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The Independent report that Jose Mourinho rejected the opportunity to sign Virgil van Dijk when manager of Manchester United, and it is a revelation which has amused a portion of Liverpool fans.

Some believe the 28-year-old was always destined for a move to Anfield and it therefore didn’t matter if there was interest from the Red Devils, but if true it seems like an odd decision from the Portuguese boss.

The Reds were interested in the centre-back for much of the summer of 2017 but with Southampton unwilling to sell, the Dutch international wasn’t able to make the switch until January.

In that time, it could have been possible for another club to step in, and with van Dijk keen to play Champions League football he may have accepted a transfer to Old Trafford.

Instead, Mourinho opted against the move, a decision which he now likely regrets as he finds himself out of work, and particularly as vthe Dutchman was recently named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year following some outstanding performances at the back for the Merseyside outfit.

Here are some of the responses from Liverpool fans, with some suggesting they made van Dijk the player he is now.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Leicester will look to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to a fourth straight match when they host Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Foxes picked up their first win against Sheffield United last weekend after a Harvey Barnes volley won it late on. Previous to that they had drawn with Chelsea and Wolves, who are both likely to be contending for a spot in the top six this season.

Watch Leicester City Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Meanwhile, the Cherries can’t really complain after their only defeat was dealt at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Just one point separates the two with it still being so early in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign – but where will this battle be won or lost this weekend?

On the Chalkboard

Brendan Rodgers’ men have scored just three times this season, two against Sheffield United and one against Chelsea.

Two of those goals have come from set-pieces which puts them joint-first in the league for scoring via this method.

Wilfred Ndidi headed home the equaliser at Stamford Bridge whilst Harvey Barnes was able to let rip from the edge of the box following a corner last weekend.

This appears to be a weakness of Bournemouth’s having conceded two goals from set-pieces this season – the joint-most in the league.

Chris Mepham poked home from a corner in their game against the Blades and Douglas Luiz smashed home a scorcher following a clearance from a corner.

Their vulnerability may suit Leicester seeing as 63% of their shots have come from outside the box, which means another scenario like Barnes or Luiz could happen.

On top of that, Caglar Soyuncu could relish their weakness on corners as he will be able to get his 6 foot 1 frame amongst the action and cause problems.

This season, he is winning an average of 5.7 aerial duels per game, so he has every chance to be the difference-maker here this weekend.

That figure is the most of anyone between the two teams with Bournemouth centre-backs all recording less – Steve Cook (3.7), Nathan Ake (1.3) and Mepham (0.5), per WhoScored.

According to Understat, Soyuncu’s expected goals with his head sits at 0.95, more than any other part of his body.

That means that the Cherries could struggle to outmuscle the imperious Turk this weekend in headed scenarios.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Aston Villa were defeated 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, but the game will be remembered for more than just the three points lost.

Summer signing Trezeguet was sent off well before the hour mark after picking up two yellow cards, and the game was thrown into turmoil late on when Villa had a controversial goal chalked off in stoppage time.

Substitute Henri Lansbury had stuck the ball into the net, but referee Kevin Friend blew the whistle as he believed Jack Grealish had dived in the build-up to the goal.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The incident caused mass frustrations amongst the Villa squad and staff, as well as in the stands as police had to get involved in the away end.

But this controversial moment will only paper over the cracks in what was a poor game from Dean Smith’s men – even if they should have received a point.

On the Chalkboard

Villa’s downfall was in attack, having registered just ten shots all game in comparison to Palace’s 22, per WhoScored. Club-record signing Wesley only managed two of those, which was the same as right-back Frederic Guilbert.

And that’s where the problem appears to be, or at least for this match alone.

The 22-year-old managed just five of his 27 touches inside the penalty area with the rest of them coming scattered all over the pitch, as WhoScored shows.

The majority of his positions in the match came closer to the centre circle rather than the opposition goal, which would suggest the striker had to go deep to even get involved in the game.

The 6 foot 3 colossus was also dispossessed twice – that’s no recipe for success when you desperately require a goal.

It is something that Smith may have to resolve going forward, not least so they don’t feel aggrieved by the man in the middle on a more frequent basis as that will only mask the issue at hand.

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According to The Express, Aston Villa have missed out on reuniting manager Dean Smith with his former Brentford striker Neal Maupay as the Frenchman looks set for a £20m move to Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.

90min reported earlier this month that the Midlands outfit were ready to step up their interest in the attacker, but he looks set for the Seagulls instead.

The 22-year-old finished joint runner-up in the goalscoring charts last term with 25 goals from 43 appearances down in west London, tying with Villa’s loan star Tammy Abraham who netted 25 goals in 37 appearances whilst on loan from Chelsea.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Smith has already broken the club’s record transfer fee by bringing in one striker with Wesley Moraes joining from Club Brugge for £22m, but many feel a suitable back-up or partner is required with Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan their only other options going into their Premier League opener.

One supporter felt disappointed that the club couldn’t secure the services of Maupay but said trust was in their boss to find someone better, which was echoed by others who shared similar sentiment saying that they have only missed out on him if they club were even in for him – one fan said is Smith really wanted him then he would have been a Villa player by now.

Another member of the Villa faithful called for the club to sign Daniel Sturridge who is still without a new team having left Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer.

You can read the best of the reaction below:

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أفادت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن الفرنسي كريم بنزيما مهاجم ريال مدريد الإسباني، يعيد التفكير في استمراره مع النادي الملكي بعد نهاية عقده.

بنزيما الذي يلعب لـ ريال مدريد منذ 2009، لديه عقد مع ريال مدريد حتى 2022، وحتى الآن لم يتم مناقشته حول صفقة جديدة.

طالع أيضًا.. بنزيما يهدد أتلتيكو مدريد بعد الفوز على خيتافي في الدوري الإسباني

صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، أفادت بأن كريم صاحب الـ33 عامًا، يفكر كثيرًا في مستقبله قبل أن يتخذ قرار التجديد لـ ريال مدريد من عدمه.

وأشارت الصحيفة المقربة من النادي الملكي، إلى أن بنزيما لا يريد التجديد إذا لم يتمكن من تقديم أفضل مستوى له في الأشهر المقبلة، وقد يرحل في الصيف المقبل.

وشددت الصحيفة على اهتمام ليون باستعادة بنزيما، ورغبة كريم في انهاء مسيرته حيث تألق مع النادي الفرنسي، خاصة بعد تصريحات وكيله.

ويحدد بنزيما هذا الموسم لتقييم نفسه من حيث المستوى، وما إذا كان قادرًا على قيادة هجوم ريال مدريد أم سيقرر الرحيل في الصيف.

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Rangers will face FC Midtjylland in the next round of Europa League qualifying, should they get past Progres Niederkorn, and the Ibrox faithful are happy with the draw.

In Monday’s third round Europa League draw Steven Gerrard’s men were drawn against Danish cup winners FC Midtjylland. The Gers must first get past old foes Progres of Luxembourg.

The minows knocked the Ibrox side out of the same tournament two years ago and the fans will be hoping for an easier time of it under Gerrard than Pedro Caixinha. Despite winning the home leg, Caixinha’s team were beaten in Luxembourg and sent home in one of the worst nights in the club’s history.

The Gers will be hoping to replicate last season’s feat of reaching the group stages, in which Gerrard’s side were unlucky to finish third in a strong group alongside Villareal, Spartak Moscow and Rapid Vienna.

Europe was a great source of memorable moments and goals last term, and here’s what Rangers fans had to say about the draw in this year’s competition…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Reports from Football Insider have stated that Kalvin Phillips has rejected Leeds’ contract offer as it is a long way off what he is expecting.

The 23-year-old was one of the most important players for Marcelo Bielsa’s side last season, but his performances on the pitch aren’t the only reason Leeds need to keep him.

What’s the story?

It was reported towards the end of last week that the Whites were readying a new contract for their star man, but now it seems that it has been rejected.

Of course, Phillips is one of Leeds’ best players. He earned himself a spot in the EFL’s Team of the Season, and he has gained admiration from a number of Premier League clubs including Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Fans would be fuming

There is a real possibility that the midfielder will join Dean Smith’s side this summer, but Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani can’t afford to let that happen.

Leeds have already sold Pontus Jansson this summer, and there are also reports that Kemar Roofe could be on his way out. The confirmed exit and the rumoured exit have infuriated the fanbase, and taking a look at the supporters’ reactions when Phillips was linked with a move away shows that news of his sale would bring about a similar meltdown.

The Elland Road faithful are amongst the most loyal and supportive fans in the entire country, but if they lose Phillips you could completely understand if they turned on Radrizzani and his right-hand man.

Indeed, Leeds must throw whatever they can at Phillips to try and persuade him to stay at the club this summer, or else the men in charge face serious backlash from the fanbase if they sell yet another key player.

It would not be a surprise to see Southampton make a bid for Hull City’s Jarrod Bowen.

The 22-year-old, who is continuing to attract interest from the south coast club (via Football League World), has had an excellent season.

In the Championship, he scored an incredible 22 goals as the Tigers went on to finish 13th.

Based on that and the overall threat he carried down the right-hand side, you can see why Ralph Hasenhuttl would be interested in bringing Bowen to St. Mary’s.

And if the opportunity arrives, he absolutely should. Averaging 1.4 dribbles per game, only Nathan Redmond (2.4) completed more out of Southampton’s players from last season while no player averaged more shots (2.5) (as per WhoScored).

The Premier League is obviously another level compared to the Championship but, if Hasenhuttl is looking for a wide man who is not scared to run with the ball or test the keeper, then the signs are promising.

With all of that being said, surely Bowen is no longer a priority following the arrival of Moussa Djenepo?

Djenepo, of course, prefers to play on the left, but with Redmond likely to take up that position next season, it could leave the Mali international having to settle for the opposite flank — Bowen’s main domain at the KCOM Stadium.

A few weeks ago, Southampton would have looked silly if they turned down the opportunity to sign a player like Bowen. But with Djenepo to now call upon, plus the desperate need to sign a new striker, the Hull man does not have to be a priority in this moment of time.

Southampton fans, would you still like to see Bowen join your club? Let us know in the comment section below!

In many ways, it has been a rather strange season for everyone associated with Chelsea.

The Blues started their Premier League campaign in lightning fashion and Maurizio Sarri had looked to be a rather good appointment. However, when the club tasted their first defeat in all competitions in November (against Tottenham Hotspur of all teams!), the wheels appeared to come off and things did not go to plan for the SW6 outfit.

Frustrations at the Italian’s team selection and his stubbornness to continue playing his famed ‘Sarri-ball’ led to a number of the fans in the Stamford Bridge stands telling them exactly what they felt about it in no uncertain terms.

Despite all the calls for his head, Sarri still managed to guide Chelsea into a top-four finish and they of course still have a Europa League final against old foes Arsenal still to come.

However, that has not stopped the reports circulating about his future at the club this summer and has even led to the manager himself stating that he would need to have discussions with the board after the final in Baku (Sky Sports).

Frank Lampard has been heavily tipped to replace him and make a hero’s return after his sensational debut year in management with Derby County – and don’t forget, he could still cap it off by helping the Rams win promotion to the Premier League.

But, according to The Sun, it seems that he will not be in charge of Chelsea just yet provided Sarri stays on.

It is claimed Roman Abramovich and the club’s hierarchy are prepared to wait on bringing him back to Stamford Bridge and feel he can benefit from another year at Pride Park.

And, it would make perfect sense for everyone involved in west London if that were to happen.

Lampard has been impressive; that cannot be argued. However, whether he is ready to be tested in the Premier League as a manager is something that is unknown. As mentioned, this is his first year in management! Not many are able to come in and do a job straight away.

By giving him another year (and potentially one in the Premier League), Lampard would be able to gain some valuable experience and be able to learn more about himself in terms of his managerial style, without the pressure of winning silverware on his shoulders straight away.

Let’s not forget, Abramovich is not the type to hand someone time as patience is clearly a virtue he was never blessed with. By bringing the legend back to the club at this stage of his career could ruin him if things were not to work out and could make his future in the game a little more difficult – just look at what happened to Roberto Di Matteo despite his Champions League and FA Cup heroics.

If the Russian billionaire does as the report suggests, it would have to be seen as the best thing for Chelsea at this moment in time.

Chelsea fans, what do you think? Should Lampard have another year in management before taking the hotseat at Stamford Bridge? Let us know your thoughts below!

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left concerned by the future of left-back Danny Rose, who has confirmed that his final game for the club could come in the Champions League final, per The Guardian.

The full-back faces an uncertain summer, with Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino set to revamp his squad in the summer transfer window.

The former Leeds United star says that he has continually seen his own name linked with an exit and that he is desperate to go out with a bang if he is to depart.

He said: “I keep seeing my name that I’m being sold, so if that’s the case and it’s going to be my last game for Tottenham against Liverpool, I’m hoping to go out with a bang and lift a trophy.

“It’s a Champions League final so individual situations have to take a back seat and you have to put the club first. We are going to do that. We do realise we have a chance to make history.”

Spurs face Liverpool in the final in Madrid on June 1, having overcome Ajax in the most dramatic of circumstances on Wednesday evening. Lucas Moura scored a hat-trick, with his third goal coming in the final minute of injury-time.

The Reds, meanwhile, beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate and Spurs fans are clearly concerned about the prospect of the England international leaving this summer.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!