Newcastle fans fearful over Rondon future

According to the Daily Mail, West Bromwich Albion have activated a 12-month extension in the contract of Salomon Rondon.

Rondon joined Newcastle United on loan in the latter stages of the transfer window, having been strongly linked with a move to the Magpies throughout the summer.

It was thought that Newcastle would pay the striker’s £16.5m release clause to sign him on a permanent deal, but Rondon only moved to St James’ Park on loan.

Rondon’s deal with the Baggies was due to expire next summer, which would have allowed Newcastle to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the loan.

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However, according to the Daily Mail, West Brom have activated an extension, which means that the Venezuela international is now tied to the club until 2020.

The Newcastle fans have been reacting to the news on social media, and many feel that Rondon – valued at £11.7m by Transfermarkt – will now be heading back to West Brom next summer.

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A selection of the Twitter reaction from the club’s supporters can be seen below:

Southampton must keep Shane Long or risk losing crucial depth up front

Mark Hughes left it late to sign a striker in the transfer window but as time began to run out the Saints brought in Liverpool forward, Danny Ings on loan for the season.

After loaning out the less than impressive Guido Carrillo, Southampton desperately needed a forward to come in and partner Charlie Austin up front.

Austin struggled with a hamstring injury last season, which saw only make 24 appearances in the league, scoring seven goals.

Fellow striker Manolo Gabbiadini also had a less than impressive season, managing five goals from 28 games, thus the need for a new striker was right at the top of Mark Hughes’ shopping list.

It’s unsure firstly how well new man Danny Ings will do this year, and secondly, if he can stay fit after having a torrid time with injuries

With Southampton’s inability to score goals in mind, Hughes will need plenty of options to call on from the bench.

Therefore, Southampton should keep Shane Long whom according to Birmingham Live is a target for Aston Villa.

The Breakdown

Much like his fellow striker partners, Long has really struggled to score many goals for the club and only managed two in 30 games in the league.

What he does provide, however, is great work rate, exceptional aerial ability and could possibly be a good partner for Ings.

Long does only have two years left on his current deal and there is sense in selling him if the club don’t want to keep him long-term but at least for this season, Southampton need to maintain as many options up front as possible.

Saints fans – agree?

Liverpool fans are spot on: James Milner should win the club’s Player of the Month award

Liverpool supporters have been making a lot of noise in the Transfer Tavern in recent times after seeing their side remain top of the Premier League courtesy of a third successive win on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s men went into their clash with Brighton at Anfield off the back of getting past West Ham and Crystal Palace in their opening two league clashes, results which propelled them to the summit of the division. And the Reds remain there after three rounds of fixtures as a Mohamed Salah goal was enough to narrowly see off Chris Hughton’s Seagulls on Saturday, thus maintaining Liverpool’s 100% start to the new season.

Consequently, there have been many thrilled Liverpudlians up and down the country in recent times, several of whom have taken to Twitter to suggest that James Milner should be the club’s Player of the Month for August.

And based on his remarkable efforts for the Reds so far this season, those Liverpool fans are absolutely spot on as the £13.5 million-rated lynchpin (as per Transfermarkt) does indeed deserve to win the award.

Ultimately, the addition of Fabinho and Naby Keita over the summer must have come as something of a concern to former England international Milner, what with the Reds already reasonably well-stocked in that department with Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and indeed himself even prior to the duo’s arrival.

And with just 16 Premier League starts for Klopp’s side last time round, the midfielder wasn’t necessarily a shoe-in to start in the middle of the park for the Merseyside giants this term, but his displays suggest that Klopp was absolutely right to keep faith with the 32-year-old.

In their opening three games of the campaign, Milner has been outstanding in the midfield to help give the front men a platform from which to go on and perform, alongside giving the backline enough protection just in front – he has become a lynchpin in this Liverpool side.

His work-rate is second to none to help make things work in the middle of the park for Klopp’s men, but his quality on the ball has also been evident in netting once and laying on an assist, albeit that one goal was from the penalty spot.

And while several others could make a case for winning the club’s Player of the Month award – Keita has been brilliant while Joe Gomez has shone alongside Virgil van Dijk at the back – Milner has been as influential and effective as any in helping the Reds win their opening three games of the campaign.

As such, Liverpool fans are absolutely spot on to suggest that the 32-year-old deserves to win the Player of the Month award for August.

Liverpool fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Everton fans react as West Ham United take their miserable Premier League record

There is a feeling of optimism around Everton this season, despite the team recording a mixed bag of results so far in the campaign.Marco Silva became manager in the summer, replacing Sam Allardyce, and he had a fruitful transfer window.On the pitch, the Toffees have played four Premier League games but they have secured victory in just one of them – a 2-1 triumph over Southampton.The other three matches – against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town – ended in draws.As it stands, the Merseyside outfit are seventh in the table, and despite the lack of wins, the fans feel that the team are shaping up nicely.Now, a statistic has emerged that will cause some supporters to breathe a sigh of relief, and it involves West Ham United.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”288872″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafas Pub Facts Murray The Magician & Desperately Seeking Zaha”]According to Footy Accumulators, Everton no longer have the biggest record of Premier League losses following the Hammers’ 1-0 defeat to Wolves last weekend.

It has been a miserable start to the season for Manuel Pellegrini and his men as they have lost all four of their league matches.

For Everton fans, though, they are pleased that they no longer hold that miserable crown, but others have reacted more cynically.

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Steve Bruce already looking to make permanent deal for Axel Tuanzebe

Aston Villa are already looking into the option of signing one of their loanees on a permanent deal next summer.

According to a report by the Birmingham Mail, Steve Bruce is keen to keep hold of Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe.

The defender re-joined the Villans on another temporary deal this season after he suffered injuries in his first spell with the club, restricting the impact he could make for the side chasing promotion to the Premier League.

However, despite having played just a handful of games, it appears that Bruce has been impressed with the 20-year-old and is looking to push for a permanent deal next summer.

But, there could be a couple of problems that Aston Villa may have in trying to bring him to the Midlands for longer than originally agreed.

It is understood that Jose Mourinho is a fan of Tuanzebe, whilst it is also believed Villa will need to be playing in the Premier League next year to have any chance of landing him.

The Verdict:

Tuanzebe has already had a bright start to the season for Aston Villa and the versatile defender will be looking to continue to develop his football.

However, a permanent move could be too big of a move for the Championship outfit to make, despite the friendship that Bruce and Mourinho are believed to have.

The £900k-rated defender, as per Transfermarkt, will likely want to play Premier League football in the near future, and should Villa fail to get promoted this year, it is unlikely he will join up with them for a third time.

Aston Villa fans – thoughts?

Spurs fans on Twitter loved Eriksen’s goals for Denmark vs Wales

Christian Eriksen scored both goals for Denmark in their 2-0 win over Wales in the UEFA Nations League and Spurs fans on Twitter loved his first finish.

After 30 minutes, Eriksen collected a pull back from Brentford right-back Henrik Dalsgaard’s and fired a low shot across Wayne Hennessey that ricocheted off the inside of the post and into the bottom corner.

In the second half, Wales youngster Ethan Ampadu handled the ball in the box to give away a penalty that Eriksen duly dispatched.

Staggeringly for a midfielder, the goals were Eriksen’s 14th and 15th in his last 18 games for his country, as he is given more of a licence to roam forward for Denmark, and some Spurs fans called for Mauricio Pochettino to push him further up the pitch.

The 26-year-old has started all four of the Lilywhites’ Premier League games so far this season and has just one assist from the 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Check out the best tweets from Spurs fans in reaction to his goals below.

Transfer Battle: Mohamed Salah vs Lucas Moura

Liverpool and Tottenham supporters are eagerly anticipating the Premier League clash between the two sides this weekend, as domestic football returns after a two-week break for internationals.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds currently sit top of the table having won each of their opening four league matches, and will be hoping to avenge last season’s 4-1 hammering at the hands of Spurs when they visit Wembley on Saturday. Yet Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham have also done well in the early stages of the season in winning three of their four games, and will seek to draw upon that success last term in a bid to seal all three points against the Merseysiders this weekend.

And Saturday will see influential duo Mohamed Salah and Lucas Moura go head-to-head, and with both having joined their respective sides in the last 12 months or so, let’s see how they compare…

Mohamed Salah

Very few could have imagined what impact Egypt international Salah was going to have on this Liverpool team last season, not least because his previous spell in English football at Chelsea was something of a disappointment.

The 26-year-old was absolutely sensational in netting a staggering 44 goals in just 52 appearances for the Reds last term, 32 of which coming in the Premier League to see him beat the likes of Harry Kane to the Golden Boot award.

And in scoring twice and laying on two assists in four games this time round, Salah doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon, which makes the £36.9 million they spent on the Egyptian last summer look like an absolute bargain.

Liverpool have been tipped by many this term to go on and challenge Manchester City for the title, and the form of Salah will have a big say in whether they are indeed able to do that this season.

TT Rating: A++

Lucas Moura

Lucas Moura made the move to Tottenham back in January of this year after five years at Paris Saint-Germain, in which time the winger helped the French giants win four consecutive Ligue 1 titles.

Yet a lack of playing time in the first half of the 2017/18 campaign prompted Pochettino to lure him to North London, yet Spurs fans simply didn’t see the best of him last term, with the Brazil international netting just once in 11 appearances for the club.

However, after a full and very promising pre-season, Tottenham supporters are now beginning to see the best of Moura given he has bagged three goals in four games for Spurs this season, including a brace in their impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United.

Clearly, having a fully fit and on-fire 26-year-old will feel like a new signing to Pochettino this term, and such have been his efforts so far, it looks like the Brazilian will play a key part in what success Tottenham have this season.

TT Rating: A

The Verdict

Clearly, messrs Salah and Moura are top players and look set to embark on excellent seasons in the Premier League this time round, with both likely to play influential roles for Liverpool and Tottenham respectively.

And while the latter has been on-fire and somewhat outshone Salah in the early stages of this season, what the Egyptian did last time round was simply extraordinary – Moura is going to have to go some to usurp the Reds lynchpin.

Liverpool and Tottenham fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Opinion: Leeds must make a loan move for Man City’s Brahim Diaz in January

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa should make a loan move for Manchester City youngster Brahim Diaz in January to provide cover for Pablo Hernandez.

What’s the situation?

Hernandez is currently out with a hamstring injury that he picked up before the game against Millwall and without him and striker Kemar Roofe, Leeds’ form has suffered.

After a storming start to the season, the Whites have picked up just five points in their last four league games where the former Spain international has been absent.

Argentine boss Bielsa has a good relationship with Pep Guardiola and he utilised this to bring in winger Jack Harrison during the summer, and the youngster has impressed so far, earning his way into the starting line up.

Leeds still sit at the top of the Championship, level on points with Middlesbrough, but their small squad may cause problems if their injury problems continue and Bielsa would be wise to look to the loan market in January.

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Deal for Diaz

Diaz is an attacking midfielder who can also play on either wing and has come through the youth sides at City after moving from Malaga’s academy in 2013. He made his debut for the current Premier League champions in September 2016 in a League Cup tie against Swansea City and signed his first professional contract five days later.

However, Diaz’s only appearance for City this season came as a 15 minute substitute cameo in the Community Shield and with his contract ending in the summer, the 19-year-old should look to leave on loan in January so that he gets the game time to prove his worth.

With Bielsa’s stylish high-tempo brand of football, Elland Road is certainly a place for talented youngsters to develop once again and Diaz could help the club with their push for promotion back to the Premier League.

So, Leeds fans, would you like to see Diaz join on loan in January? Have your say by voting in our poll below.

Manchester United fans beg for Mourinho to be shown the door

Jose Mourinho has not had the easiest time at Manchester United since the new season began.

The Portuguese coach has overseen just three wins in seven Premier League matches.

The most recent result was a disappointing one for the Red Devils as they were beaten 3-1 by West Ham United at the London Stadium in the early kickoff on Saturday.

Felipe Anderson gave the hosts the lead before Andriy Yarmolenko’s strike was sent into the back of the net inadvertently by United defender Victor Lindelof.

In the second half, Marcus Rashford managed to pull a goal back, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback for the Red Devils.

Marko Arnautovic killed any hope of a revival when he nabbed West Ham’s third of the day.

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Many United fans were baffled by Mourinho’s decision to field a back three, which consisted of Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay, who generally plays as a central midfielder.

For some fans, the result was too much and many demanded that Mourinho be booted out the club.

Harry Wilson steals the show at Old Trafford, much to the delight of Liverpool fans

Liverpool fans have celebrated and praised Derby County for knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup, not only because of the win, but also due to loanee Harry Wilson’s brilliant free kick that stunned Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

After United took the lead as early as the 3rd minute, the 21-year-old beat goalkeeper Sergio Romero with a stunning strike in the 59th minute, swerving the ball into the top left corner. José Mourinho’s side started to lose their grip on the game soon after and were dealt a further blow when Romero was given his marching orders for handling the ball outside of the box.

Jack Marriot would then give the Rams the lead with five minutes left to play, but Marouane Fellaini equalised for the Red Devils in stoppage time, sending the match to penalties. Derby would eventually win the shootout 8-7 after Phil Jones’ spot kick was stopped by Scott Carson.

Liverpool fans took to Twitter to express their happiness with one of their own silencing Old Trafford. Wilson is currently on his third loan spell since signing a professional contract with the Reds in 2014.

Here are some of the reactions by Liverpool fans…

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