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Manchester City fans want to sign Denis Zakaria after they were linked with a move for the central midfielder.

The Citizens have made a strong start to the new campaign as they sit third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea (Sky Sports). They have cruised through their Champions League group stage games so far and are still in the League Cup (mancity.com).

All of this has been done with only one recognised striker in Gabriel Jesus but, instead of adding a new forward to his squad, it seems Pep Guardiola is interested in strengthening the midfield with Zakaria

Calciomercato say the Citizens are ready to challenge Jose Mourinho’s Roma for the £24.3m-valued Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder (Transfermarkt), who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Zakaria news below

“He’s literally free and he’s be a back up Rodri he won’t play that many games. This is a steal”

Credit: @trevsenpai

“I would love this move”

Credit: @ManCitizen06

“Good”

Credit: @MosesOnduso5

“Yasss”

Credit: @pipkvn

“Think he would be a good signing tbh . Perfect Rodri backup”

Credit: @TwoPhonesJones3

“Gr8 backup to Rodri and would be free. Makes perfect sense”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

In other news, Man City fans are far from happy with this managerial news.

Many Everton fans want Lewis Dobbin to start in their next game at home to Watford after he scored for the U23’s against Leeds United on Monday night.

As per the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, the winger bagged an equaliser to make the score against the Whites level at 2-2 with a ‘superb first-time finish’.

That was the first goal that he has scored for the U23’s, as he is certainly making an impression despite being just 18 years of age.

Dobbin had previously scored 14 goals for the U18’s before being promoted, and has already played in two games in the Premier League for the senior side so far this season (Transfermarkt).

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison out injured, and Salomon Rondon not firing, it is no surprise at all to see so many supporters of the Merseyside club calling for the Englishman to be given a start by Rafa Benitez.

Everton fans on Dobbin goal

These Toffees called for Dobbin to start the next match on Twitter after he scored his goal:

“Just play the lad in the first team”

Credit: @cashako

“Start him and/or Simms when we need please”

Credit: @alfieartist11

“Start him Saturday”

Credit: @peter_j_oreilly

“Get him in the first team”

Credit: @Yerman58839952

“@rafabenitezweb you getting this?”Credit: @RhysDavies1878″Start him over Rondon”Credit: @BrandrickGeorgeIn other news, find out what contract news has Blues talking here!

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has backed Newcastle United in their reported approach to sign Ethan Ampadu before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Approach made

As per The Northern Echo, the St. James’ Park faithful have made an approach to Chelsea to take Ampadu on loan for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

They have inquired about his availability, and he is expected to leave Thomas Tuchel’s team before the window closes.

Steve Bruce regards Ampadu as a ‘potentially valuable addition’ to his defence after Florian Lejeuene left on a permanent deal, and is now looking at the Wales international after missing out on a loan deal for Axel Tuanzebe from Manchester United, who has now gone to Aston Villa.

The Latest: Newcastle backed

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton and Arsenal striker now pundit Campbell has backed the North East club in their pursuit of Ampadu, and insists that he could be a good signing for them:

“Sheffield United’s problem wasn’t with the defence, it was that they couldn’t score.

“The only way Ampadu is going to get minutes is by going out on loan.

“For all intents and purposes, it looks like Chelsea rate him highly.

“I can see where the concern is coming from, I’m sure the fans would prefer a more established or experienced centre half.

“But if you don’t have the money, you can’t make those kinds of signings, simple. Ampadu could be a great signing for Newcastle.”

The Verdict: Agreed

Once dubbed a ‘manager’s dream’ by former Wales manager Ryan Giggs while on international duty back in 2018, Ampadu will want to prove himself coming from a big club like Chelsea, and so another campaign on loan playing regularly in the Premier League could help him do just that.

He also has the added capability of being able to play in the centre of midfield as well as being a central defender (Transfermarkt), which could come very handy to Bruce and his squad.

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Nonetheless, at just 20 years of age, Ampadu still has a lot of potential, and so the Tyneside club could benefit majorly from his continued development.

In other news, find out what worrying insight from takeover sources Liam Kennedy has dropped here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait Nouri is attracting increasing interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), who claim that both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 20-year-old Wolves defender ahead of a potential move in the winter market.

The report goes on to state that an offer of somewhere in the region of €25-30m (£21-26m) would be required for Jeff Shi to consider the proposal, while Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is believed to have already informed his transfer team at Selhurst Park that he wants to land the France U21 international.

Shi must avoid disaster with Ait Nouri

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Ait Nouri quite clearly possesses, it is undeniable that losing the services of the left-back just six months after signing the 20-year-old would be something of a disaster for Jeff Shi and Wolves, even if it is for a considerable profit.

Indeed, since being handed his first Premier League start of the season against Leeds United back in October, the £16.2m-rated man has been in extremely impressive form for Bruno Lage’s side, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average 0.9 key passes and taking 0.8 shots per game.

The player who Liam Kenn dubbed a “superb” talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 3.9 tackles – the most of any player in the top flight – 0.9 clearances and winning a whopping 7.4 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £33k-per-week youngster average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as Wolves’ eighth-best performer in the league so far this season.

Couple that with Jonny and Marcal’s repeated injury problems and losing the man who Keen claimed “gets the crowd on their feet” in January would undoubtedly come as a major blow to Lage’s hopes of securing European football at Molineux next season – both of which are outcomes that would leave fans of the club gutted.

In other news: “I think…”: Journalist drops fresh Wolves transfer claim, Shi simply must act

David Norris believes that Aston Villa are in the driving seat to sign Todd Cantwell from Norwich City. 

Sky Sports previously reported that Villa were expected to go after Cantwell should Jack Grealish complete his move to Manchester City, which was eventually completed last week.

Cantwell, who has been at Norwich City all of his career apart from a brief loan spell at Fortuna Sittard in 2017/2018, helped the Canaries gain promotion from the Championship to the Premier League last season, scoring six goals and setting up a further eight.

Should Cantwell make the move to Villa Park, he would be joining up with former teammate Emiliano Buendia, who made the switch earlier this summer, and David Norris believes that Villa are frontrunners for his signature, exclusively telling Transfer Tavern: “I think him being linked with Villa, it could be Grealish out, Cantwell in so that would make sense, I think that would put them in the driving seat for that one, good player, like him a lot.”

The Sun have claimed that Dean Smith may need to pay £40million to bring the midfielder to Villa Park but, after helping Norwich return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, it remains to be seen whether or not Cantwell will be keen on a move away from Carrow Road this summer.

A wizard on the ball, Bernardo Silva’s ability is very much unquestionable but he has never been able to establish himself as a regular under Pep Guardiola, and former Man City midfielder, Paul Stewart, expects that to continue into next season.

Silva failed to impress during Portugal’s 3-0 win against Hungary on Tuesday, but that has not stopped talk of him potentially leaving the Etihad with financially crippled Barcelona ready to test Man City’s resolve on the winger.

Pep Guardiola is constantly spoiled for choice when picking his starting lineup with the likes of Silva, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Ferran Torres all fighting for a spot in the side.

Silva did not enjoy his best season in the Premier League, managing just two goals in 26 league appearances, and this could see his game time even more limited next term, according to Stewart, who exclusively told Transfer Tavern:

“I think he’s a great player and I can see why he would want to move on because I don’t think he’s going to feature week in week out with the type of players that Man City have got, especially with Foden who’s making great strides. So, he’s going to get limited chances.”

Silva was one of many players to leave Monaco following their stunning title-winning season back in 2017 and he has adapted to life in England relatively successfully, with 35 goals and 44 assists in 201 games.

If Barcelona are struggling financially, as many think they are, then a big cash signing of Silva would be quite surprising, especially considering he is coming off the back of his worst season in England to date.

Manchester City travel to face Leicester City on Saturday as they return to Premier League action following the international break.

Whilst having a two-week break from action after back-to-back 5-0 wins was not the ideal situation for Pep Guardiola, it has given some of his players time to get themselves fit and firing to be ready for selection.

John Stones was a crucial member of the team at centre-back next to Ruben Dias last season, but is yet to make his first appearance in the Premier League this term. Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte have filled in alongside the Portuguese beast, but now could be the time for Guardiola to bring in the England international for his first start of the 2021/22 campaign.

The £100k-per-week enforcer started two of England’s three games over the international break, with his side conceding once in those two matches. This shows that he picked up some valuable minutes ahead of his return to Manchester, which could put him in good stead for a start having been left on the bench against Spurs and Arsenal and omitted from the matchday squad against Norwich (Transfermarkt).

Bringing Stones into the starting line-up could help to deal with the threat of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy. The Foxes forward has scored two goals in three games this season and ended the previous campaign with 15 league strikes.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Laporte averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.99 and won 66% of his duels in the Premier League. Stones averaged a score of 7.22 and won 70% of his duels in the top flight, suggesting that he is the superior option for Guardiola out of the two centre-backs as he proved over the course of an entire league season.

Therefore, the 27-year-old could be the man to come in and deal with Vardy, with the help of Dias, on Saturday. Vardy is renowned for his speed and Stones is no slouch. The former Everton defender’s return could be a huge boost if he is able to recapture his form from last season to make an impact against the Foxes, helping to keep Vardy quiet throughout the afternoon at the King Power Stadium.

This is why Guardiola must hand him a start and offer him the chance to show that he is capable of continuing his fine form from 2020/21 and carrying it over to the current campaign. Whilst it may be harsh on Laporte, the full-time result against Leicester will hopefully prove that it is the correct decision.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Steve Howey raves over Man City star in new role, labels him “devastating”…

Southampton fans loved on-loan striker Armando Broja’s late goal during Albania’s 1-0 victory over Hungary during qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

During the summer, Broja was one of six new faces to walk through the doors of St. Mary’s Stadium. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan from Chelsea at Vitesse Arnhem and impressed, scoring 11 goals in 35 matches (Transfermarkt). While he has not yet played for the Saints in this latest temporary spell away from Stamford Bridge, he is highly-rated and should soon get his chance.

He has proven his ability while playing with Albania. With just a few minutes left on the clock, Broja fired in against Hungary to give his country a vital few points. It was well-taken, too, with the teenager beating the goalkeeper with a well-hit effort.

The Saints fans were absolutely delighted with their new man’s goal, and they took to social media platform to share their excitement about the striker.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the goal from Broja below

“This lad is a real handful, look forward to seeing more of him in a #SaintsFC shirt”

Credit: @jase1962

“Unbelievable scenes.”

Credit: @MikeyWalt35

“Lovely stuff”

Credit: @JordanPoole13

“He’s going straight to the top”

Credit: @TeeZ3D

“A belter – and a manager looking spookily like Sven.”

Credit: @justinaminute

“quality that”

Credit: @Milan_sfc04

In other news, Southampton snubbed a late approach for this man during the transfer window.

Stoke City have offered a number of Championship clubs the services of Sam Vokes this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Bristol Live, who claim that Michael O’Neill has offered the 31-year-old centre-forward to Bristol City, as well as a number of other Championship clubs, ahead of the upcoming transfer window – effectively putting the Wales international up for sale.

It is then reported that, while Bristol City are not currently considering a move for the striker, he remains an option for Nigel Pearson if his pursuit of other targets in the position does not bear fruit.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how poor Vokes has been in front of goal for Stoke since his £7.2m move from Burnley back in January of 2019, the fact that O’Neill appears to be trying to actively move the forward onto pastures new this summer could leave fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his total of 86 appearances for the Potters in all competitions, Vokes has found the back of the net on just 11 occasions, as well as chipping in with a mere three assists.

Last season in particular was a lowlight, with the £1.35m-rated striker scoring no goals, providing no assists and missing three big chances over his 30 Championship appearances for Stoke, in addition to averaging a mere 0.4 shots on target and 0.1 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £33,000-per-week centre-forward earn an unsurprisingly disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.69, ranking him as O’Neill’s 10th-worst performer in the league.

As such, with a lack of goals and a vastly inflated wage, it is no wonder that the Stoke manager is attempting to shift Vokes this summer.

However, both of these factors may just be a reason as to why no other clubs might take up the Northern Irishman on his offer, which would mean that Stoke could be stuck with the man O’Neill once claimed was “massive” for the club until the expiry of his contract at the end of next season.

In other news: Get him gone: O’Neill must ruthlessly axe “top class” £25k-p/w Stoke flop this summer

BBC Scotland pundit Marvin Bartley has been full of praise for the performance of Celtic forward Jota over the weekend. 

The lowdown: Celtic one step closer

The Hoops took another significant stride toward the Premiership title with a 2-0 victory over Ross County at Victoria Park on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are now six points clear at the top of the table with four matches remaining after an opening goal from Kyogo Furuhashi and a late strike from Jota sealed the points in Dingwall.

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After the match, there were plenty of plaudits for the Portuguese ace in particular…

The latest: Bartley praises Jota

Speaking to BBC Sportscene (April 24, 19:31), Bartley was full of praise for the display of the 23-year-old on loan from Benfica.

The Livingston defender gushed: “His all-around game is absolutely brilliant. If you’re a Celtic fan you want him signed up as soon as possible. He’s a striker’s dream, isn’t he? If you go in the right areas, he’ll find you. His head is up all the time.

“He can play left, he can play right, he’s pro-active, he’s constantly on the move. He’s got that belief he can go past anyone.”

The verdict: Top-drawer display from Jota

This was a performance right out of the top drawer from Jota as the Portugal under-21 starlet took his tally for the season to 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

Overall, the youngster earned a standout 8.90 rating for his display, which contained four key passes and two further big chances created, along with the goal and assist (Sofascore).

Performances such as this will only further increase the clamour for the club to pay the reported £6m required to make the loan sensation a Celtic player on a permanent basis over the summer.

In other news, an expert has made a key claim regarding the ownership of Celtic. Read more here.