The post West Ham fans raging over player’s actions against Bristol City appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>It was another disastrous cup result for West Ham United and their long-suffering fans.
Club history is littered with domestic cup upsets, and their abject performance at Ashton Gate against Bristol City on Tuesday evening got what it deserved.
Though the winner in the match was scored as early as the third minute, the lead never looked in danger for the hosts because the Hammers front line offered nothing in an attacking sense.
Shorn of the likes of Mohammed Kudus (AFCON), Jarrod Bowen (injured) and Lucas Paqueta (injured), the East Londoners looked a shadow of the team that has done so well in the Europa League this season.
If nothing else, the 3,000 or so supporters that made the trip from the capital would’ve expected every player to give 100 percent, though even they might’ve known what was coming when the team sheet was read out and Danny Ings had been chosen to partner Maxwell Cornet up front for the Irons.
In 28 games between them this season, the pair haven’t managed a single goal per WhoScored.
Their poor performances notwithstanding, it was what Ings did late in the game that really appeared to rile the away end.
According to Hammers News, when Ings was substituted in the 81st minute, his slow trudge across the turf highlighted a sulkiness in his attitude.
That, in turn, saw the West Ham fans let Ings know in no uncertain terms exactly what they thought about the player and his performance on the night.
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]]>The post West Ham man has likely played his last game for the club against Bristol City appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>A loss to Bristol City in the FA Cup is the latest in a long line of upsets for West Ham United.
The East Londoners have struggled over the years against lower level clubs in the domestic cup competitions, and though David Moyes may have placed more importance on the Europa League and where the Hammers finish this season, that’s no real excuse for a pathetic performance at Ashton Gate.
The Hammers faithful travelled down to Bristol in their thousands, but weren’t rewarded for their loyalty.
Instead, the hosts appeared to be superior in all departments and just wanted it more.
Once Said Benrahma was sent off for kicking out at Joe Williams, the match became even more of an uphill struggle for an under-strength West Ham line up.
In that one action, Benrahma might well have played his last game in a Hammers shirt, speculate the Daily Mail.
The Algerian hasn’t really got a foothold in the squad this season, with WhoScored noting that he’s managed 90 minutes in the Premier League on just one occasion during 2023/24 – the season opener against Bournemouth.
If Moyes can offload him before the current transfer window closes, the associated cost saving in salary could open up some headroom in the budget for a new player or two to be brought in.
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]]>The post Nigel Pearson officially SACKED as Bristol City manager appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>Nigel Pearson has been sacked as manager of Bristol City, the club have confirmed in an official statement.
The 60-year-old, formerly of Leicester City, Watford and others, is now out of work as his Bristol side have been struggling in the Championship this season, sitting 15th in the table.
Their latest defeat to Cardiff City has ended up being the final straw for Pearson, with club chairman Jon Lansdown officially confirming the decision today.
Lansdown told the club website: “This was a difficult decision to make as we recognise and appreciate how much Nigel has done for the club over the past two and a half years on and off the pitch.
“Nigel is highly respected by the staff and players and has been very supportive of the academy structure and our women’s team. We all wanted Nigel to achieve our ambition to be promoted but, with our recent results, feel that now is the time to make a change to give the club the best possible chance of success.”
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]]>The post Bournemouth in advanced talks to sign £25m midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>As we hurtle towards the new Premier League season, Bournemouth have positioned themselves at the front of the pack to acquire a highly-rated 25-year-old midfielder.
The Cherries could look like a different proposition altogether in 2023/24, as Andoni Iraola, the former Rayo Vallecano manager, dips his toes into the English top-flight.
If his stint at the Madrid minnows is anything to go by, Bournemouth fans are in for a treat. Rayo played some sparkling, front-foot attacking football in La Liga, and were known for a pleasing passing style under the 41-year-old.
The south coast side were actually not doing too badly under Gary O’Neil but the powers that be clearly felt a change was needed, and so the pressure will be on the Spaniard from the first game.
If the club can sign highly-rated Bristol City talent, Alex Scott, and The Telegraph (subscription required) report they could do just that, Iraola’s job could be made that much easier.
The 19-year-old has long been touted as a player to watch and a moniker of the ‘Guernsey Grealish’ is a fairly accurate description of the youngster’s way of approaching games.
It was thought that the player would be heading to Wolves, but the Midlands-based outfit are struggling with Financial Fair Play say The Telegraph, meaning their No.1 target is now likely to be wearing the red and black stripes rather than the gold and black next season.
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]]>The post Transfer news: Race for Romelu Lukaku heats up, latest on Walker/Pavard deals, Dušan Vlahović’s Juventus future is uncertain and more appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>Good morning and welcome to today’s Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe for this round-up, ad-free and straight to your inbox, as well as exclusive columns from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Jonathan Johnson, Christian Falk and Neil Jones!
Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
- AC Milan are exploring the conditions of a deal for Red Bull Salzburg’s Noah Okafor. Since Okafor played against Milan, Pioli started to push internally for the player as one option.
- Milan have also entered the race for Arnaut Danjuma.
AFC Bournemouth
- Bournemouth are preparing a new offer for Bristol City’s Alex Scott as he is a top target. A new proposal will be submitted soon after the £15m bid was rejected.
Ajax
- Dušan Tadić has left Ajax with immediate effect after a formal request to terminate his contract.
Arsenal
- Declan Rice will be finally unveiled as a new Arsenal player today. The deal is done and sealed.
- Jurrien Timber has joined Arsenal as part of a €40m deal plus €5m in add-ons.
- What is going on with Folarin Balogun? – latest info is here.
Aston Villa
- Aston Villa will bid again for Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby.
Bayern Munich
- Benjamin Pavard is an important target for Man City for the right-back position should Kyle Walker leave to join the German club – find out more here.
- Bayern and Tottenham officials had a meeting in London over Harry Kane – Christian Falk has more.
- Kalvin Phillips has been talked about at Bayern Munich – Falk has info here.
Chelsea
- Dušan Vlahović is not part of Chelsea’s list of targets. There are no negotiations and no talks.
- Talks are still ongoing between Chelsea and Brighton regarding Moises Caicedo’s transfer – more info here.
- Inter have submitted their final bid for Romelu Lukaku – €35m plus €5m add-ons. The club still have no answer from the player to close the deal. Inter are not happy that Lukaku has spoken to Juventus.
- Juve have also sent a €37.5m plus €2.5m bid to Chelsea for Lukaku — but only valid if they sell Vlahović.
Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace have submitted a formal proposal for Flamengo’s Matheus França. Talks are ongoing for the Brazilian talent despite interest from Chelsea.
Everton
- Arnaut Danjuma has met with Sean Dyche as Everton pushes to sign the player – competition from AC Milan and Feyenoord.
Fulham
- Al Hilal have reached a verbal agreement with Aleksandar Mitrović on personal terms – find out more.
Juventus
- Dušan Vlahović is not part of Chelsea’s list of targets. There are no negotiations and no talks. As revealed one week ago, the only club actively working on signing Vlahović from Juventus is Paris Saint-Germain. Talks are ongoing but no bid yet.
- Juventus have sent a €37.5m plus €2.5m bid to Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku — but only valid if they sell Vlahović. Inter are not happy that Lukaku has spoken to Juve about a move.
- Juve interested in Red Bull Salzburg’s Noah Okafor.
Inter Milan
- Just a matter of time before the Andre Onana deal is complete with Man United as clubs work to get the final details sorted before the paperwork is signed.
- Inter have submitted their final bid for Romelu Lukaku – €35m plus €5m add-ons. The club still have no answer from the player to close the deal. Inter are not happy that Lukaku has spoken to Juventus about a move.
Liverpool
- Talks are ongoing to bring Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia – the latest info is here.
Man City
- Benjamin Pavard is an important target for Man City for the right-back position should Kyle Walker leave – find out more here.
- Kalvin Phillips has been talked about at Bayern Munich – Falk has info here.
Man United
- Just a matter of time before the Andre Onana deal is complete as clubs work to get the final details sorted before the paperwork is signed. How the payment of add-ons are structured is all that is left to get right.
- Man United are working to sign a second goalkeeper once the Onana deal is complete – click here to find out more.
PSG
- As revealed one week ago, the only club actively working on signing Dušan Vlahović from Juventus is Paris Saint-Germain. Talks are ongoing but no bid yet.
- Fenerbahçe have a concrete interest in Keylor Navas and PSG are open to selling the goalkeeper this summer.
RB Leipzig
- Loïs Openda has joined RB Leipzig as part of a club-record deal.
Real Madrid
- Jesus Vallejo is set to leave Real Madrid for Granada on loan until the end of the season.
Roma
- Rasmus Kristensen has joined Roma on loan from Leeds.
Tottenham
- Bayern and Tottenham officials had a meeting in London over Harry Kane – Christian Falk has more here.
- It’s over between Tottenham and Hugo Lloris after the latest club statement: “French goalkeeper has been granted permission not to travel in order to explore prospective transfer opportunities”.
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]]>The post Sky Sports: West Ham looking at £25m bid to sign ‘young player of the year’ appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>Though there hasn’t been any significant transfer movement from West Ham thus far in the summer window, the east London outfit can expect to be one of the busier sides in the English top-flight, given how much the club will be set to bank with the eventual sale of skipper Declan Rice.
Having turned down a second bid for their captain of £90m the Hammers are still playing hardball in any deals with interested parties, and an eventual sale price of in the region of £100m is to be expected.
It’s believed the player prefers a switch to Arsenal, however, the market will have some bearing on how things end up.
In any event, West Ham wouldn’t be doing their due diligence if they weren’t already looking beyond a future without Rice.
To that end, the east Londoners need to put themselves in a position that when there are deals to be made, they happen.
One of those could well be for Bristol City star, Alex Scott, a player whose club have slapped a £25m sale price on his head, per Sky Sports.
That will be well within West Ham’s budget, and though he’s just 19 years of age, he’s shown time and time again, he has natural ability and won’t be bullied off the ball easily.
After winning the EFL’s ‘Young Player of the Season,’ the time could be right for Scott to challenge himself against the big boys, though he will have to up his output after only scoring two goals and providing four assists in 49 games per WhoScored.
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]]>The post Wolves willing to head off Premier League rivals with £20m bid for Alex Scott appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>Although they were put off by Bristol City’s demands for their star player, Alex Scott, in January, it seems Wolves are ready to beat off interest from West Ham and Tottenham to acquire the highly-rated 19-year-old this summer.
According to The Telegraph (subscription required), Julen Lopetegui is considering the move because of the expected loss of both Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.
Though he’s yet to experience football at the highest level of the English game, there’s little doubt that Scott has a bright future ahead, as he showed recently against Man City and earned the accolade of being a ‘top, top talent’ from City’s Jack Grealish.
Top top talent ???? https://t.co/INE2qUldli
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) March 1, 2023
His test will be whether he can translate the form he’s shown regularly in the Championship onto the Premier League stage, but Lopetegui and his counterparts at the London Stadium and White Hart Lane, Antonio Conte and David Moyes clearly see something in him that they can work with.
The sticking point would appear to be the transfer fee, with it believed that Bristol City want to exceed their previous record for a sale, which was the £20m they received when letting Adam Webster join Brighton and Hove Albion in 2019.
What seems clear is that Scott’s future is away from Ashton Gate, and his advisors need to plan the next stage of the 19-year-old’s career carefully.
With respect, Wolves aren’t as big a name as their London rivals, but they perhaps offer a better pathway for a youngster who is still making his way in the game, however quickly he is progressing.
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]]>The post Man City star takes to Twitter to praise “top top talent” who could be set for £25m transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>When you’re getting credit from one of the best players in the Premier League, you know you must be doing something right, and despite losing 3-0 to Man City in Tuesday night’s FA Cup tie, Bristol City’s in demand youngster, Alex Scott, can hold his head high.
The 19-year-old has put in a series of decent performances in the Championship recently, and that has alerted the likes of West Ham, Newcastle and others according to the Daily Mail.
He did his hopes of a Premier League switch in the summer no harm at all either, with a good showing on Tuesday, his fearlessness against higher profile players evident.
Those who watched the match on Tuesday may have come away with the impression that his skill set is reminiscent of City’s Jack Grealish, and it was the England international that took to Twitter to laud Scott’s most recent performance.
Just three words were enough to elucidate his feelings, and a nod to the youngster might well have others sitting up and taking notice.
Top top talent ???? https://t.co/INE2qUldli
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) March 1, 2023
Whether his star will continue to rise is anyone’s guess, and his current employers will surely fight tooth and nail to hang onto the player if the Premier League’s best come circling.
As can be seen in the video above too, the player is keen to learn and appears to have his feet planted firmly on the ground.
However, with a potential transfer value of £25m per the Daily Mail, his hire wouldn’t even be a gamble at that price, and the Championship outfit would be hard pressed to turn it down.
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]]>The post Exclusive: Chelsea target wants move ASAP, Arsenal to monitor winger – Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>Good morning everyone, welcome to my latest Daily Briefing! Click here to subscribe to get this post ad-free and straight to your inbox five mornings a week!
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has 10 goals and 9 assists this season
Gabriel Martinelli has 11 goals and 3 assists too
Both 21 years old, both big parts of Arsenal’s future as Gabriel has already signed a new long term deal… and Saka will do the same very soon.
Arsenal have never spoken to Orlando about Facundo Torres, never made any contact or bid. They just followed the player as they do with many players around the world, but it was never a concrete negotiation in January or before, and now he’s signed a new contract with the MLS side. I’m sure many clubs will keep an eye on his development including Arsenal, as he’s a great talent.
Bayern Munich
Bayern have reached full agreement with Eric Choupo-Moting to extend the contract for one more season. It was a top priority for the club since November and it’s now done, confirmed. The new deal is valid until 2024, with a pay rise guaranteed for the striker.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund feel the verbal agreement to sign Daichi Kamada on a free transfer is almost ready, just waiting to get it sealed as crucial step. A five year contract has already been discussed as Kamada wants the move.
Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are still frontrunners in the race for Jude Bellingham. No decision made on player side yet, his father Mark takes care of the negotiations.
Manchester United appreciate Jude but their summer budget is still not clear due to club’s sale situation.
I’m aware Chelsea have also been linked with Bellingham in the past, but at the moment they are busy with problems with current players and coach, so at the moment I’m told Liverpool, Real Madrid and Man City are leading the race for Bellingham. Still, let’s see what Chelsea will do in the next months, it’s still March and the market starts in June so still long way to go. The situation now is Liverpool, Real and City pushing more than other clubs.
Brighton
Alexis Mac Allister: “At the moment I’m enjoying of my present at Brighton and I’m not thinking about the future. I would like my next team to be in the Premier League.”
Bristol City
Bristol City’s English talented midfielder Alex Scott (2003), one to watch as Pep Guardiola called him “an unbelievable player” after FA Cup game. There’s big interest from Premier League and Bristol would ask at least £20-25m for Scott. One to follow in the summer.
Chelsea
Luis Enrique is a top coach and it’s normal to see his name around for many jobs, such as Chelsea. At the moment, he’s not in conversation with any club yet. What I can say for sure is that Luis Enrique wants to return as soon as possible after the World Cup and he’d love to be back at work in the next months, he doesn’t want to stop.
Raheem Sterling’s rep Kelly Hogarth on his future: “Sterling has expressed no discontent with Chelsea, committed his long-term future to the new ownership this summer — there is to be no review of his position in the upcoming transfer window”.
Sterling wants to stay at Chelsea. As I said yesterday, no confirmation of interest from Arsenal, who already have recent signing Leandro Trossard and soon a new contract for Bukayo Saka.
Fluminense
Here’s Real Madrid most decorated player’s ever Marcelo, set for his new chapter as Fluminense player. Marcelo joined the Brazilian side on free transfer after his contract with Olympiacos was terminated.
Hull City
More on Xavier Simons deal. Chelsea are set to accept Hull City bid on permanent transfer — understand Chelsea will have sell on clause included in the agreement. Personal terms are also agreed between Simons and Hull City.
Leeds United
Leeds president Andrea Radrizzani: “We were so close to sign Cody Gakpo. It was done on August Deadline Day, done with PSV too. Then it collapsed because of Van Gaal. Van Gaal called Gakpo and told him to wait for because of the World Cup… then he joined Liverpool.”
Radrizzani: “We explored a potential swap deal to sign Nicolo Zaniolo in January — but it was not possible to proceed, AS Roma had no space available for extra-UE players. We wanted De Ketelaere — then we almost signed Bamba on Deadline Day, it was crazy…It collapsed and we anticipated Gnonto deal that was already in place for 2023. I’m proud of Willy, top talent but also an excellent guy.”
Liverpool
Leeds president Andrea Radrizzani: “We were so close to sign Cody Gakpo. It was done on August Deadline Day, done with PSV too. Then it collapsed because of Van Gaal. Van Gaal called Gakpo and told him to wait for because of the World Cup… then he joined Liverpool.”
Max Kilman has been linked with Liverpool but my understanding remains that a midfielder is their priority. They will also follow a number of centre-backs, but nothing has been decided yet.
Lyon
Houssem Aouar jokes after hearing Eintracht Frankfurt links: “Some people therefore know before me where I’m going to play next season…it’s great!”
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag: “I would like to pay tribute to the achievement of David De Gea in securing 181st clean sheet on Sunday, setting a new club record, ahead of Peter Schmeichel. It’s truly outstanding accomplishment made all the more special by happening in a final.”
Tottenham
Richarlison has endured a difficult start at Tottenham, so what next for the Brazilian? To be fair on him, it’s not easy to join Tottenham and Conte and have an impact immediately, sometimes in football you need time to adapt to new system, new coach, new club… I’m sure they will try to protect Richarlison this summer and the investment they did to sign him.
Udinese
Udinese are working on a deal to sign Dutch defender Marvin Zeegelaar as a free agent to replace the injured Enzo Ebosse. He’s training with the squad and had medical tests, waiting on club’s final decision. The former Watford left-back would be happy to return to Udinese.
West Ham
I’m told Declan Rice has very, very good chances to leave in the summer. The project at his next club is absolutely crucial for Rice, he wants to win titles and to feel an important player, he doesn’t want a big club and then only sit on the bench… he wants to be an important player. I love Rice. In my opinion, he’s a top top player. I’m sure he will be a regular starter wherever he decides to go.
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]]>The post Freedman believes 22-year-old super striker is ideal Zaha replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.
]]>Dan Cook believes that transfer target Antoine Semenyo would be an ideal replacement for Wilfred Zaha at Crystal Palace.
Zaha will be out of contract at the end of the season and after reportedly rejecting the Eagles’ latest contract offer, it seems the next six months will be the Ivorian’s last at Selhurst Park.
Rumoured to be eyeing Bristol City’s Semenyo, Cook believes the 22-year-old could be a valuable asset to the Eagles and wouldn’t be surprised if the club’s recruitment specialists think he could even fill the void left by Zaha.
MORE: Club president speaks out on Lionel Messi’s PSG future
“The fact that his name continues to crop up in links with ours suggests that there is a degree of synergy there and I think he does fit the mould for what a Crystal Palace player should be in 2022,” Cook said on the HLTCO podcast.
“I can fully see that Dougie Freedman and recruitment staff would view him as an ideal candidate to come into our squad.”
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