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West Ham United reviving efforts to sign AFC Bournemouth’s Joshua King in January could be problematic with the Norway forward already unsettled on the south coast.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Irons chiefs are putting in the groundwork to signing King in the mid-season market when the 28-year-old will have just six months remaining on his £45,000-per-week contract.

Hammers boss David Moyes was disappointed not to have welcomed King to the London Stadium this summer having favoured his potential capture over Said Benrahma, with reports the Cherries ace was his first-choice target.

Moyes is said to have spearheaded West Ham’s efforts to sign King and held multiple personal conversations with the forward, but was unable to strike a deal after seeing bids worth £13million rejected with Bournemouth chasing in excess of £17m amid interest from Aston Villa, Brighton and West Bromwich Albion following their relegation.

West Ham believe they may now be able to welcome King to east London in the winter market having laid the foundations for a deal, with Bournemouth’s asking price expected to be significantly lower – potentially around £10m – due to the limited time left on his current contract.

The Irons also feel King is keen to sign for the club, while the forward himself recently told TV2 that “it hasn’t been the easiest months for me mentally,” after failing to secure a return to the top-flight.

“If it had been up to me, I would have already signed for a club and started the season, played four games and been in top form,” King told the Norwegian television network.

“I think the club would rather me be here, but as I said, I felt like I had done mine and been loyal to the club for many years. We had an agreement between us after what happened in January.”

Bournemouth rejected two approaches from Manchester United in the January market, with the second worth £25m believed to have left King encouraged that a deal would be struck for the attacker to return to his former side. The Red Devils did not return with a third offer, however.

Potentially problematic signing

While King was keen to return to the Premier League and felt he had served his time at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth will have been glad to retain a player who scored 48 goals and recorded 15 assists in 161 top-flight games over the past five seasons, despite only playing a third of his matches as the recognised striker.

His efforts would certainly have been a welcome addition for Moyes at the London Stadium, but reviving hopes of signing the 28-year-old in January could be problematic if the Norway international continues to dwell on failing to seal a transfer this summer.

King’s former teammate Ryan Fraser fell into trap of dwelling on failing to secure a transfer, having remained with Bournemouth in the summer of 2019 amid links to Arsenal. His form ultimately suffered as a result and forced the Scotland international to apologise for not playing for the team.

“I felt bad about it – this last month I’ve been trying to put it right,” he told BBC Radio Solent in January. “I think everyone knows by now what’s happened, to be honest. I’m just trying to play my football. Obviously, it affected me the first four months of the season.

“I wasn’t myself, I didn’t play for the team. I’m honest enough to admit that. I look back at it, I spoke to my family about it and it just looked bad on me. I didn’t help the team. It shouldn’t have taken me that long to realise, but I’m my own worst critic and I apologised to the lads.”

Fraser had only managed to contribute one goal and three assists when he apologised to his Bournemouth colleagues, and ended the season with just one more assist before snubbing a short-term contract extension and joining Newcastle United as a free agent.

The 26-year-old had been one of the Premier League’s top-creators in 2018/19 with only Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (15) recording more assists than his 14, but Fraser clearly struggled to deal with a failed transfer and has played just 92 minutes for the Toon after five matches in the top-flight this term.

AND in other news, a £27m-rated West Ham man must utilise the east London outfit’s transfer failings to his advantage.

In a disappointing 5-0 thrashing to Manchester City on Wednesday night, Steve Bruce’s Newcastle struggled to cause the home side any problems over the course of the 90 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, the Magpies hardly saw any of the ball, registering just 27% possession, and could only manage a measly one shot on target.

Having made some changes to his starting line-up for the clash at the Etihad, Bruce gave some fringe players the opportunity to impress, and none more so than USA international DeAndre Yedlin.

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The right-back has struggled with injury problems this season, making only 19 appearances across all competitions – in fact, since the restart of the Premier League, he had only managed to play 18 minutes of top-flight football before the clash against City.

And on Wednesday night, he failed his huge audition.

As per Sofascore, his overall match rating of 5.7 was the lowest of any player on the pitch, and when you look at the underlying numbers behind his performance, it is clear to see why.

Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Yedlin only attempted 11 total passes, of which only five of them were successful – truly shocking numbers for a Premier League player, even despite the kind of attacking onslaught City put on.

But whilst he was wasteful in possession, and couldn’t offer a threat going forward (he attempted no dribbles or crosses whatsoever), his defensive stats were equally weak.

He contested just three total duels, winning only one of them, whilst he only made one tackle and one interception apiece.

With Bruce having the likes of Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth and even Valentino Lazaro who can play in that right-back or right wing-back slot, Yedlin needed to have a decent game against City to prove his worth.

Instead, he fluffed his big chance in front of his manager.

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Marcus Edwards has shown exactly what he’s capable of since moving abroad. 

For whatever reason, Edwards couldn’t force his way into the first team in north London, and he decided to move to Portugal instead.

However, he is well on his way to becoming the one that got away from Spurs in recent years.

With a deft feint, drop of the shoulder and change of direction, the talented attacking midfielder often leaves defenders trailing in his wake.

The Spurs academy graduate opened up about his life in north London in an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with iNews, as relayed by @HotspurRelated.

While he enjoyed a “good relationship” with former boss Mauricio Pochettino, he admitted he doesn’t regret leaving his boyhood club, insisting “I don’t dwell on it.”

Although Edwards is arguably one of the most gifted dribblers to emerge from the academy – averaging more than three dribbles per game in Liga NOS last season – he never got a chance to prove himself.

The Lilywhites have been linked with their former charge this summer, but it appears he is paying no attention to the past and is fully focused on the future.

The 8-cap former England U20 international played 26 games in the Portuguese top flight last term, finishing the season with a tally of seven goals and five assists (Via WhoScored).

Pochettino once compared his playing style to Lionel Messi, but the youngster never established himself at his boyhood club and was allowed to leave as a free agent.

It’s hardly surprising he has attracted attention from his former club and Manchester United, as his contract clause is reportedly worth €15m (£13.5m). However, Jose Mourinho is hardly short of wide options, including wingers Son Heung-min, Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn, and it wouldn’t make much sense to splash the cash on a player Daniel Levy let go for free.

However, Spurs could still make a tidy profit if he is sold in the summer, as the club will receive half of the profits of any potential sale, so it’s all swings and roundabouts really.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Marcus Edwards in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Newcastle United’s prospective £300m takeover has taken a new path this week after reports emerged firing doubt over its completion.

The Guardian revealed exclusively that the Saudi Arabian-funded deal is in major doubt following the World Trade Organisation’s ruling that pirate satellite TV and streaming service beoutQ was indeed coming from the Middle Eastern state.

It’s claimed that the final report will not be published until mid-June but it will expose the Saudi government being behind the illegal streaming of sports events across the globe.

As a result of the WTO’s conclusions, the Magpies’ takeover is on the ropes with the threat of those involved committing a ‘breach of international law’.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and governor of the public investment fund Yasir Al-Rumayyan are both involved in consortium willing to purchase the north east outfit from controversial owner Mike Ashley – but the WTO report suggests there is a clear link between the pair and the beoutQ service.

Although it is thought that this has been strongly denied by United’s prospective owners.

Think you’re a big Magpies fan? Can you name these former players by looking at their careers? Go on, give it a go…

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It’s quickly approaching two months since the Premier League were asked for approval by the aforementioned parties – a process that should have taken around 30 days.

But the whole process has been made all that more complicated by these allegations, which has caused the delay to any official decision on the PL’s part.

This one could well continue to rumble on especially with the top-flight entering the next phase of ‘Project Restart’ which would see teams return to normal training – a decision that could be made today.

AND in other news, Newcastle fans react over players wanting Bruce post-takeover…

Tottenham Hotspur play host to Everton in North London on Monday in a crucial fixture for both sides as they chase the final few European qualification spots.

Spurs suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United on Thursday and will be keen to return to winning ways, with Jose Mourinho’s side now ninth in the table, 10 points adrift of the top four.

Everton have been much improved since the restart and continued their good form on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Leicester City.

Everton are now up to 11th in the table and could move ahead of their opponents with a win.

Form

Spurs have won just once in their last six Premier League matches, picking up just five points from a possible 18.

At home, things have been slightly better, with Mourinho’s team winning three of their last five and being unbeaten since the resumption of football last month.

Everton on the other hand are unbeaten since the return of the Premier League, picking up seven points from a possible nine, despite facing Liverpool and Leicester.

Away from Goodison Park they have struggled, winning just two from their last six, although they did win their last away day against Norwich City, with Michael Keane sealing a 1-0 victory at Carrow Road.

Team news

Juan Foyth and Japhet Tanganga are both being assessed following injuries but are set to miss out, while Troy Parrott could be available after returning to training last month.

After starting on the bench against Sheffield United Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Harry Winks and Erik Lamela could all be in line for recalls.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Fabian Delph are both long-term absentees who will not return this season, while there are doubts over Djibril Sidibe and Theo Walcott.

Richarlison is also a doubt with an ankle injury and will be assessed ahead of the match.

How to watch

Tottenham vs Everton kicks off at 20:00 UTC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and will be broadcast live Sky Sports, while fans can also live stream football online.

Leeds United have been given an update into the future plans of their loan ace Jack Harrison after he gave an interview to the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this week, and it may not spell good news…

What’s he said?

The 23-year-old has been at Elland Road on a temporary basis for two seasons and hasn’t yet been able to break into his parent club’s first-team, given it is Manchester City, that’s hardly a surprise to anyone.

Marcelo Bielsa is able to land the tricky winger for £8m this summer according to reports, but his chances of doing so may have just got harder after Harrison revealed his desire to play for Pep Guardiola.

He said:

“For the last two years working with Marcelo, I’ve learnt a lot and develop different parts of my game and improved.

“Working with him has already prepared me for almost anything going forward.

“It’s an exciting opportunity if I was to go back to Man City and work again with Pep Guardiola.”

“What I’ve learnt with Marcelo I can take anywhere and if it is back there, it’s another great opportunity for me.

“I’ve learnt a lot over the last two years and I can take it wherever it may take me.”Jack Harrison to Yorkshire Evening Post.

Summer blow

The 5 foot 9 wide man, who is valued at just £5.85m by Transfermarkt, has been an integral part of the Whites’ fortunes this term with Leeds sitting top of the Championship standings with only nine games remaining.

He’s found the net five times and has also provided seven assists across 37 appearances, via WhoScored, whilst also averaging 2.1 key passes, 1.9 dribbles and 1.1 tackles per game.

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Harrison’s presence along the left-flank has been unrivalled this season as he has started every single league match under Bielsa, which also only goes to show the sort of faith the Argentine has in him.

Therefore, if his comments come true in the summer, then Leeds will be left with a massive gap to fill and one they could probably do without.

Only time will tell if the winger’s future is at Elland Road or back under the masterful, Pep Guardiola.

AND in other news, Phil Hay reveals just how much Radrizzani pumps into Leeds…

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Troy Parrott to stay at the club this summer and learn from Harry Kane, in an interview with Football Insider.

What did he say?

Parrott has impressed for Spurs at youth level and has earned four appearances for the first team this season as a result.

However, with Kane, Heung-Min Son and Lucas Moura ahead of him in the pecking order, Jose Mourinho may still opt to loan out the 18-year-old in search of more first-team experience.

Robinson feels that he would be better served remaining in North London though, claiming that could learn a lot from watching Kane in training.

Speaking in an interview Football Insider, Robinson said: “If the club thinks sending him out on loan will benefit him, he would certainly command a loan to a Premier League side or a top Championship side. At Spurs, there is the potential for him to play cup games.

“Being in and around the squad he can learn from Harry Kane. Subconsciously you pick up all of his traits, his habits, and his finishing if you work with him in training. You mould yourself without even knowing it.

“It is important to get football but with injuries and suspensions, he might get two or three games and score a bagful. We saw it with Rashford. Football is all about timing. If he is out on loan they cannot recall him.”

Experience

Loan spells can be an invaluable part of the development process for any young player, with Kane himself benefiting from time away from the club at the likes of Leicester City and Leyton Orient.

However, as others have shown, you can break straight into the first team and if you are ready for senior football, it can be best for youth prospects to stay around and learn from the top-level professionals around them.

In Parrott’s case, Spurs do not have many senior strikers at the club and with Kane suffering from injuries in recent years, there might just be opportunities for Parrott, provided Mourinho thinks he is ready.

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

According to The Mirror’s recent report, Bayern Munich are reigniting their interest in Manchester City’s £90m-rated man, Leroy Sane. And that deal would make more sense for them than going through with Philippe Coutinho’s transfer.

What’s the word, then?

The same sources outline that the Bavarian giants were keen on acquiring the young City winger last summer, but the unfortunate injury that he sustained in the Community Shield got in the way.

Sane is still recovering but Bayern are ready to come back for their juicy target that could even cost them around £90m, as per The Mirror’s same report.

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Instead of the 24-year-old forward, they landed Barcelona’s Coutinho on a loan deal but they could be offering Pep Guardiola’s talisman a huge £20million-a-year contract.

Even though it definitely sounds like a pricey operation, it’s a better alternative than the deal they have with the Catalans for the Brazilian.

Much better option

Bayern have an option to incorporate Coutinho permanently at the end of his loan deal for a reported sum of €120m (£102.6m).

Of course, the Bavarians have also taken on his full wages and have paid Barcelona an initial €8.5m (£7.2m) loan fee, which means that when everything is said and done, the Brazilian could very well turn into a costly transaction.

But does he really warrant such a price tag?

The start of his journey in the Bundesliga was excellent, but things soon took a turn for the worse as Bayern learned about the Brazilian’s flaws the hard way, similarly to the Blaugrana who ended up regretting their purchase from Liverpool.

Sane, on the other hand, although in a similar price range, is a much better option.

The German’s quality cannot really be questioned.

After all, he managed to bag 16 goals and 18 assists across all competitions in 2018/19 and for that reason, Guardiola is certainly missing the attacker in the ongoing campaign.

Not to mention that he would actually be more needed than Coutinho.

Bayern have Kingsley Coman on the left but as gifted and talented as the 23-year-old Frenchman is, he is also ridden by injuries, suffering a total of five in the last campaign.

So far in 2019/20, he managed to stay fit and played a total of 16 games, scoring three times and assisting further five.

But when everything is said and done, Sane is on a different level altogether and he could possibly take Bayern one step further.

Maybe it’s time they pulled the trigger.

West Bromwich Albion returned to the top of the Championship table with resounding win over Bristol City at the Hawthorns on Wednesday evening.

The Baggies saw four different names on the scoresheet as left-back Kieran Gibbs, Matheus Pereira, Hal Robson-Kanu and Charlie Austin all found the net on their way to three points.

Albion have now leapfrogged Leeds to open up a seven-point gap to third place.

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One of Slaven Bilic’s regulars has once again come in for substantial praise on social media with many supporters singling out Romaine Sawyers for his performance in the heart of midfield.

‘Rolls-Royce,’ ‘wizard’ and ‘different gravy’ were just three phrases used to describe the 28-year-old’s showing with one member of the Hawthorns faithful going as far as calling him one of the bargains of the season.

A further fan claimed that he had no worries whenever Sawyers gets on the ball while another believed the midfielder was a standout as he didn’t misplace a pass all night.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

In other news, one West Brom man has been compared to none other than Raheem Sterling…

Many Liverpool supporters have been lauding the efforts of Sadio Mane against Tottenham Hotspur, after the Senegal forward caused Mauricio Pochettino’s North Londoners several problems on Sunday.

Spurs had attempted to man-mark Mane out of the game on occasion to try and minimalise the threat of the Reds’ potent offence (Liverpool Echo), after the winger, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino had scored 12 goals in the opening nine Premier League games between them.

Mane often managed to find space on the left-wing to offer an outlet in attack, though, and regularly tormented Serge Aurier to give the Ivorian right-back an afternoon to try and forget.

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Of Mane’s 33 passes on Sunday, 25 came in the final third and two were converted into key balls that were not capitalised on, per WhoScored data. The 27-year-old would also record three tackles, win four aerial duels, and have a game-winning contribution by winning a penalty midway through the second-half.

His pace and persistence saw Mane drive into the box and get in-between Aurier and the ball, to leave referee Anthony Taylor with no choice but to point to the spot when the Tottenham defender clipped the forward’s leg.

Mane’s connection with Andy Roberston on the left-flank led to numerous chances, as well, but the winger failed to convert a great opportunity to level the scoring in the 31st-minute when his glanced header floated wide of the post following a lofted ball by the Scotland left-back.

Liverpool fans swiftly took to social media to laud Mane for his relentless display at Anfield, with supporters praising the £34million (BBC) man for his ‘immense’ efforts that showed him as one of the world’s best.

Here are some of the messages shared…