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Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes West Ham’s owners will go all out in their attempts to sign Jesse Lingard permanently this summer.

The on-loan Manchester United forward has been in scintillating form following his move to the London Stadium back in January, although his recent purple patch is attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

West Ham have already been strongly linked with signing Lingard on a permanent basis, but face stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Inter Milan, who’ve all been monitoring the England international recently.

Lingard, whose contract at Old Trafford expires next summer, continued his goalscoring form by netting twice in West Ham’s victory over Leicester on Sunday to take his own tally to eight in nine matches and move the Hammers back into the top four.

Despite his interest from elsewhere, Fry told Football FanCast that co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold will be doing all they can to ensure Lingard’s a West Ham player next season:

“Knowing the West Ham owners, I think they will try their best if David Moyes wants Lingard permanently. I think they do everything in their power to get him at West Ham.

“He’s obviously got a relationship with David Moyes otherwise he wouldn’t have gone there in the first place.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic. He’s got back in the England squad and showed his worth and he’s been outstanding for West Ham. Lingard’s special.”

Ibrox legend Alex McLeish has predicted that Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack may not be fully fit until the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

McLeish makes worrying Jack claim

The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign. He was ruled out of nine Premiership matches earlier this season with a knee issue, and he has missed the last three with a calf problem (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish has suggested that Jack may not be ready before the next campaign. He said:

“It seems to be an ongoing saga for Ryan over this season.

“In terms of injuries and one particular problem, maybe it is calf or hamstring. He is certainly a player who has progressed under Steven Gerrard.

“As have all the midfielders, I’m not saying they miss Ryan, in certain games they do, but they do have tremendous cover.

“For Ryan’s peace of mind, I think it will be great if he could clear up all of these ongoing injury issues, and maybe that can happen for next season.”

Blow for Gerrard

While Jack has been in and out of the treatment term this season, he has still been an important player for the 55-time Scottish champions. He has played without the 29-year-old in the side.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time he has struggled with injury. As McLeish says, it is a recurring theme with Jack ever since he made the move to Ibrox from Aberdeen. However, when he is fit, he is a force to be reckoned with – Gerrard will be hoping he can get back to his best before July, at least.

In other news, this Rangers man slams both UEFA and FIFA.

أعلنت شبكة قنوات “بي إن سبورتس” عن معلق مباراة مصر وكوت ديفوار في كأس الأمم الإفريقية، الكاميرون 2021.

ويلتقي الفراعنة مع الأفيال، يوم الأربعاء المُقبل، الموافق 26 يناير، ضمن مواجهات الدور ثمن النهائي من المسابقة القارية.

وكان منتخب مصر قد تأهل كوصيف للمجموعة الرابعة ليضرب موعدا مع نظيره كوت ديفوار متصدر المجموعة الخامسة. معلق مباراة مصر وكوت ديفوار في كأس أمم إفريقيا

وأسندت شبكة قنوات “بي إن سبورتس” المالكة الحصرية لإذاعة البطولة، مهمة التعليق على مباراة مصر وكوت ديفوار إلى المعلق الكروي علي محمد علي.

طالع.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة مصر وكوت ديفوار في كأس أمم إفريقيا القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر وكوت ديفوار في كأس أمم إفريقيا

وتُذاع مباراة مصر وكوت ديفوار عبر قناة beIN Sports max 1 / 2.

In a recent interview, Kevin Phillips suggested that West Ham United could make a summer move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

According to a recent report by the Daily Mail, former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes his Leicester City side have “won the race” to sign Edouard this summer, with the £13.5m-rated 23-year-old said to be keen on a reunion with the Northern Irishman, as well as a fee of around £15m “close to being agreed” between the Hoops and the Foxes.

However, speaking recently to Football Insider, Phillips stated his belief that, although Rodgers’ influence could sway the striker towards Leicester, should West Ham finish in a European spot at the end of the season, they too could be a contender for the Frenchman’s signature.

He said: “If Edouard is set to leave this summer I think West Ham and a few others would be looking at him. It will ultimately be down to the player but where West Ham and Leicester finish in the league could determine where the player goes. Having worked under Rodgers though, and knowing his style of football, I think he would opt for Leicester.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Having scored a quite remarkable 81 goals over his 161 appearances for the Bhoys, including 20 across his 33 fixtures in all competitions so far this season, it would be a difficult argument to make that Edouard would not be an inspired signing for West Ham.

Considering that David Moyes only has Michail Antonio as an out-and-out centre-forward in his current first team squad, a summer move for a player in Edouard’s position would indeed appear to be a priority for the Hammers. If the Celtic striker is available for a mere £15m as reported, he would not be far off representing the ideal candidate for Moyes given his value and goal return.

In other news: Many West Ham fans responded to this club update, find out more here!

Glasgow Rangers’ last five games of the season have been revealed as they attempt to go the term unbeaten.

Rangers find out remaining schedule

Of course, the Scottish Premiership’s peculiar format means the league will split into the top six and the bottom six, with the teams in each group playing each other once to take the grand total for the campaign to 38 games played per side.

The Gers’ final five games of the league season have now been confirmed (via The Glasgow Times). They are as follows:

Sunday 11th April – Rangers vs Hibernian

Wednesday 21st April – St Johnstone vs Rangers

Sunday 2nd May – Rangers vs Celtic

Wednesday 12th May – Livingston vs Rangers

Saturday 15th May – Rangers vs Aberdeen

Glory awaits

After 33 matches, the Gers are in the fantastic position of still being unbeaten (BBC) – that means they have a realistic opportunity of going the campaign without defeat in the league. However, there is no doubt they will face some difficult challenges if they are to do so.

Obviously, the fourth Old Firm derby of the season jumps off the page – Steven Gerrard will be happy that game will be played at Ibrox. A third visit of the term to Livingston and their artificial pitch is unlikely to be an easy game either. All eyes, though, will be on the final fixture. They will face Aberdeen, and it is on that day that they are likely to finally receive the Premiership trophy. Given the rivalry they share with the Dons (The Guardian), it will be an occasion the Gers will particularly enjoy.

In other news, this man has been tipped to be Rangers’ Player of the Year.

Many Southampton fans applauded the performance of defender Jan Bednarek after his side’s 2-0 victory against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The 24-year-old centre-back started for the 27th time during the 2020/21 Premier League as the Saints came out on top at Bramall Lane against the struggling Blades.

A first half penalty from James Ward-Prowse and a rocket from Che Adams sealed the deal for the visitors, which eased the woes of Danny Ings leaving the field injured before the 20-minute mark.

Bednarek, who has deputised at right-back on three occasions recently, was back in his natural position and shone for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side from a defensive point of view.

Per Sofascore, the Polish defender made seven clearances, four interceptions and three tackles as Southampton successfully kept a clean sheet in south Yorkshire.

Unsurprisingly, many supporters were pleased with Bednarek’s “immense” performance and were reassured to see him excel when back in his natural position. One fan said the 27-year-old was “solid as usual”, a fair comment as the Pole has made more interceptions per game and won the second-most aerial duels of any Saints player this season, per WhoScored:

Bednarek earns St Mary’s plaudits

“Bednarek was very good today. Salisu looks a Ferrari, but Bednarek is a Honda.”

Credit: @EFranzo17

“Huge shoutout for Bednarek today… been getting a little flack after “doing a job” for the team…. back in his “natural” position today and was absolutely brilliant next to big Jan…”

Credit: @JusticeCraig

“So happy for Bednarek after what he’s been through the last few weeks at RB! Could have completely destroyed his confidence but today looked solid again back in his proper position”

Credit: @fishysaints

“Bednarek immense- he *loves* defending. KWP is so good technically and makes such a difference. Absolute rocket from Che. Don’t save those.”

Credit: @shirleymush

“The difference in Bednarek’s composure from RB to CB is insane”

Credit: @SaintsBlueropa

“Needed those points… Tella played really well and Bednarek solid as usual”

Credit: @philipg1965

In other news, Southampton make an enquiry about £120k-per-week Premier League hitman.

Southampton fell to a 2-0 defeat against Leicester City on Saturday night, with Che Adams, in particular, disappointing with his performance.

The former Birmingham City striker struggled to have any real impact on the game and was rarely involved during his time on the pitch.

Ralph Hasenhuttl would have been relying on him to step up in the absence of strike partner Danny Ings, but in truth he never looked like scoring at the King Power Stadium as the Saints struggled to create clear-cut chances against Brendan Rodgers’ side.

As per SofaScore, the £15m Adams picked up a 6.7 rating for his performance, which was actually better than a lot of his Southampton teammates, but it is not easy to see why.

The 24-year-old striker would have just 20 touches of the ball, which was the fewest of any player who started the game, and significantly fewer than Saints ‘keeper Alex McCarthy, who had 53 touches.

Adams’ opponent Jonny Evans would earn a 7.1 match rating, register significantly more touches and only lose one duel during the game, with it clear that the former Manchester United man won the battle with the Southampton forward.

He would also manage to complete just eight of his 13 attempted passes during the game, resulting in a less than impressive success rate of 62%, which is lower than his season average of 69.3%.

By comparison, Adams’ last appearance in the 0-0 draw with West Ham saw him register 22 touches of the ball, despite him only being on the pitch for 58 minutes and no doubt still dazed from the kick in the head he received from Craig Dawson.

The striker usually averages 1.7 shots per game and 1.5 aerials won per game but registered just one of each against the Foxes, suggesting that his performance was below his usual standards.

Despite seeing very little of the ball, Adams would still manage to lose six out of eight duels and lose possession on eight occasions, suggesting that on the few occasions he was involved, the Leicester defenders had the better of him.

In the absence of Ings, the young striker needs to involve himself a lot more in Southampton’s build-up play but hopefully, the former Liverpool man will be back to accompany Adams in the Saints’ next Premier League fixture, which sees them take on Arsenal at St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Southampton signing England U’21 gem could see Ralph favourite depart

Liverpool look to have been handed a potentially huge injury boost, as Joel Matip has returned to training this week ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester United.

The Athletic journalist James Pearce confirmed earlier this week that the Cameroonian defender will take part in two training sessions ahead of the game against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, leaving Jurgen Klopp a ‘big decision’ to make.

The former Schalke man has been sidelined since picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw with West Brom recently and the Reds have failed to win a game in the Premier League without him since then, drawing 0-0 with Newcastle before losing 1-0 to Southampton, which has led to Klopp’s side dropping off the top of the Premier League table.

Considering the gravity of the game against United, the German manager may well be tempted to throw Matip straight back in at Anfield on Sunday but doing so could risk a further injury to the centre-back, which is the last thing Liverpool need at the moment.

Solskjaer suggested earlier this week that this could be the best time to play Liverpool, due to their injury concerns and the lack of a crowd at Anfield but he will surely be much less confident if Matip is fit enough to play against the Red Devils, as when the Cameroonian has played in the Premier League this season, the Reds have not lost.

Klopp’s side also boast an unbelievable record at Anfield, with their last league loss there coming in April 2017, so there’s no doubt that, despite the Reds injury problems and recent form, it won’t be an easy game for United on Sunday.

Solskjaer will perhaps have planned for his attackers to test themselves against the inexperienced Rhys Williams or Nathaniel Phillips, so if Matip does end up starting, he will perhaps worry that the Liverpool defence will be a lot harder to break down, as the Reds have managed four clean sheets in the nine games that the 29-year-old has started this season.

It will be interesting to see if Klopp risks Matip for what is undoubtedly going to be one of the biggest games of the season for both sides.

And, in other news… Klopp must axe £70k-p/w “monster” vs MUFC; Rashford’s pace could ruin him

أشاد الدكتور أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة بالمجهود الكبير الذى بذلته كافة الجهات المعنية فيما يتعلق بالتعديلات الخاصة بلائحة اتحاد الكرة التى وافق عليها الاتحاد الدولي “فيفا”، مشيرًا إلى أن الدولة المصرية دعمت وتدعم بقوة خارطة الطريق الخاصة باتحاد الكرة حتى 5 يناير المقبل وانتخاب مجلس يقود الاتحاد فى السنوات الأربعة المقبلة.

ونجح الدكتور أشرف صبحى خلال الفترات الماضية فى بذل مزيد من الجهد والاتصالات المستمرة مع كافة الأطراف سواء داخل مصر وخارجها ممثلا فى الاتحاد الدولى، واجتماعات مستمرة مع كافة المسئولين من أجل إنهاء خارطة الطريق الخاصة باتحاد الكرة بشكل سريع، والوصول إلى الانتخابات مثله مثل باقي الهيئات الرياضية والشبابية.

طالع | فيفا يحدد موقفه من خارطة طريق اتحاد الكرة.. وترشح أعضاء اللجنة للانتخابات

كما حرص الوزير على التواصل المستمر مع الاتحاد الدولي وعقده أكثر من اجتماع مع إنفانتينو رئيس الاتحاد الدولي لعرض كافة الرؤى المختلفة المتعلقة بخارطة الطريق والتأكيد على أهمية تطبيق القانون المصري، وضرورة الوصول الى مرحلة الانتخابات فى أسرع وقت فى ظل التقدير المصرى الكامل للوائح الاتحاد الدولى والتأكيد على التعاون المستمر بين مصر وكافة الهيئات الرياضية الدولية.

ووجه صبحى الشكر الى اللجنة الثلاثية التى تدير الاتحاد فى المرحلة الحالية برئاسة أحمد مجاهد وأعضاء الجمعية العمومية على التعاون المثمر الذى كلل بالوصول الى الصيغة النهائية باللائحة الجديدة التي تضمنت كافة التعديلات المهمة الخاصة بعملية الترشيح ومن يحق لهم التقدم باوراقهم للمنافسة فى الانتخابات المقبلة مشيرا الى أن اللائحة تم نشرها فى الجريدة الرسمية وبالتالى سيكون خلال الأيام القليلة القادمة الدعوة لفتح باب الترشح للانتخابات المقرر اجراؤها المرحلة المقبلة.

وشدد صبحى على أهمية التنسيق الكامل مع كافة الجهات للوصول الى الصيغة التى تحافظ على اللوائح المصرية مع التقدير الكامل للوائح الدولية والوصول بالرياضة المصرية الى بر الأمان بعد إجراء الانتخابات فى أكثر من 80 % من الهيئات الرياضية خلال المرحلة الماضية سواء الأندية أو الاتحادات الرياضية وهو ما يمثل نجاحًا كبيرًا في ظل التحديات الكبيرة التي ظهرت في الفترة الأخيرة.

وجه أحمد دياب رئيس لجنة رابطة الأندية المحترفة، تحذيراً إلى جميع الأندية في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، بعد توقيع عقوبة على جماهير الأهلي.

وقررت رابطة الأندية، منع 349 مُشجعًا للنادي الأهلي من حضور مباراتين متتاليتين في الدوري المصري، بسبب الغناء والهتاف أثناء عزف السلام الوطني خلال مباراة المادر الأحمر أمام غزل المحلة في الجولة الخامسة بالدوري.

طالع | رابطة الأندية تعاقب 349 مُشجعًا لـ الأهلي

وقال دياب خلال تصريحات لبرنامج “على مسئوليتي” على قناة صدى البلد: “إدارة المسابقات قررت داخل الرابطة حرمان 349 من جماهير الأهلي لمدة مباراتين بسبب عدم احترام النشيد الوطني في مباراة غزل المحلة”.

وأضاف: “حذرنا الأندية من تكرار هذا الأمر لأنه لو تكرر قد تصل العقوبة لدى الجماهير بعدم الحضور مجددًا”.

وتابع: “أي مشجع لأي فريق في الدوري سيرتكب مثل هذا الخطأ مرة أخرى سيتم منعه من دخول الاستاد حتى نهاية الموسم”.

وأكمل: “لدينا لائحة عقوبات تسير عليها الأندية، هناك عقوبات تخص النادي وهناك أشياء تخص الأداب العامة وهذه تخص المشجعين”.

وأتم: “جميعاً سعداء بعودة الجماهير، وهناك مكتسبات على أرض الواقع، والعقوبة التي صدرت ضد الجماهير اليوم شيء تربينا عليه، هذه عقوبة انضباطية”.