Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans fear red-hot Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun will switch allegiance from England after snub following cryptic post

      by

      ARSENAL star Folarin Balogun has hinted at an England snub and could switch allegiance to the USA.The out-on-loan striker has impressed for Reims this season with 16 goals in 26 Ligue Un games.
      Folarin Balogun dropped a hint that he could switch international allegianceCredit: AFP
      But his form has not been enough to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s first England squad of 2023.
      The striker lost out to the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney.
      And Balogun appears to be very unhappy with his omission.
      He responded to the bad news on Instagram writing: “In life go where you are appreciated.”
      READ MORE IN ARSENAL
      That could mean joining up with the USA, as Balogun was born in New York.
      He has even represented the Americans at youth level, playing four times for USA Under-18s and scoring goals.
      But he has since shown loyalty to England, playing for the Three Lions at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-20 level.
      The 21-year-old has also been a regular for England Under-21s over the last few months and has seven goals in 13 games for Lee Carsley’s side.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      Fans have reacted to his message with an American saying: “You’ll be appreciated as the greatest American to ever play the game.”
      Another supporter added: “It’s a numbers game. He will be a star on the US team and sit on the bench for England.”
      And a third said: “Switch allegiances mate, play for the US. He would be the starting striker.”
      Balogun has sent a message to Mikel Arteta by becoming the youngest player to score at least 16 goals in Ligue 1 in his first campaign since the 1960-1961 season.
      William Saliba also impressed on loan at Marseille last season and Balogun will hope to follow in his footsteps by becoming a first-team regular at The Emirates next season.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How MOTD-style show could look on ITV with Man Utd legend Roy Keane No1 pundit and popular TV host the new Gary Lineker

      by

      WITH iconic BBC football highlights show Match of the Day under threat, a Premier League highlights show at another broadcaster could look VERY different. Following controversy surrounding the impartiality of host Gary Lineker, MOTD now faces being taken off air with a bidding war for the Premier League highlights package set to take place.
      The BBC face a battle to keep hold of viewing rights to keep Match of the Day on airCredit: Alamy
      The BBC currently pay £211million for the package, but bidding for Prem TV rights for homeland broadcasters is set to begin anew this year.
      It could see the iconic programme lose its spot on the BBC, with ITV a potential new home, though they have not held the rights since 2004.
      But what might this new programme look like?
      HOST – LAURA WOODS
      Laura Woods could be the new host of ITV’s version of MOTDCredit: Getty
      Laura Woods is perhaps the most obvious choice to take over from Lineker as host of a new highlights show.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      She is already a host on the broadcaster for some FA Cup games and is the main presenter for it’s NFL coverage.
      Woods also has experience presenting on Sky Sports, while her witty banter has also seen her become a popular radio host on talkSPORT.
      Other candidates for the role include Mark Pougatch, who has led ITV football coverage since 2015, and Jules Breach, who is regularly seen presenting BT Sport Score.
      PUNDIT – ROY KEANE
      Roy Keane has won many fans with his punditry styleCredit: ITV
      Roy Keane is regular viewing for watchers of ITV and Sky Sports, with his blunt punditry style winning many fans.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      The Manchester United legend worked with ITV on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and is regularly seen on Sky Sports during their Super Sunday shows.
      PUNDIT – JILL SCOTT
      Jill Scott would be a popular choice among fansCredit: Reuters
      Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott – who will also appear at Soccer Aid – is a popular choice among those who could be brought into the fold for ITV’s new programme.
      The former Women’s Super League star and England Women’s International has previously done punditry work on Sky Sports and for ITV during the World Cup.
      PUNDIT – ALLY MCCOIST
      Ally McCoist picked up the ‘pundit of the year’ award earlier this monthCredit: PA
      It’s safe to say Ally McCoist is one of the most popular pundits in the country.
      His passion for the beautiful game saw him land the “pundit of the year” award at the Sports Journalist Association awards.
      His punditry work list includes the likes of BT Sport and ITV, while he has already struck up an iconic partnership alongside Woods on talkSPORT.
      PUNDIT – ENI ALUKO
      Eni Aluko was the first female pundit to work on Match of the Day in 2014Credit: PA
      Eni Aluko is another pundit with a strong CV and experience on ITV, bringing a good level of analysis in each appearance.
      She became the first female pundit on MOTD back in 2014 before joining ITV in 2016 to work on the European Championships. She has since worked on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups with the broadcaster.
      PUNDIT – IAN WRIGHT
      Ian Wright could be drafted over from BBC’s showCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright is a mainstay on the current MOTD, and with him currently working on ITV for the FA Cup and for England games, Wright’s inclusion would be a no-brainer for ITV chiefs.
      However, having already shown solidarity with Lineker (albeit for a very different reason), Wright may choose not to return in a similar capacity and instead stay as a match day pundit.
      Other options ITV could opt for include Karen Carney, Jermaine Defoe, Joe Cole and Lee Dixon.
      COMMENTATOR – SAM MATTERFACE
      Sam Matterface is currently the lead commentator for ITV football coverage, so there seems little sense in changing this.
      Read More on The Sun
      Similarly to MOTD, there would likely be a high number of commentators working during a match day.
      This could see the likes of Clive Tyldesley given more work while MOTD commentators such as Guy Mowbry could also be drafted over. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Mike Dean snubbed by Premier League chief Howard Webb for a FIFTH week running

      by

      MIKE DEAN has not been selected by Premier League refs’ chief Howard Webb for a FIFTH week running.The dedicated VAR official was last on duty for Leicester’s 4-1 hammering of Tottenham on February 11.
      Mike Dean has not been selected for his dedicated VAR role for the last five weeksCredit: Reuters
      PGMOL refs’ chief Howard Webb has decided not to select DeanCredit: Getty
      The clash at the King Power last month was on matchday 23 of the current season.
      But Dean has not been appointed for a top-flight game since.
      And he has been snubbed yet again in the latest list of Premier League officials selected for matches this weekend.
      SunSport understands Dean’s continuing absence has been a selection decision by Webb.
      READ MORE SPORT STORIES
      Dean posted an image of the programme from the League Two fixture between Newport and AFC Wimbledon on his Instagram story on Tuesday night.
      The Wirral whistler retired as a referee at the end of last season following 22 years of on-field duties in the Premier League.
      He was then appointed by the PGMOL as a full-time VAR official.
      Dean is no stranger to a weekend off duty, though.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      In October, the ref headed to Spain for a bit of R&R after being given a match break.
      Dean hilariously shared an image of a fully-stocked beer fridge on Insta – as well as a few snaps of him golfing.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Victor Osimhen ‘dreams’ of Premier League transfer with Man Utd and Chelsea keen – but is also open to European giants

      by

      VICTOR OSIMHEN dreams of playing in the Premier League, reports claim.However, there are suggestions that the Napoli goal machine would also be open to joining European giants Bayern Munich.
      Victor Osimhen is a reported transfer target for Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The 24-year-old has scored 23 goals in 28 games in all competitions this season.
      He has fired Napoli to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, and they are also 18 points clear at the top of Serie A.
      But Sky in Germany say his “biggest dream” is to play in the Premier League.
      Manchester United and Chelsea are thought to be keen on his signature.
      Read More On Man Utd
      The Red Devils and Blues are each lacking an out and out goalscorer up front.
      Both Prem giants are said to be exploring the possibility of signing Osimhen, which could spark a bidding war in the summer.
      Osimhen himself is also claimed to be open to joining Bayern, although the chances of him joining the German club are thought to be slim.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      Sky say Bayern cannot afford to sign the Nigeria international this summer.
      Most read in Football
      Reports suggest Osimhen is valued at a whopping £107million.
      And elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain are also claimed to be keen on his signature.
      Osimhen scored twice in Napoli’s 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.
      The Italians beat Frankfurt 5-0 on aggregate to progress to the last eight in the Champions League. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate explains Ben White’s omission from England squad after Arsenal star’s mysterious World Cup exit

      by

      ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate revealed he omitted Arsenal ace Ben White because of too many other elite options.Southgate announced his team for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine but left White out despite his prolific role in the Gunners’ Premier League title bid.
      Arsenal ace Ben White was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squadCredit: Rex
      England boss Gareth Southgate left Ben White out due to other elite optionsCredit: PA
      The centre-back has been filling in at right-back for Mikel Arteta’s side but the England boss preferred Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker.
      The 52-year-old tactician insists Walker, Trippier and James are ahead of him as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was also left out.
      Southgate said: “With Ben, it is similar for Ben and Trent.
      “We have players ahead of those two and we are blessed with talent.
      Read More on Arsenal
      “Kyle and Tripps [Trippier] were the ones who played during the World Cup and have been consistent while Reece has come back.”
      This comes three months after White suddenly left England’s 2022 World Cup camp early.
      The FA initially released a statement claiming the 25-year-old departed from Qatar before the Last-16 encounter against Senegal due to “personal reasons”.
      However, reports later suggested the Arsenal ace had a bust-up with England assistant manager Steve Holland.
      Most read in Premier League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      Reports also claimed White became unhappy and struggled to mix with his team-mates.
      Southgate, though, refused to address the speculation in December as he didn’t want to risk giving it any “credibility”.
      He said: “What I’ve been shown was alleged and there was another word that was used.
      “I think by commenting on the story I could be giving it any form of credibility, really.
      “We explained why Ben left the camp and I think it’s important that that is respected, really.” More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s 19-year-old Xavier Simons – who played once for club – joins Hull on permanent transfer after loan spell

      by

      XAVIER SIMONS has joined Hull on a permanent deal from Chelsea.The 19-year-old signed for the Tigers on a season-long loan deal in September.
      Hull have turned Xavier Simons’ loan move into a permanent dealCredit: Rex
      Simons joined the Tigers in SeptemberCredit: PA
      But the Championship outfit have now paid an undisclosed fee to turn the temporary move into a permanent one.
      He has penned a deal until the summer of 2026 that includes the option of another year.
      Simons joined the Chelsea Academy in 2016.
      His only appearance for the club came in the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Brentford last season.
      Read More In Football
      Simons then joined Hull in September, where he has made six Championship appearances so far.
      An injury to Jean Michael Seri means Simons has started four out of Hull’s last five league games.
      Speaking after making Simons’ move permanent, Hull boss Liam Rosenior said: “I’m absolutely delighted to tie Xavier down on a long-term deal.
      “We’ve worked really hard to get Xavi to commit his future to the club and he’s a big part of my plans.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      “He’s got undoubted potential and quality, an outstanding attitude and trains at 100 per cent all the time.
      “He’s got Premier League physicality and athleticism.
      “If we can help him improve his technical aspects and tactical understanding of the game, we’ve got a fantastic asset for the club.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal in huge boost after triggering Marcelo Flores’ contract by extra two years amid fear of losing starlet on free

      by

      ARSENAL have renewed the contract of highly-rated youngster Marcelo Flores, reports suggest.Flores currently plays on loan at Real Oviedo in Spain’s second division and shows huge promise.
      Arsenal have extended youngster Marcelo Flores’ deal by two yearsCredit: Getty
      Marcelo Flores has never played for Arsenal at senior level but is already a Mexico internationalCredit: Getty
      The attacking midfielder’s deal was set to expire in June and he attracted plenty of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
      According to the Evening Standard, however, the Gunners have extended the 19-year-old’s contract for another two years.
      The North Londoners have triggered a clause included in Flores’ previous deal that allows them to keep him until 2025.
      Arsenal did the same with fellow rising star Charlie Patino’s contract earlier this season.
      Read More on Arsenal
      Manager Mikel Arteta sees potential in Flores, who is already a Mexico international with three caps under his belt.
      That is despite the fact the Mexican hasn’t played a single game with Arsenal at senior level.
      The talented teenager trained with the first team in the past and was named on the bench against Crystal Palace last April.
      Arteta and sporting director Edu are already planning ahead for the future amid their first Premier League title challenge since 2004.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Arsenal are heavily focused on recruitment after two successful transfer windows that saw the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard elevate the team.
      Flores is one of many young players Arteta could invest in next season.
      Another youngster that has made a strong case for the senior squad is Folarin Balogun, 21, who is shining bright while on loan at Reims and has scored more goals than Lionel Messi and Neymar in Ligue 1. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea set to snub permanent Denis Zakaria transfer and have top target in sights to replace him

      by

      CHELSEA are set to snub a permanent swoop for Denis Zakaria this summer, according to reports.The Blues signed the Swiss midfielder on a season-long loan deal from Juventus last September.
      Denis Zakaria has spent this season on loan at Chelsea from JuventusCredit: Rex
      Chelsea chiefs possess an option to make the switch permanent for £30million at the end of the season.
      But according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, they are unlikely to do so.
      He claims that Zakaria could return to Juventus, with Chelsea on the hunt for a new midfielder to replace him.
      The 26-year-old has made ten appearances for the West Londoners this term.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Zakaria has made a trio of substitute appearances in recent weeks, having previously been missing with a hamstring injury.
      His Juve contract runs until 2026.
      Chelsea, meanwhile, are plotting transfer alternatives.
      Plettenberg adds that West Ham star Declan Rice is a “top candidate”.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      The England ace’s contract at London Stadium is set to expire in 2024, with Arsenal and Manchester United having also been linked.
      Hammers skipper Rice spent eight years in Chelsea’s academy before being released as a 15-year-old in 2014.
      He subsequently came through at West Ham, going on to make 229 appearances for the East Londoners.
      Chelsea have also been linked with Rice’s Three Lions team-mate Jude Bellingham, as well as Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.
      Declan Rice has been linked with a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: PA More