Having won just one match in March, Newcastle United fans are starting to grow a little anxious about their promotion hopes.
Saturday was the latest blip on their way back to Premier League, drawing 0-0 away to Birmingham City on a day that could have seen them move nine points clear of Huddersfield Town in third.
It should be stressed that despite the dropped points they remain top of the Championship, thanks to a Leeds United win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, with no wins in their last three matches, it’s been a costly slump for Rafa Benitez’s side. They now head into the international break with a bit of soul searching to do.
April is a massive month with seven of their eight games remaining due to be played. There’s some tough tests in that run of fixtures, most notably against Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday.
Can they turn round results and secure promotion sooner rather than later?
Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…
As reported by The Daily Record, Rangers midfielder Niko Krancjar has called on his teammates to step up their game and challenge Celtic this season.
As we know, the Hoops recently confirmed their sixth title in a row, romping to the league title with 8 games to spare ahead of closest challengers Aberdeen.
Rangers are a further 10 points behind the Dons but that hasn’t stopped Krancjar dreaming of Premiership success.
As quoted by The Daily Record, he said:
Celtic are currently far ahead of us but, at Rangers, you cannot afford to enter the new season with no ambition. And you cannot aim not to be fighting for first place with Celtic. But from next season, Rangers have to be challenging for the title, regardless of how much of a financial advantage Celtic have.
Those are bold words from a man whose team are a distant third this term. Is he correct in his assertion a title win should be the ultimate goal this season? Or is he fooling himself that Pedro Caixinha’s squad can get close to the level Celtic are at?
As you can imagine his comments provoked a fair bit of reaction from Hoops fans, who most certainly think that Krancjar’s statement is reaching above his station. They reckon that the Ibrox club should focus on Aberdeen first and foremost.
Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…
After 22 glorious years at the club, John Terry will depart Stamford Bridge for pastures anew when his contract expires in the summer.
Despite offers in previous years from clubs in the US and China, the former England captain has hinted that he would prefer to extend his stay in English football.
The 36-year-old is undoubtedly in the twilight years of his illustrious career, but with a wealth of experience, Premier League managers up and down the country will be running the rule over the defender. After all, Terry has won just about all there is to win at the highest level and, although his legs may not move at the speed they once did, his experience and nous are the sort of tools bosses will appreciate.
Here we take a look at which clubs may be interested in striking a deal with the 2005 PFA Player of the Year…
West Bromwich Albion
According to the Mirror, Tony Pulis’ side are favourites to land the 78-cap ex-England man.
West Brom have performed above expectation this year, and a top half finish looks extremely likely for the Baggies. Pulis has shown much ambition and off the back of a successful year will surely be backed in the transfer market by The Hawthorns club’s board.
If he can convince Terry to join his revolution, then we may see the league’s oldest centre-back pairing next season, with Northern Irishman Gareth McAuley approaching his 38th birthday.
Bournemouth
Football Soccer Britain – AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool – Premier League – Vitality Stadium – 4/12/16 General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the game Action Images via Reuters / Paul Childs Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representat
Eddie Howe’s minnows defied all expectations in reaching the Premier League, and have established themselves as a decent top flight side.
With a wealth of English talent in the squad, and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere enjoying a loan spell on the South Coast, Terry may well see the seaside town as the perfect place to spend the latter stages of his career.
Bournemouth are a couple of signings away from breaking into the top half, and Terry could be the man to lead the Cherries to the next level.
Stoke City
Stoke have somewhat of a reputation for signing players past their prime, so they had to be included on this list. Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson and Michael Owen are all former England stars to have spent time in the Potteries, and a move for Terry may be a feasible option.
Mark Hughes enjoyed a spell at Chelsea in the late 1990s, and played alongside a fresh-faced Terry. The Mirror reported last month that Hughes had discussed a deal with Terry, but Stoke’s permanent move for Bruno Martins Indi is likely to scupper any switch.
However, if the funds become available, the Welshman may well be back in touch.
Crystal Palace
Britain Football Soccer – West Ham United v Crystal Palace – Premier League – London Stadium – 14/1/17 Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce Reuters / Toby Melville Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
John Terry has spent his entire career in London and may well wish to remain in the capital.
Moves to Arsenal, Spurs or West Ham are unlikely, so perhaps a link up with former England manager Sam Allardyce would make sense. The two never crossed paths in the Three Lions set-up, but will know each other well from their time in the league. Allardyce’s side have struggled this season, and have flirted with relegation for the majority of the campaign.
An experienced head at the back may be exactly what the Eagles need.
Manchester United
If this deal were to go through, shockwaves would vibrate around the football world. Chelsea fans would be in
Chelsea fans would be in a state of uproar, with Man United fans delighted at their anger. Terry enjoyed one of the most successful spells of his career under Jose Mourinho, and a reunion with the Portuguese boss is not out of the question.
The Red Devils have struggled with injuries in recent years at the heart of their defence, and the acquisition of Terry could be a sensible short-term move.
To suggest that Nick Powell struggled during his time at Manchester United would perhaps be the understatement of the century. The former Crewe Alexandra youngster spent four years at Old Trafford between 2012 and 2016, making just three Premier League appearances.
The Englishman famously replaced Juan Mata off the bench during Man United’s Champions League clash with Wolfsburg in 2015, however, which brought a lot of activity on social media.
Powell has also largely struggled since joining Wigan Athletic in 2016, but the 23-year-old made waves on Thursday night when he came off the bench to strike an 11-minute hat-trick for the Championship strugglers against Barnsley.
Whilst the midfielder was bagging a treble, Man United – of course – were drawing another match as they threw away a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 at Anderlecht in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were all criticised by Man United boss Jose Mourinho following the draw in Brussels, with the team’s struggles in the final third of the field showing no signs of ending approaching the business end of the campaign
After the heroics of Powell and wasteful finishing of Man United, supporters of the Red Devils questioned whether the return of their former midfielder could be the answer…
According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa are interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Michael Hector this summer.
The defender surprisingly move to Stamford Bridge from Reading on a five-year deal in September 2015 when Jose Mourinho was in charge, before being sent back to the Royals on a season-long loan deal.
The 24-year-old – who is yet to make an appearance for his parent club – has spent the current campaign with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt after current Blues boss Antonio Conte decided he would get regular first team football there, and the Jamaica international helped the team reach the German Cup final as they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 7-6 on penalties in the semi-final on Tuesday night.
Following a disappointing Championship campaign that looks set to end with a mid-table finish, Villa manager Steve Bruce will hope to strengthen his squad this summer in order for a promotion push next term and the defence could be an area he focuses on.
Here are three reasons Aston Villa should sign Hector this summer…
He has Championship experience
Football – Reading v Arsenal – FA Cup Semi Final – Wembley Stadium – 18/4/15Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez in action with Reading’s Michael Hector Reuters / Stefan WermuthLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Having played 75 matches for Reading in the Championship – and proving to be one of their most consistent defenders in the process – Hector knows what is needed to succeed in the notoriously tough division.
Steve Bruce will be aware that the Jamaican is a more than capable performer at this level, and that can only help to improve what is already a sturdy Villa backline – they have conceded just 46 goals in 44 league matches this season.
He can make the Premier League step up
Bruce will also know that when he is looking to bring in new players to the club this summer that they will need to have the potential to make the step up to the Premier League for the 2018/19 season – if Villa are promoted.
Chelsea must have seen something in him at Reading that convinced them that he could make an impact in the top flight, and his loan spell in the Bundesliga will have only helped improve his all-round game.
His height
While James Chester has probably been Villa’s best defender in the Championship this season, Bruce may look to have the option of having more height in his backline for certain matches with the Welshman standing at just 5’11” tall.
Signing Hector would certainly go some way to solving that problem as he comes in at 6’4”, and he has shown how strong he is in the air by winning 30 aerial duels in 19 Bundesliga appearances this term.
He of course will also be a threat in the opposition box too, which could help to boost a side that has generally struggled for goals.
According to reports from The Daily Mail, Manchester United are set to re-sign Burnley defender Michael Keane in a £25million transfer deal.
What’s the word?
Having established himself as one of the most exciting young Englishmen in the Premier League this season, playing a pivotal role in Burnley’s survival bid whilst claiming his first two caps for the Three Lions, Keane’s future has been the subject of much debateÂahead of the summer – and particularly since Sky Sports claimed last month that he’ll leave Turf Moor at the end of the season.
The Daily Mail, however, seem pretty convinced Keane’s next destination will be the club he left permanently two years ago for just £2million in Manchester United, where he’d risen through the youth ranks and made five appearances at senior level before a series of loan spells. It’s claimed his return will be a £25million deal, with United emerging as the clear favourites for his signature.
Do United need another centre-back?
Deciding on a long-term partner for Eric Bailly is a must for Jose Mourinho ahead of next season and aged just 24, Keane and the Ivory Coast international could provide an incredibly solid setup alongside each other for the many seasons to come, although a lack of experience at top level could be an issue at first.
But more than simply bringing another defender in, Keane represents an attempt to return to United’s traditional philosophy of nurturing their academy products towards first team level. Sure, it may be a slightly different route to the Class of ’92, but having a former youth player in the starting line-up is always welcomed at Old Trafford and will show doubters Mourinho is prepared to embrace the club’s historic values.
According to The Mirror, West Ham United youngster Reece Oxford will join Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach on loan for the 2017-18 campaign.
What’s the story?
Oxford, 18, is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in English football, and he was linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal before signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract with West Ham towards the end of 2016.
The midfielder, who can also play at centre-back, made headlines on the opening weekend of the 2015-16 campaign when he started against Arsenal.
Much was expected of the teenager from that moment, but he failed to make a single league appearance for West Ham last term, and ended the season on loan with Reading, making five appearances for the Championship outfit.
According to The Mirror, West Ham believe that another loan move would aid Oxford’s development, and will send the youngster to Monchengladbach for the 2017-18 campaign.
Why would Oxford move abroad?
There is no question that a number of Championship clubs, and indeed some Premier League teams, would be interested in taking Oxford on loan next season.
The 18-year-old is in desperate need of first-team football, however, and a disappointing loan spell at Reading in the second half of the 2016-17 campaign will be fresh in West Ham’s memory.
Joe Hart is a recent example of an Englishman that chose to move abroad in a bid to sample a different style of football, and a year in Germany might be just what Oxford needs at this stage of his career.
The midfielder certainly has the frame to operate in the Bundesliga, which is the closest major European league in terms of style to the Premier League.
Oliver Burke impressed at RB Leipzig after leaving Nottingham Forest last summer, and West Ham could welcome back a new and mature Oxford, ready for first-team football, ahead of the 2018-19 season.
As reported by The Express, Pedro Caixinha has made a staggering admission about Rangers transfer business in the coming weeks and months.
What’s the story?
Having already made six signings so far in pre-season, Pedro Caixinha hasn’t been messing about when it comes to recruitment this summer. The likes of Clint Hill and Joe Garner have also left the club and it’s clear that whatever happens next season, the team will look vastly different to the one that finished third in the Scottish Premiership.
If you think Caixinha is happy with the business done in and out so far though you’d be wrong. He thinks much more business will be done with potentially as many as 25 deals in the offing in total.
As quoted by The Express, the Rangers boss said:
In the Europa League, our aim is to reach the group stage and then take it from there. The team has undergone a major refurbishment – there could be 14 players leaving and 11 players coming into the club. It has been a struggle against time since we have to register the players in European competitions by June 19.
It’s incredible exciting for supporters who had grown tired of the stale football on display last season. Not many of the team received pass marks for the campaign so to hear there will be a mass exodus and also many more players coming in, optimism is high right now for Light Blues fans.
While there may be some misgivings that huge player revolution in a short time span can prove counter-productive, there’s no doubt that Rangers needed big change and that’s what Caixinha is delivering at the very least.
As reported by The Evening Chronicle, Newcastle United are still hopeful of signing young Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham, despite significant competition for his signature.
What’s the story?
Rafa Benitez is looking for talent he believes will allow the Mapgies to make a real impact on the top-flight next season.
One player he’s reportedly cast his eye on is young Abraham, who tore apart the Championship last season on loan at Bristol City.
The Chronicle reckon that Newcastle already have an agreement in place with the Stamford Bridge side for a season-long loan. However, the player has yet to decide where his future lies with Brighton, Swansea and Vitesse Arnhem all interested in his services, says the report.
The paper also goes on to explain that unforeseen financial aspects of the deal are still unresolved with his wages set to increase at Chelsea due to the Blues’ desire to hand him a new contract before he heads out on loan.
However, Newcastle are still hopeful of his signature with Chelsea reported to prefer that the forward moves to St James’ Park.
Abraham’s future
Abraham has shown great promise at the tender age of 19, and he could well thrive for the Magpies next season.
There is a question hanging over the forward’s ability to impress against top talent, though, and this would be his first major test.
Rated at £4.25m by Transfermarkt, his opportunity to get a regular start at Chelsea is limited due to their standing among England’s elite and they are more likely to bring in an established talent than put faith in a youth option.
However, with 26 goals in all competitions last season it’s clear he knows his way to goal and that could be vital if Newcastle are to make the splash fans expect in next season’s Premier League.
According to reports on Football.London, West Ham United are ready to battle Premier League rivals Watford in the race to sign £8m-rated Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio, if a move for Joe Hart fails to materialise.
Irons manager Slaven Bilic is looking to sign a new stopper this summer and Football.London say that Manchester City keeper Hart is his top target, but the England international’s wage demands could see the Croatian turn his attentions elsewhere.
Rui Patricio has emerged as a potential signing as he could be available for around £8m despite having five years remaining on his Sporting contract – the club that he has spent his entire career at – and he is certainly highly-rated after helping Portugal win Euro 2016 last summer.
West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the transfer rumour via social media and the majority would certainly be keen on a deal having seen his performances for Sporting and Portugal, with others saying he would be the gamble if he is going to cost just £8m.