SkyBet have placed Middlesbrough as the 4/6 favourites to bring Robert Huth back to the Riverside Stadium this summer.
Huth is available on a free transfer following his release from Leicester City, and it is understood that the 33-year-old has no plans to hang up his boots.
The defender played a key role in Leicester’s 2015-16 title-winning Premier League campaign, but did not make a single appearance the Foxes last term due to a number of injuries.
SkyBet have placed Boro as the favourites to sign the German defender this summer, and if the bookmaker is to be believed, they are well ahead of the likes of Stoke City and Aston Villa.
Huth turned out for Boro between 2006 and 2009 – making 63 appearances for the club before leaving for Stoke City.
The Boro supporters have been reacting to the news on social media, and it would be fair to say that they have contrasting views on whether it would be a good deal.
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Indeed, there are plenty who are struggling to look past Huth’s recent injury problems, although there are also those who feel that the German would be a brilliant signing.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Liverpool have sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and loaned out Daniel Sturridge to West Bromwich Albion with no signs of any replacements, and Reds fans have urged the club to sign Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir, rated at £45m according to Transfermarkt, before the January transfer window slams shut on Wednesday night.
Jurgen Klopp hinted in his pre-match press conference on Monday that the Merseyside outfit were unlikely to be busy in terms of incomings in the last couple of days of the window, even though the club has suffered successive defeats against Swansea City in the Premier League and West Bromwich Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup at home on Saturday.
That seems to be a decision that the Anfield faithful disagree with, and Fekir has certainly been in impressive form this season with 19 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side.
Liverpool supporters were quick to have their say on the 24-year-old via social media, and while one said “I’d be willing to throw every penny of the Coutinho money at Nabil Fekir to save the season”, another said “would love to see Liverpool sign Nabil Fekir”.
Arsenal had a good thing in their grip and they let it slip.
There was a feeling around the Emirates that they could do better than Gonzalo Higuain, that the player just wasn’t quite ideal. But Arsenal were in need of a top striker and Higuain was the only one on the market. Perhaps Arsene Wenger would have done well to remember that the perfect is the enemy of the good.
If there was anyone to forget this, you wouldn’t have suspected it to be Wenger. The Arsenal manager has long had to do with the good alone, and often a lot less than this. The constrained finances at the club meant that Arsene Wenger always had to settle for a slightly lower category of player than their rivals.
But last summer the chains had finally been lifted, and Arsenal were in the market for quality.
As early as May last year, there were stories suggesting that Higuain had agreed to join Arsenal. The Argentine was deemed surplus at the Bernabeu and all of Europe’s elite clubs were made aware of this. Arsenal’s priority for the summer was to bring in a striker, and in Higuain, the club had the opportunity to conclude their business uncharacteristically early in the window. But still they waited.
By July 27th, Napoli would have successfully hijacked the deal and signed Higuain on a contract for the next five years. By August 3rd, the Argentine would be playing against Arsenal at the Emirates for his new club. No one knew quite knew how it had happened. The Arsenal fans booed Higuain for choosing Naples over London. But in truth, it’s the club that they should have been aiming their frustrations at.
If Arsenal really wanted to sign the Argentine, they could have. Instead, the club dithered as they waited for something better to come along. And while they waited, their something good went elsewhere.
Higuain’s quality has been evident in Italy. The striker has managed 17 goals in his 27 Serie A starts thus far, and created another seven for his teammates. Higuain scored four goals for Napoli in his five Champions League games this season, including one against Arsenal. The Argentine’s form has been such as to all but guarantee his club Champions League football for next season, something that Arsenal are yet to achieve.
But Champions League qualification was no longer where the club were aiming their sights. Finally, they allowed themselves to look higher. For the first time since agreeing to build a new stadium in 2002, the club were in a financial position to compete with Europe’s elite clubs in the transfer market. They’d had their years of settling, and they were fine. But now they could buy who they wanted, and they only wanted the best.
And Arsenal got one of the best. The 42.4m paid for Mesut Ozil very much represented a new era for Arsenal in the transfer market. But the club would have done well to remember how they’d so consistently overachieved in the past.
Arsenal were right to try and buy the best players they could, but wrong to only attempt to recruit on the basis of quality alone. Mesut Ozil is a very good attacking midfielder, but the club already had several good attacking midfielders. Gonzalo Higuain may not be the best striker in the game, but he is a good one, and Arsenal didn’t have any of those.
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But Arsenal couldn’t sign Higuain because they were unable to accept that the Argenetine was the best striker that they were going to get last summer. Excited by the newly earned wad in their wallet, the club starting looking around the room for something better to bring home. They flirted with Luis Suarez, but it turned out to be nothing more than a tease. And with their eye off the prize, their Argentinian stallion bolted.
Arsene Wenger’s desire to finally bring the best to Arsenal was admirable, but ultimately foolish. The manager would have been wise to learn from the barren years that sometimes you just have to settle.
Sadly, in Arsenal’s search for perfection, they’ve ended up falling short of the good.
Manchester United have carved themselves a reputation as comeback kings, a reputation that dates back to the Premier League’s earliest days.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are notoriously known for turning deficits into victories, often leaving it until stoppage time to ensure some of the most dramatic and iconic Premier League moments.
Fantastically entertaining to watch, but this season United have been on the comeback trail far more frequently than they would have liked.
Tuesday nights 3-2 win over Braga was yet another example of United making things as difficult as possible for themselves, falling 2-0 down before half time, leaving them a mountain which they inevitably climbed.
Teams leading United know by now you can never ever afford to feel comfortable, even at 2-0 up with a minute to go you wouldn’t put it past Fergies men to stage an improbable comeback, but the amount of times they have had to do so this season leaves a big question toward their title credentials.
United have fallen behind in six of their eight Premier League fixtures this season, coming back to turn four deficits around at home to Fulham, away at Southampton and Liverpool, and once again at home to Stoke last weekend. Add to this their midweek Champions League performance, United have picked up 15 points from losing positions in all competitions.
Whilst you must commend their attitude, desire and spirit, you must also ask the question as why this season United are simply so slow out of the blocks?
They had conceded within three minutes against Fulham, inside 16 at Southampton, and inside 11 minutes against Stoke. They conceded less than a minute after the restart at Anfield, leading you to wonder why their concentration levels seem so poor when emerging for the start of either half.
The loss of Nemanja Vidic is noticeable, despite his replacement Jonny Evans showing signs of definite improvement over the past year. The Serbian has been missing from United’s back four for the best part of a year, and during his absence United have often looked vulnerable.
Defensive lapses and individual errors have haunted United on too many occasions, with goalkeeper David De Gea still not looking entirely convincing. Injuries to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have also been disruptive, with Michael Carrick having to fill in at centre back on the odd occasion, notably during the opening day’s 1-0 defeat at Everton.
Whilst United continue to win matches, everything will appear rosy. But with Ferguson stating his disappointment at the manner in which his team fell behind after only the second match of the season against Fulham, you do wonder why his side have continued to make the same mistake over and over again.
The pressure being put on the likes of Rooney, Van Persie and Welbeck has been far too much, and they and in particular Van Persie deserve tremendous credit for the goals they have produced to ultimately turn so many matches around.
It is a habit United need to nip in the bud as soon as possible, as the early indications this season suggest three teams will be battling it out for the title all the way to the wire.
Noisy neighbours Manchester City are enduring defensive problems of their own, and have mirrored United’s performances at times, Saturday’s comeback victory at West Brom being the most noticeable. The strength in depth they have in their squad will be enough to ensure they are in the title hunt once again come May.
But most worrying for United has been the emergence of Chelsea, who currently hold a four point lead the top of the Premier League table. Roberto Di Matteo’s new brand of expansive football has drawn plenty of admirers, and plenty of points. Defensively they have looked for the best part sound, with goalkeeper Petr Cech particularly outstanding.
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Sir Alex will know his team cannot continue the way they are going without being caught out sooner or later. A positive way to look at would be the fact United have not played to their full potential so far this season, and despite their defensive difficulties they still sit second with an impressive 18 points from a possible 24.
With the front three of Welbeck, Rooney and Van Persie looking irresistible against Stoke City, United have arguably the strongest strike force in the league. Whether they continue to fall behind or not, I would back that trio to ensure United are well within the title hunt come May. And I think we can expect plenty more dramatic comebacks along the way.
As reported by The Sun, Everton are ready to raid Newcastle United for club captain Jamaal Lascelles during this summer’s transfer window.
What’s the story?
New boss Marco Silva is still settling into his role as the new manager at Goodison Park, with fans eager to see what kind of first team squad he will build during the upcoming transfer window.
One player on Silva’s radar is Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles.
That’s according to The Sun, who report that the Toffees are lining up a £30m bid for the Magpies captain, hoping to capitalising on uncertainty regarding Rafa Benitez’s future at the club.
The paper say that Silva is looking for a long-term defensive partner to Michael Keane.
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Would he be a good signing?
Lascelles emerged as a classy and committed performer in 2017/18, leading Newcastle United to a top ten finish on their return to the top-flight from the English Championship.
On the verge of an England call-up, the 24-year-old has shown qualities beyond his years since bursting into the Magpies first team, typifying the spirit that Rafa Benitez has brought to the club.
A composed and physical defender, Lascelles ticks plenty of boxes for Everton and at the reported £30m he is a steal in today’s transfer market and someone that the Toffees should strongly consider a defensive partner for the likes of Keane.
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Do you think Everton should sign the Newcastle man?
Arsenal’s pursuit of a top four position in the English Premier League took another blow on Sunday after bottom half Bournemouth defeated them 2-1.
With rivals Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all picking up points this weekend, it was vital for the Gunners to win away to Eddie Howe’s side but had to return home empty handed.
Arsenal took the lead in the match thanks to Hector Bellerin, but Jordan Ibe and Callum Wilson turned things around in a four minute spell that shocked Arsene Wenger’s side.
Part of their problems in recent weeks has been the lack of goals from big summer signing Alexandre Lacazette, who hasn’t scored in his last nine appearances, the last coming at the start of December against Manchester United.
However, supporters aren’t blaming the Frenchman for the drought, instead taking aim at the players tasked with producing creativity and providing the striker with chances.
Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the situation…
Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has said it was a ‘special game’ after playing out a 1-1 draw against his former club Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League last night.
This was the Ivorian’s first game against Chelsea after leaving them in 2012, with his last contribution helping the Blues beat Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final.
The Blues coped well with his attacking threat during the tie, but still came close when his header was volleyed against the post by Selcuk Inan.
And Drogba is looking forward to the second leg back at Stamford Bridge, where he believes his side can still make it into the quarter-finals after an impressive second half display.
“It was a special game, to play against my old team-mates,” he told Sky Sports.
“I didn’t get a lot of chances but the header was perfect – well, not perfect because I didn’t score, but it was a great cross, I wish I could have scored this one but there is another game.
“It was a great game and I think it is a good result.
“Chelsea are the better team on paper but second half we showed we can create them some problems. Now we have to go out and do it at Stamford Bridge.”
“They played on the counter-attack and we were a bit naive two or three times. We know they are dangerous, we have to work on that and solve these problems.
“If we manage to score a goal there, it’s a different game. One-one is a good result.”
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Torres scored early in the first half to give Chelsea an important away goal, but Aurelien Chedjou equalized in the second period to even out the tie.
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Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has stated that he is only now getting back to his best form after overcoming lengthy injury rehabilitation.
The Wales international suffered a broken leg after a horror challenge from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross in February 2010, and the Emirates Stadium man feels he is only now getting back to top form three years later.
“I had a really bad injury and it takes a while to get back to your best,” Ramsey told Mirror Football.
“But I’m feeling good, confident again and it’s like I’m getting back to my old self and the form which got me here in the first place.
“It’s always difficult to overcome things like that in life, a lot happened last year for me, there was loads of things going on off the pitch for me as well but I’m feeling happier now and hopefully that’s showing now in my performances.
“I think I grew up a lot as a person while I was going through it. It does make you stronger and it’s just getting over the mental side of it.
“As soon as you get back into it, the confidence thing comes into it, but once you get over that and start playing again it’s a thing of the past then.
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“I spoke to a number of people who had similar injuries and they reassured me through it all. They had nothing but good advice and I was patient, didn’t want to rush back and wanted to make sure everything was right,” he concluded.
According to Calciomercato, Newcastle United are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro during this summer’s transfer window.
Indeed, it is being reported that the Magpies have already approached Juventus to enquire whether the four-time international would be available this summer.
Sturaro, who has also previously been linked with Genoa and Valencia, made 19 appearances for his Italian club in all competitions during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 25-year-old has actually been with Juventus since 2014 – winning four Serie A titles and four Coppa Italia crowns with the Italian giants.
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The midfielder has largely struggled to hold down a regular position in Turin, however, and it is thought that he could leave the club in this summer’s transfer window.
Newcastle are the latest side to be linked with the Italian, and the English team’s supporters have been reacting to the transfer speculation.
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There are fans in favour of the deal occurring, but many are finding it difficult to believe.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Manchester City come into every game now with a spring in their step.
Unbeaten in the league, there’s still a chance of an Invincible season, and as we’ve seen since the end of August, even a managing a draw against the league leaders gets people excited these days.
That said, there’s a reason only Arsenal have gone an entire season unbeaten in the Premier League, and even then only once: it’s tough. Indeed, these days, with five other rivals who are head and shoulders above the rest of the league, it’s probably harder than ever. Indeed, given this side are fighting on four fronts, a defeat will surely be on the cards at some point. And when the next game is big six rival away from home, that probability rise even further.
The last time these two clubs met, Manchester City wiped the floor with a Liverpool side who simply gave up in the second half. But there’s a caveat. As good as City were on the day, Liverpool will point to a controversial red card given to Sadio Mane in the first half as a mitigating factor.
Pep Guardiola’s side were already a goal up when the Reds’ attacker was sent off and so it’s still likely the home side would have triumphed, but it’s certainly the case that City’s defence were panicked on occasion by Liverpool’s threatening attack, but that all changed after Mane’s dismissal.
Big performance
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That means City can’t rest on any laurels in this game. They’ll remember well that Liverpool posed numerous problems for their defence at the Etihad that day, and Guardiola will also remember his visit to Anfield last season, when Klopp’s side triumphed on New Year’s Day. A Georginio Wijnaldum header was the difference between the two sides that day, but City are a different proposition to the side they were in 2016.
Despite that, the big performance which will see City win this game may not come from the attack, but rather the defence.
If City are going to struggle anywhere for the rest of the season, it’ll be at the back, and if Liverpool are dangerous anywhere, it’s surely up front. With that in mind, Guardiola might need a big performance from John Stones in Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. The Englishman is back again from injury and has played alongside both Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi in the last two games.
The Argentine has thrived this season, becoming one of the best centre-backs in the league, but he and Stones will need to spark up the partnership that was blossoming before the former Everton defender’s injury, and they’ll have to do it quickly to deal with the threat of Mohamed Salah and co. His return to his best from injury will be key.
Likely formation
The back-three formation which Pep Guardiola used at the start of the season has been well and truly ditched in favour of a 4-3-3 which will surely be the system of choice against a Liverpool side who also favour the same setup this weekend.
That change of system from City has allowed Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane to thrive as wingers this season, rather than being stuck as either supporting strikers or wing-backs.
However, there was a logic to starting the early games against Everton and Brighton with a back-three: Guardiola spent last season wondering how his side could make themselves less vulnerable on the counter-attack. With a back-three, the side has an extra body to deal with breakaways, and against a team with the attacking pace of Liverpool that might be a bonus.
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Expect a back four as usual, but perhaps if Guardiola had more centre-back options, given the injuries they’ve suffered, and indeed better quality than Eliaquim Mangala, a back three may well have entered into the manager’s thoughts.
Most likely threat
Three goals against Watford, four against Burnley and then two in a difficult night against Bristol City in the first leg of an EFL Cup semi-final mean that City are still motoring along as an attacking threat.
They are the most elegant team in the league when on their day, but prior to the festive period, the Blues were finding goals harder to come by than usual, but four goals in three games from Sergio Aguero shows that if they create the chances for him, the Argentinian striker will take them as normal.