Lots of Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter to react to Harry Maguire’s Twitter post.
The England international moved to quash rumours of a move to Old Trafford after he himself ignited them by liking an Instagram post tipping him to become a fan favourite at United if he makes the move.
Watch a Man Utd fan’s epic Ed Woodward rant in the video below…
United tried to sign the former Hull man after last summer’s World Cup, in which the 6 ft 4 colossus starred for his country on their way to making the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Leicester centre-back has been linked with a move to both the Red Devils and their rivals Manchester City, with a switch to the Etihad looking the more likely.
Maguire tweeted: “I didn’t mean to guys… we’ve all been there,” as he moved to put the rumours to bed, although all he managed to do was get the United fans talking about him even more in the comments section.
By no means has the 26-year-old done anything to help fizzle the rumours out, so let’s take a look at what some of the United fans on Twitter have been saying about his tweet…
Tottenham Hotspur supporters are split over the prospect of signing Jack Clarke from Leeds United this summer, with journalist Alan Nixon claiming that a deal is close to completion.
Clarke is reportedly set to move for £8.5m, which could rise to £13m due to add-ons.
And fans have been left mixed over the prospect of bringing in an inexperienced teenager in this transfer window.
The 18-year-old made his first-team breakthrough under Marcelo Bielsa in 2018/19, making a total of 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and registering two assists.
He was included in the starting XI a mere four times, though, and it remains to be seen if he will break into Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team next season.
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And some fans believe that he simply isn’t good enough, while others think he could be the next breakthrough star in north London.
What incomings will Dean Smith add to the arrival of Wesley during the rest of the summer transfer window? Today’s Aston Villa transfer roundup includes a confirmed departure, a blow in the pursuit of a Championship defender and interest in a Ligue 1 goalkeeper.
Sarkic leaves on loan
Aston Villa shot-stopper Matija Sarkic has joined Scottish side Livingston on a season-long loan it has today been confirmed. The 20-year-old is yet to play for the Villans and should, therefore, be able to develop more away from Villa Park next season.
Justin to join Leicester
The Sun is reporting that Aston Villa target James Justin will join Leicester City and become their first signing this summer. The Foxes will reportedly pay £10m to Luton Town for the player. Villa reportedly offered £7.5m last month.
Mendy on radar
France Football are reporting that Villa are interested in taking Reims keeper Edouard Mendy to the Premier League. The Midlands club, along with Norwich, have reportedly already made contact regarding the 27-year-old who has also caught the eye of Marseille, Rennes and Montpellier.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
West Ham United are eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Charles Aranguiz, per Ahora Noticias.
What’s the word?
Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he attempted to sign the midfielder in a previous transfer window.
Speaking to El Mercurio in June, as translated by Sport Witness, he said: “I tried to take Aránguiz to West Ham, but he did not want to.”
Now, the fresh report claims that the 30-year-old is set to leave Leverkusen and is looking for a new challenge.
West Ham are again said to have expressed an interest, though they face some stiff competition; Bayern Munich, Napoli, AC Milan, Roma and Inter Milan are all reported to have made similar enquiries.
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An overlooked position
West Ham do appear to be overlooking their midfield this summer.
The club have already signed Pablo Fornals from Villarreal and it seems that they are currently focused on bringing a striker to the club.
Indeed, Football FanCast understands that they remain in talks for Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez following the departures of Marko Arnautovic, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll.
But there is not a lot of depth in defensive midfield; only Declan Rice is a guaranteed starter in the position, with Carlos Sanchez and Pedro Obiang his back-ups.
The latter has been linked with a departure and if he goes, the Hammers will need a replacement.
A swoop for Aranguiz, a player Pellegrini has already confirmed his interest in previously, would make sense, then, and he may be available for a reduced fee.
The midfielder’s contract expires next summer, but it remains to be seen if a bidding war will emerge.
West Ham would do well to come out on top if it does.
Leeds United fans on Twitter were momentarily worried after Phil Hay posted a misleading tweet about Kalvin Phillips.
A fan asked whether or not the midfielder would be travelling to Australia for the club’s pre-season tour to which the journalist simply replied: “Phillips is due to go.”
Without context, it looked as if Hay was confirming the midfielder was on his way out of Elland Road as fans have been worried about his potential departure for weeks.
On Friday, Tottenham were linked with a move for the Leeds man.
The youngster has been the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs during this transfer window as Aston Villa, Wolves and Norwich have all shown an interest in him.
The former Yorkshire Evening Post writer’s tweet was in fact a positive update on Phillips, but that didn’t stop some fans worrying.
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Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…
When you think about the model professionals Arsenal have in their dressing room, they are few and far between.
Laurent Koscielny was one of them but the club captain who has dedicated blood, sweat and tears to the Gunners in his nine years in N5 looks as though he’s on his way out.
The Frenchman has been a loyal servant to Arsenal. This is a player who overcame a horrendous mistake alongside Wojciech Szczesny in the League Cup final to become a stalwart of the Emirates era.
In a period in their history where players have come and gone, he stayed. However, here we are, on the verge of seeing yet another Arsenal captain depart.
Should we be surprised? Arguably not. The Gunners have had problems when it’s come to leadership for a considerable period if time.
Cesc Fabregas decided he wanted to watch motor racing, rather than attend a game with Fulham when he was injured whilst William Gallas sulked on the pitch at St Andrews all the way back in 2008.
Other captains in the form of Robin van Persie and even Thierry Henry also left.
So with that in mind, it was arguably only a matter of time before Koscielny threw his toys out of the pram.
The 33-year-old came through one of the biggest injuries a player can suffer last year after missing the World Cup and the first half of 2018/19 with a ruptured Achilles.
For an individual who has had to play through the pain, the Arsenal club doctors and medical staff rallied around Koscielny one last time to get him back to fitness.
But in a way, that all rather feels like it’s been thrown in their faces.
Last week, it was revealed he wanted out. Deciding not to head on Arsenal’s tour of America, Unai Emery was left furious with his decision.
However, this is symptomatic of a huge problem with the Gunners.
On the face of it, they have no leaders and until they establish some sort of hierarchy, it’s hard to see them ever recovering from the average league positions they now find themselves in.
When Emery walked through the doors last season, he established five captains. Not one singular captain or vice, but five different men who would go onto don the armband at different points.
Soccer Football – Europa League – Group Stage – Group E – Arsenal v Qarabag – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – December 13, 2018 Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil with manager Unai Emery as he is substituted Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
According to the Spaniard, those entrusted were Koscielny, Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil.
The latter two names are players who have delivered some extremely mediocre performances at times and the very fact they were considered to be captains was arguably alarming. The remaining three, meanwhile, could all have left the club by the end of the summer.
Xhaka has, of course, led the Swiss national team and with Koscielny’s future now in doubt, he’ll surely be one of the main candidates for the permanent role.
Ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season clash with Bayern Munich, Emery again reiterated his desire to have three to five captains.
This rather sums up the lack of direct leadership within the club. If he cannot settle upon just two members to be trusted with the duties, then arguably, there is an even bigger problem in Islington than first imagined.
In short, Arsenal’s head coach has to ditch this policy. The Gunners need to work out a hierarchy at playing level if they are to stand any chance of commanding respect and progressing as a team.
When Arsene Wenger first arrived on English soil he had vast amounts of leadership around him. In the Gunners’ ranks were the likes of Martin Keown and Tony Adams who were unrelenting in their approach and dedication to the club.
In 2019, however, the north London outfit couldn’t be further away from what they once had.
It’s a sad demise but it also tells you a lot about modern football. After all, this is now a business where vast sums of money are thrown around for players who rarely see out the duration of one contract.
Heading into the future, determining who will be their next captain should be fascinating to see.
Arsenal’s lack of funds means it’s unlikely they’ll sign someone merely with leadership qualities. Their decision to bring Stephan Lichtsteiner to the club hardly paid off and bringing in ageing individuals must be forgotten about.
Instead, they’ll have to pick from the current crop. It’s an uninspiring factor to note but there should be two main ringleaders right at the very top of Emery’s hierarchy.
Xhaka stands out as someone who could take on the role whilst Hector Bellerin is another.
The latter is someone who has dedicated parts of his life to speaking out about some of the greater issues affecting our planet outside of football and for those reasons alone seems a wonderful role model.
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Bellerin is someone who’s grown up around the club, fighting for his place after coming through the academy to becoming an adopted Londoner.
He is a player who also speaks out on the pitch too and that’s exactly what Arsenal need. Yes, they need more leaders, but establishing five members of their squad to take on the duty at different times is far too many.
Emery has a big call to make before the new campaign arrives but he must change his policy.
This has been a lingering issue for all too long, but with Koscielny potentially packing his bags, he now has the chance to change things for the better.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Fenerbahce, per The Daily Mirror, want to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama.
What’s the word?
Spurs have signed Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon this summer to strengthen their midfield.
And the same The Mirror report suggests that they are closing in on a deal to sign Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis too, leaving a number of midfielders expendable.
Wanyama endured a mixed season in 2018/19, making just 13 Premier League appearances due to a recurring knee injury.
The Mirror now claims that he could depart this summer, with the Turkish club expressing an interest in acquiring his signature.
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Past his best
Wanyama was exceptional after signing for Spurs.
In the 2016/17 season, following his move from Southampton, the Kenya international made a total of 37 Premier League appearances and averaged, per WhoScored, 2.5 tackles per game, 1.1 interceptions, 1.9 clearances, 1.4 dribbles and a pass completion rate of 87.5%.
In 2018/19, he had 13 outings, averaging 1 tackle per game, 0.5 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.5 dribbles and a pass completion rate of 81%.
He, clearly, is not the player he once was and, really, that is a shame, as this was the archetypal defensive midfielder who also had the ability to affect the game further up the pitch.
Now, though, injuries have taken their toll and perhaps a move would be the best thing for both parties; Spurs would be able to promote a player like Oliver Skipp into his position and Wanyama would be able to play in a slower league, with less intensity, where he can maybe get his mojo back.
The 20 Ligue 1 clubs have not been particularly busy so far during this transfer window. As it stands, the league has made a combined profit of £8.24m. There is still over a month left for that to change though, of course. Today’s Ligue 1 transfer roundup includes an update on Neymar, Monaco’s interest in Shkodran Mustafi and Rennes’ pursuit of Laurent Koscielny.
PSG lower Neymar asking price
Report: According to Sport, PSG have dropped their asking price for Neymar from €300m (£274.7m) to €180m (£164.8m). However, they are only looking for cash and will not entertain an offer which includes a player exchange.
Verdict: On the pitch, Neymar’s time at PSG has by no means been disappointing. After all, he has scored 51 goals in 58 games for the Ligue 1 champions. Off it, however, it has been a different story. The Brazil international has refused to train with the French club as he looks to move away and has also been banned for three Champions League games following his outburst after Manchester United knocked his team out of the competition in last year’s Round of 16 tie. Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, also wants him to leave, so his exit should be expected.
How likely is the deal? 6/10
Monaco eye Mustafi
Report: L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) is reporting that Monaco are interested in signing Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi this summer. The Gunners apparently value the 27-year-old at around €30m (£27.5m). The Monegasques are said to be preemptively looking to replace Jemerson, who is of interest to AS Roma and Flamengo.
Verdict: Monaco do have a few options at centre-back, but Jemerson, as previously mentioned, could leave, whilst Naldo at 36 should not be expected to be a guaranteed starter. That leaves just 18-year-old Benoit Badiashile and Kamil Glik. Mustafi would give Leonardo Jardim extra depth in defence, at the very least. From an Arsenal perspective, it would be silly to allow the defender to move without a replacement, but with €30m (£27.5m) they should be able to bring someone else in. They will need to move fast, though, as the Premier League transfer window closes on August 8th.
How likely is the deal? 6/10
Koscielny in Rennes talks
Report: Arsenal’s technical director Edu met with Stade Rennais’ president and Laurent Koscielny’s representative on Monday as all parties look to seal the former France international’s transfer to the Ligue 1 club according to David Ornstein. Talks are ongoing, with the 33-year-old not anticipating playing for the Gunners again.
Verdict: Of the two defenders linked with a move away from Arsenal, Koscielny looks the more likely to depart. It is hard to see a way back for him in London after he refused to take part in the Emirates outfit’s pre-season tour of the USA. At 33 years of age, the Gunners captain is not the player he once was and is no longer one of the first names on the teamsheet at the club: last season, he started just 13 games in the Premier League. Now, therefore, may be the perfect time for him to depart. The former Lorient man would be one of five centre-backs at his potential new side, but one would expect him to play a leading role given his top-quality experience. However, Bordeaux are also said to be interested and with nothing confirmed with the Brittany-based club, Les Girondins could still make a move.
Yesterday’s Premier League transfer roundup entailed news on Giovani Lo Celso, West Ham’s interest in Gary Cahill and two new signings for Aston Villa. Today’s edition highlights Mario Mandzukic’s impending move to Manchester United, Crystal Palace’s rejected bid for Reece James and Jetro Willems’ rumoured move to Newcastle United.
Mandzukic close to United switch
Report: Mario Mandzukic is close to a move to Manchester United from Juventus according to Tuttosport. A deal could be completed on Monday, with the Old Lady asking for a fee between €10m (£9.1m) and €15m (£13.7m). The former Croatia international is willing to make the move to Old Trafford.
Verdict: This is a surprising one on paper, but it may make more sense in the coming days and weeks. The former Bayern Munich striker was said to be included in Juve’s bid for Romelu Lukaku, and this may have some impact on that potential transfer. The 33-year-old has a fantastic track record, having scored 188 goals in 476 career appearances and won 23 trophies. He is approaching the end of his career but still managed to strike 10 times last season. It would be hoped that he does not become the first choice at Old Trafford, but he can provide an interesting back-up option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to look to in times of need.
How likely is the deal? 8/10
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Chelsea reject James bid
Report: As per The Independent, Chelsea have rejected a bid of £25m for Reece James from Crystal Palace. The offer was immediately knocked back by the Blues, who want the 19-year-old to sign a new, long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
Verdict: James is yet to make 50 career appearances and has just completed his first full season in professional football, yet he has already been the subject of such a large approach. Of course, Palace have a lot of money to spend following the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but this is still surprising. The fee is probably down to the 19-year-old’s impressive performances for Wigan whilst on loan last campaign. The England U2o international played in all but one of their Championship matches and picked up a trio of awards at the Latics’ end-of-season honours: Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Goal of the Season. His future looks bright, which is why Frank Lampard and co should want to keep him at Stamford Bridge for as long as possible.
How likely is the deal? 3/10
Newcastle book in Willems medical
Report: Journalist Miles Starforth is reporting that Newcastle have booked in a medical for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jetro Willems. Personal terms are said to be agreed, with the deal expected to be a loan with an option to buy.
Verdict: Willems was one of the few regular performers at Eintracht Frankfurt to not have a good season last time out, registering a disappointing 6.31 average rating with WhoScored. The Dutch international failed to nail down a starting spot and received fewer and fewer minutes as the season progressed. Still, he showed early promise at PSV and has been capped 22 times by the Netherlands. At just 25 years of age, he has plenty of time to rediscover his best form. The Toon have two options at left-back in Paul Dummett and Achraf Lazaar, but the latter spent the second half of last season out on loan, albeit under new Toon manager Steve Bruce at Sheffield Wednesday. Whether the 58-year-old thinks the Morocco international has what it takes to make it in the Premier League is another question. The arrival of Willems, at least, would not break the bank.
With Kieran Tierney completing his move away from Parkhead, Celtic have turned their attention to Kilmarnock’s Greg Taylor to replace the £25m star, according to The Daily Record.
What’s the story?
Arsenal finally had £25m bid accepted and Tierney is gone but the club are wasting little time in looking for a replacement. With Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo the only recognised left-back at the club, Neil Lennon seemingly wants Taylor to back him up.
The club have him high-up on a list of names under consideration, but they might have to act fast to secure the services of the Scotland international. Bundesliga 2 side FC Nurnberg are also chasing his signature, with the German side already having a bid turned down for the left-back this summer, per The Scottish Sun.
The defender was a consistent performer in the Kilmarnock side that finished third in the Premiership last season, earning him his first Scotland cap in June.
An astute signing
With Nurnberg’s rejected bid only £500,000, it should mean any deal for the 21-year-old wouldn’t be too expensive. Not only would a fee in this ballpark, or slightly higher, represent a potential bargain, but it would also leave a large chunk of the Tierney money to be reinvested elsewhere in the squad.
One player who could be greatly impacted by this deal is Bolingoli-Mbombo. Signed for £3m from Rapid Vienna, he’ll be watching this saga with interest.
At that sort of fee, it’s no stretch to say he’d expect to play more often than Taylor, which could prove crucial – the last thing the club needs is one of their new signings throwing his toys out the pram, or even just feeling unsettled enough to impact his performances.
Most importantly, Taylor looks a real talent. His form last season and his impressive Scotland debut against Belgium point towards a player ready to make that jump to a big club.
It won’t be easy to replace Tierney, but in Taylor, Lennon can look to a cheap, under the radar signing that could prove to be a real bargain if he continues to perform at the level we’ve become used to, or simply serve as back-up to Bolingoli-Mbombo at the very worst.