Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle line up £70m Sporting Lisbon wonderkid as Eddie Howe looks to transfer window to add to injury-ravaged squad

      by

      NEWCASTLE are eyeing Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.Toon boss Eddie Howe is desperate for reinforcements with a growing injury list causing some concern.
      Newcastle are lining up a swoop for £70million-rated Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane DiomandeCredit: Getty
      Diomande is on his radar, although his £70million release clause will give Newcastle’s Saudi owners food for thought when the transfer window opens in January.
      Howe has sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old Ivory Coast ace, who’s regarded as the best African prospect playing in Europe.
      He has started in every game for Sporting and has been scouted at least three times by Newcastle this season.
      Diomande, who is comfortable playing in a back three or four, was watched in Sunday’s Lisbon 2-1 derby defeat by Benfica.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      His current deal expires in 2027 but SunSport understands he would be interested in a switch to the Premier League.
      Arsenal have also been linked with Diomande after reportedly seeing a £30m bid rejected over the summer.
      The teen only made his debut for Sporting in February following a £6.5m switch from Danish side Midtjylland.
      He played 17 times in all competitions, scoring once.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      But Diomande has already doubled his total this season with two goals in 16 outings.
      Sporting currently sit joint-top of the Portuguese league alongside Benfica, with both teams winning nine of their opening 11 matches.
      Diomande’s defensive pal Goncalo Inacio saw red in the heated derby on Sunday.
      He too has been linked with a Premier League move as Manchester United reportedly line up a January bid. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham ‘line up Champions League star with better record than Haaland to replace Harry Kane in bargain £39m transfer’

      by

      TOTTENHAM are lining up a move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, according to reports.Ange Postecoglou’s men have started the season in fine form and sit just two points off the top of the Premier League table heading into the international break.
      Santiago Gimenez has been in sensational form for Feyenoord this seasonCredit: Rex
      But back-to-back defeats at the hands of Chelsea and Wolves have slightly dampened the mood around the club.
      And while they have seemingly not missed record scorer Harry Kane as much as many expected, they could still seek a replacement in January.
      Richarlison has struggled to hit the back of the net since Kane’s exit and is now sidelined following surgery.
      Son Heung-min has been playing through the middle, but his more natural position remains the left flank.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      According to Caught Offside, Gimenez, 22, is Spurs’ preferred striker ahead of Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
      The Feyenoord marksman has netted 15 times in 15 matches for the Dutch giants so far this season – a better goal to game ratio than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland – who has 17 in 18 games in all competitions.
      It is understood Gimenez would set Tottenham back around £39million.
      But they face competition from Chelsea who could splash the cash once more in January.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Harry Kane has made a record-breaking start for Bayern Munich since leaving SpursCredit: AP
      Gimenez proved his credentials last season when he scored 23 goals in 45 games after joining from Mexican side Cruz Azul.
      And he has already performed in the Champions League, bagging a brace against Lazio last month.
      At international level, Gimenez made his Mexico debut in 2021 and has netted four times in 22 appearances.
      Meanwhile, Spurs’ former talisman Kane, 30, has been in scintillating form since he joined Bayern Munich.
      His record-breaking start has seen him score 21 goals in 16 matches – including 17 in 11 in the Bundesliga. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League manager, 41, takes charge at Lincoln City as he looks to lead Imps to Championship

      by

      FORMER Leeds interim boss Michael Skubala has been appointed boss of League One strugglers Lincoln City.The highly-rated tactician was working as a coach at Elland Road before the Imps pounced.
      Former Leeds interim boss Michael Skubala is the new manager of Lincoln CityCredit: Getty
      He spent two games as Leeds’ caretaker manager in the Premier League following the dismissal of Jesse March last season.
      And Skubala will now be hoping to lead new side Lincoln to the Championship, starting with a win at Stevenage on Saturday.
      The 41-year-old replaces Mark Kennedy, who was sacked a month ago.
      Interim Imps boss Tom Shaw has been confirmed as Skubala’s new assistant.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Skubala said: “It feels great to be here, it has been a really warm welcome and I’m looking forward to getting going.
      “I’ve been here for a couple of games in the past few weeks and I’ve seen how important the fans are for the young players and how they can push the team.
      “I’m really excited to work hard with the players every day, to meet the fans and be part of Lincoln City.
      “I feel something here that I felt when I moved to Leeds, which is how important the supporters can be to the club.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Chairman Clive Nates added: “We have been tracking Michael for some time as he is one of the most exciting young coaches in the game right now, and had a robust recruitment process to ensure he was the right person for us at this time.
      “We had a list of 15 coaches we thought would be a good fit, and Michael impressed as we went through the interviews.
      “The warm wishes from Leeds United show how respected and popular he was there.
      “We see this as a progressive appointment – Michael shares our ethos on player development, style of play and ambition.
      “He has a clear vision for how he implements this and a track record of developing talented young technically-talented players such as Levi Colwill of Chelsea and Rico Lewis of Manchester City while he was in the England structure, as well as Archie Gray and Crysensio Summerville at Leeds United U21s.
      “We’re also really pleased that Tom Shaw will stay as a key part of the coaching structure as assistant head coach.
      “He is a highly capable coach, and both we and Michael believe he will bring strong continuity and support to the new head coach.” More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Shock reason Martin Odegaard missed Newcastle and Sevilla games revealed following Arsenal training ground incident

      by

      MARTIN ODEGAARD missed Arsenal’s recent matches against Newcastle and Sevilla due to CONCUSSION.Mikel Arteta’s captain was reportedly struck in the face with a ball during a training session at London Colney.
      Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal’s matches against Newcastle and Sevilla due to concussionCredit: Getty
      The captain was reportedly struck in the face with a ball during a training sessionCredit: Getty
      The Mail claims star man Odegaard, 24, was already struggling with a hip problem before the incident.
      But after being left concussed, he was immediately withdrawn from Arsenal’s squads to face Newcastle and Sevilla.
      Strict rules means players who suffer concussion must rest for at least six days after the incident.
      They must also show zero symptoms in order to get the all-clear.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      It remains to be seen if Odegaard is available for Arsenal after the current international break, with the playmaker also not in the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 win over Burnley.
      He did not report for international duty ahead of Norway’s friendly against the Faroe Islands and the crunch Euro qualifier with Scotland.
      Odegaard has been at Arsenal for almost three years, having initially joined on a loan deal from Real Madrid in January 2021.
      His fine performances convinced boss Arteta to make the deal permanent that summer.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Odegaard has scored 29 goals in 120 games and was named captain ahead of the 2022/23 season.
      Arsenal’s next game is away to Brentford in the Prem.
      They then have tricky tests against Lens in the Champions League and Wolves back at home.
      And Arteta will be desperate to have Odegaard back, especially after replacement Fabio Vieira was shown a straight red card against Burnley. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal set for huge row as injured star flies out for international duty in spite of Mikel Arteta concerns

      by

      GABRIEL JESUS has flown out to Brazil for international duty – despite Arsenal’s growing concerns over his fitness.The Gunners striker has not played since hobbling off with a hamstring injury in a Champions League victory over Sevilla back on October 24.
      Gabriel Jesus has flown out to link up with the Brazilian national teamCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta is unhappy with the Jesus situationCredit: Getty
      SunSport reported that Jesus’ representatives did not expect him to return before the start of December with Mikel Arteta hesitant to rush his main man back.
      However, after being named as a surprise inclusion in Brazil’s squad, it is understood Jesus will now be assessed by doctors in South America to see if he can be hurried back.
      The Samba Boys face Colombia on November 17 before taking on reigning world champions Argentina on November 22 – with injury woes of their own in Neymar and Richarlison.
      Under FIFA rules, Brazil are entitled to call up Jesus and assess him themselves. There is hope that he can play some part in one or both of those World Cup qualifiers.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Yet Arsenal medics and Arteta informed Brazil they would rather Jesus continue his rehabilitation in North London with a hectic festive schedule on the horizon.
      Arsenal were hoping sporting director Edu – a former general coordinator of the Brazil national team – could influence the decision but little ground was made.
      When naming the squad, Brazil boss Fernando Diniz hinted the call-up comes after a similar case involving Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli ahead of the last international break.
      Martinelli was not selected for the squad in October because of a hamstring injury, but days later came off the bench to score the winner against Manchester City in the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Diniz explained: “Because of this, we are going to bring Gabriel [Jesus] to find out the real conditions, because we still have 15 days until the games. We believe he is able to play.”
      Arsenal have three Premier League games in the space of a week to kick-off December, before crucial games against Brighton and title rivals Liverpool.
      Jesus has started just four league games so far having also missed the start of the campaign with a knee issue.
      Arteta is hopeful several of his big names can shake off knocks after this international break, including skipper Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith-Rowe and Thomas Partey. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside the incredible story of shock LaLiga leaders who train on rented GOLF COURSE and have ex-Man Utd ace in midfield

      by

      IT has been nearly 20 years since a team other than Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid won LaLiga.The three giants have dominated Spanish football ever since Valencia’s league triumph in the 2003/04 season.
      Minnows Girona are flying at the top of LaLiga… despite training at a rented golf courseCredit: Getty
      Girona were only promoted last year but are ahead of Real Madrid and BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Atletico have two titles to their name, with Real Madrid winning six and Barcelona landing ELEVEN.
      But their stranglehold on LaLiga could finally be coming to an end.
      That’s because there’s an unlikely club at the top of the table this season.
      Catalan minnows Girona have won nine of their 11 matches so far, losing just once to Real Madrid.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The club are owned by the City Football Group, who include Treble winners Man City among their list of 12 teams.
      They are even run by Pep Guardiola’s chairman brother Pere.
      And Girona are blowing their rivals away this season despite only gaining promotion to LaLiga last year.
      Manager Michel, a former Rayo Vallecano and Spain U20 midfielder, has worked wonders since his appointment in 2021.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Girona hope to move into a new £22million training complexCredit: Getty
      Manager Michel has helped his side win nine of their 11 matches, suffering just one defeatCredit: AFP
      Having led Rayo and Huesca out of the second tier, he guided Girona to Segunda Division glory on his first go.
      The minnows have not looked back since, finishing a respectable tenth last term ahead of big names like Sevilla and Valencia.
      But it’s this season that has fans and pundits taking real notice.
      Girona, who play at the 14,000-seater Estadi Montilivi, are top of LaLiga and two points clear of nearest challengers Real.
      They have scored more goals than anyone else this season, hitting the back of the net 31 times.
      And they have the fifth-best defence too after shipping just 16 goals.
      Girona’s current stadium holds around 14,000 fansCredit: Getty
      Ex-Man Utd defender Daley Blind is currently starring for the Spanish sideCredit: Alamy
      Indeed, the strikes are coming from all over the pitch, with Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk leading the way with seven goals and four assists.
      Winger Savio has four goals and four assists so far, while ex-Man City midfielder Yangel Herrera has netted four times too.
      And despite being 37 years old, veteran Uruguay forward Cristhian Stuani has found a new lease of life with four goal involvements.
      Former Manchester United defender Daley Blind is also enjoying his time after a summer move, with ex-Premier League stars like Eric Garcia and Paulo Gazzaniga impressing too.
      It’s seen Girona record impressive wins over the likes of Villarreal, Sevilla and Getafe.
      Yet what makes their run even more impressive is the fact they train at a rented GOLF course.
      Yangel Herrera and Cristhian Stuani have been key for Girona this seasonCredit: Getty
      Fans are starting to dream of an incredible season in the top flightCredit: Rex
      Girona has leased two pitches for its first team at La Vinya sports complex, owned by PGA Golf de Caldas, with their other sides training at nearby Palau Towers.
      The quirky arrangement has clearly not had a negative effect on Girona’s players and coaching staff.
      And things could get even better for the club once work on a new mega training ground has been completed.
      The £22million complex in the municipality of Vilablareix will play host to all of Girona’s teams, including the men’s and women’s first teams plus the academy.
      Once finished, it will boast seven pitches and a further seven artificial fields.
      A 16th century farmhouse located on the 22 hectares of land will become Girona’s new headquarters too.
      Read More on The Sun
      And the club will look to involve the local community as they make incredible inroads in the Spanish game.
      But with construction currently being delayed by agricultural issues, Girona will continue to plan their stunning LaLiga title challenge from the putting green. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal told VAR audio from Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal against Newcastle will be released TOMORROW

      by

      ARSENAL have been told the VAR audio from Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal will be released on Tuesday.Gordon’s strike in the 1-0 win over the Gunners was allowed to stand after looking at three separate incidents in the lead-up to the goal.
      Mikel Arteta raged after Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to standCredit: Alamy
      VAR could not determine whether the ball had gone out in the lead-up to the goalCredit: Sky Sports

      Howard Webb will explain the decision on TV on TuesdayCredit: Sky Sports
      Now The Mail have confirmed the VAR recording from Stockley Park will be made public on the monthly programme “Match Officials Mic’d Up”.
      The show sees PGMOL chief Howard Webb explain how decisions were made to host Michael Owen.
      And one part of Tuesday’s programme will address Gordon’s controversial goal at St James’ Park.
      VAR could not definitively decipher whether the ball had gone out, before they decided Joelinton had not fouled Gabriel.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They then also looked at a possible offside, but did not have an angle which categorically proved Gordon was in an offside position.
      After the match, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta raged at the officials, calling the decision an “absolute disgrace”.
      Club bosses then released an official statement supporting their manager’s remarks.
      They also called on the standard of refereeing to be addressed.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Officials also looked at Joelinton’s clash with Gabriel but did not deem it to be a foulCredit: Sky Sports
      VAR also could not clearly determine whether Gordon was offsideCredit: BBC
      The FA have since sought explanations from both Arteta and Arsenal regarding their comments.
      The Gunners are understood to have responded on Monday.
      The Premier League’s Key Match Incident Panel have confirmed the goal SHOULD have stood, but insisted two other errors were made during the game.
      The panel revealed both Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes should have been handed red cards for their clashes with Sean Longstaff and Jorginho respectively.
      Meanwhile, it is not yet clear whether any of the NINE VAR checks in Chelsea’s win over Tottenham will be included on Match Officials Mic’d Up.
      Both clubs are yet to be contacted by the PGMOL. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Roberto De Zerbi could face BAN with FA looking into Brighton boss’ comments to see if he breached regulations

      by

      BRIGHTON boss Roberto De Zerbi could face FA action after his latest diatribe against refs.The Italian slammed John Brook and fourth official Andy Madley after a straight red for Mahmoud Dahoud was the turning point of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.
      Roberto De Zerbi slammed officials in England following Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty
      The Brighton boss criticised the decision to send Mahmoud Dahoud off for his challenge on Ben OsbornCredit: Getty
      De Zerbi said: “I am honest and clear and I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England.
      “It’s not a new thing. I don’t like them or their behaviour on the pitch.”
      Seagulls chief De Zerbi  has been the scourge of top flight officials since his arrival on English soil, meaning a reputation among whistlers as the hardest boss to deal with in the Prem.
      His latest stinging criticism came despite conceding that Dahoud had to see red for the challenge on Ben Osborn.
      Read More on Football
      But Sun Sport can reveal that the FA is looking into the comments to see if they breach regulations.
      Some PGMOL insiders feel that De Zerbi has overstepped the mark once too often with his comments and that action is required – whether a fine or even a ban.
      It is being asked if De Zerbi should be considered in breach of the Participant Behaviour Charter introduced – with the backing of all clubs – at the start of the season.
      That charter, part of the “Love Football Protect the Game” campaign, states that all coaches “must behave in a responsible manner”.
      Most read in Football
      The weekend behaviour by a number of top flight bosses has increased private fears that pre-season vows have been completely forgotten.
      Mikel Arteta accused officials of being a “disgrace” and “embarrassing” after Arsenal’s defeat at Newcastle, although he then went out of his way to praise Michael Oliver despite having Fabio Vieira sent off in the win over Burnley.
      Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino then apologised to ref Anthony Taylor and fourth official Craig Pawson for his reaction at the final whistle of the 4-4 draw with Manchester City.
      Poch, who received a yellow card, is likely to escape any other sanction unless Taylor’s official match report records the incident and suggests further action is required. More