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As Leeds United gear up for their first season back in the Premier League after numerous years, Victor Orta and co will no doubt be working tirelessly to ensure the squad is strengthened ahead of the new campaign.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side finished as winners of the Championship, but one area of major concern for the Argentine, must surely have been the lack of real efficiency from his central strikers.

Patrick Bamford managed just 16 goals over the course of the league season, and was responsible for missing a number of gilt-edged opportunities – in fact, as per Sofascore, he squandered a whopping 33 ‘big chances’.

Is it Haaland Snr or David Hopkins? Your Leeds knowledge will be put to the test with this quiz…

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It’s no surprise then that according to The Daily Mirror, the Whites are eyeing up a potential swoop for Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster, who spent last season on loan at Swansea.

The report claims that the 20-year-old is set for another loan spell away from Anfield, and that Leeds are “keen to add him to their ranks”.

After joining Swansea in the January transfer window, Brewster made up for lost time by racking up an impressive ten goals in just 20 league games.

Hailed as “wonderfully skilled” by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, the striker enjoyed an impressive game against Leeds themselves, despite ending up on the losing side.

Brewster was unlucky to score at the Liberty Stadium, seeing both of his shots saved by Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal, whilst he caused Ben White all sorts of problems with his surprisingly physical approach.

He made two tackles, won three of his six ground duels, and earned a free-kick too, with White struggling to keep him in check – the centre-back made no tackles whatsoever, and lost possession 12 times.

If Leeds are looking for someone to add some real firepower to their side, then they could do a lot worse than Brewster.

West Ham would have been going into this season with optimism and hope with the squad that Manuel Pellegrini had built during the summer transfer window – two marquis signings in the likes of Sebastian Haller and Pablo Fornals showed a real intent for the Hammers to begin their climb of the Premier League table.

As this season showed us, nothing is guaranteed, and with the sacking of Manuel Pellegrini in December after a string of poor results, it was only a matter of time before the Claret and Blue outfit found themselves looking down the barrel of a loaded gun – heading straight for the Championship.

The appointment of David Moyes just a few days later didn’t seem to do much to steady the ship at first, but after a few positive results, the club was safe from relegation by five points.

Here, we take a look at West Ham’s season – the good, the bad, and the downright disastrous…

Player of the Season – Declan Rice

The 21-year-old has become an ever-steady presence in West Ham’s starting lineup – having played every minute in the league this season.

Alongside Mark Noble, he is slowly becoming Mr. West Ham, and he has hardly put a foot wrong in the league this season, averaging a 7.01 WhoScored rating overall.

Goal of the Season – Declan Rice vs Watford, Jul 17th ’20

The kid’s done it again. This goal was an absolute cracker, not just the technique and quality, but also the importance – with Watford looking to keep their own distance from the relegation zone, being level on points with the Hammers prior to the game.

The win was huge for the club, taking them six points clear of the drop with two games still to play – and the goal from Rice was magnificent.

After receiving the ball from Mark Noble on towards the left, just outside of the Watford box, he shifts the ball onto his stronger right foot and unleashes an expert strike, wrapping his foot around the ball and placing it in the far right side netting, leaving Ben Foster in no man’s land – a truly wonderful goal.

Breakthrough Player – Jarrod Bowen

Firstly, I understand he isn’t technically a breakthrough player – the club signed him in January after a great first half of the season with Hull City in the Championship, but Bowen is only 23 and has hit the ground running since signing for the Hammers, and with a lack of youngsters being given a chance at the club this season – Bowen takes the ticket.

With a goal and four assists in his first 13 games for West Ham, the fans will be looking forward to next season and seeing Bowen flourish at the London Stadium.

Flop of the Season – Albian Ajeti

You’d be forgiven if you’d of forgotten that West Ham had signed Ajeti from Basel in August 2019 – the Swiss striker has only played nine league games for the club this season, all of which came from the bench in which he failed to make an impact at all.

With current links for a move away from the London club, it would be wise for West Ham and Ajeti to part ways, as his time at the club shall easily be forgotten by the fans and David Moyes, with the player not even managing a single goal for the Hammers.

Defining Moment – Pellegrini Out, Moyes In

It was expected that the West Ham board would want to part ways with the Chilean after a very poor start to the season, and post Christmas time was exactly that, with Pellegrini leaving the Hammers in December 2019.

Fast forward just two days later, and former boss David Moyes was brought back in an attempt to salvage anything he could from an already disastrous season.

Luckily for Gold and Sullivan, the decision worked – and the Scotsman was able to save the club from relegation for a second time, and will more than likely be given the chance to build on that for the upcoming season in September.

Signing of the Season – Tomas Soucek

The Czech midfielder signed for the club in January for an initial loan fee of just over £4million – but the club was quick to make this a permanent deal, given the positive and influential start that Soucek has made at West Ham, signing him just days after their Premier League status was confirmed.

The 6ft3 midfielder scored in West Ham’s 3-2 win over Chelsea, as well as a great header in that all-important game against Watford on the 17th July – overall Soucek has been a fantastic inclusion for the squad, and a great signing from David Moyes,

Hit Expectations? – NO

Sadly for West Ham fans and the club alike – this would not have been the type of season they envisioned at the start of the campaign. The aim for the squad that Pellegrini had built would have been at least a top-half finish, and maybe even a push for a spot in next season’s Europa League – but with all being said there have been positives to take from this season.

Declan Rice looks effervescent in becoming West Ham’s next captain, and Michail Antonio found great form after the restart.

All in all, it is time for the Hammers to put this season behind them, and attempt to look forward to the start of the Premier League again come September, with hopes of a more positive season ahead.

Key Information about Cardiff City Stadium

The Cardiff City Stadium is one of the newest football grounds built in the United Kingdom. It was opened on 22 July 2009 for Welsh football club Cardiff City, as well as for the Welsh national football team.

After the Millennium Stadium, it is the second-largest stadium in Wales and it comprises four notable stands; the Canton Stand, the Ninian Stand, the Grange Stand, and The Grandstand. Following the expansion of the Ninian Stand in the summer of 2014, Cardiff City Stadium now officially holds an all-seated capacity of 33,280.

A history of Cardiff City Stadium

The ground first gained public approval after a meeting between former club owner Sam Hammam and then Cardiff Lord Mayow Russell Goodway at the start of 2002. Though, after many years of financial struggles and losses, construction on the ground did not commence until 2007 when the plans were altered to allow construction to begin as soon as possible, and to minimise costs, the club decided to reduce the proposed 30,000 capacity by 5,000 by removing three-quarters of the second tier of seating with plans to expand in the future possible. The Cardiff City Stadium was finally completed in May 2009, having missed the previous opening deadline of Christmas 2008.

The ground was unveiled as the Cardiff City Stadium earlier in March after Hammam agreed to sell the stadium’s naming rights to Swiss-based financiers Langston. Cardiff City Stadium officially opened to the football club on 22 July 2009 as it welcomed a pre-season friendly match against Celtic which ended in a 0-0 draw. The first Football League game was played on 8 August as Cardiff thrashed Scunthorpe United 4-0. Wales played their first international football match on 14 November 2009 which they triumphed against Scotland, 3-0.

In the summer of 2012, new Malaysian co-owner of Cardiff City Vincent Tan, set out plans to upgrade the stadium’s capacity by 8,000 seats with a £12m investment. The following year it was announced that the ground could be expanded up to 35,000 in time for the 2014-15 season.

Planning permission by the local council was granted in 2013 to add a second tier to the Ninian Stand which would increase the stadium’s capacity to 33,280, in addition to brand new commercial and hospitality facilities for around 1,500 people. On 1 June 2017, Cardiff City Stadium famously hosted the final of the 2016-17 UEFA Women’s Champions League. The record attendance for Cardiff City was set during a Premier League match against Liverpool in April 2019 – this was a massive 33,082.

Tickets to Watch Cardiff City at Cardiff City Stadium

General adult ticket prices start from just £17, with seniors (60+) from £13, 16-21s from £10, and juniors (under-16s) from just £7. Season tickets can be purchased for just £299 for adults and £79 for juniors. All tickets are available to purchase in person at the Cardiff City Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone, or online through the club site.

Related Links

https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/ – Official website of Cardiff City

https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/tickets/ – Cardiff City Ticket Office

Juan Foyth’s agent has suggested the Tottenham ace will make a decision on his future when the Premier League season finishes. 

Foyth has featured just twice for Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese replaced Mauricio Pochettino as Spurs boss last November. The Argentine, who was once considered a Mauricio Pochettino prodigy, has fallen out of favour with his successor.

Earlier this month, El Dia claimed that his representatives are considering offers from a number of clubs amid interest from Barcelona, Leeds and a couple of Serie A teams.

His agent Claudio Curti has now provided an update on his client’s future in north London, via Passione Inter, as per Sport Witness. Curti told the Italian outlet: “We are currently waiting for the season to be completed. Then we’ll talk to the club [Tottenham] to evaluate the best solution for Juan.”

The versatile defender, who can play at centre-back or on the right flank, has struggled for game-time this season.

Indeed, he has only played seven times up until now, including four appearances in the Premier League, and finds himself below his teammates Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld in the pecking order.

While Foyth has largely failed to convince Mourinho so far, he is still an experienced professional and Marcelo Bielsa has contacted Pochettino to discuss the Argentina international.

The defender’s compatriot has a history of developing young talent as he has transformed Leeds by giving players like Kalvin Phillips a chance to prove themselves.

Recent reports have implied that he is on his way out the door despite suffering a knee injury, and this may benefit Mourinho in the end. Even if Bielsa can’t convert Foyth into a top-class defender, the Portuguese may be able to recoup some funds if the club attach an option-to-buy as part of the deal.

Tottenham fans, do you think Juan Foyth should move to Elland Road? Let us know in the comments below!

Liverpool will be offering Adam Lallana a ‘mini extension’ with the club which will see him eligible to play theÂremaining Premier League fixtures.

According to Paul Joyce, long-time serving veteran Lallana will be departing the club this summer after a troublesome career in red. However, despite his many injury problems, Jurgen Klopp sees the 32-year-old as a vital part of this Liverpool side.

The Englishman will pen a new deal, seeing him stay with the club long enough to feature in the remaining league games this season and ultimately share in Liverpool’s inevitable domestic success.

Lallana has been with the club for six years after Brendan Rodgers signed him from Southampton in 2014 (via BBC Sport). Since then, he has made 178 appearances for the Reds and has contributed 22 goals and 22 assists (via Transfermarkt).

Liverpool fans are in agreement that the midfielder should stay until the end of the season and believe he deserves to enjoy the title win as much as any other senior player given his efforts down the years, including this term where he has made 15 league appearances and scored one goal – a vital equaliser against Manchester United (Transfermarkt).

One supporter has commented on Joyce’s update saying ‘Klopp is too good’ as they laud the manager for his decision to see Lallana involved in the celebrations.

How do you feel about Lallana’s ‘mini contract extension’, Reds? Join the discussion in the comments below!

Newcastle United fans have been eagerly awaiting news that their prospective takeover has been complete pretty much every day for the past month, and it appears as if it has moved a little closer this week.

According to Football Insider, the Premier League are set to sign off the deal after their forensic investigation into allegations of illegal streaming and piracy found no evidence to support the claims.

It’s firmly in the hands of the top-flight who are conducting the owners and directors test on Amanda Staveley’s Saudi Arabian-backed consortium.

Supporters have been reacting to the news on social media after popular Twitter account @NUFC360 relayed the information.

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It appears as if plenty are bored by the process whilst others are starting to get even more excited as they head towards a fresh new era at the northeast club.

Here’s how they have reacted to this latest update…

AND in other news, Newcastle fans react to STUNNING report on potential manager target…

Newcastle United’s takeover continues to drag on, although it is thought that this week could prove pivotal in any official confirmation.The Athletic’s George Caulkin has added fuel to the fire with a fresh claim. He suggests that there will be a deadline in the contract for the transferal of funds once the Premier League ratifies the deal.In response to a fan on Twitter, he said the following:

It could mean that even if the PL sanction the takeover, there is still a hurdle or two to overcome, especially when approximately £300m is going to change hands – which isn’t helped by the country’s lockdown strategy preventing face-to-face negotiations.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

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Should the above situation occur smoothly, then the Magpies will be void of Mike Ashley and thus operating under a new era at the club.

AND in other news,ÂLee Ryder delivers major Newcastle update on St James’ Park

It’s fair to say that after joining Tottenham for £11.8m back when Andre Villas-Boas was in charge, Hugo Lloris has represented great value for money.

The Frenchman has now played an impressive 316 times for the Lilywhites, but the past couple of seasons have seen him make more and more erratic mistakes – this campaign saw him drop that absolutely awful clanger away at Brighton when he managed to injure himself at the same time too.

If there was a time to bring an end to Lloris’ career, then this summer is when Spurs should be ruthless with the Frenchman.

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And as such, the north London side will have to be on the look-out for a new number one, and according to Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness), Spurs are “very interested” in Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, with Barcelona also keeping tabs.

The report further claims that Onana’s side are aware of his intentions of leaving the club, and that Ajax have set a valuation of €40m (£35m) on his head, although they are open to negotiation.

At just 24, Onana is still incredibly young in respect to goalkeeping terms, and just like Lloris did when he first joined, can really grow into being Spurs’ number one.

The Cameroon international has picked up considerable experience by playing for a side like Ajax, and of course was a part of the team that made it all the way to the Champions League semi-finals last season, only of course to be knocked out by Tottenham.

Spurs need someone who can handle the pressure of playing for a team that is trying to compete both domestically and abroad, and Onana’s time at Ajax makes him the perfect heir to Lloris’ throne in north London.

The fact Barcelona are also looking at him speaks volumes of how highly-rated the goalkeeper is, and it’s why Daniel Levy shouldn’t hesitate to spend big on trying to sign him. If he does, then the Catalan giants will no doubt snap him up and Spurs could live to regret that they missed out on him.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans are reminiscing over this former powerhouse.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

The topic of Phil Foden’s development is a relentless sub-plot at Manchester City which isn’t going away anytime soon.

What’s the word?

Pep Guardiola’s team selection comes under scrutiny from hoards of Twitter experts who clearly know better than the most talented football manager of a generation, with Foden’s exclusion regularly depicted as some kind of moral injustice on the 18-year-old.

But there is clearly a more complicated situation to unpick than what the “experts” would lead you to believe.

Foden is, after all, just 18. He’s just about old enough to drive a car and legally purchase a pin, yet there are many who expect him to start regularly for one of the most successful football teams in recent history.

It’s a topic that divides neutral fans, frustrates City fans and ultimately points towards the level of potential the Stockport-born midfielder has.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Shaun Goater was asked about the Citizens’ plan to replace David Silva and what his exit could mean for Foden, and he appeared to suggest that there could be more frustration on the horizon for the neutrals.

“I think City will still look to get a quality player but Phil Foden will still get more minutes. My thinking and understanding from when I observe Pep is for players to come in and push the team, not be the same.

“I think that’s what is expected of Phil – to take the team to the next level. Whenever Phil has come on, he’s looked very confident, it looks as though he’s comfortable at this level.

“Everyone is saying he’s good enough so he should be in there. But I have this thought that Pep is asking a different question: can he take us to another level at this moment in time?”

Guardiola’s immense standards

The question of whether Foden can take the club to another level is an intriguing one. Clearly Guardiola is not willing to integrate youth merely to appease supporters. If he is going to include a player in his starting XI, they ought to have justified their place.

While the 18-year-old is clearly immensely talented and capable of holding his own at the top level, he is not going to seamlessly complete a transition into the senior squad if he isn’t going to offer an upgrade on the quality offered by the likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.

The reality is that there are a finite number of places for Guardiola to fill from a pool of immensely gifted central-midfielders, and until the England youth international showcases a level of quality that transcends what the aforementioned quartet can offer, he will continue to fight for scraps of involvement.

The silver lining is that Guardiola’s firm stance should, theoretically, prove to be enormously beneficial to Foden’s long-term development.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Sheffield Wednesday sank to a fourth straight game without victory, but it was always going to be a hard task to follow up recent developments off the field.

Even more so when coming up against the league leaders, West Bromwich Albion.

The Owls succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon and, once again, were left rueing a late goal against them as they looked sure to be returning to south Yorkshire with at least a point.

It comes just days after the club were charged by the EFL for financial misconduct with them staring down the barrel of a hefty points deduction at the very least.

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In three straight matches now, Wednesday have seen results slip from their grasp, starting with Blackburn Rovers’ come-from-behind victory before Swansea City snagged a point at the death before the international break.

Time and time again, it appears that it is down to individual mistakes. After the game, manager Garry Monk said: “We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing and cut out silly mistakes. It’s nothing to do with tactics or anything like that. But, unfortunately, we’re human beings, sometimes we make mistakes.”

But this problem continues to arise as those who make such errors are given the very platform to do it again, and again, and… again.

This is epitomised by goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, whose rush of blood to the head led to him scything down Matheus Pereira inside the penalty area, just weeks after his awful clanger against the Swans.

Liam Palmer also saw red for a reckless yet needless challenge soon after to halt any chance of salvaging a point back in their favour.

The 40-year-old has also added: “We’ve talked about it, we’ve discussed it, we’ve trained it, we’ve shown it, that’s all you can do.”

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However, this is where he is wrong. Monk needs to be gutsy and show some mettle to drop those that have consistently let him down in recent weeks.

Then they will truly know that their place is up for grabs, and they’ll hopefully learn from it, rather than sitting back with the safety net of knowing they’ll be starting the next game regardless of whether they hoof the ball into their own net or not.

Time to be bold, Garry.

In other news… one Wednesday regular shouldn’t face the axe after he ran the show against the league leaders.