Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has insisted that in-demand attacker Wilfried Zaha will not be sold during the January transfer window.
Chelsea and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for Zaha, who has scored four Premier League goals for Palace since returning from a knee problem.
It had been thought that the Eagles would consider any offers that might arrive when the winter transfer window opens for business.
Hodgson, however, has claimed that the 25-year-old ‘is going nowhere’ next month as Palace look to continue their push away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Hodgson told Palace’s official website:
“I have assurances from the club owners and chairman, Steve Parish, that [Zaha leaving] is not going to happen.
“We want to keep all the players we have got and ideally want to add to the squad in the January transfer window to strengthen even more.
“We are not too concerned about any rumours which might circulate because he is going nowhere.”
Zaha’s early potential saw him earn a move to Manchester United in 2013, but the attacker struggled to settle at Old Trafford, and ultimately ended up back at Palace.
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Chelsea and Man City both reportedly view Zaha as a cheaper option than a number of foreign wingers that may become available during the January transfer window.
Anderlecht are known for producing top talent, especially in the last few years when Belgian football has seen something of a renaissance.
Just last year, another came off the conveyor belt as Monaco signed Youri Tielemans as a replacement for some of the big names they lost last summer, and quite directly for Tiemoue Bakayoko who moved to Chelsea.
This year, there could be another name to add to the list, as there’s speculation that 22-year-old midfield player Leander Dendoncker might leave the Belgian club this January.
It might only be a matter of time before the Belgian youngster moves somewhere such is the pedigree of his club and the fact his name is out there already. But this January, it seems as though Anderlecht are playing hardball, perhaps either hoping to play an inflated market, or attempting to keep hold of an asset until the end of the campaign.
This month, it was reported that Manchester United were told that they’d have to pay £27m if they wanted the Belgian’s services. But with Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba already seemingly a starting two in the midfield behind a number 10, it doesn’t seem as though Dendoncker would have too much of a chance at game time, even with the numerous competitions Jose Mourinho’s side will be fighting in for the remainder of the season.
But another interested party is said to be West Ham United. And for the Belgian’s career, that could be the most viable option.
Not only do the Hammers have a squad to overhaul, they also failed to land a midfielder in the summer, and that’s one of the problem positions in an unbalanced squad.
On paper, their attack is a good one, despite the fact that David Moyes doesn’t seem to think it’s as good as Slaven Bilic clearly did in the summer. But with a firing Marko Arnautovic, and the pedigree of Andre Ayew and Javier Hernandez, the Hammers should have a formidable front three. It’s the bit which covers their back four that seems light on quality.
Dendoncker, despite Anderlecht’s supposed demands, is valued at €18m by Transfermarkt.com, and at that price would fit the bill enormously.
The young Belgian showed his ability to both sit deep as needed as well as assist going forward when Anderlecht played Manchester United in the Europa League last season. Although United came out on top in that tie, they were pushed all the way by an impressive Anderlecht side who can legimately feel as though they might have won had the ball bounced their way a little more often.
In the first leg, it was Dendoncker who rescued his side a draw at home with a late equaliser, arriving late in the box and beating Marcos Rojo impressively in the air. In the second game another draw took the tie to extra time, where Marcus Rashford managed to pop up with the winner. In both legs Dendoncker looked classy – perhaps precipitating the links with Jose Mourinho’s side.
The summer before last, Havard Nordtveit was one of the exciting signings to come through the doors at West Ham, and although things didn’t work out for him, it wasn’t just his pedigree – a good performer for a Borussia Monchengladbach side which was becoming a regular fixture in the Champions League – which stood out when the signing was initially greeted with cautious optimism, it was also his versatility.
With the ability to play in midfield or at centre-back Nordtveit was considered a good utility player, especially if the Hammers wanted play with a back three. And whilst Hammers fans would naturally hope that Dendoncker is a few steps up in ability, the fact that he is of the same level of versatility is clearly a bonus.
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Nominally, he would be asked to sit in front of a back four at the London Stadium – the Belgian’s natural position. And with the legs of Pedro Obiang or Cheikhou Kouyate alongside him, that would theoretically make the side a lot more rounded than it has been for much of the season.
It looks as though the Hammers – and indeed Manchester United – may be priced out of a move this January for a young player who hasn’t proven himself in any of Europe’s biggest leagues just yet as Anderlecht look to get a few more months out of one of their best players.
But if they could manage it, West Ham would be getting a player of wonderful potential in a position they’ve desperately need to fill since the start of the summer. And one who has announced himself at least a little bit to an English audience already.
According to the reliable @ExWHUemployee on the latest episode of the West Ham Way radio show, if West Ham United striker Andy Carroll was to become a target for Premier League rivals Chelsea this month, the Irons would look to sign Michy Batshuayi as part of any deal.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Sun reported earlier this month that the 28-year-old centre-forward is on Blues boss Antonio Conte’s shortlist of attackers that he is keen to bring to Stamford Bridge this month, although @ExWHUemployee said on Episode 70 of the West Ham Way radio show that there has been no bid from the Premier League holders as of yet.
The reliable Hammers informant says that David Moyes would look to get Batshuayi as part of any deal that saw the former Liverpool and Newcastle man move across the capital though, with the Belgian pretty much out of favour under Conte ever since he signed for the club in the summer of 2016.
How has Batshuayi done this season?
The Belgium international may have thought that he was going to be given more first-team opportunities this season following the sale of Diego Costa to Atletico Madrid during the summer, but it hasn’t proven to be the case.
Alvaro Morata arrived as first-choice striker with Batshuayi often relying on making an impact from the substitutes’ bench – something he has done with seven goals in 20 first-team appearances in all competitions.
Despite the 24-year-old averaging a goal every 132 minutes in the Premier League and every 61 minutes in the Champions League, he still wasn’t chosen to start by Conte when Morata was absent last month, with Eden Hazard instead picked in a false nine role in the clearest sign yet that he has no long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
He certainly could be, yes.
While Batshuayi has failed to impress Conte, he has still scored 16 goals in 48 games for Chelsea – not bad seeing as the majority of those came as a substitute.
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With 33 goals in 78 matches for Marseille previously, the Belgian striker has shown that he can score goals if he is given a consistent run in a team, and that could well be the case if he joined the Irons.
Southampton failed to win for the 11th consecutive match in the English Premier League on Sunday, this time earning a point against Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s.
While it will be seen as an important point against Mauricio Pochettino’s men, Saints are at serious risk of relegation, finding themselves in the bottom three with just 14 games remaining before the end of the season.
They got their goal in Sunday’s 1-1 draw through Davinson Sanchez, who diverted Ryan Bertrand’s cross into his own net. Spurs rallied immediately, Harry Kane equalising just minutes later.
Fans were happy to take positives from the 90 minutes but did have some frustrations with their attacking intentions again, with many criticising Manolo Gabbiadini in particular.
The Italian, who signed for a reported £14m last January, has scored just three goals in 23 appearances so far this season and fans are hoping for more from him in the months to come.
A variety of solutions have been suggested including playing him alongside Shane Long, insisting he works harder when given opportunities or even selling him as soon as possible.
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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…
The Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern don’t really know how to take the latest rumour flying around about Marcus Rashford.
Much has been made of the conversation between the United manager, Jose Mourinho and Ajax young gun Justin Kluivert at the end of the Europa League final last season. With that in mind, there’s no surprise that the latest reports are breaking over a move for the talented winger this summer.
However, if that was to happen, our regulars are wondering what would happen to United prodigy Rashford. The England international has seen himself drop down the pecking order slightly in recent months due to the form of Anthony Martial and the arrival of Alexis Sanchez.
Mourinho could opt to move Rashford into the position he originally made his name in as a striker, but he would play second fiddle to Romelu Lukaku. It may be Rashford, not United that could push a move away from Old Trafford in search of regular football, although United may consider selling the youngster this season after the World Cup when his stock would surely be at his highest…
Post World Cup Prices
After any World Cup, especially a successful one, many of the player’s prices are driven up. United after a fair few windows of spending should be looking at balancing the books a little.
If England use Rashford and he lights up the tournament like many of the punters in the bar believe he can, United could capitalise on the situation. Considering the ridiculous premium put on English players most of the time, imagine how much money they could get after a promising World Cup.
Balancing the books
The Red Devils know that if they were to put Rashford up for sale, there would be a line of suitors ready to take the talented youngster on board. A bidding war could commence and with today’s prices alongside Rashfords potential, United could recoup some of the money they have laced out over the seasons following Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
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Many clubs are more interested in balancing the books within their business nowadays than team success, and United are no different.
According Brazilian media outlet UOL Esporte, Tottenham Hotspur have been given the green light to sign reported target Malcom, rated at £45m according to the Daily Mail last month, after he confirmed that Bordeaux have promised him that he will be able to leave this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Spurs were heavily linked with a move for the exciting winger during the January transfer window, but a deal never materialised as the Ligue 1 outfit were keen to hang on to the highly-rated 20-year-old.
However, the Brazilian’s latest comments via UOL Esporte suggest that the French club are ready to let him move on at the end of the season.
What did Malcom say?
The attacker said, as repoted by UOL Esporte: “Yes, there was a promise that I will be negotiating in June. I will choose the team, and Bordeaux will let me go.”
How has he done this season?
He has been excellent.
The 20-year-old has scored eight goals and provided a further six assists in 24 Ligue 1 outings, with his goals including a number of stunning long-range strikes.
The Brazilian likes to play on the right-hand side and cut in on to his left foot, and according to WhoScored.com he has made 56 key passes in the French top flight this term and successfully completed 63 of the 91 dribbles he has attempted.
Would he be a good signing for Tottenham?
He certainly would be.
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The winger is one of the most exciting young players in European football right now, and the potential he has means he would be a brilliant addition for the north London outfit.
Mauricio Pochettino has proven time and time again that he can develop and improve young talents, and Malcom is certainly one of those.
Will they get him?
They stand a good chance given they pushed hard for him in January, but with reports suggesting that Arsenal and Manchester United are all also interested, it could prove to be a big battle and perhaps even involve a bidding war.
Anyone who has ever seen Christian Pulisic play, for either the USA or Borussia Dortmund, will know he is a precocious talent.
At 19, he has the world at his feet. In his home country – the USA, who he represents, rather than Croatia, who he could have chosen to play for through his grandfather – there is a real belief that he can go on to become their first genuine superstar player.
Born in 1998, he has already cemented a status of potential world-beater on this side of the pond, and is regarded in America as someone with the ability to propel their side forward in the same manner that Gareth Bale has with Wales.
With 20 international games under his belt, and nine goals so far, as well as 55 Bundesliga appearances yielding eight goals and 15 assists, and 15 Champions League appearances, he already has pedigree at the top level.
Skilful, quick, mature and focused, the creative attacker has cemented a place in the Dortmund team and has looked confident and assured.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be keen, and rightly so. Both have American owners and large stateside fan bases; in a football world where revenue is king, this could be the perfect deal to seal.
At the perfect age for Jurgen Klopp to mould, Pulisic would be ideal as a player. He is already a good player, but will need more guidance to fully exploit his potential.
Primarily a wide man, he can also play as an attacking midfielder, potentially making him someone the Merseyside club could target to replace Philippe Coutinho.
It is no secret that United wanted a winger last summer, and still will, having failed to acquire Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan, despite the arrival of Alexis Sanchez, and Pulisic – valued at £40.5m by transfermarkt.com – fits the bill.
Like with Liverpool, it is logical from the perspective of the money-men as well as the scouts.
No doubt the fee to prise him away from the Rhine area would be astronomical. Given Ousmane Dembele set Barcelona back around an inflated £130 million last summer, a similar price-tag would likely be demanded.
Soccer Football – Europa League Round of 32 First Leg – Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta – Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany – February 15, 2018 Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic in action with Atalanta’s Etrit Berisha REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler
But neither side are short of cash, with Manchester United’s financial power well-documented and Liverpool flush with the Coutinho money, and so that would not be a problem.
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Simply for his marketability the transfer fee would be vast, but the reward of having a player of his level is a guaranteed income for the next 15 years.
For both Manchester United and Liverpool, the American fan base is enormous, but a signing like this would propel that to another level.
Securing the USA’s prodigy would represent a smart move for either. It might be that he moves this summer, or at some point in the future, and all the top clubs will be in for him.
The optimal blend of ability and exportability, both Liverpool and Manchester United should be right at the front of the queue for Christian Pulisic.
Liverpool put themselves into a commanding position in the race to finish in the top four of the English Premier League on Saturday, beating Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield to go seven points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea.
Knowing the Blues have a hugely difficult match away to Manchester City on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp’s side knew victory was a must against the Magpies and didn’t disappoint, scoring a goal in each half to secure the victory.
Their attacking talents took centre stage once again, but another player supporters were raving about was teenager Trent Alexander-Arnold.
With 21 appearances this season, the 19-year-old has emerged as a trusted member of Klopp’s team and was in classy form against Newcastle, easily intercepting the opposition and having a go in attack down the right flank.
Still not the finished article, fans are nonetheless delighted with his progress and can’t wait to see how he develops no he has cemented his place as first choice right-back.
Alongside Andy Robertson, the Reds have two of the best young full-backs in the league and supporters couldn’t be happier.
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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he does not know whether Jack Wilshere will sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Wilshere’s current deal with the Gunners will expire at the end of June, and the two parties are yet to come to an agreement.
The midfielder looked to be on his way out of the club in the early stages of the campaign, but he has since worked his way back into favour at Arsenal.
Wenger, whose own future is also under the microscope, has revealed that there is a contract offer on the table for Wilshere, but the Frenchman is unsure whether it will be signed.
Wenger told reporters at his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg against AC Milan:
“On my side nothing has changed. Jack will be free at the end of the season, we have made a proposal to him and I want him to stay and be linked with the club for the future, I hope he will do it.”
Wilshere, who is believed to be on £90,000 a week at Arsenal, has scored twice in 30 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners during the 2017-18 campaign.
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The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Bournemouth before returning to the English capital.
According to a report by Italian media outlet Calciomercato, Everton are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing in-form Valencia striker Rodrigo, who flopped during a loan spell with Bolton Wanderers in the top flight previously.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Spain international has been in fine form for the La Liga side this season and Calciomercato says that his form hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Toffees, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Calciomercato says that the 27-year-old only recently signed a new contract with Valencia that doesn’t run out until 2022 and includes a release clause set at €120m (£105m), but the Merseyside outfit and their Premier League rivals are ready to offer €40m (£35.1m) to bring him to England ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
The attacker joined Bolton on a season-long loan deal in 2010, but he scored just once in 20 appearances before returning to Benfica.
How good has Rodrigo been this season?
He has been excellent and has helped his team currently lie fourth in the La Liga standings, just one point adrift of third-place Real Madrid.
The Spaniard, who primarily plays as a centre-forward but can also play on either wing if needed, has scored 16 goals in 35 outings in all competitions for Valencia, providing a further seven assists.
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Would he be a good signing for Everton?
While his record this season is good and he would provide some much-needed competition for Cenk Tosun up top, the Merseyside outfit would have to make sure that he isn’t another Sandro Ramirez.
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The forward, who is currently on loan at Sevilla, had a decent goalscoring record for Malaga last term but struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, and there could be fears that it could be the same situation for Rodrigo given his struggles with Bolton when he was younger.
The fact that he could cost so much because of the release clause he has in his contract means he is a player that Sam Allardyce, who continues to be unpopular with the Goodison Park faithful, and Everton shouldn’t be willing to take a risk on, and they should look elsewhere instead.