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Tottenham striker Harry Kane scored his first goal of the year in the 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Jose Mourinho bemoaned the lack of attackers at his disposal against Manchester United, but he had no reason to complain after Dele Alli and Lucas Moura returned in time for the London derby.

Kane beat Fabian Balbuena for pace and netted for the first time this calendar year to put the game beyond the Hammers.

Frank McAvennie praised the striker after the game and said “it is great to see him back” for club and country.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham forward claimed Kane will have been “licking his lips” ahead of the clash with the Irons.

McAvennie told football writer Dylan Childs: “It is great for him to get the goal. I like the way he goes about his business. He’s not afraid to drop off get the ball and play with people and he is always in the box when the ball comes in.”

“For England and Tottenham it is great to see him back. He was on the fringes against Man United but you could see his sharpness last night.

“Mourinho has unbelievable faith in him. There was talk of him not playing last night but the best way a striker can get fit is by playing games. That is the only way to do it.

“He must have been licking his lips before the game and there is no way he would have let Mourinho leave him out because he will have fancied scoring against them!”

It is difficult to disagree with McAvennie on this one, as Kane insisted he would be back better than ever before after the nationwide lockdown.

The 26-year-old, who is Spurs’ top scorer this season, has scored 12 goals in 22 Premier League games at the time of writing.

West Ham have shockingly conceded the third highest amount of goals so far, which would have caught Kane’s attention heading into the game.

The England international would have surely fancied his chances of scoring on Tuesday night, as he had found the back of the net eight times beforehand.

Mourinho’s side are currently seventh in the table, four points away from Manchester United, and six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

The Portuguese will need Kane to be at his very best if his team are to challenge for European football next season.

Tottenham fans, do you think Harry Kane can make a difference? Let us know down below!

Newcastle United have made an offer for Malaysian wonder kid Luqman Hakim, according to Arena (via NUFC Blog).

According to The Guardian, the 18-year old was on the list of ‘top 60 young footballers of 2019’ last year and has been tipped to make the move to Europe in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Hakim secured a deal of five years with Belgian first division team K.V. Kortrijk last year, which is owned by Vincent Tan, who English football fans will also recall is the owner of Cardiff City.

He graduated from a football development programme in Malaysia and seemed to graduate with flying colours, and was going to be rewarded by being able to train with Cardiff until he turned 18 in March earlier in this year.

However, that arrangement was postponed, and thus he has been playing with Malaysian giants FA Selangor instead.

Lionel Foy is the agent of the prospect and has claimed there are lots of teams in the Premier League interested in securing the signature of the striker, however, it is not known yet if he would be allowed to be given a work permit first that would allow him to play in the English top flight.

Nevertheless, if the Magpies’ offer for Hakim is accepted by his club, then it could possibly be a sign that the proposed takeover at St. James’ Park will go through.

Given his strong connections in Asia with Malaysia, the youngster could attract more supporters from that part of the world, and could be an incentive for the Saudis especially to push through their £300 million bid.

Only time will tell whether their deal with Mike Ashley goes through, but if it does, Hakim could be a catalyst for that given his Asian connections.

Geordies, do you see any link between the Hakim offer and the Saudi takeover? Comment below!

Everton fans on Twitter have been lauding their club’s policy on payings non-playing staff amid complications that the pandemic has thrown up for businesses all over the world.

Football clubs may seem like they operate in their own grossly inflated and mind-boggling financial world, but recent decisions in the Premier League prove that, for the vast majority at least, they are run just like any other business.

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Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have come under fire recently for their respective decisions to furlough non-playing staff, with the former’s decision subject to plenty of scrutiny over the course of the weekend.

However, it seems that Everton are set to go down a different path altogether, one which has induced feelings of pride amongst the supporters.

Indeed, The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe recently posted an article covering the club’s strategy to tackle the current issues, with club CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale’s attitude and intelligent foresight a core theme which underpins the piece.

And, with O’Keeffe confirming in his tweet that Barrett-Baxendale has ensured match day stewards will still get paid during the lockdown, the fans lauded the club’s response and many suggested their Merseyside neighbours could take a leaf from their book.

The Toffees faithful lauded the strength of the leadership shown by Barrett-Baxendale as some suggested she, along with the rest of the club’s decision makers, is setting an example to the rest of the division.

Here’s what the Everton fans had to say in response to O’Keeffe’s post…

[long_read]

Although it’s hard for any Leeds fan to focus on anything but football at the moment, there is the small matter of a general election happening later this week.

Indeed, we’re set to head to the polls this Thursday, and the outcome of this election could have colossal effects on Leeds United.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know that rumours of Qatari investment in the club have been swirling for months at this point, but as of yet, nothing has come to fruition.

A recent article by ESPN stated that QSI has some reservations about Brexit that need clearing up before they invest in the Elland Road outfit, so we’re going to look at which election outcomes will most help Leeds’ chances of being bought out by the billionaires.

To be clear, this isn’t a political endorsement of any of these parties, it’s strictly looking at which outcomes would be the best in terms of Leeds’ hopes of being taken over by QSI.

[snack_break title=”Best outcome – Liberal Democrats”]

As unlikely as it may be, the Liberal Democrats getting into power would ease QSI’s concerns in the quickest possible fashion.

The Lib Dems have been very clear in their stance on the UK leaving the EU as they’ve plainly said that they want to revoke Article 50 so that the country doesn’t end up leaving the European Union.

Of course, this would mean that QSI would be able to operate Leeds in much the same way that they have managed PSG in recent years as they’d be working under the same laws and regulations, and that seems to be the most preferable option for the Qataris at the moment.

[snack_break title=”Not too bad – Conservatives”]

If the Tories manage to stay in power after this election it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for QSI’s investment in Leeds United.

We would have a set date for when we’re leaving the EU, which is January 31st, and we would know the exact terms on how we’re going to be leaving as it would be through Boris Johnson’s ‘new deal’.

Now, we can’t say whether or not QSI like the look of the current Prime Minister’s deal or not, but at least they’d know where they stand if the Conservatives earn a majority.

[snack_break title=”Could go either way – Labour/ SNP coalition/ Smaller parties”]

The problem that QSI could have with Labour’s Brexit policy is that it comes attached with a lot of uncertainty.

Jeremy Corbyn’s party have stated that they will renegotiate a new deal and then put that to the public in another referendum.

Of course, that could see the UK staying in the EU, which would be a good thing in the eyes of QSI as it would remove any of their reservations about Brexit due to the fact it wouldn’t be happening anymore.

However, it will also draw out the process for a few more months, and if Corbyn doesn’t negotiate a favourable deal, and it then wins the vote in the second referendum, QSI could have some real doubts about buying a stake in the Whites.

Labour’s best route into Downing Street could be with a coalition alongside the SNP, and that would largely lead to the same stance on Brexit as the SNP have been campaigning for a second referendum themselves.

Other smaller parties such as the Greens, Plaid Cymru and The Independent Group for Change have also backed the possibility of a second referendum.

[snack_break title=”Worst case scenario – Brexit Party or UKIP”]

It may not even be worth discussing these two parties as it’s astronomically unlikely that either of them will get into power.

However, if they somehow managed it, it would be a nightmare for any hopes Leeds had of getting Qatari investment.

Both parties want a ‘clean-break Brexit’ or a ‘no-deal Brexit’ as you may have heard it referred to.

That would understandably send alarm bells ringing in QSI’s heads as it would lead to mass uncertainty and it could change the landscape of business in the UK, especially within football.

[/long_read]

أفادت تقارير صحفية فرنسية، أن باريس سان جيرمان وتشيلسي، يتنافسان على التعاقد مع أحد لاعبي فريق برشلونة في الصيف القادم.

تشيلسي يريد تعزيز صفوفه من أجل مواصلة الأداء الجيد الذي يقدمه تحت قيادة توماس توخيل، والمنافسة على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في الموسم المقبل، بينما باريس سان جيرمان، يبحث عن بدلاء جدد في خط الوسط.

مجلة “Le 10 Sport” الفرنسية، ذكرت في تقرير لها، أن باريس سان جيرمان أبدى اهتمامه بالتعاقد مع الدولي البوسني ميراليم بيانيتش من صفوف برشلونة.

بيانيتش يُعاني داخل برشلونة من تجاهل المدير الفني رونالد كومان، لقلة مشاركاته في المباريات، بعدما انتقل للفريق من يوفنتوس في عام 2020.

وصول بيانيتش إلى برشلونة كان مصدر تفاؤل كبير للغاية، من أجل دعم وتقوية خط الوسط، ولكنه أصبح حبيسًا لمقاعد البدلاء لحساب الثلاثي، فرينكي دي يونج وسيرجيو بوسكيتس وبيدري، في أغلب المباريات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماركا: مدافع برشلونة أول الراحلين إلى الدوري الفرنسي

وقالت المجلة إن بيانيتش نفسه، يائسًا بسبب دوره مع برشلونة، ويريد الرحيل عن قلعة “كامب نو” في الصيف القادم.

وأوضحت أن تشيلسي يريد التعاقد مع بيانيتش على سبيل الإعارة، بينما باريس سان جيرمان لم يُظهر بعد اهتمام حقيقي لضم النجم البوسني، صاحب الـ 31 عامًا.

برشلونة يرغب كذلك في التخلص من بيانيتش بأمر من كومان، وكذلك من أجل الحصول على موارد مالية لاستخدامها في تمويل صفقات أخرى.

بيانيتش منذ انتقاله إلى برشلونة في الصيف الماضي، خاض 18 مباراة في الليجا، أغلبهم كبديل، ولم يسجل أو يصنع أي أهداف.

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…

Ex-Everton star Michael Ball believes his former side must delve into the transfer market in the winter window.

What did he say?

Everton’s struggles are still clear in the Premier League, as the club sit in 15th just six points above the relegation zone. As a result, Marco Silva has been under pressure for most of this campaign and will surely be hoping for more firepower in January.

And according to Ball, both he and the supporters would like to see some new recruits following the turn of the year.

The former full-back wrote for the Liverpool Echo: “Thoughts are already turning to the New Year and I hope we do see some new recruits in the January transfer window.

“Even as a player, I’ve always liked new faces coming in.

“Unfortunately this time last year we were that far off, there was no point of delving into the January transfer window but I feel that if we do well in our run of games in December and we end up there or thereabouts for sixth place then, I think it’s got to be the only option for Everton.

“I don’t care if Marcel Brands is a fan of it or not, it’s what the fans would want to see.”

Clear need for reinforcements

Everton have not been shy in splashing the cash since Farhad Moshiri came in and the club now have the resources to bring in more players. Down the years, the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison have been brought in for £48m and £50m respectively.

Now, Moshiri and Silva must discuss who they can bring in during the January window if they want to move into the higher reaches of the table.

Across the pitch, Everton fans have witnessed star names struggle to pull their weight. Players such as Michael Keane have been pushed out the side for relatively inexperienced players such as Mason Holgate, whilst Morgan Schneiderlin have averaged a dismal 6.16 rating.

There are also injury concerns to deal with that perhaps suggest reinforcements are required in certain areas. Sadly for Silva, Andre Gomes is set for a long spell on the sidelines and Jean-Philippe Gbamin still can’t seem to shake of his injuries.

Everton may be left with no choice but to recruit in January, especially if they put themselves in contention for the top six before it reopens.

حل منتخب مصر الأول في التصنيف الثاني بقرعة كأس العرب التي ستجرى مساء غدًا الثلاثاء بالعاصمة القطرية الدوحة.

وجاء مع المنتخب المصري في ذات التصنيف، منتخبات السعودية والإمارات والعراق، وذلك قبل قرعة كأس العرب.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الأولمبية تشيد بجلسة أشرف صبحي لمناقشة تعديلات اللائحة المالية للهيئات الرياضية

وضم التصنيف الأول منتخبات قطر وتونس والجزائر والمغرب.

وفي التصنيف الثالث، سوريا، والفائز من مباراة عمان والصومال، والفائز من لبنان وجيبوتي، والفائز من الأردن وجنوب السودان.

ويضم التصنيف الرابع، الفائز من مباريات البحرين والكويت، وموريتانيا مع اليمن، وفلسطين أمام جزر القمر، وليبيا ضد السودان.

وضمنت 9 منتخبات التأهل مباشرة، وهي قطر وتونس والجزائر ومصر والسعودية والعراق والإمارات وسوريا، وفقًا لتصنيفهم في الفيفا في شهر إبريل، فيما ستتأهل الـ7 منتخبات الفائزة في المباريات السالفة الذكر.

أعلن الجهاز الفني لفريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك، بقيادة الفرنسي باتريس كارتيرون، عن القائمة التي توجهت إلى السويس، استعدادًا لمواجهة حرس الحدود.

المباراة من المقرر إقامتها مساء اليوم الأربعاء في دور الـ32 لكأس مصر والتي تقام على استاد الجيش بالسويس.

طالع | تشكيل الزمالك أمام حرس الحدود في كأس مصر.. سيف الجزيري يقود الهجوم قائمة الزمالك لمباراة حرس الحدود 

حراسة المرمى: محمد أبوجبل ومحمد عواد.

خط الدفاع: محمود علاء، محمد عبدالسلام، محمد عبد الشافي، أحمد فتوح، حازم إمام، حمزة المثلوثي، حسام عبد المجيد.

خط الوسط: فرجاني ساسي، يوسف إبراهيم أوباما، إسلام جابر، محمود عبد العزيز، محمود عبد الرازق شيكابالا، حسام أشرف، يوسف أسامة، حمدي علاء.

خط الهجوم: سيف الدين الجزيري، حميد أحداد ومروان حمدي.

ويسعى الزمالك لمصالحة جماهيره بالمضي قدمًا نحو الفوز ببطولة كأس مصر، بعد الخروج الإفريقي من دور الـ16، وذلك ببطولة دوري أبطال افريقيا.

Conor Coventry is holding out for more money in his contract negotiations with West Ham United, as reported by Football Insider.

The 19-year-old is reportedly demanding £5,000 a week during negotiations about a contract extension with the club, with his current deal coming to an end in the summer of 2020, as per Transfermarkt.

However, West Ham are not willing to pay him that amount, as they want to see evidence the Republic of Ireland U21 international can play in the Premier League before doing so.

Coventry has played a total of 53 minutes for the Hammers’ first-team, all of which have come in the Carabao Cup.

The first 45 of those came in the form of a substitute appearance during an 8-0 victory over Macclesfield Town last season, while the other 8 came courtesy of a cameo in the 2-0 win over Newport County.

He has shown promising signs at youth level, having become captain of West Ham U23s, while also going on to play in 8 of Republic of Ireland U21s’ last 9 matches.

While it is important for a player to get what they are worth, it seems a bit early for Coventry to be worrying about contract negotiations.

It needs to be ensured this doesn’t impact the focus he has on his development and working towards getting a place in the first-team – if he is able to get the £5,000 a week then great, but he shouldn’t risk his future with the club over it.

West Ham fans, is Coventry right to stick to his demands? Join the discussion by commenting below…

أعلن روبرتو مانشيني، المدير الفني للمنتخب الإيطالي، تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة أيرلندا الشمالية بتصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم قطر 2022.

ويلاقي المنتخب الإيطالي نظيره الأيرلندي في إطار مباريات الجولة الأولى للتصفيات.

تعرف على القناة الناقلة ومعلق مباراة إيطاليا وأيرلندا الشمالية اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم تشكيل إيطاليا ضد أيرلندا الشمالية

حراسة المرمى: دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: إيمرسون، كيلليني، بونوتشي، فلورينزي.

خط الوسط: فيراتي، لوكاتيلي، لورينزو بليجريني.

خط الهجوم: إنسيني، إيموبيلي، بيراردي.