Luxemburgo admite rebaixamento do Vasco, lembra jogo 'sub judice' e se diz 'à disposição para a reconstrução'

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O empate com o Corinthians deixou o Vasco precisando de um milagre esportivo maior do que o de Itaquera, sonhado pela torcida. Seria preciso, além de torcer contra o Fortaleza, tirar um saldo de 12 gols na próxima rodada. Por isso os jogadores do Cruz-Maltino deixaram a partida chorando e o técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo admite que a temporada 2021 do time será na Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.

RelacionadasVascoATUAÇÕES: Defesa funciona, mas ataque é inofensivo e Vasco está praticamente rebaixadoVasco21/02/2021

– Eu não posso enganar o torcedor. Temos que ganhar e fazer 12 gols. Posso falar que o jogo sub judice é importante. A atuação da arbitragem é gravíssima. Tanto é que o STJD deu parecer favorável a mostrar toda a gravação. O jogo sub judice é importante. Jogo para ser decidido depois é fundamental para a moralização. Isso manchou muito o Campeonato Brasileiro. O juiz e o VAR cometeram erros gravíssimos e o pior foi a não consulta, chamar responsabilidade para o impedimento, complicado – afirmou, citando a partida contra o Internacional, na semana passada. E completou:

– Contra o Coritiba, o próprio árbitro expulsou o Henrique por uma expulsão que só ele viu. Sem tirar a nossa responsabilidade, mas foi uma coisa impressionante. Tirar a TV do Vasco da posição que poderia mostrar o impedimento coloca em dúvida. O lance fez a diferença. Sair atrás, contra um grande adversário, é complicado – lembrou o treinador.

Luxemburgo retornou ao Vasco na virada de 2020 para 2021. Uma missão de 12 jogos, mas que já se mostra mal sucedida após 11. Mesmo assim, o treinador se coloca à disposição para continuar o que ele chama de um trabalho de reconstrução do clube. Saiba com fazer um Bet365 cadastro.

– Eu vim para o Vasco para 12 jogos. Falaram: você vai colocar sua carreira em risco? Minha carreira está pronta. Eu estava à disposição do Vasco para 12 jogos e estou à disposição para a reconstrução. Acho que o Vasco precisa se reconstruir.O Vasco vem beirando a zona de rebaixamento nos últimos três anos. Uma hora, por erros, pelo emocional… acho que, se o Vasco entender que eu devo continuar, não tenho problema nenhum de trabalhar na Série B – analisou o treinador. E prosseguiu:

– Minha ideia era vir para não deixar o time cair, mas não conseguimos. Nós caímos não hoje, mas num processo crescente. Esse ano não teve como recuperar. Não vejo nenhum problema em eu disputar a Série B. Vida segue como profissional. Sei que vamos ser massacrados, mas estou à disposição do Vasco, propenso a ajudar nessa reconstrução. O Vasco da Gama, para pensar à frente, precisa de uma reconstrução geral – entende o treinador.

Everton eyeing deal to sign 18-goal Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland

As improved as Everton have been this season, their 10-point deduction is beginning to catch up with them in the Premier League, with just one point separating the Blues from Luton Town in the relegation zone. Given that the Hatters also have a game in hand on Everton, Sean Dyche will be desperately hoping to ensure that his side don't slip into their early season form and into the dropzone.

What could help prevent that is the January transfer window, with those at Goodison Park presented with the opportunity to solve any remaining issues in Dyche's squad. And that could see them land one player who has attracted plenty of interest.

Everton transfer news

One prominent issue in Everton's squad is a lack of goalscorer. Even with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally back fit and seemingly over his injury problems, the Englishman has struggled to rediscover his best form. Meanwhile, summer signing Beto has failed to make an impact on the goalscoring front, leaving Dyche out of options. It perhaps sums things up that Abdoulaye Doucoure is Everton's top goalscorer in the Premier League this season with six goals to his name. With the winter window open, however, the Toffees could find a solution to their problem.

According to Graeme Bailey, Everton are eyeing a move to sign Lawrence Shankland, who has starred for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership this season. The forward has reportedly attracted the interest of Scottish giants Celtic, Sheffield United, Burnley, Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough to hand Everton a busy race to win his signature if they pursue a deal this month.

It remains to be seen just how much Hearts demand for their captain this month, but the Merseyside club would certainly be wise to welcome the goalscorer ahead of a vital second half of the Premier League season.

Shankland "the best" striker in Scotland

Whilst Rangers and Celtic compete for the Scottish Premiership, it is Hearts captain Shankland who continues to steal the headlines. The 28-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season so far and has more than earned a big move, should the opportunity arise.

Shankland's stats only back that up too – the forward has scored 18 goals in 28 games in all competitions this season, which includes 13 in the Scottish Premiership. At Everton, of course, that would make him the top goalscorer by some distance and put him just one goal away from leading the Golden Boot race in the Premier League.

Lawrence Shankland

With that said, it's no surprise that Shankland has been at the centre of praise from Kris Boyd, who said, via The Scottish Sun: "I have spoken about Kyogo in this league in terms of the different types of strikers. Kyogo couldn't finish that. His finishing is unbelievable and for me, he is the best in the league."

Certainly high praise for the Hearts man, Shankland could now get a Premier League move this month to solve Dyche's biggest problem at Goodison Park. Solve that problem and Everton could be as good as safe in England's top flight.

Kings XI top order aces chase after M Ashwin's 2 for 25

Quinton de Kock’s attractive 60 went in vain as Kings XI paced their chase to perfection under the lights

The Report by Sreshth Shah30-Mar-2019Kings XI Punjab 177 for 2 (Rahul 71*, Mayank 43, Gayle 40) beat Mumbai Indians 176 for 7 (de Kock 60, M Ashwin 2-25) by eight wicketsKings XI Punjab rode on the back of M Ashwin’s legbreaks and googlies, and then delivered a combined performance from their batsmen to win their fourth straight game in Mohali. In what was a bold move to bowl first on a day game, the hosts recovered from a difficult position to restrict Mumbai Indians to 176. After that they paced their innings to near perfection.KL Rahul overcame a difficult period of batting to collect his maiden fifty of the season, while Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal chipped in with crucial forties. No. 4 David Miller was unbeaten on 15.Earlier in the day, Mumbai rode on Quinton de Kock’s attractive 60 to post 91 in their first ten overs. But their batsmen failed to capitalise on the base provided by the Mumbai top order, and finished with an under-par score.The win was Kings XI’s second in three games, while Mumbai suffered their second loss in three matches.KL Rahul taps one to the leg side•BCCIAsh-twins apply the brakeM Ashwin – in for the injured Varun Chakravarthy – and R Ashwin went for a combined economy of only 6.38. Murugan’s wrong’uns dismissed Suryakumar Yadav (11) and Yuvraj Singh (18). Both times, Mumbai were pegged right when they were changing gears.Earlier, at 62 for 1 after six overs, Mumbai were in a solid position to consolidate on de Kock and Rohit Sharma’s start, but the quick wickets of Rohit and Suryakumar forced Mumbai to check their scoring against spin.The tight work done by the Ashwins though was slightly undone by their pacers , who went for over 10 per over. They bore the brunt in the Powerplay, and then failed to stop the boundaries in the middle and back end too. Mohammad Shami, in particular, was targeted by de Kock.De Kock delights despite DRS clumsinessDe Kock found himself in the middle of two poor DRS calls (or non-calls). The first was in the sixth over, when he did not ask captain Rohit to go for a DRS review, moments after reaching his 1000th IPL run.Hardus Viljoen’s inswinger had struck Rohit on middle-and-leg stump. The umpire raised his finger. Rohit then asked de Kock whether he should review, but chose to walk after not getting the nod. Replays showed that the in-form Rohit would’ve been not-out.De Kock then looked to make amends for Rohit’s dismissal. In the tenth over, he struck the game’s first six, hoicking a short ball and followed it up with another six off Shami in the 13th.On 60, de Kock was caught lbw trying to shuffle across the stumps. However, he felt that he could be not out, and this time, asked for the DRS. The TV replay showed that the ball was crashing into off stump, and Mumbai lost their only review. De Kock, though, had done enough to ensure Mumbai’s run-rate was nearly 10 with seven overs to go.The batsmen who followed, however, failed to capitalise on that. Barring Hardik Pandya – whose 19-ball 31 lifted Mumbai to 176 – the other allrounders fared poorly. Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya fell for less than 10 and Mumbai were a dozen runs short.Gayle goes boom-boom, Rahul not so muchGayle began Kings XI’s chase slowly. The first two overs saw just one boundary. Rahul, too, tentatively saw off the opening overs.However, by the time the third over started, Gayle had blocked enough. He struck consecutive sixes – one off a short ball that Gayle now expects in the Powerplay – and off a pitched-up cutter that easily cleared long-off. Rahul then spoilt Jasprit Bumrah’s first over with a cut. After six overs, Kings XI made only 38 but importantly lost no wickets.The duo then extracted 14 runs off the seventh. It looked like Gayle’s carnage would continue, but on 40, he skied an attempted loft off Krunal to long on. At that stage, Rahul had a strike-rate of 60 after 20 deliveries.Childhood friends consolidate for Kings XIWith Rahul not middling the ball, his Karnataka team-mate MayankAgarwal took on the bowlers. He made 43 in 21 deliveries as they added 60 for the second wicket.Agarwal used his feet to the spinners, hitting them for whipped sixes over long-off. He single-handedly ensured that the required run-rate did not breach 10. Agarwal, however, perished trying to play another shot over Krunal’s head, instead striking the ball straight to the bowler.Rahul had struck just a single boundary in his first 37 balls, then picked up the baton after Agarwal fell. With Kings XI needing 56 off the final six, he began the 14th with a ramped six over the keeper. In David Miller’s company, Rahul finally went aggressive.Rahul wins the hare-and-tortoise raceIt was Rahul’s 40th delivery when he finally went past a strike-rate of 100. A cover drive took Rahul into the forties as his confidence began to grow. When the teams took a time-out with 30 deliveries to go, Kings XI needed only 37.Rahul – now the lynchpin in this chase – then pulled Malinga over fine leg to reach his first half-century of the season. That came in the 16th over, and the required run-rate had dropped to nearly six.When Bumrah turned up to bowl the 17th, Rahul delivered a knockout punch with consecutive boundaries to bring the equation down to 15 in 20 balls. Soon after, Rahul and Miller brought up their fifty-run stand in 30 deliveries. Next over, Rahul hit the winning runs.

Wolves could sign Kalajdzic upgrade in swoop for “amazing” £30k p/w star

Wolverhampton Wanderers wouldn't have wanted to exit 2023 with their current blistering form, winning five of their last six games in December to consolidate a steady mid-table spot in the Premier League.

Gary O'Neil's Old Gold will want to pick up another impressive win away from league action in the FA Cup soon, venturing down to west London to take on Brentford who they have beaten recently 4-1 in the top flight.

All of this has been achieved despite a backdrop of massive upheaval at Molineux in the summer potentially unsettling Wolves, losing the likes of Ruben Neves and Nathan Collins amidst a mass exodus from the West Midlands.

Now, Wolves are an attractive club to join and O'Neil could well tempt this second-tier sharp-shooter to sign for the overachievers to soften the potential blow of Sasa Kalajdzic upping and leaving.

Wolves transfer latest – Kalajdzic out and new striker in

German football website BILD has reported that Wolves attacker Kalajdzic could relocate to Eintracht Frankfurt this month on a loan deal.

This deal could free up space for Wolves to sign a brand-new striker to replace the out-going 26-year-old, with Southampton star Che Adams high up O'Neil's priority list for incoming signings in through the door at Molineux now that the transfer window is back open.

A report by Alex Crook of talkSPORT in the last few days suggests a deal is very much back on the table for Adams, with the Old Gold in need of additional firepower to help out star performers Hwang Hee-Chan and Matheus Cunha.

If a deal was successfully secured, Wolves could well have a major Kalajdzic upgrade on their hands with Adams prolific in the Championship this campaign for Russell Martin's on-fire Saints.

On the contrary, the wantaway Austrian striker has had a torrid time of it in England since joining Wolves in the summer of 2022.

How Che Adams compares to Sasa Kalajdzic

Adams would be a smart addition to the Wolves ranks this month, shrugging off the dud signing of Kalajdzic by recruiting a proven goalscorer in his place.

Kalajdzic's time in an Old Gold strip to date has consisted of various injury layovers, whilst only managing to find the back of the net two times this season when deemed fit enough for a run-out.

Whereas, Adams – despite not being the immediate starting striker for Southampton currently – has six goals and two assists next to his name when called onto the pitch by Martin to help out in attack alongside Adam Armstrong and Carlos Alcaraz.

If O'Neil needed something different off the bench to replace an out-of-sorts Hwang or a below-par Cunha, Adams would be a devastatingly effective weapon to call upon to unsettle a tiring opposition defence.

The £30k per week number ten has bagged two goals in his last three matches for the promotion-chasing Saints, a loss that would be felt at St Mary's if he was sold on this month.

Martin has openly praised Adams this season for his "amazing" attitude, Adams just going about his business in an understated way as an important impact substitute.

Southampton striker Che Adams.

Adams could even drop back and play in attacking midfield if required when relocating to the West Midlands, giving Pablo Sarabia a run for his money potentially in the Wolves lineup.

The Scottish attacker has also been a reliable source of goals in the Premier League during his lengthy stay with the Saints to date, managing to score a commendable nine times from 36 appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.

O'Neil can't just keep waiting around for Kalajdzic to click into gear and shake off his injury troubles, making a swoop for Adams this month therefore feels necessary to help Wolves continue their sterling top-flight season and share out the goal-load at Molineux better.

Rutter benched in Leeds predicted lineup vs Sunderland

Leeds United are back in Championship action on Tuesday night as they travel away to the Stadium of Light to take on managerless Sunderland.

The Black Cats are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Tony Mowbray on Wearside but they ran out 2-1 winners against West Bromwich Albion last time out.

Daniel Farke's side, on the other hand, were able to secure all three points at Ewood Park with a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers thanks to goals from Dan James and Crysencio Summerville.

The Whites are third in the Championship and hoping to close the gap on the automatic promotion places as they go in search of an instant return to the Premier League.

Another win on Tuesday would be another step in the right direction and here is FFC's predicted Leeds XI to take on the Black Cats…

1

Illan Meslier

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

In between the sticks, Farke could select Illan Meslier once again after his clean sheet against Rovers at the weekend. It was a much-needed one after the French stopper conceded two goals from four shots against Middlesbrough during the previous match.

2

Archie Gray

Archie Gray for Leeds United.

Archie Gray could line up at right-back after another impressive showing on Saturday. The 17-year-old, who is a natural midfielder, came into a central position to slide the ball through to Summerville for the second goal at Ewood Park.

He also made two tackles to win possession back for his side and completed 88% of his attempted passes in what was his 19th league appearance of the campaign for Leeds.

3

Joe Rodon

Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.

At the heart of the defence, the Wales international Joe Rodon could start once again. He won all four of his ground duels and made seven clearances to keep a clean sheet against Blackburn.

4

Pascal Struijk

Leeds defender Pascal Struijk.

Pascal Struijk bounced back from his disappointing performance against Middlesbrough to put in a commanding display against Blackburn.

The Dutch colossus won 100% (2/2) of his duels and made six clearances, two tackles, and two interceptions across the 90 minutes at Ewood Park.

5

Djed Spence

Leeds defender Sam Byram.

Sam Byram could drop out of the XI for Djed Spence after the right-footed defender came off injured with 20 minutes to go in Lancashire, and he is now set for three weeks on the sidelines.

The English full-back has made 3.3 tackles and interceptions per match and registered one goal and one assist in 18 Championship matches since his move from Norwich on a free transfer.

It will, therefore, be a blow to lose him for this clash but it could open the door for Spence to finally be unleashed, albeit not in his natural position.

The right-back is yet to start a match for Leeds since his loan move from Tottenham Hotspur but his return of two goals, four assists, and six 'big chances' created in 42 Championship outings for Nottingham Forest during the 2021/22 campaign suggests that he could add an attacking thrust from the full-back position.

6

Ethan Ampadu

Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu.

At the base of the midfield, Wales international Ethan Amapdu could be tasked with winning the battle in the middle of the park against the Black Cats.

The former Chelsea prospect has caught the eye with 3.7 tackles and interceptions combined and 7.7 ball recoveries per match across 20 league starts.

7

Glen Kamara

Finland international Glen Kamara.

Glen Kamara has been a superb addition to the squad since his permanent move from Scottish giants Rangers during the summer transfer window.

He has started 11 league matches and showcased his dominance with a duel success rate of 69% so far, which shows that opposition players have found it difficult to get the better of him in physical contests.

8

Wilfried Gnonto

The second change to the XI could be Wilfried Gnonto being unleashed on the right side of the attack in place of the electric Dan James.

With games coming thick and fast as Leeds head into the international break, Farke may look to rotate his squad at times in order to avoid burnout and muscle injury.

23/24 Championship

Dan James (via Sofascore)

Appearances

18

Sofascore rating

7.42

Goals

Seven

Assists

Four

Big chances created

Eight

James is a high-energy player who utilises his pace to cause teams problems and that means that he has a significant workload each match, which is why he could benefit from the rest ahead of the clash with Coventry at the weekend.

This would then open up the door for Gnonto, who has contributed with one goal and one assist in six league starts this season, to convince the head coach that he deserves more time on the pitch moving forward.

9

Joel Piroe

Leeds forward Joel Piroe.

In the number ten position, Joel Piroe could go in search of his ninth Championship goal of the season. The Dutch forward has scored three goals in his last five matches for the club.

He has been a terrific signing from league rivals Swansea City and has proven himself to be a big goal threat from the attacking midfield role behind the starting number nine.

10

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds duo Daniel Farke and Crysencio Summerville.

On the left side of the attack, Crysencio Summerville could look to add to his already impressive collection of goals and assists this season.

The right-footed whiz has contributed with nine goals and six assists in 15 Championship starts, including a goal or an assist in each of his last five appearances.

Selection concerns for Mumbai Indians as Sunrisers Hyderabad look to maintain winning run

Big picture

Like so often in the recent past, Sunrisers Hyderabad have started the IPL 2019 season as tournament favourites must; they did lose their first match, away against Kolkata Knight Riders, but have won their next three games – two of them at home – comprehensively.But unlike in previous years, this time it’s their batting – specifically the opening pair of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow – that has been the main reason for their success. The two have so far added 118, 110, 185 and 64 for the first wicket, which has firstly not left much for the middle-order batsmen to do and, at the same time, made up for the middle order’s failures. Key fact: Sunrisers are yet to lose a wicket in the Powerplay this season.Their bowling did seem a bit lacklustre in the first two games, but Mohammad Nabi’s inclusion has given it a lift. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, too, ended a poor, wicketless run with 2 for 27 against Delhi Capitals in the last game.

Form guide (most recent matches first)

Sunrisers: Beat Capitals by five wickets, beat Royal Challengers by 118 runs, beat Royals by five wickets, lost to Knight Riders by six wickets
Mumbai: Beat Super Kings by 37 runs, lost to Kings XI by eight wickets, beat Royal Challengers by six runs, lost to Capitals by 37 runs

Come Saturday, Sunrisers will be facing an upbeat Mumbai Indians, who ended Chennai Super Kings’ winning streak with a 37-run win. While two wins and two losses in the first four matches of the season would be an average start for a team, for Mumbai, the perennial slow starters, it might be like a kick-start.However, with Lasith Malinga having left to play the domestic Super Four Provincial Limited Over Tournament in Sri Lanka, Mumbai will be forced to make changes to their winning combination.

In the news

Kane Williamson has missed three out of the four matches so far because of a niggle. In his absence, Nabi has picked up 4 for 11 against Royal Challengers Bangalore and 2 for 21 against Capitals. Not to forget his unbeaten nine-ball 17, which took Sunrisers over the line against Capitals. Will Sunrisers leave Nabi out if Williamson is fit in time for Saturday’s game?Within 12 hours of taking 3 for 34 against Super Kings in Mumbai, Malinga was leading Galle, where he took 7 for 49 against Kandy in a domestic one-day tournament. With the seamer likely to stay in Sri Lanka till the tournament ends, Mumbai will have to look for an alternative.

Previous meeting

The last time these two sides met, back in April 2018, Mumbai were bowled out for 87 in a chase of 119 as Siddarth Kaul picked up 3 for 23, while Rashid Khan and Basil Thampi chipped in with two wickets each.Rashid Khan and David Warner share a light moment•BCCI

Likely XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1 David Warner, 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Vijay Shankar, 4 Yusuf Pathan, 5 Manish Pandey, 6 Deepak Hooda, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (capt), 10 Sandeep Sharma, 11 Siddarth KaulMumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Yuvraj Singh/Ishan Kishan, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Jason Behrendorff, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mitchell McClenaghan

Strategy punt

  • It could be an interesting battle between Mumbai’s top order and Sandeep Sharma. Rohit Sharma has managed just 21 off 28 balls against Sandeep in T20s, while getting out twice to him, and Suryakumar Yadav has managed 17 off 16 with Sandeep getting his wicket twice as well.
  • After scoring a 35-ball 53 against Capitals and a 12-ball 23 against Royal Challengers, Yuvraj Singh has struggled. Against Kings XI Punjab, he consumed 22 balls for his 18, while in the last match against Super Kings, he was out for 4 off six balls. Mumbai may ponder replacing him with Ishan Kishan.

Stats that matter

  • Manish Pandey’s average of 23.31 since IPL 2018 is the worst among those who have faced at least 250 balls. This IPL, he has scored 19 runs from three innings while being dismissed twice.
  • Since IPL 2016, when Rohit has faced 20-plus balls, Mumbai have won 79% of the matches. Their win percentage drops to 38 when he is dismissed under 20 balls.
  • Jason Behrendorff’s economy of 6.5 in all T20s since 2017 is the best for any Mumbai bowler who has bowled at least 40 overs.
  • Hardik Pandya has scored only a run-a-ball 77 against legspinners since IPL 2017.

West Ham now given real Timo Werner encouragement after making contact

West Ham have been given a spot of encouragement after making first contact to sign a Champions League-winning striker for manager David Moyes.

Steidten chasing new striker in January

As widely reported, the east Londoners could be set for a busy January window as technical director Tim Steidten and the board work on targets for next month.

"Zero expectation" star stays at club as Moyes looks to seal West Ham deal

He’s been in red hot form this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 13, 2023

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking to CaughtOffside earlier this week, shared his expectation that West Ham will be active when the winter transfer market opens for business.

“I expect West Ham to be busy in January as they’re looking at opportunities around, though it’s still too early to say anything about specific names. The owners and directors are working on it," said Romano.

Another very reliable source, club insider ExWHUemployee, claimed last month that a striker is chief among West Ham's top January priorities. The Irons, as highlighted by Michail Antonio's recent injury, are desperately short of options in that position with both Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus used as makeshift options this season.

Jarrod Bowen

2023 signing Danny Ings appears out of favour at the London Stadium right now, and as things stand, the former Southampton striker looks set to go down as yet another failed forward transfer for West Ham. The club also failed to replace Gianluca Scamacca in the summer, who is now scoring consistently for new club Atalanta in Serie A.

All of this makes bringing in a new number nine absolutely imperative for Moyes, especially as the Scotsman looks to ease pressure on his precarious position at West Ham.

West Ham given Werner hope after "first contacts"

One forward option who's been repeatedly linked lately is RB Leipzig ace Timo Werner, who won the Champions League with former club Chelsea in 2021.

Werner has found life difficult since returning to Leipzig from Stamford Bridge, though, with a host of Premier League clubs looking to take advantage. Specifically, the Germany international is being courted by Man United, Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham. That is according to Fussball Transfers, who also say West Ham have made "first contacts" for Werner.

RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

The 27-year-old, as Moyes' side make an approach, is now "thinking about a change of air" mid-season in what will be viewed as a real bit of encouragement from West Ham's perspective. Little else is added beyond that, but there is a belief are now "dealing with personnel" – which presumably means the player's representatives.

While his spell at Chelsea was largely one to forget, Werner was praised by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell as an attacker who gets into "unbelievable positions" (Football Insider).

"Werner is a very good player," said Campbell on Werner during his Chelsea stay. “The problem is, I think he needs a change. He needs to get out of that spotlight. He needs to go somewhere else. It may all turnaround and click for him once he does that. The spotlight at Chelsea might be too much for him.

“He gets into unbelievable positions. His movement and speed are a constant threat."

Villa now have "ideal moment" to move for "special" Emile Smith Rowe

If Aston Villa do end up finishing in the Champions League places this season, some of the credit will have to go to former manager Dean Smith, who helped to build the squad with which Unai Emery is achieving so much success.

Villa's top three scorers this season – Ollie Watkins (14), Leon Bailey (9) and Douglas Luiz (7) – were all recruited by Smith, while defender Ezri Konsa and goalkeeper Emi Martinez have started every single game for which they've been available. Right-back Matty Cash has also been heavily involved, with 15 starts from 20 games (Transfermarkt).

It's tempting to wonder how big a role another of Smith's targets could have played if Villa had been successful in their pursuit. In the summer of 2021, Villa made two bids for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe, the second of which was worth £30m, but the Gunners simply refused to entertain any offers. Now, though, one journalist has talked up Villa's chances of bringing him to the Midlands should they choose to revive their interest.

Smith Rowe opening emerges

Smith Rowe missed five weeks of action between late October and early December through injury, but he's been fit and available for the rest of the season. Despite that, he's hardly been used by manager Mikel Arteta, only making six Premier League appearances (one from the start and five from the bench). Already, he's remained an unused substitute on eight occasions.

The cup competitions haven't offered much respite, either. Arsenal exited the League Cup at the second hurdle and Smith Rowe didn't make the XI for any of their Champions League group games.

Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones urged Villa to make an opportunistic return for Smith Rowe if indeed their interest is "still bubbling away". He thinks Arsenal will now be much more inclined to consider a sale, and wonders if Villa are already aware of his frustrating situation.

"Villa made a couple of bids for Smith Rowe last year, and if that interest is still bubbling away, then this would be an ideal moment to go and have another go," he said.

"I feel like Arsenal will be tempted to cash in on someone who isn't an essential first-team player. Smith Rowe is a very good player with a really good attitude and good application. I think it'd be a very good signing for Aston Villa. Part of me does wonder if they've been keeping an eye on the fact he's only started one Premier League game this season."

Smith Rowe has already shown huge promise

It's easy to forget how much excitement Smith Rowe was generating when he first broke into the Arsenal side. Jamie Carragher raved about him in the autumn of 2021, declaring that he was the "best player in the Premier League running with the ball" and describing him as a "special talent".

Meanwhile, former Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish used the nickname "the Croydon De Bruyne" during an England training session. Midway through the 2021/22 season, Smith Rowe was actually bettering the Manchester City star for assists, and minutes per goal contribution.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

The Londoner would end the campaign with ten Premier League goals, earning a nomination for PFA Young Player of the Year and the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award.

90min has previously reported that Smith Rowe would consider his future in the winter if there aren't any signs of improvement in his Arsenal situation, and that moment of truth has now arrived, with Villa potentially watching on.

Arsenal outcast Aaron Ramsdale told how he can save his England career this summer amid Chelsea transfer interest

Arsenal legend David Seaman has urged out of favour Gunners star Aaron Ramsdale to leave the club in order to further develop.

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Seaman advised Ramsdale to leave ArsenalCan save England career by exiting the clubEnglish goalkeeper has played 11 matches this seasonWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite enjoying a stellar run of form with the North London club in the 2022/23 season, the English goalkeeper saw himself go down the pecking order after Mikel Arteta brought in David Raya on loan from Brentford last summer. The 26-year-old has appeared in only 11 matches across all competitions in the current campaign.

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Now ex-Arsenal goalkeeper and England international David Seaman has opened up on Ramdale's situation as he urged the out-of-favour star to leave Emirates Stadium in the summer. Seaman felt that the lack of game time under Arteta would ruin the custodian's chances of breaking into the England national team's starting lineup.

WHAT DAVID SEAMAN SAID

Speaking to , the 60-year-old said, "You aren’t going to develop being a No. 2. You're going to get left behind in the pecking order because other goalkeepers will start playing. As an Arsenal fan, I don't really want Aaron Ramsdale to go. But then as an ex-England goalkeeper, I want to see another keeper developing.

"When I'm looking at it, I think he could go to somewhere like Chelsea to give himself a better shot of getting first team action. I think there are a few clubs who he would suit, maybe someone like West Ham too."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arteta's side head into the final matchday of the current Premier League season on Sunday, two points behind Manchester City. They will be in action at their home against Everton.

باريس سان جيرمان يستعيد صدارة الدوري الفرنسي من نانت بثلاثية أمام ليل

استعاد فريق باريس سان جيرمان صدارة الدوري الفرنسي، بفوز أمام ليل بثلاثية مقابل هدف، مساء اليوم الأحد.

وحل باريس سان جيرمان ضيفًا على ليل في مباراة بالجولة الثالثة لبطولة الدوري الفرنسي لموسم 2024-2025.

وافتتح فيتور فيريرا التسجيل لباريس سان جيرمان بهدف من ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 33 من اللقاء.

وبعد دقائق، عزز برادلي باركولا تقدم باريس سان جيرمان بهدف ثانٍ أحرزه في الدقيقة 36.

في الشوط الثاني، سجل إيدون زيجروفا هدفًا لصالح ليل، وأحرزه في الدقيقة 78.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | صدمة.. رد فعل الخليفي على مباريات باريس سان جيرمان النارية في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وقبل نهاية اللقاء، تمكن راندال كولو مواني من تسجيل هدف ثالث لباريس سان جيرمان، في الدقيقة الثانية من الوقت المحتسب بدلاً من الضائع. أهداف مباراة باريس سان جيرمان وليل

انتهت المباراة بفوز باريس سان جيرمان 3-1، ليستعيد الصدارة من نانت، ويتصدر ترتيب الدوري الفرنسي بـ 9 نقاط.

في المركز الثاني يأتي أولمبيك مارسيليا بـ 7 نقاط، ويتساوى معه نانت بنفس رصيد النقاط في المركز الثالث، وتوقف رصيد ليل عن 6 نقاط بالمركز السادس.

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