park as they are capable of consistently breaking up opposition attacks at Premier League level.
Romeo Lavia's statistics for Southampton.
The Southampton star has averaged 3.77 tackles and interceptions combined per 90 over the last 365 days for his club and this stacks up well against the Brighton enforcer's 4.48 tackles and interceptions in the same period. In may not be quite as many as Caicedo, but Lavia has won more blocks and made more clearances per 90 than the Ecuadorian.
Therefore, he could well be an excellent alternative to Caicedo as, at two years younger than the 21-year-old, he has already proven himself to be a defensive force in the top-flight of English football.
Lavia is a proven performer and, at the age of 19, has plenty of time left ahead of himself to develop and improve with Pochettino's coaching.
Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay big money to sign Internazionale's Nicolo Barella this summer and his club are seriously worried about losing their superstar midfielder.
Which midfielders are Liverpool linked with?
The Reds really struggled in the middle of the park throughout last season, with far too many players either below their best or unavailable because of injury, whether it be Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
It is essential that major additions are made in that area ahead of next season, and with Alexis Mac Allister already brought in from Brighton, the early signs are certainly promising.
The likes of Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone and Romeo Lavia have all been linked with moves to Liverpool, and Barella is another whose name has been thrown into the mix in recent months. Now, a new update further suggests that the £154,000-a-week Italian could be a genuine target for the Reds this summer.
nicolo-barella-premier-league-liverpool-transfers
Are Liverpool signing Barella?
According to Il Tempo [Paisley Gates], Liverpool are willing to pay as much as £68.7m to sign Barella in the coming weeks, seeing him as a great option to bring in and bolster their midfield. It is reported that Premier League clubs are believed to be keen on continuing their "looting of Serie A", which is where the Reds' interest in the Inter star is mentioned.
Manager Simone Inzaghi is believed to be "trembling" at the thought of losing one of his most prized assets, with Liverpool happy to go big on Barella, spending the same amount as Newcastle are on Sandro Tonali in the process.
Barella could arguably be about the perfect midfield signing for Liverpool this summer, possessing all the attributes that Jurgen Klopp loves in his players. He is supremely gifted technically, registering six goals and assists apiece in Serie A last season, but he is also hard-working, averaging 1.9 tackles per game in the Champions League in 2022/23, as Inter reached the final.
At 26, he is a player at the peak of his powers, and should be for the foreseeable future, and Liverpool snapping him up and slotting him into one of the No.8 roles would be ideal.
Former Reds striker Peter Crouch recently said the Italy star has "got great feet, (is) tenacious as well and is decent in the tackle", while Klopp himself is clearly a big fan after he called the midfielder "top class".
Brendan Rodgers is now in his second stint in charge of Celtic after the club confirmed his arrival on a three-year deal to replace Ange Postecoglou this week.
The Northern Irishman won seven trophies in less than three years, between 2016 and 2019, during his first spell in Glasgow and will now be hoping to replicate that success this time around.
He will be able to use the current summer transfer window to bolster his squad and ensure that the team is capable of playing in his 4-2-3-1 system but the experienced coach will also be able to enjoy some of the extremely talented players who are already at his disposal.
Could Jota thrive under Brendan Rodgers?
Rodgers has a player at Celtic who could be his next James Maddison in the form of Jota, whose quality was described as "scary" by former Hibernian forward Tam McManus, with the Portuguese talent potentially set to thrive next term.
The Hoops boss worked with the England international during his time at Leicester City and enjoyed great success in deploying the ex-Norwich ace as an attacking midfielder or out wide on the left.
Maddison racked up 49 goals and 33 assists in 166 matches for the 50-year-old gaffer. He also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.32 across 35 Premier League outings in 21/22, which was their last full season together, and contributed with 12 goals and 11 'big chances' created.
Former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers with James Maddison.
Jota primarily plays off the left flank and is able to cut inside onto his favoured right foot, in the same way that Maddison did when he was asked to play there by Rodgers.
The £17k-per-week hotshot, who pundit Alex McLeish once dubbed a "revelation", could be the figurehead of the Celtic manager's attack, akin to how the English maestro was for him at the King Power, based on his form for Postecoglou in 22/23.
Scottish Premiership defenders should be scared of the 24-year-old dynamo after his incredible performances in the season just gone as the number 17 produced 11 goals and 11 assists from 13 'big chances created' across 33 league outings.
The exciting ace, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.45, also caught the eye during the 21/22 Premiership campaign as the forward scored ten and assisted ten in 25 starts, proving that his 22/23 contributions were not a flash in the pan.
These statistics show that the ex-Benfica prodigy has the quality required to carry the attacking load in terms of both goalscoring and creating in the final third, which is exactly what Maddison did – as shown by his form under Rodgers at Leicester.
Indeed, it is clear that the 50-year-old head coach may already possess his next version of the mercurial Foxes star.
Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a Serie A ace, in a signing that could significantly improve Unai Emery’s side.
The Villans are due to have a busy summer, with Monchi unveiled as president of football operations, the Spaniard has thrived alongside the Villa coach in transfer windows prior.
A host of talent has been linked to Villa Park already, with the latest being a notorious name in Europe.
What’s the latest on Hirving Lozano to Aston Villa?
As reported by Football Insider earlier this week, Aston Villa are showing ‘attention’ to Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.
The report claims that the Mexican has been ‘shortlisted’ as a ‘top target’ for Emery, who could be available this summer with just one year remaining on his contract in Naples.
Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke added that the Midlands club are seeking attacking options that can ‘slot’ into the first team set-up.
What could Hirving Lozano bring to Aston Villa?
Praised as being a “beast” by former Pachuca sporting director Marco Garces, the 27-year-old has been explosive for both club and country over the years of his career so far.
In 383 domestic career appearances, the Mexican has contributed to 184 goals through scoring 113 and assisting 71, as well as finding the net 17 times for his country in 64 caps, via Transfermarkt.
With it being reported in Spain that the player has a fragile relationship with the Napoli board, a move could be on the cards this summer in news that could excite those at Villa Park.
Back in January, Emery admitted his desire to seek a “specialised winger”, something that Lozano could provide him with in abundance, excelling in skills necessary for a dynamic wide player in the Premier League.
As per FBref, the Napoli gem averaged 2.13 successful take-ons per 90 in Serie A this campaign, notifying his strengths in carrying the ball and providing an added threat to the final third from the flank.
Likened to Lionel Messi by Marcel Brands, via football.london, who scouted the talent during his time at PSV, the electrifying wide player could be a perfect asset to Villa particularly if deployed alongside Youri Tielemans.
Villa confirmed their agreement to sign the Belgian from Leicester City following the expiry of his contract this summer, gaining a player with innate creative ability and one hailed a “phenomenon” by former Anderlecht man Pär Zetterberg for his silky play in midfield.
The 26-year-old offers a threat to those ahead of him through his passing attributes, as highlighted by his numbers in the Premier League this season.
As per FBref, the former Foxes sensation averaged 1.15 key passes per 90 in Leicester’s depleted side as well as recording an average of 6.49 passes into the final third per 90, placing him in the top 8% of Premier League midfielders to do so.
The combination of the Belgian’s passing and play-making abilities paired with the £85k-per-week technician’s strengths on the flank, Emery could unearth a significant boost to Villa’s attack by combining the two.