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Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente has been linked with a shock move to Barcelona, per Mundo Deportivo.

The 34-year-old has played a key role in Spurs’ Champions League campaign this season, scoring the decisive goal in the clash with Manchester City in the quarter-finals, before making a stunning impact in the semi-final win over Ajax.

The report claims that Llorente could be secured as a back-up option to superstar forward Luis Suarez.

Indeed, he is likely to be available on a free transfer, with his current contract set to expire following the Champions League final against Liverpool.

But has he done enough to deserve such a major move? Football FanCast’s writers give their verdicts below!

Matt Dawson

“The short answer is absolutely not. If Fernando Llorente is attracting the interest of Barcelona then the world’s gone mad. The Spaniard is not good enough for Tottenham, let alone one of the most reputable teams on the planet. Barcelona’s ability to crumble in the latter stages of the Champions League dictates they could do with someone who gives them a plan B but he isn’t near the type of quality they need. He definitely hasn’t done enough to warrant a move of that magnitude.”

James Beavis

“He clearly hasn’t done enough this season to warrant the move. However, if he is going to Barcelona to be a second or third-choice striker, then he would be a smart addition for nothing for the La Liga champions. The Spaniard knows what it takes to be an effective striker in the Spanish top flight, and can get some minutes in the league when Champions League matches are on the horizon and Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez can’t play full games. All of that said, the 34-year-old will be counting his lucky stars that this move could be on the cards.”

Billy Meyers

“Has he done enough this season? Probably not. Can I understand why Barcelona want to sign him? Absolutely. The Spaniard bossed it in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao for years and would be a very good backup for the Spanish champions, as he is able to offer a vastly different plan B to what Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi offer. We saw against Ajax how Llorente can change a game, and perhaps that is what Barcelona were missing in Europe this year.”

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Newcastle fans are desperate for Rafael Benitez to sign a new contract with the club, but one very controversial linked manager may love the club even more than Tyneside’s favourite Spaniard.

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror, the club’s potential new owners do not intend to keep Rafa after his contract expires at the end of this month.

Instead, the report claims, Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his group have identified Mourinho and Arsene Wenger as candidates for the job.

And Mourinho had this to say when quizzed about his future recently by Eleven Sports, reported by Calciomercato: “Winning a fifth championship in a different country or the Champions League with a third club are things I’d like to do, but I wouldn’t do it just for that. I only go where a project convinces me.

“I want to be happy, not necessarily win, I want to be happy and I don’t want to accept a proposal without being convinced of it, that’s what I’ve always thought, that’s why if they told me ‘today there are no conditions to win, but we want you to create the conditions to win’, then I would evaluate it.”

Loose cannon or vital cog in the Newcastle’s machine? The Magpie Channel think it would be a mistake to sell the player in the video below…

Mourinho loves Tyneside

Mourinho is clearly seeking a new challenge, and you only need see his reaction to Liverpool fans’ stunning rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone in Madrid to see the decorated tactician is yearning for a club with passionate support.

The 56 year-old has taken charge of the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United, all clubs who will ruthlessly dispose of any manager who does not meet their immediate expectations.

It makes sense then, that the ex-Chelsea boss wants a fan base that stands together with its leader, and his comments on Newcastle legend Sir Bobby Robson illustrate the immense respect he has for the club and city.

“Somebody only dies the day when the last person who loves them dies. I still think about him every day,” he said of Sir Bobby after the pair worked together at Barcelona.

He has also heaped praise on the atmosphere on Tyneside, saying: “I always felt beautiful matches at St James’ Park, but difficult matches. I like to go there. I like the feeling of going to Mr Robson’s home. I like that feeling.

“I like the stadium, I think the stadium is really nice. I like the atmosphere. They are a good, enthusiastic crowd. I like the Geordies and I like to go there.”

While there’s no question losing Benitez would hurt the Toon Army, if Mourinho arrived and expressed this sort of passion for the club who could complain?

The Portuguese giant of the game plays no more defensive than Benitez and boasts a better trophy-haul, so could he be the man to bring silverware back to Newcastle?

Clearly, David De Gea has been a stalwart for Manchester United since joining the club in 2011, winning four Player of the Year Awards in his eight years. Not bad going, right? So, losing De Gea would be a near catastrophe as Manchester United already have a weak defence and, with the Spanish goalkeeper’s long-term future in doubt (Sky Sports), it would further weaken the Old Trafford club.

After setting the world alight at the mere age of 16, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s progress has stalled at AC Milan. However, with David De Gea’s contract talks stalling and a transfer looking likely this summer, Donnarumma is being linked with a move to Old Trafford, according to Corriere Della Sera via Football Italia.

Frankly, a move for the young Italian would a terrible move for the Red Devils, as Donnarumma actually proves to be weak and quite error-prone. Indeed, as big a name as he might be, he would prove an awful signing and would provide an already terrible defence with no confidence. Furthermore, after their harrowing failure’s in the transfer market in recent seasons, the club will be keen to avoid another disastrous signing.

With United struggling in multiple positions all over the pitch, the club would be stupid to spend a possible near world-record fee on Donnarumma. Undoubtedly, centre-back and centre-forward are all positions the Premier League giants require reinforcement, and whilst the club is awash with money, wasting most of their transfer budget on an error-prone goalkeeper would prove poor business.

Number two Sergio Romero has proved more often than not that he is capable to make the step-up and become number 1 goalkeeper. The Argentine international has put in solid performances in many games this season, with notable performances away to Arsenal and Chelsea in the FA Cup where Manchester United went through. At 32-years-old and already on the books at Old Trafford, Romero would represent better value than Donnarumma.

Save some money, Ed Woodward. Not everything needs millions thrown at it to fix problems, there are smarter solutions already lurking within the Theatre of Dreams.

It remains to be seen if De Gea remains at Manchester United next season. However, signing Donnarumma for the high fee he would demand would prove to be an abysmal piece of business for the club.

Can anyone seriously replace De Gea, should he go? If not, do you agree that Romero is one of the better options? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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After clinching the coveted Champions League trophy for the sixth time in their history, Liverpool will be aiming to finally break the curse and bring home a Premier League title in the upcoming season. With the 2019/20 fixtures now officially out, we take a look at five key dates that could very well decide Liverpool’s title dreams.

21 September, Chelsea (A)

Even though the Blues finished an incredible 25 points behind the Reds, both of the games Liverpool played against them were a struggle. Klopp’s troops managed to take the three points at Anfield but Chelsea held them to a one-all draw at Stamford Bridge. This will be a clash of old rivals and the first real test for last year’s runner-ups in their title chase.

5 October, Leicester City (H)

The Foxes can hardly match Liverpool in a whole season marathon but the start of October is pretty tough for Klopp. First they have to welcome Leicester before going away to Manchester United and then playing Spurs at Anfield, all in a span of 20 days. Fixtures like this one against Leicester are trap games where crucial points for the race are easily dropped because the focus often shifts to the seemingly more difficult matches that lie ahead. Liverpool will need to be professional in this one and get the job done – something they failed to do last term to kickstart a run of four draws in six games.

“It reminds me of a bus seat!” – Watch a damning verdict on Chelsea’s new kit in the video below…

9 November, Manchester City (H)

This one hardly needs an introduction and both fixtures against Manchester City could easily find their way on this list. However, winning at home against their biggest rivals still relatively early in the season could set the tone for the rest of the campaign and make a trip to the Etihad a bit less scary. The alternative, however, is pretty bad – City taking the psychological edge early in the campaign.

4 December, Everton (H)

The first Merseyside derby kicks off at the start of December. Last year, Liverpool barely scrapped three points off the Toffees at Anfield with a one-nil win and then only managed to pick up one more when the hosts swapped in March. This fixture on its own could spell trouble but it gets even worse because that game is sandwiched between Brighton (H) and Bournemouth (A), all to be played in the span of only a week.

17 May, Newcastle United (A)

The last fixture of the 2019/20 season for Liverpool will be against a really tricky opponent for the Reds. Newcastle United away is a game Liverpool fans remember quite well. Last year it took three goals with the winner coming in the last minute to finally break the hosts and take the three points. If the title race drags on, this could make for one dodgy finale for Jurgen Klopp and he’ll want to finish things off earlier.

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2018/19 was generally a success for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and finishing seventh is quite an achievement in itself. But now that they’ve got the taste for it, can Wolves take it up a notch and break into the top six of the Premier League? Here are five key dates that could decide that.

10 August, Leicester City (H)

Even though they managed to finish above Leicester City, the Foxes are still quite a sore spot for Wolves. They managed to beat them twice during the season, once in the Cup and once in the League, with Wolves barely scraping a 4-3 victory the third time around. This game is also followed by Manchester United at home, so Wolves will have a tough start in the new campaign, albeit vital for their improvement.

2 November, Arsenal (A)

Interestingly enough, Wolves have a pretty decent record against the Premier League’s top teams. Four points from two games against Arsenal can attest to that, but taking the Gunners down again next season is crucial if they want to break into the top six. Replacing Arsenal there is definitely one way to do it.

1 February, Manchester United (A)

Manchester United are Wolves’ biggest competitors in this top six race. A trip to Old Trafford is rarely easy, but Wolves beat the Red Devils twice last season and it’s important to replicate that in 2019/20 to jump above Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the standings. But this game is also right after they face Liverpool (H) and Leicester City (A). This period might just determine how successful they are in their quest.

29 February, Tottenham Hotspur (A)

Wolves had a real shot of taking Spurs down twice last year, so overturning that for next season should be a top priority for them. Tottenham are no easy opponent, but they can be beaten, as Wolves already demonstrated. Consistency in this regard will be key.

25 April, Everton (H)

Another difficult opponent for Wolves comes in April, but this game is actually sandwiched between a couple of “easier” matchups. This is a period in which Wolves will have to get the maximum amount of points they can to finish the season strong. For the most part, it seemed that lower-table teams gave them more trouble than the top ones last term, and this absolutely has to be fixed if they are to make the top six.

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Hector Bellerin, part-time footballer, full-time fashion model. Every time this 24-year-old Arsenal ace posts something on social media, everyone knows it’s going to be an absolute hit.

And the Spaniard’s latest

/By79vLnlBjV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram snap was no different as it depicted Bellerin in a daring pink suit, doing a catwalk at the Louis Vuitton show in Paris Fashion Week.

This latest fashion extravaganza in the French capital provoked a number of different reactions on social media and many of his fellow teammates and rivals replied with their messages of support and love for Bellerin, stating how bold and adventurous he actually is.

Alexandre Lacazette was one of the first people there and his series of heart emojis were quite a clear statement for Bellerin.

But he wasn’t the only one, not nearly so. The likes of Nathaniel Chalobah, Jordon Ibe and Adama Traore were also impressed by the Spaniard’s snap.

Soon enough, his comment section was littered with replies of support and love. Some were of course banter, but people were mostly in unison about it – it was bold and it was totally Bellerin-like.

As for his footballing campaign, Bellerin is still recovering from a serious ligament rupture that sidelined him from 20 January until the end of the season. His expected return is still unknown and will depend on how well he responds to treatment and training.

Last season, however, he managed 19 appearances, netting five assists in the process.

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Leeds United fans are gutted that Sheffield United are set to sign Luke Freeman after they were linked with the attacking midfielder earlier in the window.

The number ten is one of the top talents in the Championship, and his seven goals and six assists last season had seen him gain some admirers, including the Blades.

His move to Chris Wilder’s side looks imminent, and Leeds supporters aren’t best pleased about this development.

It was reported that the Whites were having a look at the QPR midfielder earlier this summer, but they have seemingly failed to capture his signature, much to the annoyance of the fanbase.

The Yorkshire club are yet to make a signing this summer, and their hesitancy to get involved in the transfer window has cost them one of their reported targets.

Freeman seemed like the perfect replacement for Samu Saiz, but it’s looking increasingly unlikely that he will be pulling on the famous white shirt next term.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes Steven Gerrard is better off at Ibrox rather than making a managerial move to Newcastle United, speaking to radio station talkSPORT.

What’s he said?

According to a report in The Telegraph earlier this week, the Gers boss is one of the names on Newcastle’s shortlist to succeed Rafa Benitez, alongside other famous former Premier League midfielders like Patrick Vieira and Mikel Arteta.

McCoist though reckons a Gerrard move to St James’ Park would be a step down for the Liverpool icon.

The fans in the video below had some very strong words for Michel Platini who was detained over alleged corruption this week…

Speaking to talkSPORT, the former striker said:

“Well, Newcastle play in a far better league but I think Rangers are a bigger club.

“I love the football and the people in the north east, but what kind of step would it be for Steven Gerrard?

“They’re both massive clubs, similar clubs in terms of the support. They have absolutely fanatical support, the best supporters in the country, I feel.

“But I’m not sure right now it would be a great move for Gerrard to be honest. He certainly has unfinished business at Rangers.

“I wish Newcastle the very best in their search for a new manager, but as we would say in Glasgow ‘Leave ours alone’!”

No reason for Ibrox panic

Unless Newcastle firm up their reported interest in Gerrard, which at this point still seems to be a distance away, then there is no reason for anyone at Ibrox or the club’s supporters to entertain the notion of a managerial exit this summer or next season.

The Gers boss is committed to his project at the club and given he is only a year into his managerial career, a step up to the Premier League feels too soon for him in any case, just in terms of the challenge of facing some of the world’s best managers and opponents.

The merit of McCoist’s case for Rangers being a bigger club depends on your perspective, he would say that as a club legend, but one thing he says is undoubtedly true – Gerrard has unfinished business at Rangers.

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Yesterday’s Leeds transfer roundup reported on the confirmed arrival of a winger from Wolves, interest in a League Two defender and talks with a Championship rival in regards to the potential sale of an attacker. Today’s edition, meanwhile, revolves around completed deals for three youngsters.

Mujica confirmed

Leeds United have confirmed that Rafa Mujica has signed for the Whites following the expiration of his contract with FC Barcelona. The 20-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Elland Road outfit, and will initially join the U23 squad.

Amor arrives

And Leeds have also announced that Guillermo Amor has also swapped Barcelona for Yorkshire this summer. The 18-year-old midfielder’s new deal will last two years, and he too will join one of the club’s youth teams.

Hughes joins from Premier League giants

Finally, teenager Alfie Hughes has confirmed he has left Manchester United to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Via a post on his Instagram page, he said, “Tough decision to leave Manchester United but I’m excited for the new challenge, new chapter begins.”

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Like many other clubs up and down the country, Everton will be ramping up their preparations ahead of the new season, which starts in August. Today’s Toffees transfer roundup includes interest in a Championship midfielder, the loan departure of one of the club’s forwards and the confirmed exit of a 23-year-old defender.

Ndiaye on radar

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Everton are interested in signing Stoke City’s Badou Ndiaye. French side Lille are also interested in the midfielder, who made 33 appearances on loan at Super Lig club Galatasaray last season. He’s represented Senegal on 18 occasions and Everton want him to partner countryman Idrissa Gueye.

Ramirez join Valladolid on loan

Everton have confirmed that forward Sandro Ramirez has joined La Liga outfit Real Valladolid on loan for the duration of the 2019/20 campaign. Sandro signed for Everton from Malaga in 2017 on a four-year contract but has scored just once in 16 appearances for the Goodison Park outfit. He failed to hit the net on loan at Real Sociedad last season.

Galloway leaves for Everton

Luton Town have confirmed the signing of defender Brendan Galloway from Everton. The 23-year-old told the Hatters’ website, “I’m really happy to finally get it over the line and I can’t wait to get started.”