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Liverpool will be making a shock late move for Preston’s Ben Davies to fill their centre-back void. The Championship star was all set to move to Celtic but SunSport expects a deal with the Reds to go through on Monday. It appeared just a matter of whether Celtic signed the 25-year-old now or in the summer, when his North End contract expires. But they are set to be blown out the water at the 11th hour with Jurgen Klopp showing some surprise interest late in the window. Preston have accepted a £2million fee plus add-ons for the 6ft 1in ace . Liverpool are currently without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez due to potentially season-ending injuries. And with Joel Matip sidelined too, Klopp has had a rethink on his initial plans not to bring in a new central defender. It has led them to opt for a cut-price option of Davies, who was on loan at Liverpool’s lower-league neighbours Tranmere earlier in his career. This move comes after the shock news the Anfield outfit were considering br...

Maurizio Pochettino, son of Paris St Germain and former Spurs boss Mauricio, has taken the bold step of leaving Tottenham to Watford on a four-year deal to give himself a greater chance of first-team football at Vicarage Road. The 19-year old has enjoyed a strong season playing in Tottenham’s development squad but recognised the competition ahead for a first-team place is fierce. Spurs have helped pave the way by allowing the right-sided midfielder to move on a free. Born in Barcelona and raised in Paris and Southampton, Pochettino Jr will initially link up with Watford’s U23s but coach Xisco Munoz will be keeping a keen eye on his progress. Watford finalised the signing of Dan Gosling from Bournemouth today and are keen on Newcastle’s Matty Longstaff. Leicester are showing an interest in Watford’s Nathaniel Chalobah.

Liverpool were fired to a crucial victory over Europe-chasing West Ham at the London Stadium. The Hammers went into the match able to leapfrog their opponents into the top four with a win. The match started in cagey fashion, however, with clear-cut chances at a premium in the first half. And it took a moment of magic from Mohamed Salah to breach West Ham’s defence 12 minutes into the second 45. After being fed by substitute Curtis Jones, the Egyptian King curled a sumptuous effort past the helpless Lukasz Fabianski. And if that was good, his second was even better. Following a Liverpool corner, Trent Alexander-Arnold launched a blistering counter-attack, picking out Xherdan Shaqiri on the left flank with a raking diagonal pass. The Swiss then found Salah with a sensational first time cross, with the forward simply prodding the ball past West Ham’s keeper to seal the points and close the gap on leaders Manchester City. Gini Wijnaldum then capped off a perfect week for the Reds ...

Former Super Eagles frontman Odion Ighalo has agreed a permanent deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab . According to Sky Sports’ report, the move is subject to him passing medical and agreeing personal terms. Ighalo’s loan spell at Manchester United from Shanghai Shenhua ended earlier this week. The 31-year-old was due to return to his parent club but they have given him permission to speak to the Saudi Arabian side. Ighalo scored five goals in 23 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils after arriving on Deadline Day last January but has made only two starts this season since Edinson Cavani joined in October. The Nigerian international confirmed his departure from Old Trafford in an emotional farewell message last Tuesday. Saudi Arabia transfer window runs until February 7.

Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has completed a loan move to Spanish club Alaves for the remainder of the season. The Uruguayan signed for the Old Trafford club in the summer of 2020 and has made a series of impressive appearances for their Under-23 side over the last few months. Pellistri will now head to La Liga in a bid to gain regular first-team experience and make the next few steps in his development.  The youngster has a five-year contract with the Red Devils, with the option to extend for a further year, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he believes the 19-year-old has a bright future. Upon his signing, the Norwegian said: “Our scouts have followed Facundo for a long time and we believe that he will be a real talent for the long term. “Whilst we understand it will take time for him to adapt to the English game, he is capable of having an impact with his pace and ability to beat his opponent.”

Dele Alli’s hopes of forcing through a move to Paris Saint-Germain rest on Tottenham’s chances of getting Christian Eriksen back through the door. The 24-year-old Alli is desperate to link up with former manager Mauricio Pochettino at PSG and, along with PSG sporting director Leonardo, Poch, in turn, wants Alli. Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is open to the move, too, but chairman Daniel Levy won’t sign off on any deal unless his club have a replacement for Alli given the injury to Giovani Lo Celso. Eriksen is back to being their No.1 target — although even at this late stage of the transfer window there are no guarantees Inter will let him go. There will also be some fierce negotiations to be had given the monster money Eriksen is on in Italy. The Dane left Tottenham for Inter Milan a year ago in a £24.3million deal but the challenge has not worked out the way he wanted it. Thus, the door is now opened for the 28-year-old to be loaned back for the rest of this season. And if they ca...

New manager Thomas Tuchel has already shown that he’s not afraid to make changes so it will take time to figure out what his preferred starting XI is. Ben Chilwell was always a favourite of Frank Lampard and he would start every game if he was fit, but he was left out of the team in favour of Marcos Alonso today for the Burnley clash. The Spaniard played well and scored a lovely goal so there’s every reason to think he might start the next game. But Tuchel spoke after the game and admitted it was his height that led to his inclusion today: Thomas Tuchel on Marcos Alonso: “We had the reason, it was not because we were unhappy with Chilwell but we opted for more size to defend set pieces.” Thomas Tuchel on Marcos Alonso: "We had the reason, it was not because we were unhappy with Chilwell but we opted for more size to defend set pieces." [via @Sam_InkersoleTM ] — Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) January 31, 2021 Alonso is a few inches taller than Chilwell s...

Reigning champions Liverpool will be raring to keep their hunt for the top spot alive when they lock horns with West Ham United at London Stadium on Sunday. David Moyes’ team have managed to grab fourteen points out of a possible eighteen and they head into this clash on an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions. The Hammers beat Crystal Palace 2-3 earlier this week and are presently sitting on the 5th spot in the table, just two points behind Liverpool. On the other hand, after a series of unanticipated drought for the Reds, the 3-1 victory over Spurs on Thursday has certainly offered a glimpse of hope to build their momentum for the upcoming challenges. Even though the Anfield side are now currently holding the fourth spot in the league, Jurgen Klopp is all aware of the fact that back-to-back positive results have become a much-desired concernment to uplift their chances for the top spot. West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski, Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Souc...

Cesar Azpilicueta scored the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era to help guide Chelsea to a 2-0 victory over Burnley. The Chelsea captain did the damage in the 40th minute of the first half, while Marcos Alonso netted a superb late volley to seal Tuchel’s first win as Blues boss. Sean Dyche’s Burnley headed to Stamford Bridge off the back of three straight wins, and made life difficult for Chelsea’s attack in the first half without offering much of a threat themselves. The Blues continued to search for that vital second goal after the break, and got their reward as Alonso juggled the ball inside the area before firing home a stunning volley from a tight angle to secure the victory. The win has now sent Chelsea seventh in the table for now. SEE ALSO |  Nairabet Codes And Market Types Meaning Explained FULLY While a title challenge looks a long way off with leaders Manchester City finding form and results, the result boosts the Blues’ hopes of mounting a fight for Champions L...

A ban could soon come in place stopping football clubs from using gambling logos on their shirts as part of a massive shake-up of sports advertising, it is reported. The Government are weighing up a blanket ban on betting firm kit sponsorships, according to the Times, a move that would hit Premier League and Championship clubs the hardest. Teams from the top two divisions rake in around £110million a year from shirt deals with gambling companies. Currently, eight top-flight teams out of 20 have their shirt sponsored by betting firms – Burnley, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle, Southampton, West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers. West Ham have a £10m-a-year deal with Betway, Leeds United’s deal with SBOTOP is worth £7.8m per season, while Newcastle are paid £7.5m a year by Fun88. In the Championship, there were 16 out of 24 sides who had betting partners last season.  Sports such as snooker, darts and boxing would also be dealt a blow if the ban comes into play as partne...

Former Nigeria international Peter Odemwingie has revealed plans to go back to the classroom and earn a university degree after his illustrious football career. The 39-year-old called time on his football career in 2018 and he is now set for a new chapter in his life. “I’m happy that I’ve retired and I’m looking forward to the next part of my life,” Odemwingie told Planet Football. “I will be doing my coaching badges slowly and starting my education. “The next five years I’m going to dedicate to education and pursue a degree just to tick that box.” The ex-Stoke City star recalled how he seamlessly adapted to life in his previous clubs and why he and his family returned to Nigeria from Russia to start his career at local outfit Bendel Insurance. He continued: “My parents had finished their studies, and salaries for doctors were not great in Russia at that time. “With their degrees, Nigeria was more appealing and they could do more work. SEE ALSO |  Midas Football Academy: Re...

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde his prime transfer target for the summer’s window as he continues to build for the future. Solskjaer views the Frenchman as an ideal centre-back partner for Harry Maguire, who became the world’s most expensive defender in an £80million move from Leicester City. Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid are all keeping the 22-year-old on their radar, as he continues to grow in stature as a modern-day style defender. While the Red Devils have had a strong season so far in the Premier League and have established themselves as potential title contenders, United still want to strengthen their defensive options moving forward. Captain Harry Maguire is viewed as the first-choice defender with Victor Lindelof currently his most consistent partner at the back. Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have rotated for the other centre-back spot, but Solskjaer keen to sign a young star in the summer – with Kounde fi...

Chelsea will be hoping to pick up their first win under new manager Thomas Tuchel when they lock horns with Burnley at Stamford Bridge this afternoon (Sunday). The German tactician’s first game in charge did not go as per plans, as the Blues were held to a goalless draw by Wolves, meaning they are without a win in their last two league matches. Currently eighth in the standings, seven points below Liverpool in fourth, the west London giants will need to pick up some steam if they are to retain any hopes of a top-four finish. However, things will not be made easy by a Burnley outfit that has been on a resurgent run of late. After a torrid start to the campaign, Sean Dyche’s men have hit their strides of late, winning their last three games in all competitions that include league wins against Liverpool (1-0) and Aston Villa (3-2). This has lifted the Clarets to the 15th position in the table, nine points clear of the drop zone and they will be striving to continue their ascent. C...

Lionel Messi ’s current contract with Barcelona will end up costing the club €555million (£492m) when it concludes this summer. Messi’s four-year deal was signed in 2017 and will end this June when the Argentine will be able to leave for nothing. According to El Mundo who published the details of the contract under a headline which says it will ‘ruin Barcelona’, the combination of fixed salary, image rights, variables and the tax that the Nou Camp outfit have had to pay on the contract will rise to €555,237,619. The 33-year-old has been guaranteed €138m (£122m) a season in gross salary according to the leaked contract. Messi earned a ‘renewal fee’ of €115m (£102m) for accepting the contract and is said to take home €79m (£69m) each year in a ‘loyalty’ bonus for staying at Barcelona. The full details of Messi’s contract, with sensitive details retracted, feature on the front page in Spain today. SEE ALSO |  FIFA Coca-Cola Ranking for October: Nigeria Now 3rd In Africa It c...

Arsenal are considering a deadline day transfer swoop for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt before the January transfer window ends. Mikel Arteta’s side have already brought in Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid this January, but could also now make a late move to strengthen their defensive options. The Daily Mirror claim Van Aanholt is an option being eyed up by the Gunners, with the Netherlands international heading towards the end of his contract in six months’ time. This could put Crystal Palace under some pressure to cash in on the 30-year-old now, in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season. The Gunners currently have Kieran Tierney out injured, so could perhaps do with another option at left-back, with the unconvincing Cedric Soares currently filling in in that position. Van Aanholt, who has also previously played for Sunderland and Chelsea in the Premier League, has often been a key player for Palace. SEE ALSO |  Revealed...

It is hours before the close of the Premier League January transfer window and West Brom have confirmed that the club does not know the whereabouts of Ahmed Musa. This has placed a significant doubt on the Super Eagles captain’s chances of joining the struggling Premier League side. West Brom, aiming to avoid relegation just 12 months after sealing promotion, were looking at the Nigerian forward to help sharpen a blunt attack that has been struggling to make much of an impact in the top-flight. But Musa, as reported earlier in the week, had delays in receiving his UK visa, which was requested by West Brom. And there appears to be no improvement in the situation as the former Leicester City attacker is yet to arrive at the Hawthorns, where he is expected to have his medicals and put pen to a six-month contract. SEE ALSO |  Premier League U18 Fixtures Officially Released West Brom manager, Sam Allardyce, has revealed that Musa and his representatives have failed to show up to ...

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has a significant job ahead of him at Chelsea after taking over as head coach from Frank Lampard. Tuchel admitted he had been told by Marina Granovskaia that he will need to compete in the Premier League and Champions League right away. The German head coach said: “She told me very clearly that, if you sign for Chelsea, you need to definitely compete for trophies.  “This club is about trophies and this club is about competing, and the two most difficult competitions you compete in are the Premier League and Champions League. “But there is no secret, if I play with Dortmund, with PSG, with Chelsea in the Champions League, I don’t play to reach the quarter-final. “I play a quarter-final to reach the semi-final, I play a semi-final to reach a final and, when I am in the final, I play to win. “There were even managers who won titles and got sacked. One is sitting right now in front of you. It’s like this in the end. “What everyone is looking for is a...

Eberechi Eze was exactly in the right place here to get Crystal Palace back on the winning track. The England Under-21 star’s stunning second half strike ended the Eagles run of four games without a win and secured only their second victory in 10 Premier League matches. Palace right-back Nathaniel Clyne fired the first shot in anger in a cagey opening when he drilled over from 20 yards in the ninth minute. Then in the 56th minute there was finally a shot on target as Wolves new boy Jose’s half-volley from Daniel Podence’s cross was brilliantly tipped over by Palace keeper Vicente Guaita in a move totally out of keeping with the dross served up earlier. But that seemed to spark both sets of players into life and three minutes later Palace took the lead with their first effort on target. It was Eze’s third goal for the south Londoners since his £19.5million summer switch from Rangers. SEE ALSO |  Brother Of Tottenham Star Shot Dead, Killer On The Run Wilfried Zaha almost ad...

Pep Guardiola got his 500th win as a manager to remain in a very familiar position – top of the league. It was another all important three points in this congested title race as Gabriel Jesus got the winner in the ninth minute. The Blades – for the second time in four days in Manchester – were brave again. Having beaten second-top Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, the challenge of doing the same to leaders City proved too much. The goal they conceded was down to calamitous defending rather than genius on City’s part. It came when first Ferran Torres was allowed to muscle his way past Jayden Bogle on the byline. For some bizarre reason Chris Basham had decided to move away from Jesus allowing time for two touches before firing it high into the roof of the net. SEE ALSO |  New Boss Thomas Tuchel To Discover Best Chelsea XI It was his first Premier League goal since November 8 when he got the equaliser in a 1-1 home draw with Liverpool. This post was first publ...

Arsenal will play hosts to Manchester United at the Emirates in the marquee Premier League fixture of the weekend, with a lot riding on the game for both sides. Mikel Arteta and his men have been on a resurgent run in the Premier League in the past month or so, having gone on a six-game unbeaten run, with five of those results being wins. All of this has meant that the Gunners are now up to 9th in the standings. The Red Devils went into their midweek fixture versus Sheffield United on the back of a fighting 3-2 win over bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend and were perched atop the table. However, a paltry display against the Blades did not just pave the way for another home loss but also saw them drop down to second on the Premier League table, behind neighbours Manchester City, who also have a game in hand. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are the only unbeaten team on the road in the competition and have dropped points just twice in 10 outings. Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno...

Alex Iwobi could not help Everton avoid a shocking home defeat to Newcastle in their Premier League clash. It was the Nigerian’s 18th league appearance of the season, but he could not add to his one goal tally as Newcastle flipped the script to secure a stunning win at Goodison Park. Iwobi had little or no influence on the game before he was taken off for Andre Gomes in the 63rd minute. Although Everton dominated possession, it was Newcastle that were clinical in front of goal. After a goalless first half, the Magpies took the lead in the 73rd minute through Callum Wilson, who headed home a ball from Jonjo Shelvey. Stung into action, Carlo Ancelotti’s men poured forward in numbers, but they could not find the equaliser. Rather, it was Newcastle that doubled their lead in the third minute of added time through a Wilson strike again. SEE ALSO |  Newcastle Utd Drag Juventus Defender Signature With Tottenham Wilson’s second of the day proved to be the game’s final act as Eve...

Manchester City will hope to consolidate their place atop the Premier League table when they play hosts to Sheffield United at the Etihad on Saturday. City have now won each of their last 11 games across all competitions, with seven of those coming in the Premier League. This run of results in the top-flight has taken Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table, a point ahead of neighbours Manchester United with a game in hand. The Blades, on the other hand, have been the bottom dwellers in the Premier League pretty much since the get-go. Wins have come at a premium for Chris Wilder and his men, although both of the victories have come in their last three outings in the competition. These results have given Sheffield a glimmer of hope in their bid to miraculously escape the clutches of relegation, though they remain 10 points adrift of safety. The reverse fixture, played at Bramall Lane back in October, ended in a 1-0 win for City courtesy a first-half goal by Kyle Walker. Man...

Thiago Silva and Jorginho are both wanted by Thomas Tuchel for the long term. The Blues pair both started Tuchel’s first match in charge at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Reporter Gianluigi Longari claim Chelsea are trying to tie Jorginho down until 2025 and Silva until 2023. Jorginho signed for the Blues on a five-year deal in 2018, meaning his current contract expires in 2023. The German’s love of a passing metronome in midfield could see the Italian’s Chelsea career reignited. Silva, meanwhile, left Tuchel’s Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer and was brought in by the Stamford Bridge outfit on a one-year deal with the club having a 12-month extension option. As early as November, Chelsea were linked with triggering their extension clause for him. There was a suggestion that Tuchel and Silva fell out at the end of last season, especially when the centre-back labelled his former boss’ sacking at PSG ‘predictable’. However, both camps insist there is no problem ...

Manchester United have reportedly approached Sporting Lisbon for Pedro Goncalves. Since joining Sporting, the highly-rated winger has featured in 18 matches and has been directly involved in an impressive 15 goals, in all competitions. Boasting 12 domestic goals, the 22-year-old is currently leading Portugal’s top-flight goalscoring charts with his nearest opposition being Porto’s Sergio Oliviera (7). Despite being with Sporting for just over six-months, the talented winger has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. The Red Devils have been in the market for an out-and-out right-sided winger for quite some now after being hotly tipped to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. According to a recent report, one target the Red Devils have highlighted is Sporting’s Goncalves. The report claims that United’s hierarchy recently made an informal approach for Sporting’s bang in-form attacker which was immediatel...

Di Maria s reaching the end of Paris Saint Germain deal which was signed back in 2018 and could move on from the French capital. However, despite the speculation regarding Di Maria leaving the French champions, there has been words from the man himself that he wishes to continue at the club should they pull off the signing of Lionel Messi. “I always had the dream of playing with Messi in a club team. Every time we go to the Argentine national team, it seems very short. I always had the dream of playing with him, having him by my side every day,” he said. The former Man Utd man made an amusing claim that should the club manage to secure the signing of Messi, his wife has suggested he should do anything, including changing careers, to stay at the club. “I had the chance to play with Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé. Playing with Leo, I could retire happily. “My wife told me ‘if Leo comes, we stay and at the very least you can stay on as a cook.’ “That tells you everything...

Liverpool are still very much interested in signing Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi, according to reports. The Telegraph say that the Reds will try to sign someone in the next 48 hours as injuries to Fabinho and Joel Matip had forced Liverpool into the market. But the report also say that Liverpool have immediately dismissed links between the club and several centre-backs. But there was apparently one rumour the Anfield outfit didn’t not rule out so quickly and that’s Shkodran Mustafi. The 28-year-old could leave Arsenal imminently on a free transfer. Mustafi’s current deal expires in the summer but as he’s not playing, the German could be free to join someone this month for nothing. Jurgen Klopp’ side may want to take advantage of that, then. They’d get an experienced international defender for nothing, who can fill a gap until the end of the season.

Manchester United have completed Jesse Lingard loan move t Premier League rivals West Ham United for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign, the clubs announced on Friday. The England international fell out of favour with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was limited to nine league starts in the previous season, scoring in the club’s final game of the campaign. Lingard will be reunited with his former Manchester United manager David Moyes at West Ham and is keen to kick-start his career under the Scot’s guidance at the London Stadium. “It’s another new chapter in my life. Nothing is guaranteed but I’ve come here to work hard and help the team and bring my experience. That’s the main aim,” the midfielder told West Ham TV. “I just want to enjoy my football and get back playing again and get my feet back on the pitch.” Exclusive first interview with @JesseLingard Our new No.1⃣1⃣ on joining West Ham United… #WelcomeJesse — West Ham United (@WestHam) January 29, 2021 The 28-ye...

Akon performed the song “Oh Africa” and featured Keri Hilson from Listen Up!, the Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album. The song is a charity single and was released to raise funds for Akon’s charity ‘Konfidence’ to aid underprivileged children in Africa. “Oh Africa” was released as a digital download on 52nd Grammy Awards night, January 31, 2010, along with the video. Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Kaká, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Andrei Arshavin make cameo appearances in the music video. Download World Cup 2010 On Mp3 – Akon feat Keri Hilson

Jose Mourinho fears striker Harry Kane could be out for Six Weeks after injuring both ankles against Liverpool. The Portuguese is looking to Gareth Bale to soften the blow. Asked if the Wales superstar could help lessen the impact caused by Kane’s injury, Mourinho said: “I hope so. He didn’t play much. He played 16 minutes with the team losing 3-1 and Liverpool controlling the game.” Mourinho does not expect Bale to play as a striker where he has played for Real Madrid in the past. Kane is set to undergo scans this weekend – when the swelling on his ankles has gone down – to determine the extent of the injuries. The Spurs boss said afterwards he hoped the England captain would be out for a ‘few weeks’ – but privately Tottenham medical chiefs fear it could be twice as long as that. Mourinho said: “Harry Kane is Harry Kane. There are players in some teams who are not replaceable.”