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West Bromwich Albion will aim to make it three games unbeaten in the Championship when travelling to Stoke City this coming weekend, with confidence sky-high currently at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies didn't get the better of Leeds United in their second contest of the new league campaign, but a 0-0 draw with Daniel Farke's men isn't to be sniffed at, with four points from a possible six already on the board, after a comfortable 3-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers on the opening day.

Still, Carlos Corberan and Co will know that adding in more new recruits through the door will undoubtedly help in the long run, especially if they want to be pushing for promotion again, with this new midfielder now in talks to join.

West Brom pushing ahead to sign loanee

As per a report by the Express and Star, West Brom are pushing ahead to try and tempt Serbian midfielder Uros Racic to join the ranks this summer, with the Sassuolo gem potentially joining on a loan deal.

Standing at a towering 6 foot 4 frame, Racic is being touted as an ideal replacement for Okay Yokuslu, who is back in his native Turkey, to the widespread disappointment of the Baggies fanbase.

Yet, if they can now win the services of a new brute force in the middle of the park in Racic, any lingering dismay about the former fan favourite leaving will be quashed. The Serb is certainly some talent, having once been linked with a £28m move to Manchester United back in 2020, while boasting a £92m release clause at the time.

Moreover, away from Racic's skill set lending itself to him being an ideal Yokuslu replacement, picking up the Sassuolo number six could also see the Baggies abandon any further approaches for fellow target Callum Styles, with the Serbia international offering more cover in the middle.

What Racic can offer West Brom

Much like Styles, who has been known to hammer home a tremendous long-range strike for Barnsley during his stay at the Tykes, Racic also has a screamer in his back pocket, seen in the thunderous effort above sailing in against Atletico Madrid when he was on the books at Valencia.

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder also lined up on one occasion in the centre-back spots for Valencia when drafted out on loan to Spain, with Styles also known to be a versatile figure who can play all over the pitch if necessary, even lining up in defence at left-back when needed.

Bettering Styles in a number of different areas of their respective games over the last year too, when glancing at the table above, Racic's also no-nonsense game shines through, with more clearances and duels won than his Hungarian counterpart.

He could well be West Brom's next Yokuslu in the making, therefore, who has managed to win 2.25 duels on average per 90 minutes over the last year, in comparison.

Racic might well become even more of a brute when moving to England, to attempt to match these higher numbers, knowing that Alex Mowatt will operate as the more creative option out of the potential holding duo.

Swooping in for the 12-time Serbia international would also see the Baggies continue to shop in left-field European markets, which has already paid off, with new Norwegian recruit Torbjørn Heggem winning six duels against Leeds last time out.

Racic could now enter through the door and continue this successful transfer approach, as Corberan continues to try and add new players into what still looks like somewhat of a threadbare camp in the West Midlands.

West Brom struck gold on "outstanding" star who's worth more than Styles

West Bromwich Albion are continuing to reap the rewards of this shrewd purchase.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 20, 2024

Mikel Arteta bizarrely blamed the Carabao Cup ball for Arsenal's 2-0 loss against Newcastle in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

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• Arteta criticised match ball after defeat
• Newcastle won 2-0 at the Emirates
• Arsenal next face Man Utd

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal had a forgetful outing at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday as they went down 2-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle United. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon were on target for the Magpies, who head into the second leg next month with a healthy two-goal lead.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Gunners took 23 shots throughout the 90 minutes but kept only three of them on target. Gabriel Martinelli hit the post in the first half while Kai Havertz squandered the easiest chance of the game as his header from a close range flew over the crossbar. After the game, manager Arteta bizarrely blamed the match ball as he pointed out the difference between the PUMA ball used in the Carabao Cup and the Nike-manufactured ball in the Premier League.

• WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference, the Spanish coach said: "I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it's tricky that this ball flies a lot. We discussed that as well, so there are details that we can do better."

  He added when pressed on the Carabao Cup ball: "It's just different, it's just very different to the Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently. When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you have to adapt to that. But in the end, that's gone, there is no way back, it's about the next game, and that's our world, the reality of our world."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arteta's men will be back in action on Sunday as they take on Manchester United in an FA Cup third-round clash at home.

One of Leeds United’s summer signings has already caused a dispute in the football club, according to a recent report.

The Whites were a busy side during the summer, as they made several changes in personnel to put together a squad that is capable of returning to the Premier League. As things stand, the additions have made a good impact, as they are unbeaten in their first four Championship games.

Player sold by Leeds for £8m struggling at new club, hooked in 2-1 defeat

One former Leeds player is already under fire at his new club.

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By
Brett Worthington

Sep 2, 2024

Leeds United eye post-window deal

Leeds added eight players to their squad over the course of the summer transfer window, with players like Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, and Manor Solomon all arriving. As well as the incomings, the Yorkshire side also shipped out 19 players, some of whom included big-name departures.

But while the window is now closed in England, it was reported on Monday that the Whites have agreed an early post-window transfer, one in which they will see them sign Leonard Ngenge on a pre-contract agreement. The defender is 16 years old and has already been spending time at Leeds’ training ground, as he’s been on trial recently.

Ngenge is said to have caught the eye while on trial, and Leeds have decided to offer him a contract, but he can’t join the club until he turns 18, due to FIFA rules. Once he turns 18, the defender will join Leeds’ youth team, and he will hope he can do enough to get a chance in the first team one day.

Leeds’ new signing causes dispute

According to Rheinische Post, related by Sport Witness, Ao Tanaka, who joined Leeds towards the end of the transfer window, was never “the first choice” for the club. The report claims that the Yorkshire hierarchy decided to go for the player after they missed out on other targets, and that hasn’t pleased manager Daniel Farke, with a disagreement emerging between the manager and Leeds' higher ups over the deal.

Tanaka had less than a year left to run on his contract at Fortuna Düsseldorf, and with him refusing to sign a new contract, the German side decided to cash in on him when Leeds came calling, signing a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old joined Fortuna Düsseldorf in July 2022, and during his time with the club, he scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists in 95 appearances. The midfielder, who can operate in a defensive midfield role as well as an attacking one, was a key figure as the German side reached the Bundesliga 2 play-offs last season, but it sounds like he has some work to do to get himself in Farke's good books at Elland Road.

The teenager has established himself for the Reds' youth sides, and a U.S. senior appearance could be next

Antoine Griezmann, supposedly, is a Keyrol Figueroa fan. The legendary France international has given him his endorsement, repeatedly reached out to the winger through WhatsApp and Instagram, and is tracking his progress.

It is high praise for the teenager, who, after electing to represent the U.S. at the youth level, has become a point of fascination among fans. He has signed a pro contract, established himself for the Liverpool academy, and is on the cusp of senior football. His standout showings for club and country – despite the occasional injury struggle – have him very much in the picture for the Reds' first team. There can be few doubts that the future is bright.

The USMNT might call, too. Figueroa, speed, smarts and all, is the exact profile of player that the national team need through the center. There is certainly more football to come, but continue to improve, and Mauricio Pochettino might give him a ring.

But who exactly is Figueroa? Why does Griezmann rate him so highly? And how did he manage to score seven goals in seven games at the U17 Concacaf Championship? GOAL scouts the player who could be the next great U.S. attacker.

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  Where it all began

  Soccer is in Figueroa's lineage. Born in Honduras, he is the son of long-time Honduran and professional journeyman Maynor Figueroa. His father had a fine footballing career, playing in the Premier League and MLS, while making a record 181 appearances for the national team. But while Maynor was a stout center back who could also play on the left, Keyrol is a lanky and tricky forward.

  He was first discovered by FC Dallas, starring in the academy while his father was a regular for the senior side. Figueroa consistently impressed for the Texas side, enjoying strong performances in youth tournaments against the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. And after a successful showing at a tournament at England's national training center, Liverpool pounced. They brought him into their Under 14 academy side, where he was a regular goalscorer.

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• The big break

  His mother told Honduran a newspaper that Figueroa scored in his first season for the Liverpool academy. Hyperbole aside, it was clear that he had some talent in front of goal. He proved as such in his breakout month – a fine showing for the United States at the Under-17 CONCACAF Championship in February 2023. Then 16, he scored seven goals in seven games for the U.S, and declared that he would play for the country for good despite also being eligible for his native Honduras and England.

  Since then, Figueroa has moved up through the Liverpool ranks. He started the 2024-25 campaign with the U19 side, scoring a wonderful goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Youth League. After another promotion, he found the net for the first time for the U21s in November – and has since trained with the Reds' first team.

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  Biggest strengths

  Figueroa is showing all of the signs of a complete center forward. There isn't much that is lacking in his game in order for him to develop into a top tier No. 9. He is quick, strong, has good feet, and can finish instinctively inside the box. Defensively, he is a good presser, who has scored a few goals for the U18s thanks to his diligent work rate and intercepting passes in the final third. Standing 6-0, there's a real presence to him too.

  But the real appeal is his game intelligence. Figueroa is unusually polished for his age. He can hold up the ball, play with his back to goal and link play. It all makes him a rather versatile presence, able to function in a number of different setups. Yes, it's early days, but the potential is there.

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• Areas for development

  It isn't too much of an overreaction to suggest that there are no glaring weaknesses to Figueroa's game. The only real reason that the U.S. youth national hasn't appeared for Liverpool's senior side is that they are so deep in the front line. But there are still some areas to improve. Figueroa is solid on the ball, but his link up play could use some real work – especially if he is to play in a possession heavy team.

  Some of his movement could also be better. For now, the striker is able to simply torch defenders for pace. That won't stay forever; he needs to learn to be smarter in some of his runs. That will all come with time, though.

The agent of an "exceptional" Rangers player has held talks with a new club over a move away for his client this week, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Summer of exits at Rangers

The Gers had one of their busiest summers in recent memory when it came to new signings, with nine fresh faces brought in to add to the depth within Philippe Clement's squad. Such was the focus in incomings, however, that it's easy to forget that a number of established stars also brought an end to their time at Ibrox, heightening the need for additions.

The likes of Borna Barisic, John Lundstram and Kemar Roofe all left when their respective contracts expired, meaning Clement lost a huge amount of experience and quality in the same period.

There has also been plenty of speculation regarding the future of James Tavernier at Rangers, with the right-back linked with a move away from the club all summer long. In fact, the Scottish Premiership side are even believed to be open to the idea of selling him, perhaps feeling that now is the right time to receive a hefty amount of money for his signature.

Now, another significant claim has emerged – one that suggests the Englishman could soon be an ex-Gers player, following a magnificent spell at Ibrox.

"Exceptional" Rangers ace in talks over exit

According to Takvim [via Sport Witness], Besiktas are now looking to complete the signing of Rangers captain James Tavernier this week, snapping him up before the summer transfer window closes in Turkey on Friday.

They are believed to have held talks with the 32-year-old's agent over a move to the club, with former Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst now the manager of the Turkish side and wanting to get a deal over the line, telling those high up at the club to sort it over the next 96 hours.

Seeing Tavernier leave Rangers in the next few days before the Turkish window slams shut would be a sad sight for many supporters, considering what an influential performer he has been over the past nine years.

The right-back has a quite stunning record for the Scottish outfit, registering 256 goal contributions (125 goals and 131 assists) in 467, and his level of creativity and leadership will be a massive loss, weakening Clement team's significantly at a time when they are looking to get the better of rivals Celtic.

On the flip side, however, Tavernier is now 32, so cashing in on him now could look beneficial further down the line, as Rangers use the funds to sign younger options in upcoming windows.

Rangers blundered by releasing SPFL star who's now worth more than Yilmaz

The Light Blues had a howler when they opted to allow the defender to walk away for nothing.

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By
Dan Emery

Sep 8, 2024

Looking at the here and now, selling the Gers skipper feels like a monumental hit to their chances of glory – Clement has described him as "exceptional" – but the bigger picture means there is an element of sense to it, especially if he feels he wants a fresh challenge at this point in his career.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou sees no long-term future for a "quality player" in his squad, and his levels are said to have "significantly" dropped behind the scenes.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – team news and injury updates

Spurs supporters will be anxiously waiting for Postecoglou's official team sheet ahead of their looming North London Derby on Sunday, with the Lilywhites set to host cross-city rivals Arsenal in a mouth-watering clash right after the international break.

Free agent who Paratici tried to sign in 2022 holds talks to join Tottenham

The ex-Spurs managing director is seemingly an admirer.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 10, 2024

Both teams come into the contest on a similar run of form, with Tottenham winning one, drawing one and losing one of their opening three Premier League games so far. An opening weekend draw away to Leicester City was followed by a dominant 4-0 win over Everton, but Newcastle continued to be an unhappy stomping ground for Spurs, with the Magpies inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Postecoglou's men at St. James' Park.

Arsenal were dealt their first dropped points of the new campaign a fortnight ago, drawing 1-1 with Brighton at the Emirates, which will encourage Postecoglou – alongside Mikel Arteta's array of absentees this weekend.

Declan Rice won't be involved through suspension, while Arsenal summer signing Mikel Merino is also set to miss their trip to Tottenham after picking up a shoulder injury in training. Gunners captain Martin Odegaard could be sidelined for the next four weeks with an ankle injury too, so he won't be playing any part in north London.

For Spurs, there is optimism that Postecoglou could have a near-fully fit squad at his disposal. Star defender Micky van de Ven, summer signing Dominic Solanke and Richarlison missed their loss to Newcastle, but at least two of the aforementioned men could feature against Arsenal.

Postecoglou stated before their trip to the North East that Richarlison could be out for weeks after a training injury, but both van de Ven and Solanke may return for Spurs this weekend. However, there is a worry surrounding midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Bissouma was hauled off injured in midweek, during Mali's 1-0 win over Eswatini, and some reports suggest he could be a doubt to face Arsenal, depending on the severity of his issue.

Postecoglou could freeze Sergio Reguilion out at Tottenham

There is also a debate whether Postecoglou will call upon Sergio Reguilon for his matchday squad, with the Spaniard yet to feature this season after failing to seal a summer move.

The left-back, reported to be on around £120,000-per-week, could still seal a move to Turkey with their transfer window open at the time of writing, but he is running out of time.

GiveMeSport claim that Postecoglou sees no long-term future for Reguilon at Tottenham, and it is believed that the 27-year-old's levels have "significantly" dropped behind the scenes, which won't do him any favours.

Jose Mourinho's Fenerbache are reportedly interested in Reguilon, coming after the Portuguese originally brought him to Spurs from Real Madrid in 2020, but it is unclear whether the former Sevilla starlet will get a Süper Lig lifeline so late in their window.

Called a "quality player" by former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Reguilon, and whether a move could open up for him in January instead.

Borussia Dortmund have held talks over signing Manchester United exile Marcus Rashford on loan in January, per a new report.

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• Rashford likely to leave this month
• Dortmund open talks with Rashford's camp
• Loan deal discussed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rashford has been exiled by Ruben Amorim in recent weeks and has not played for United in the Premier League since December 7. He has confirmed that he wants to take on a new challenge and reports that Dortmund are interested in striking a loan deal.

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  Dortmund accept that any deal for Rashford is complicated by his huge wages. He would have to take a pay cut if he were to move to Germany and, as such, Dortmund have discussed the potential of a loan without an option or obligation to buy. The forward's camp have held discussions with the Bundesliga giants but AC Milan are ahead of them in the race to secure his signature.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rashford has struggled for form this season and has only scored four goals across 15 games in the league. Last term, he netted seven league goals.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United play Southampton in midweek before a weekend clash with Brighton. It remains to be seen if Rashford will be involved in the matchday squads for those games.

Harvey Elliott admits to having held transfer conversations with Arne Slot, but the 21-year-old midfielder still considers Liverpool to be “my club”.

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• Yet to start Premier League game this season
• Injuries have stunted progress at Anfield
• Aware of where he needs to improve

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amid fierce competition for places at Anfield, England U21 international Elliott – who has sat out 14 games with a broken foot this season – is yet to start a Premier League fixture in the 2024-25 campaign. He admits to being left “a little bit” frustrated by limited game time.

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  Elliott is, however, determined to prove his worth to Slot and the Liverpool coaching team, with an eye-catching cameo made off the bench in the Reds’ dramatic 2-0 victory over Bournemouth. The talented playmaker will not be causing a fuss when it comes to his bid for more regular involvement.

• WHAT HARVEY ELLIOTT SAID

  Elliott told reporters when asked if his role in the present and future has been discussed behind the scenes: “We've had those conversation but it's not just me. There are other lads in the team who maybe haven't played as much as they want and are probably doing the same thing. I just have to keep working hard, keep trying to help the team out whenever I'm needed and just wait for my opportunity. I don't expect to come in and play straight away. I want to help my team out as much as I can and the club and give everything I can.”

  Elliott added on where he needs to improve in order to compete for a starting berth: “If you look at the team now, the sprints we're doing and constant running around is something I can do but I can improve it a little more. We have players in the team who are unbelievable at it. Dom [Szoboszlai], Curtis [Jones], people like that, are constantly pressing and running around. It's something I can do but I need to get into the rhythm of doing it and making it effective, not just doing it for the sake of it. I need to improve on it and I'll work as hard as I can on it.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  With Elliott prepared to be patient, as he remains under contract until 2027, he went on to say of shutting down any transfer talk that he may be generating: “This is my club, my team. I want to fight for my place and my position in the team. I'll do what it takes, as much as I can to help the team out when possible. It's down to me to make that achievable. I won't give up, I'll keep fighting and who knows what happens.”

Aston Villa are one of a few Premier League clubs looking to sign a player who remains a free agent after the summer transfer window, according to a new report. The Villans got their Champions League campaign underway on Tuesday night in style, as they beat Young Boys 3-0.

Emery must instantly drop Aston Villa ace after 6/10 UCL display

He had fewer touches than Martinez in Switzerland.

By
Joe Nuttall

Sep 18, 2024

Rogers continues excellent start to the season in Bern

Villa were very busy during the summer, adding several new players to the squad, their most high-profile being Amadou Onana, but it is a player from the January transfer window that is really excelling in the early stages of this campaign.

Morgan Rogers joined in the winter window from Middlesbrough, and while he has yet to get on the scoresheet or grab an assist this season, the midfielder has been really impressive, starting all five of their games so far.

The midfielder has impressed so much that he has been labelled as being “underappreciated” and “one to watch” by football pundit Robbie Mustoe, while Tony Cascarino is excited about what the future holds for him and has compared him to Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.

Cascarino said on Rogers: “I really like Morgan Rogers coming in. He scored a couple in the Under-21s against Austria. I think he’s going to be a player. He really looks; there’s something about him; he reminds me a little bit of Jamal Musiala.

“He’s that guy that picks up the ball, and he’ll just make runs, and he’ll create problems for others. He’s got a lot about him.

“Comparing him to Musiala, well, that type of player, that’s a really big praise because Musiala’s a real talent. But I do see something in Morgan Rogers where he’s got that ability.

“He gets in his stride, and he’s going quick, but he doesn’t look particularly quick, and yet people don’t get to him. He just seems to ride the tackles and not get phased.”

But Villa don’t want to just rely on Rogers, and the Premier League side are now looking at the free agent market to help ease the burden on the young star after another quality display in Switzerland this week.

Aston Villa considering move for free agent

According to HITC, Aston Villa are considering whether to make an offer to free agent Yusuf Yazici. As well as the Villans being interested, AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Brentford are also keen on signing the experienced attacking midfielder.

Yazici has been without a club since the end of last season, as he left French side Lille following the end of his contract. The Turkey international was in Lille for five years, during which time he scored 29 goals and recorded 15 assists in 135 games.

The 27-year-old would be unlikely to start a lot at Villa, but the report claims he would be brought in to provide depth and cover behind Rogers, given the similarities of both players being versatile enough to play across the attack, allowing the youngster to develop without the burden of playing two games every week.

The news of Villa weighing up an offer for Yazici comes after his agents were said to have offered the midfielder to them earlier this month – it seems they were at least a little bit enticed by those talks, and could now make their move in the coming days and weeks.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to register injured midfielder Rodri in his Manchester City squad for the Champions League knockout stages.

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• Rodri could return to action this season
• Man City to add midfielder to UCL squad
• 2023 winners to face Bayern or Real in play-offs

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rodri ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee during Man City's 2-2 against Arsenal in September, and after undergoing surgery, it was confirmed that the Spaniard would not return to action until the end of the season. However, Rodri has expressed his desire to get back on the pitch ahead of schedule, and Guardiola might just call on him if City make it through to the latter stages of the Champions League.

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  As per The Telegraph, City are ready to register Rodri in their Champions League knockout stage squad. Guardiola's side made it to the play-offs after a comeback win against Club Brugge on the last matchday of the league phase, and are now braced for a huge tie against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Clubs are allowed to make three changes to their squads from the league phase. City have loaned Kyle Walker to AC Milan and secured the signings of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Rodri is set to take the final spot in Guardiola's squad. If City get past Bayern or Real, they will face Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  For now, Rodri will continue to work on his recovery programme with a view to returning in time to help City finish the season strongly. Guardiola's team are due back in action on Sunday as they travel to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in a crucial Premier League clash.