Liverpool winger Stewart Downing believes that the club can put together a good sequence of results and make a late burst for European qualification this term.
The Reds have been in fine form since the turn of the year, dragging themselves from midtable obscurity into contention for Europa League, and even Champions League, qualification.
With nine games left to play, the Merseysiders are just two points off of fifth place and further five from the top four.
Downing feels that with many of their rivals due to face each other during the run in, Liverpool can make a late burst to book a spot in Europe for next season:
“We said it was always going to be tough but we set ourselves the little task of trying to win as many games as we could in the last 10 and that’s three in a row now so we’ve got a chance,” he is quoted by The Mirror.
“We’ve got some winnable games but that’s easier said than done. We have to go and win them but from the way we are playing I think we can beat anyone.
“The teams in and around that top half are playing each other so obviously some are going to slip up and drop points and the thing for us is to take each game as it comes and see where we finish.”
Liverpool now have an almost unblemished squad to choose from, with Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly their only long-term absentees.
Downing, who has featured heavily of late, believes that getting everybody fully fit has been key in the club’s return to top form:
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“I think getting everyone back fit, getting our strongest players out there, has helped with everyone in their proper positions.
“I think everything is coming together. There were signs earlier in the season but it was always going to take time to click – now you are seeing some good signs.”
To have a voice in a governing body as influential as the Premier League, is to have unbeatable control over the state of English football, whether it be financially or culturally. Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the Premier League has gained praise for his work in the globalisation of the competition. Agreeing a deal with broadcast companies that allows the English domestic league to be viewed in over 200 countries, Scudamore has contributed to the leagues rapid growth over the past 10 years.However, with recognised praise also comes unwanted criticism. With the Premier League now awash with owners from every corner of the globe, the Chief Executive looking for new ways to further enhance the leagues status on foreign shores, has been met with criticism. Considering the disastrous ownership of clubs from some foreign investors (Man United, Liverpool and Blackburn to name a few) it seems as if Scudamore’s desire to make the Premier League a global phenomenon has impacted clubs and their fans negatively. By holding such a powerful position, surely the Bristol-born executive can speak out and challenge the way that non-British owners run clubs as a business, rather than an institution that has impassioned historical roots entrenched in towns and cities across the country.Richard Scudamore is ready for any argument of this nature to come his way. When Portsmouth suffered the disaster of administration in 2010, the CEO and his “team” created a safeguard to prevent another situation occurring that rivals the financial disasters that befell the south coast club. A strict set of financial guarantees have to be displayed to the PL to show that the respective club is economically healthy. Granted, the idea has proved relatively fruitful considering that no administration worries have fractured a Premier League club since, but some concerning problems still slip through the net, as was uncovered when Man United figures were released this year. A growing debt issue that has seen the clubs coffers diminish thanks to the Glazer family, must have warranted some concern from Scudamore and co. However, the Premier League’s most dominant figure still professes his support for foreign owners stating that they “bring a new level of professionalism to the league”. Professionalism as businessmen maybe but it is just not as simple as that with football in this country. A burning passion for your club whilst gauging fan opinion is an absolute essential way to gain credibility with a club, something that too many foreign owners have failed to achieve.It is probably in Scudamore’s contract that he must continue the growth of our game abroad and it can’t be argued that fans will want the Premier League to continue its marketability around the world. It is when foreign investment disrupts the game on our shores that has to be dealt with. One would expect that being such an advocate of the quality of the Premier League, Scudamore would not turn a blind eye to the failings of some foreign owners.With an absolute rejection of support of foreign investors from the older and more patriotic generation like the unflappable Dave Whelan, it seems that the remaining minority of British owners arguments are falling on deaf ears and that the future of ownership in the Premier League will not only be run as businesses by a cultural smorgasbord of owner but be positively condoned by the governing body of English footballs most prominent league – who seem to overlook the hard-working loyal fan in favour of globalising the Premiership and raking enormous financial profit in the process.[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]
Fabrizio Romano has insisted that Manchester United transfer target Victor Osimhen is still dreaming of a move to the Premier League.
The Lowdown: Man United to target a new striker
Man United looked to fill a void left by Cristiano Ronaldo in January when they recruited the experienced Wout Weghorst, and while he’s done a sufficient job, he almost certainly won’t be the long-term striker for Man United.
This is mainly because of his age and lack of goals since moving to Old Trafford, with the Netherlands international managing to score just two times across all competitions – with neither of his strikes coming in the Premier League.
Therefore, it’s no surprise to see them linked with big-name strikers in the form of Harry Kane, Goncalo Ramos and Osimhen – but it’s the latter who’s spoken most openly about his desire to make a switch to the Premier League.
The Latest: Osimhen keen on Premier League move
Romano has confirmed Osimhen wishes to test himself in the English top flight having already played in other top leagues – and that Man United are indeed still tracking the Nigerian international.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “Many of you asking me about his future, mentioning Bayern and some other possibilities. Guys, for sure, many clubs appreciate this player, but Victor Osimhen’s dream is to play in the Premier League. This is guaranteed. It’s what he’s stated in public, but it’s the same also in private; the player dreams of Premier League move one day.
“Also, because he’s already played in the Bundesliga, he already played in Ligue 1, he already played in Serie A, he wants to try – one day – an experience in the Premier League.
“Let’s see if it’s going to be this summer or not. He mentioned ‘we will find a good solution at the end of the season’ when he spoke about that.
“What we can say is that, for sure, English clubs are tracking him, including – of course – Manchester United, Chelsea; all these clubs are always in attendance to follow the player, but at the moment, it’s not time to negotiate with Napoli.”
The Verdict: Ten Hag must sign a striker
If Man United are serious about becoming title contenders next season and competing with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, a clinical and proven goalscorer appears rather necessary, as both of the sides above them have one in the form of Gabriel Jesus and Erling Haaland respectively.
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Man United are likely to be forced to go big in the summer, as the likes of Kane, Osimhen and Ramos all reportedly have major price tags looming over their heads, and even with the former, it may be impossible to get him.
Osimhen could well be the most plausible target this summer given how openly he’s spoken about a desire to play in England, and there appears no reason why the Red Devils shouldn’t move for him after the season he’s had in front of goal, with 28 goal involvements across all competitions for the Nigerian.
Mohamed Salah had a stellar season at Liverpool as he ripped defences apart and scored 44 goals in all competitions.
The last couple of months, though, have been far from perfect; starting with the Champions League final.
The 25-year-old dislocated his shoulder inside the first half an hour of the contest and had to be substituted.
Liverpool went on to lose 3-1 to Real Madrid in Kiev following a handful of goalkeeping howlers from Loris Karius.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255848″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Liverpool’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]
Salah left the pitch in tears as the injury also put doubt over his participation at the World Cup in Russia.
The attacker did regain fitness, but he missed the opening defeat to Uruguay, and even though he played against Russia on Tuesday, he was on the losing end of a 3-1 scoreline.
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Salah netted Egypt’s only goal of the game from the penalty spot, but it was little consolation as the former Roma star is on the brink of elimination from the tournament at the group stage.
The majority of Liverpool fans feel sorry for their star man, but some are relieved that Salah will now be back early for the pre-season schedule ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes is hoping to have skipper Danny Murphy and star striker Bobby Zamora fit to face Bolton on Wednesday.The Cottagers will be aiming to claim a win that will guarantee them another season of Premier League football.
Captain Murphy is expected to recover from the dead leg that forced him to come off during the weekend draw at Wolves.
Zamora should also start after being named on the bench as a precaution at Molineux following a minor back and hip injury sustained in training at the end of last week.
Hughes said: “Bobby said he wanted to play but we protected him, especially as he is not long back from a long-term injury. But he made an impact coming on.”
Fulham look safe on 39 points with five games to play, but the players themselves fear there is much work to be done.
“I don’t think you can say you’re safe at any point,” said striker Andy Johnson.
“It’s so tight at the bottom of the table, and there’s still a lot to play for in these last five games.”
“Every year people talk about the 40-point mark, but it might be higher than that this year, because everyone keeps beating everyone else down at the bottom.”
“It’s the closest run-in I’ve ever been involved in come the back-end of a season, so we have to take every game as it comes and try and take what we can from each one.”
“But at the moment I don’t think anyone is safe from 10th downwards, so we’re looking forward to the game against Bolton on Wednesday and then the visit to Sunderland next weekend as chances to secure our safety.”
Scott Parker has committed his future to West Ham United until 2014 after putting pen to paper on a new contract.
Parker, 29, was linked with a series of moves away from Upton Park before the summer transfer window closed but claimed after signing his new deal that he never wanted to leave the Hammers.
"I always knew this was where I was going to be," he told the club's official website.
"I am just absolutely delighted to have signed the contract. Everyone knows I enjoy playing my football here.
"I really wanted to stay here, give it a shot and see what can happen."
The England international was voted the club's player of the season last term and his impressive form at the heart of a side that became embroiled in a relegation dogfight led to reported interest from Tottenham and Liverpool.
"With the transfer window there is all this big hype," he continued."There are obviously times when it is stressful but from the outset I always knew this was where I was going to be.
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"The owners came out and spoke last season and I am more than happy."
Parker joined the Hammers from Newcastle United in July 2007 and the former Charlton and Chelsea midfielder has made 86 appearances for the east London club.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Rangers have been offered the opportunity to complete the signing of a talented free agent after holding talks over his availability this week.
Aarons overjoyed with winning goal for Rangers
The Gers secured a priceless last-gasp victory away to Livingston in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, thanks to Max Aarons’ dramatic winner deep into stoppage time.
It was a huge moment for Russell Martin, easing an element of pressure on him as Rangers manager, and Aarons couldn’t hide delight at his goal after the game.
“I feel amazing to get my first goal here, but to get a late winner under the circumstances, it was great. To be honest I thought we were really good today in large parts of the game. Although if we want to make it easier for ourselves that has to be across the whole game, but I think we deserved that win.
“I have dreamt of that and to do it in front of the away fans was amazing. I want more moments like that and more success here. I think that is more how we want to look and more how we want to play, that first half especially we had a good few chances.”
Rangers have been criticised for not adding enough high level experience during the transfer window, but could still turn to free agents, and it looks as though one player in that bracket is on their radar.
Rangers offered chance to sign free agent midfielder
According to Mark Hendry on his Substack, Rangers have been offered the chance to sign Pierre Ekwah, and he is open to a switch to Ibrox.
He reports that the 23-year-old “had his Saint-Etienne contract terminated by mutual consent back on September 1 and is on the lookout for a new club”, with the Gers “contacted by the player’s entourage” to determine whether a move is viable. He is a sought-after player, with clubs in Italy and Belgium keen on him, as well as some in England.
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
Ekwah’s time at Saint-Etienne may not have ended too well, but he is a talented young footballer who has been rated highly for some time, making 61 appearances for Sunderland earlier in his career.
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The Frenchman is a defensive midfielder by trade, but his versatility allows him to shine in a more attack-minded midfield role, as well as at centre-back. Meanwhile, former teammate Aimen Moueffek has heaped praise on Ekwah as a player, lauding his qualities both on and off the pitch.
“Pierre has relieved us, already because he’s as good a person off the pitch as he’s on the pitch, but also because his defensive strength is a major asset for the team. In addition to that, he has real quality to his game.”
Worse than Tavernier: Martin must drop Rangers flop who was saved by Aarons
Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin must drop this flop who was saved by Max Aarons against Livingston.
ByDan Emery
Ekwah has the same agent as £72m Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe, who has redeemed himself since leaving the Gunners, and the former Sunderland man will be hoping they can help him perform a similar career redemption after leaving France in controversial fashion.
Reliable journalist Paul Joyce has claimed that Everton are interested in sealing a stunning move for a “special” attacking player this summer.
Moyes eyeing big future at Everton
After some grim seasons of late, which have included several relegation battles in the Premier League, there is a feeling of positivity with the Toffees, not least because David Moyes has returned as manager, easily steering them to safety ahead of the move to their new stadium.
The Scot has been forceful about how he is expecting a better future at Everton with him in charge, with the hope being that funds will be made available for important transfer business.
“I think more the feeling [is] that there might be a club which is coming back together. Signs that before there was a real break-up, of a sort of love affair with the supporters, the players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back. We’re obviously all looking forward to it. If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it’ll be something.”
Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match
New signings are needed in various areas of the pitch for Everton, not least in attack, with goals coming at a premium at times this season, with 41 goals scored in 37 games. Now, a shock rumour has emerged regarding a potential attacking signing for the Merseysiders.
Everton keen on "special" Liverpool player
According to the reliable Joyce of The Times, Everton “hold an interest” in Liverpool winger Ben Doak, seeing him as an option to bring in this summer.
The 19-year-old has spent this season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, with the Reds unable to give him regular playing time, and a permanent move away from Anfield could now be on the cards.
The idea of Everton signing Doak is a mouthwatering prospect, not only because of the stunning nature of taking him from rivals Liverpool, but also due to his long-term potential.
The teenage winger is already a six-cap Scotland international, and he was enjoying a fruitful time loan at Middlesbrough before injury struck in January, bagging 10 goal contributions (three goals and seven assists) in the Championship.
Doak also caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp during their time together at Liverpool, with the German clearly a big admirer of the Scot, saying: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really; this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”
Moyes' next Branthwaite: Everton plotting bid to sign "elite" £17m star
Everton are gearing up for a summer of change in the transfer market.
ByAngus Sinclair
Forgetting the Liverpool connection, Doak is a hugely exciting footballer who could reach great heights with his pace and unpredictability in the coming years, and while the Reds may be hesitant to sell to their rivals, Everton should look to strike a deal.
Tottenham Hotspur will consider hiring an “impressive” new manager if they decide to sack Ange Postecoglou, and one who’s been talked about as a head coach to potentially step into Pep Guardiola’s shoes at Manchester City.
Ange Postecoglou facing Tottenham supporter backlash amid dismal season
Postecoglou’s side have slipped to 15th in the table and have already lost 12 Premier League games this season, which makes for very alarming viewing from the perspective of a Lilywhites supporter.
Tottenham identify "class" £4.5m-per-year coach to potentially replace Ange
Spurs are doing their due-diligence on alternative managers.
ByEmilio Galantini
Injuries to key players have seriously handicapped Postecoglou this term, with 10 senior stars currently sidelined right now, but there are also serious question marks surrounding the Australian’s open style of play and tendency to leak goals.
This was on full display in their latest defeat, a 3-2 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, where they went 3-0 down at half-time. Calls for Postecoglou’s sacking have intensified in the wake of Spurs’ loss on Merseyside, with reports suggesting that Tottenham have shortlisted potential managerial targets in the event they decide to part company.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Leicester City (home)
January 26
Brentford (away)
February 2
Man United (home)
February 16
Ipswich Town (home)
February 22
Man City (home)
February 26
However, for the time being, it appears the 59-year-old retains backing from his club’s board.
“The Tottenham hierarchy, as far as I understand it, continue to back Ange Postecoglou,” said David Ornstein on NBC Sports this week.
“They believe in him to turn this around. Of course, results are far below expectations, and they feel that they should have won more matches than they have lost. But that doesn’t mean that Ange Postecoglou is on the brink or he’s about to go.
“I think they still support him, and their reasons for that will be largely down to the injuries that he has suffered.”
Tottenham face a crucial return to Europe against Hoffenheim on Thursday, alongside their all-important Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash away to Liverpool soon afterwards, and these matches may well go a long way in determining whether chairman Daniel Levy sticks with the ex-Celtic boss long-term.
Tottenham set to consider Andoni Iraola if they sack Postecoglou
As per TEAMtalk, Spurs are indeed doing their due diligence on potential future replacements for Postecoglou if they do eventually decide to sack him.
One of their possible targets is Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who has guided the Cherries through an incredible 2024/2025 campaign without their former star striker Dominic Solanke, who departed for Tottenham last summer.
High-flying Bournemouth are serious contenders to qualify for Europe and even sit just three points off a Champions League place, with Iraola’s excellent campaign in the dugout turning heads at N17.
TEAMtalk state that Tottenham will consider appointing Iraola if they sack Postecoglou, with the 42-year-old even tipped by some to potentially replace Guardiola at City, such is his growing reputation right now.
The Spurs hierarchy are said to be real admirers of Iraola, who has also been widely praised for his “impressive” job at Bournemouth over the last two seasons.
“It’s incredibly impressive and credit to Iraola,” said former Man City defender Nedum Onuoha on the BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast.
Meanwhile, Como manager Cesc Fabregas added:
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“I remember I went to see [Radamel] Falcao one day in Madrid, and he told me to come and watch a training session [with Iraola’s Rayo Vallecano side],” said Fabregas.
“I went there and I really liked it. I really liked the session, I saw exactly what he’s trying to do.
“He communicates really well with the players. He has a really good structure. I liked the setup of the training session, the format in which he builds it from a lower intensity to a higher one, and the concept that he was giving to the players.”
The transfer window has been closed for nearly two weeks now, but Manchester United are still continually being linked with new players as INEOS plan more business for the 2025 windows.
Man Utd and INEOS looking at free move to sign 28 y/o "battleship" in 2025
Manchester United already have their eye on one player they would like to sign in 2025.
ByBrett Worthington Manchester United plotting Unai Simon transfer
Erik ten Hag was backed by INEOS during the summer, as the club added three defenders, a midfielder, and a forward to their squad. But that doesn’t appear to be enough so far, as the Red Devils still have their eye on some big-name players.
Manchester United's summer signings
Leny Yoro
Lille
Joshua Zirkzee
Bologna
Matthijs de Ligt
Bayern Munich
Noussair Mazraoui
Bayern Munich
Manuel Ugarte
PSG
United are well stocked in the goalkeeping department; Andre Onana currently has the number one spot, followed by Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaten providing backup, but they are also eyeing a change in that area of the pitch.
It has been reported that Man United are “very interested” in signing Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon. The goalkeeper has been really impressive for the La Liga side in recent seasons and has now established himself on the international stage with Spain, playing a key role in their Euro 2024 success.
Those performances have caught the attention of United, who are said to be willing to pay a “considerable sum” to sign the shot stopper. While United weigh up a move for Simon, they are also looking at signing another established international star.
Man Utd now keen on "obscene" £35m target
According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are admirers of AS Monaco defender Vanderson. The report states that fellow Premier League side Chelsea are showing the most interest in the player, but United and Tottenham Hotspur are in the mix.
The 23-year-old, who has been with Monaco since January 2022, has really impressed for the French side lately. Vanderson played 20 times in Ligue 1 last season, scoring three goals and chipping in with one assist. The defender is in the 99th percentile for tackles when compared with right-backs in similar leagues, and FBRef ranks his combination of ferocious defending and attacking quality as a similar profile to Tottenham's Pedro Porro.
Vanderson, who has been described as having "obscene pace and acceleration" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, was linked with an exit during the summer, but Monaco selling Youssouf Fofana to AC Milan eased any pressure they were under to sell. The right-back, who has been capped twice by Brazil, is contracted until 2028, but the French side could be willing to let the player leave for around €35-40 million, which is roughly £29-35 million.
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Vanderson has started this 2024/25 season strongly, starting two of Monaco’s three league games, grabbing the assist in their opening day win against Saint-Étienne.