If Newcastle’s proposed takeover goes through, then Magpies fans will surely be excited at the prospect of potentially seeing their club begin to splash out on some big-money signings over the coming years.

Reports in recent days had linked them with a potential move for Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, and now, according to Spanish publication, Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian would be prepared to join Newcastle if Mauricio Pochettino becomes the club’s new manager.

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Coutinho of course played under Pochettino when their pair were at Espanyol back in La Liga, with the play-maker scoring five times and providing one assist in 16 games.

After hearing about the update on their potential move for Coutinho, Newcastle fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

A couple of Newcastle fans expressed their concerns over Coutinho’s attitude, instead suggesting that they wanted players who wanted to play for the shirt.

Talk about a major statement of intent.

Coutinho has played for some of the biggest clubs in world football throughout his career, and whatever the circumstances behind his potential permanent departure from Barcelona, he remains a world-renowned midfielder.

If Newcastle can convince him to join the project at St James’ Park, they could have the face of their team for the next few years to come.

Meanwhile, Newcastle fans react to Craig Hope’s update on the future of this ace.

Lions captain Alviro Petersen doesn’t have any preferences for their opponents in the Champions League final on Sunday, but has a score to settle with both Sydney Sixers and Titans. Lions lost to the Titans in the final of the MiWay T20 Challenge earlier this year while the Sixers are the only side to beat Petersen’s side in this competition.”I don’t really mind any of them [Titans or Sixers],” Petersen said after they beat Delhi Daredevils by 22 runs in the first semi-final on Thursday. “We lost to the Titans in last year’s final. It would be nice to beat them there. The only game we lost in this tournament has been to the Sixers so we would like to put one over them as well.”Petersen believed that hunger and focus are the constants which the team will take to the final. “What I can assure you is the team will be up for it once more, the boys are hungry. We are playing good cricket. We know that the road that we are on doesn’t end here. We are focused on preparing for what lies ahead, and that will be our real focus.”I think the hallmark of this team is that the guys are so committed to each other. We know that everyone can’t perform every day. When it’s someone’s turn, they make the play for us,” he said.The Lions were also not put off by the forecast of inclement weather. Petersen said their performance had improved as they progressed through the tournament.”We wanted to get out there and play. There was talk of rain but the guys were really professional and mature, the way we have gone about our preparations and performance.”Running at 75% we have still beaten teams, and today I thought we really upped it to about 85-90% and we showed what sort of team we are. We will take that confidence to the final as well,” said Petersen.Neil McKenzie brought the experience of his 105 Twenty20 games after he walked into bat in the 11th over with his side on 63 for 3. He forged a 59-run fourth-wicket stand with half-centurion Gulam Bodi, McKenzie himself making a 28-ball 46 with four boundaries and a six. However, McKenzie still believed the Lions were ten runs short of a competitive total, but the confidence in the dressing-room made the difference.”We got off to a nice start with Gulam [Bodi] and Alviro [Petersen] but then we had a little hiccup in the middle there,” McKenzie said. “When I got in, there wasn’t much time to settle in. It was a case of getting in as quick as I can. Gulam played some nice shots and he got a fifty. But I thought we were ten [runs] light.”Back in the dressing-room, the guys were saying 140 is enough and the bowlers backed up with a huge effort. The Man-of-the-match could have gone to a lot of the bowlers – [Aaron] Phangiso, [Chris] Morris, Sohail [Tanvir], all the guys did the job. Alviro rotated the bowlers beautifully. It was a great team effort.”McKenzie, who was part of the Hampshire side that won the English domestic Twenty20 competition as well, said experienced batsmen like him also have a place in the format.”There’s definitely a room to bat my way and for the other ways. As long as the strike-rate is high at the end of the day, you can’t have seven hitters in the side or seven deflectors. We have a nice balance at the moment, we have a plan to go till a certain stage and then go big from there. It is all about communication, role clarification,” he said.

Watford take on Everton in the Premier League at Vicarage Road this Saturday with a lot of bad blood between the sides off the pitch.

Meanwhile, on it, the two clubs are having very contrasting seasons when considering the context of things.

As things stand, Watford currently sit eighth in the table and are perceived to be having a good campaign under Javi Gracia while Everton, who are only one point below their upcoming opponents with Marco Silva at the helm, have come under heavy criticism.

A one-point gap between the two teams, yet so much different things being said about the two coaches.

Javi Gracia

Out of Gracia and Silva, the former has been the one winning the plaudits this season — and rightly so.

Under Gracia, who replaced Silva in the Vicarage Road dugout last January, Watford have become a well-rounded team.

In their 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 shape, the Hornets stay compact and remain well organised when defending without sacrificing their attacking threat.

In essence, Watford have become hard to breakdown thanks to the introduction of Gracia with the Spaniard ensuring they also remain capable of scoring goals.

In possession, the likes of Roberto Pereyra, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Gerard Deulofeu all pose danger to the opposition, while Troy Deeney’s presence up front continues to cause problems for central defenders.

Considering all of that, with the budget he is working with, Gracia deserves all the acclaim coming his way.

TT Grade: B

Marco Silva

Silva, in contrast, probably warrants the criticism he is coming in for when looking at the investment that has gone into the squad he is working with.

That, ultimately, is why the Portuguese coach is being spoken about in a very different way compared to his Watford counterpart.

Given Everton’s ambitions of playing in the Champions League and what Silva has at disposal, all things considered, the 41-year-old and his team are underachieving.

Farhad Moshiri would not have expected Silva to guide the Toffees into the top four after just one season but, for the club to find themselves miles behind sixth place with both Watford and Wolves ahead, it is not hard to understand why some supporters are starting to ask questions.

At Watford, Silva made the Everton job look like some sort of dream when the Merseyside club initially sought him out to be their next manager, yet it is quickly turning into a nightmare even if he has shown promise from the Goodison Park dugout with the football he is trying to implement.

TT Grade: C

TT Verdict:

Is it too early to judge Silva’s time at Everton? Perhaps. But that will not stop the Goodison Park faithful from feeling frustrated with what they have seen so far, while Watford supporters no doubt will be taking pleasure in seeing their former manager, who has not been missed, struggle.

This season, in almost every department, tactically in particular, Gracia has been the superior coach, making Gino Pozzo’s decision to sack Silva and replace him with the 48-year-old look like a terrific one.

أبدت جماهير أستون فيلا الإنجليزي استياءها من محمود حسن تريزيجيه نجم منتخبنا الوطني المحترف في صفوف الفيلانز.

وظهر تريزيجيه بشكل مخيب في فوز أستون فيلا على شيفيلد يوناتيد بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء اليوم الإثنين (طالع التفاصيل). ملخص لمسات تريزيجيه أمام شفيليد يونايتد

وشارك تريزيجيه أساسيًا وأكمل المباراة حتى نهايتها إلا أنه لم ينجح في التسجيل أو صناعة أي هدف.

وجاء ردود فعل جماهير أستون فيلا على النحو الآتي:

“أريد حقًا أن ينتهز تريزيجيه الفرصة ويستخدم سرعته لتجاوز منافسيه”.

I just really want Trezeguet to take a chance and use his pace to go past people — Craig Taylor-Broad (@craigtaylorb) September 21, 2020

“تريزيجيه مزري، هذا كل ما في الأمر”.

Trezeguet is awful, that is all — AVFC_flowz (@flowz23) September 21, 2020

أخرجوا تريزيجيه من الملعب رجاءً”.

Take Trezeguet off please #AVLSHU — Ale 12🦁 (@Ale_Sandra_12) September 21, 2020

“لماذا تريزيجيه مازال يلعب؟”.

Why is Trezeguet still playing?! — Abu Dhabi Villa (@SirSmuglasEllis) September 21, 2020

“تريزيجيه أسوأ لاعب رأيته في حياتي بالبريميرليج”.

that trezeguet is the worst premier league player i’ve ever seen — azza (@HibernianPage) September 21, 2020

“كي نكون منصفين.. وجود تريزيجيه في التشكيل الأساسي يعني أننا بدأنا بـ10 لاعبين”.

Having Trezeguet in the team meant we started with 10 men, to be fair 😬 — Steve Marshall (@BravestarrMarsh) September 21, 2020

“حسنًا دين (سميث) هل مازلت مدركًا؟ المباراة لم تنته بعد ولكن تريزيجيه انتهى”.

Ok. Dean. Are you still conscious?!! The game isn’t dead yet but Trezeguet is. #avfc — Abu Dhabi Villa (@SirSmuglasEllis) September 21, 2020

“تريزيجيه قد يفقد مركزه لصالح برتراند تراوري”.

Trezeguet might lose his position to Bertrand Traore 😕 — Tamer Abdelrahman (@TamerARahman) September 21, 2020

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Newcastle United supporters have been delighted with the quality of Sean Longstaff’s performances since he broke into the side against Chelsea, and a recent report suggests that his growing reputation extends beyond the North East.

What’s the word?

According to a recent report published by The Chronicle, Longstaff is being monitored by England after impressing in recent weeks, with his success in nullifying the threat of Christian Eriksen cited as an indicator to illuminate the standard of his performance on Saturday.

England’s U21 team are set to face Poland and Germany during the next international break, and Aidy Boothroyd could be inclined to call him up for the very first time.

The same report claims that Ireland and Scotland have looked into his family history in the past to assess his eligibility, but he is only available to represent England at international level.

Mature and game-changing performance against Man City could be the key

Longstaff has been impressive in a handful of outings so far this season, but it was his ability to restrict a typically fluid Man City side from building any momentum which particularly impressed.

The 21-year-old academy product was a relentless worker alongside Isaac Hayden in midfield, depriving City of expressing their flair and creativity in condensed central areas.

His moment of genius, though, arrived with the score tied at 1-1 as he showcased a maturity beyond his years to sniff out the opportunity to dispossess Fernandinho and ultimately win the penalty which enabled Newcastle to claim all three points.

The manner in which Longstaff outsmarted the Brazilian lynchpin – comfortably the best midfield anchor in the Premier League right now – was indicative of his enormous potential to grow in the game; the awareness and anticipation of the interception was outstanding for a player of his limited experience.

The faith Rafa Benitez has placed in Longstaff’s ability has clearly provided him with the confidence to express himself at the top level, and an international call-up would represent just reward for his fine start to life in Newcastle’s senior squad.

Manchester United are surely set to strengthen their squad heavily in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Red Devils spent big last summer by bringing Fred and Diogo Dalot to the club. However, the Brazilian midfielder has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford while the Portuguese is seen as a signing for the future despite some bright cameo appearances. After Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has completely revitalised the United squad.

Their excellent form under the Norwegian’s stewardship has drastically increased his chances of landing the job on a permanent basis in the summer. Regardless of who is in charge, they will likely be backed by a transfer war chest as United look to challenge for the title yet again. Their budget will be bolstered by a host of fringe players who could leave the club.

One man United could target is Benfica wonderkid – Joao Felix. Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, the attacking midfielder has progressed through the club’s academy after being released by rivals Porto in 2015. Felix has blossomed into a vital first-team player and is enjoying his finest season to date in Liga NOS.

The 19-year-old has been in lethal form in front of goal, finding the back of the net nine times already this season. Felix has also been the creative force for his side, registering six assists for his team-mates. The Portugal U21 international possesses excellent technical ability and pace to cause defenders problems – his expert vision allows him to constantly carve open opposition back fours.

The youngster is improving with each passing game – signing him in the summer could prove to be a masterstroke.

Manchester United fans, thoughts?

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Harry Kane could return for Tottenham Hotspur against Borussia Dortmund, per The Sun.

Kane sustained ankle ligament damage against Manchester United in December but could now make an ahead-of-schedule return.

What’s the word?

Kane was initially ruled out until March when he sustained his injury.

However, the aforementioned report claims that Spurs’ medical staff are confident he could make an early return.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

The England international, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, could return in next week’s crucial Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, though he is certainly set to miss this weekend’s game against Leicester City.

If Mauricio Pochettino opts against risking the striker versus the German giants, he could instead play against Burnley.

The report will be music to the ears of the Argentine, with Spurs facing games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool, as well as the return leg against Dortmund, before the end of March.

Worth the risk?

Pochettino would be well advised to tread carefully surrounding Kane’s injury. Spurs cannot afford to rush the striker back and see him sustain another injury before the end of the season.

He has already played 309 senior games in his club career – 244 of those coming with Spurs – and has also won 35 caps for England. All in, at the age of 25, he has played 344 senior games since making his debut.

He has sustained two ankle injuries already but, nevertheless, was an integral part of England’s World Cup squad.

Since the beginning of last season, quite simply, he has not had a break.

But he has been so important to their season – scoring 20 goals in 31 games in all competitions – that it would not be a surprise if he started against Dortmund next week.

If Kane is fit, he will want to play, and Pochettino will surely not want to say no. However, he may have to take the decision out of the striker’s hands – for the good of Kane’s own career.

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Jack Rodwell has started each of Blackburn Rovers’ last seven Championship games. However, last time out against Middlesbrough, after a truly miserable first half display, the 27-year-old was hauled off at half time by Tony Mowbray.

Should Darragh Lenihan be back to fitness in time to face Birmingham City at St Andrew’s Stadium on Saturday, then he must come into the starting XI in Rodwell’s place.

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Rodwell looked against Boro like a player who needs some time out of the firing line. Given that Rovers have lost their last four consecutive league games, Mowbray has to change something in order to inspire his team to get back to their best.

Swapping out Rodwell would likely make Rovers a more solid unit at the back, and being dropped should also encourage the 3-cap former England international to concentrate on rediscovering his best form.

After last week’s woeful first half performance at Ewood Park, Mowbray needs something different, and taking Rodwell out of the team would be a positive alteration to make.

أظهر هاري كين، مهاجم توتنهام الإنجليزي، لفتة طيبة بعد تأجيل مباراة السبيرز مع ليتون أورينت، ضمن منافسات كأس رابطة المحترفين الإنجليزية “كاراباو”.

أعلنت رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية تأجيل المباراة في الدور الثالث من المسابقة، بسبب إصابة عدد من لاعبي ليتون أورينت بفيروس كورونا (طالع التفاصيل).

ليتون أورينت على هاوية الإفلاس، إلا أنه كان ينتظر الحصول على الأموال من حقوق بث مواجهة توتنهام لتقليل آثار الأزمة.

وسيخسر النادي الناشط في دوري الدرجة الثانية 150 ألف جنيه إسترليني من عائدات البث، حال عدم إذاعة المباراة.

ودعم هاري كين، أورينت الذي لعب له في موسم 2011 ونشر صورته بقمصان الفريق ليزداد عدد متابعي حساب النادي.

كما اتجهت جماهير توتنهام لمتجر النادي لشراء قمصان فريق أورينت وهو ما أدخل خزينة النادي حوالي 20 ألف جنيه استرليني.

وقال أورينت، عبر حسابه على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “تويتر”: “ربح متجر النادي أكثر من 20 ألف جنيه إسترليني عبر مبيعاته منذ صباح أمس”.

وتابع النادي: “لا توجد كلمات لوصف كرم جماهير توتنهام ذات الأيدي السخية”.

Marcelo Bielsa would be desperate to see his Leeds United team get back to winning ways on Wednesday evening when they welcome Swansea City to Elland Road.

And, the manager will be contemplating which changes he should make to his team ahead of the clash with the Swans, given Leeds’ poor finishing at Middlesbrough over the weekend and Jack Clarke’s absence from the team due to health issues.

The main decision for Bielsa, though, should be to draft Pablo Hernandez back into the starting lineup after being named on the bench for Saturday’s match at the Riverside Stadium.

The manager made a strange selection change to the team that lost against Norwich City last weekend with Patrick Bamford coming in as striker and Kemar Roofe moving into a bit deeper position just behind him.

Hernandez came on at half-time for Clarke, who asked to be substituted after feeling unwell during the first-half of the match.

The 33-year-old Hernandez immediately brought some firepower to the team who struggled to get momentum going in the first-half the match.

His linkup play with Roofe and Bamford put Leeds in a position to find the back of the net and they finally did deep into stoppage time thanks to Kalvin Phillips.

Hernandez has been superb for the Whites this season and has been a key figure in the team’s fight for promotion to the Premier League next season.

And the fact that Leeds have failed to pick up a win in their last two league matches, going back to the players that have brought the team success so far this season might be the best decision moving forward.

The experience of Hernandez will also be of high value under the current circumstances given the slight pressure that Leeds are under at the moment.

The Yorkshire club are currently second in the Championship but any more slip-ups could see them fall even further down the table with Sheffield United just three points behind them in third. Sticking with Hernandez could help prevent that.