Indeed, the Englishman may have seemingly fired himself back into international contention in time for the Three Lions’ 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar later this year.
Speaking earlier this season, Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle explained his disbelief over how ‘different’ Dier looks under Antonio Conte, whilst also praising the Italian for ‘getting a tune’ out of the 28-year-old.
The Latest: Bridge praises Dier…
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sky Sports reporter Bridge has now made his own claim on Dier’s general form throughout 2021/22, calling him the Lilywhites’ ‘most improved’ player under the 52-year-old.
When asked about the centre-back, the journalist replied: “I think he’s Tottenham’s most improved player under Conte.”
The Verdict: Deserved praise…
Often criticised for his performances last season, Dier’s rejuvenation under Conte has arguably been one of the standout Spurs success stories of the current campaign.
Bridge and Hoddle aren’t the only members of the media to single out the 28-year-old’s impressive form, with another reporter in Paul Brown calling the player and his passing ‘underrated’ (GiveMeSport).
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Gareth Southgate could well be watching on ahead of the World Cup in November, and it’s safe to say that Dier should be a contender to earn his place back in an England squad for a major tournament for the first time since 2018.
In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘One to watch’…Media blown away by ‘stunning’ development at Tottenham, find out more here.
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Sven Botman to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by MilanLive (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite interest from both Tottenham and Newcastle United, AC Milan have already agreed personal terms with the LOSC Lille centre-back – believed to be in the region of €3m-per-year (£2.5m-per-year) after tax – ahead of a potential summer swoop.
However, the report goes on to state that the Serie A outfit are yet to agree a deal with the French side regarding the transfer of the 22-year-old, with the Ligue 1 club believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €30m (£25m) in order to part with the Netherlands U21 international at the end of the current campaign.
Paratici must move
Considering the sheer amount of potential Botman quite clearly possesses, in addition to the fact that it has been previously reported that Fabio Paratici is desperate to land the defender in order to appease Antonio Conte, the news that Milan look to have agreed personal terms with the Dutchman is sure to come as a huge blow to Tottenham’s managing director.
Indeed, the £27m-rated centre-back very much appears to be the type of ball-playing left-footed defender the 52-year-old manager would love to have in his Spurs side.
According to FBREF, the 22-year-old ranks in the 69th percentile of all defenders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted, as well as the 71st percentile for passes completed, the 73rd percentile for progressive passes and the 49th percentile for progressive carries of the ball.
Furthermore, the £18k-per-week titan highly impressed over his 37 Ligue 1 appearances in Lille’s title-winning campaign last season, with the defender helping his side keep a remarkable 20 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 60.6 passes and winning 68% of his duels per game.
These returns saw the player who Duncan Castles dubbed a “machine” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as Lille’s joint third-best player in the top flight of French football.
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As such, with Conte in rather desperate need of a new left-footed centre-back in the summer transfer window, Paratici simply must do all he can to beat both AC Milan and Newcastle to the signing of Botman – as the 22-year-old very much looks as if he would be a perfect fit for the Italian’s backline at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In other news: Lost 71% duels: £13.5m-rated Spurs dynamo has still not “taken his chance” under Conte
Newcastle United have been linked with a cut-price move for Barcelona youngster Marc Casado.
The Lowdown: Casado profiled
Casado is primarily a central midfielder but can also play in a holding role and is yet to make a senior first-team appearance at the Nou Camp.
He is out of contract with the Catalan giants in a matter of months and actually shares the same agent as Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser.
The Spaniard is just 18 years of age and captains Barcelona’s Under-19 side, but has already trained with the first team under Xavi Hernandez, an ideal mentor for a young, technical midfielder.
The Latest: Magpies interest
Sports Witness relayed a story from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday regarding Casado.
They claimed that Newcastle, along with Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on the midfielder and are actually best placed to sign the player on a free transfer over the coming months, although Casado would need a work permit to make the move to England.
The Verdict: One for the future?
Even though The Magpies now have a big budget when it comes to transfers, it’s good to see that the club are still looking at shrewd deals for young talent.
Casado would more than likely be a signing for the future due to having no first-team experience, but landing Barcelona’s Under-19 captain on a free transfer feels like a move with a lot to gain and not a lot to lose.
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It seems as if Amanda Staveley is looking to ensure the club operates smartly even with their newfound riches, so this could be a move to keep a close eye on over the coming months.
In other news: Newcastle now ‘on brink’ of deal with player Howe wanted at Bournemouth.
James Copley has reacted to some news which has now emerged involving Sunderland co-owner Juan Sartori.
The Lowdown: Monaco role
As per L’Equipe (via Copley for The Sunderland Echo), Sartori could now be set to have a more prominent role at Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, having joined their board last year.
He also has a 20% stake in the Stadium of Light club, having initially stepped down as a director after Kyril Louis-Dreyfus bought a majority shareholding earlier last year.
The Latest: Copley reacts
Taking to Twitter, Copley has given his reaction to the update, claiming that ‘you have to wonder’ when Sartori is going to get around to Sunderland, should he accept the role at Monaco. The journalist said:
“Interesting reports regarding Sunderland co-owner Juan Sartori and the potential for more involvement at AS Monaco.
“If true, you have to wonder when he’s going to get around to Sunderland, in which he owns a 20 percent stake.”
The Verdict: No distractions
If Sartori is to have a more prominent position at Monaco, then he should not let it distract from the work that he is doing at Sunderland.
Currently just holding onto a play-off spot in League One, new manager Alex Neil will want money to invest in the squad in the summer, especially if they do not make it out of the division.
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Sartori does show his support for the club, having visited the ground on a semi-regular basis, and he will need to maintain that in order to maintain the faith of the fans.
In other news, these were Sunderland’s three worst performers against Lincoln City
An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez…
What’s the talk?
According to Graeme Bailey of Anfield Watch, the Magpies would ‘happily take’ the defender from the Reds in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that Everton, Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham are also plotting bids for the England international and are set to compete with Newcastle for his signature.
Forget Burn
Forget current Magpies machine Dan Burn – Gomez would be a sensational signing and one who Newcastle fans would surely love because of the quality he can provide on the pitch.
Jurgen Klopp previously heaped lauded the ex-Charlton man, saying: “Since he is playing as a centre-half again – his natural position – together with Virg [Van Dijk] there is exceptional. He is a sensational footballer, which is good.
“He has outstanding speed, which helps us a lot to keep our last line high; he is a really good challenger; good in one-on-one situations; football-wise, I said already, good.”
This is high praise from the German, and “sensational” is what Gomez would be for Newcastle as he has defensive quality and the ability to pass the ball out from the back.
In the Champions League last season, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.27 for the Reds, winning 71% of his duels and completing 85% of his passes. He also averaged three tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he can consistently win back the ball for his team whilst also rarely giving possession away with his passing.
Gomez has had a troubled time with injuries of late and his most recent campaign of consistent game-time in the Premier League came as Liverpool won the title in 2019/20. The centre-back averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.92 as he helped the Reds to keep 12 clean sheets in just 22 starts, also completing 88% of his passes.
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The £30m tank was labelled an “unbelievable” player by team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold, which shows how highly he is rated by his peers. His team-mates watch him in training every day and his quality behind the scenes has clearly caught the eye of the Liverpool academy graduate.
Therefore, the 24-year-old would be an excellent signing for the Magpies, as the statistics suggest that he is a quality performer at the top level; and comments from his manager and one of his team-mates back up the stats with their experience of watching him play. This is why Newcastle fans should forget about Burn and instead get excited about a potential deal for Gomez.
AND in other news, Howe can finally axe £61m dud as NUFC plot bid to sign “exceptional” 25 y/o “wildcard”…
According to club insider ExWHUemployee, West Ham are hopeful that Jarrod Bowen will be available for the upcoming clash against Everton next Sunday.
The Lowdown: Bowen’s injury
During the Irons’ 1-0 loss to Liverpool earlier this month, the 25-year-old was forced into a premature exit after sustaining an injury to his foot, cutting his game short in the 53rd minute. The winger has been sidelined ever since, having missed the Hammers’ last four games as a result.
Whilst the club had previously announced that Bowen had not sustained significant damage from the foot injury, varying reports have since arisen to the contrary.
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The Latest: Ex’s news on Bowen
When interviewed for his website The West Ham Way, ExWHUemployee was questioned by the site’s editor Mark Carlaw about Bowen’s eagerly-awaited return.
Shared on Twitter, he responded with: “Well as of now the club are hopeful that Bowen will be back for the Everton game. There is an element of confusion surrounding the injury, but from what I am told, the match against Everton is seen as his potential return. This also goes the same for Coufal.”
The Verdict: Huge boost
This news will come as a huge boost to David Moyes as his West Ham side set to prepare for a congested period over the next few weeks. It begins with a Premier League fixture against a struggling Everton side before one of the club’s most important clashes of the modern era as they host Lyon in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
As the Hammers’ top scorer, Bowen’s return could prove to be massive for Moyes, as the Irons have struggled for goals without their star winger. To supplement his value in front of goal, the former Hull City man also adds a creative dynamic in the final third, illustrated by ranking in the 89th percentile for assists made among positional peers in Europe’s five top-ranked leagues (via FBRef).
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Therefore, if the 25-year-old can make his return in time for the upcoming bouts against Everton and Lyon, it would provide the east Londoners with a tremendous boost ahead of the season’s run-in.
In other news: West Ham target has ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave his current club
Tottenham are battling their Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race to sign Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence in the summer transfer window.
What’s the story?
The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser initially revealed on Twitter: “Djed Spence will move this summer with Arsenal, Tottenham and Bayern Munich all in the race. Boost for all involved as the fee could be as low as £12m, though given the interest a bidding war could see that go up. #THFC #AFC”
In a follow-up article, he added: “A number of clubs are tracking Spence, who will have a year left on his Boro contract come the end of this campaign. Senior figures at the Riverside Stadium know they will not be able to keep hold of the player this summer.
“As well as north London rivals Arsenal and Spurs, German giants Bayern Munich are also keeping a close eye on Spence’s progress.”Conte will be buzzingSpence became the talk of the town earlier this calendar year when he helped to knock out Arsenal in the FA Cup third round – a performance which saw Ian Wright waxing lyrical while on punditry duty.The Gunners icon said: “Let me say, that was one of the best right-back performances I have seen for a very long time. A very long time. I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.”With Spurs’ own right-back Emerson struggling badly since his big-money move last year – he has even been dubbed a “liability” by some fans – Antonio Conte could well find his ideal replacement in Spence.Indeed, former Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate recently claimed that the flying full-back would come in and immediately be an upgrade on Emerson.He said: “If you play in La Liga like Emerson Royal has, balls don’t really go into the box that much to the back post. You don’t need to do that much defending. In the Premier League, it happens week in, week out. I’ve watched Emerson Royal and Djed Spence for Nottingham Forest, and Spence looks a different level, compared to him.”The 6 foot machine could be an exciting addition to this Spurs team, and one which would have Conte absolutely buzzing.AND in other news – Sold in 2020, now worth £34m: Spurs suffered double disaster over 26 y/o “machine”
The win is ultimately all that matters, but that was a painful watch for Chelsea fans.
Enzo Maresca’s side travelled to the Welsh Capital to take on Cardiff City in the quarter-finals of the League Cup on Tuesday night, but didn’t look two divisions better off than the hosts.
The Blues looked way off the pace from the first minute, and aside from Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto, it’s hard to think of any other players who could leave the pitch with their heads held high.
In fact, it’s easier to list those who stood out for all the wrong reasons, including one starter who took fewer touches than Filip Jørgensen and simply has to be dropped.
Chelsea's poor performers against Cardiff
Starting in the back line, and while it sounds harsh, not one of the starting back four had a good game, albeit Josh Acheampong was the best of a bad bunch.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The others all looked rushed in possession, failed to read the game and lost the ball 25 times between them, which would be bad enough against a top side, let alone one in League One.
In particular, there was another concerning display from the most senior defender of the lot, Tosin Adarabioyo.
Chelsea’s back four
Player
Lost Possession
Acheampong
9x
Adarabioyo
13x
Badiashile
5x
Hato
7x
All Stats via Sofascore
The 28-year-old looked the most shaky on the ball, completing just 86% of his overall passes and losing the ball the most out of anyone – 13 times.
Moving into the middle of the park, and while Moises Caicedo was one of the West Londoners’ better players, he is now going to miss the first leg of the semi-final due to the yellow card he received for petulantly clapping the referee.
If the Blues get drawn against one of the top sides, that could be a seriously costly error.
Finally, up top, it just wasn’t Marc Guiu’s night.
The young Spaniard wasn’t able to cope with the Welsh side’s physical nature and ended up missing the one he had in the first half.
The former Barcelona gem was replaced at the break, having taken just a single shot on target, failed to play a key pass, and lost 66% of his aerial duels.
However, there was a starter who was even worse than the striker, someone who simply has to be dropped for the next game.
The Chelsea flop Maresca must drop
For those Chelsea fans who had the misfortune of watching the game, it will come as no surprise that the player who must be dropped is Jamie Gittens.
It’s no secret that the Englishman has had a tough start to his Blues career following his mega-money move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
In the 19 matches before Tuesday night, the 21-year-old had scored just a single goal and provided five assists, so there might’ve been hope from the management that a game against a third-tier side would offer the perfect chance for him to bolster his statistics.
Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way, and the winger once again looked way out of his depth.
Gittens’ game v Cardiff
Minutes
66′
Shots on Target
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Crosses
0
Accurate Passes
21/25 (84%)
Touches
41
Lost Possession
10
Dribbles (Successful)
2 (0)
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (2)
Aeria Duels (Won)
2 (0)
All Stats via Sofascore
For example, in his disappointing 66 minutes of action, he failed to take a single shot on target, didn’t attempt a cross, completed just 84% of his 25 attempted passes, lost the ball ten times, failed in 100% of his dribbles and lost 80% of his duels.
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Moreover, the youngster took only 41 touches, 17 fewer than Jørgensen, which just goes to show how limited his impact was.
With statistics like those, it’s hard to disagree with the Express’ Tom Parsons, who gave him just a 4/10 match rating, writing that he was ‘was dispossessed too easily’ and ‘lucky to stay on at half-time.’
Ultimately, there is still plenty of time for Gittens to turn things around at Chelsea.
However, if he keeps on putting in performances like the one against Cardiff, then it’ll become harder and harder to disagree with one analyst’s claim that he’s been a “pointless signing.
Dream for Estevao: Chelsea want to sign "one of the best wing-backs in the PL"
The Premier League star would be an incredible signing for Chelsea and would help get even more out of Estevao.
Aston Villa supporters in the Football Transfer Tavern are hoping to hear news that Tim Sherwood is on the verge of signing a replacement for Christian Benteke, but reports from the Daily Mirror suggest the Villa boss is still hung up on his former striker, despite Villa beating the odds and turning over Bournemouth at the weekend.
Benteke completed a £32.5million move to Liverpool last month, and stated this week he hoped to prove the claims of his former boss wrong during his debut season at Anfield.
Sherwood claimed Benteke’s move to Anfield didn’t make sense as the Belgian international is a player who thrives on crosses, and Liverpool are a side ‘who don’t cross the ball’.
Benteke hit back at Sherwood’s comments earlier in the week, and now it seems the Villa boss has entered a war of words with the 24-year-old, having responded to the man who fired 13 goals in 16 games to save Villa from relegation last season.
Sherwood responded: “I can’t remember ever saying that, he must have dreamt that one.
“I would try anything to make him stay but I don’t remember ever saying he shouldn’t go and play for Liverpool. I wouldn’t be that disrespectful to that football club.”
Sherwood also hit back at claims he had taken the credit for the Belgian’s revival during the second half of last season.
He added: “I took no credit, people gave me credit, I didn’t take it, I didn’t ask for it.”
A bunch of Aston Villa fans over by the pool table here in the Transfer Tavern are deliberating this news, and feel that Sherwood needs to forget about Christian Benteke, as the club have replaced him well with Rudy Gestede!
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Our landlord feels the same way as the Villa fans here in the Tavern and admits that the Villains have replaced Benteke will, with Rudy Gestede already looking like he will do a job in the Premier League for the midlands club this season!
Aston Villa fans, who is the man to replace Christian Benteke at Villa Park? Let us know your thoughts below!
Fernando Torres has a lot to think about this summer, not just the world cup with Spain, but more importantly, where will the Spanish striker be playing his club football next season?
Liverpool have had one of their worst seasons in recent memory, and as a result, speculations have risen and continue to grow whether Torres will be at the club when the new season kicks off.
Torres did have a brilliant season for the Merseyside club despite their final outcome in the domestic league and Europe. The striker endured a few injuries along the way, but nonetheless managed to make 22 league appearances and net 18 times for Liverpool. It’s clear to some fans (Liverpool and neutrals) that the Spanish ace wants to excel and win trophies, but can he achieve these goals at Liverpool?
Torres is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world and it will come as no surprise why many clubs have expressed their interest in the Liverpool ace. Manchester City, Chelsea, and most freshly Spanish champions Barcelona are amongst the favourites to land the striker when the window re-opens in July. It has also been reported that all the clubs mentioned will be launching bids in the region of £50-70 million for the Spaniard’s services. However, Torres has not told anybody, including his manager, whether he will be staying or departing from Anfield this summer. But, if he does decide to close the curtains on his Liverpool career then the club will want a huge profit for his exit.
So, if ‘El Nino’ does leave Liverpool for an estimated £50-70 million, who could the club, look to bring in to replace him?
Here are 5 strikers that the Liverpool boss should consider looking into should Torres leave this summer:
Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg)
The Bosnian striker has been in fantastic form for German side Wolfsburg this season. The striker has appeared 33 times in the Bundersliga where he netted 23 times along the way, which made him the leagues top goal scorer.
His fantastic record has not gone unnoticed as a number of clubs around Europe, which include the likes of A.C Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United, have expressed their interest in the Wolfsburg hitman, while the 24-year-old is also being tracked by Liverpool as a possible candidate to replace Torres.
Dzeko should definitely be considered as a possible replacement should Torres decide to leave. However, with other clubs in the mix and battling for his signature, it may prove to be a lost cause for a team with no Champions League football next season. Time will tell.
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Find out the next two candidates on page 2
Nilmar (Villarreal)
The Villarreal striker has been in great form for his club this season. The 25-year-old appeared 42 times in total for the primera league side and managed to score 12 goals a long the way.
The Brazilian has been so impressive in the past two years that Dunga has included him in his Brazilian world cup squad this summer. His National record is great to say the very least. When given the chance, Nilmar has shone in the world cup qualifying campaign for Brazil. The striker bagged 4 goals in 3 international games so far, and more is expected of him when the tournament begins in June.
However, Nilmar maybe looking to leave El Madrigal this summer as the Yellow Submarine failed to clinch any sort of European football for next season. Several clubs will be monitoring the Brazilians movements over the summer, and if Liverpool are looking for a possible replacement for Torres, then Nilmar may fit the bill in some fans eyes. A bid of around £18-22 million would more than likely see the Brazilian play his club football at Anfield next season.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona)
The recent £34 million arrival of David Villa from Valencia has sparked rumours that Ibrahimovic may be on his way out of the Nou Camp this summer. The Swedish international has had a rocky year with Barcelona, and many of the Catalan fans are unsure about the player’s ability and commitment, even though the striker helped the Spanish giants lift the primera league title this season.
Zlatan is known to be a ‘lazy’ striker which may be a fair view on the striker, but you cannot doubt his ability. He has exceptional skills, great technique and an eye for goal (his tally of 16 goals in 28 games this season is testament to this). All in all the Swede is a world renowned striker, and any team in Europe would be glad to have him.
A.C Milan and Manchester City have expressed their interest in Ibrahimovic, but it’s been reported that the Spanish champions will only let their forward leave for £40 million and nothing less.
Barcelona have recently expressed their interest in Fernando Torres and are willing to offer £70 million for the Spaniard. However, Barcelona maybe tempted to offer a part exchange deal which would include cash and Ibrahimovic for the Liverpool ace. It will be interesting to see if anything like this occurs between the two clubs over the next few months. Keep an eye out for this one.
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Finally, continue to page 3 to see the last two strikers
Edinson Cavani (Palermo)
The 23-year-old Uruguayan has been reported to have penned a new three-year deal with Serie A side Palermo this week. However, there is a £25 million release clause within his contract which means teams around Europe can offer this amount for the player’s services (domestic clubs do not apply).
Cavani has been selected for his national side and is highly likely to take part in the world cup this summer at some stage.
The striker had a good season for Palermo managing to net 13 times in 35 appearances in the domestic league this season. His goal scoring ratio may appear poor, but his goals did help Palermo qualify for the Europa league next season ahead of Napoli, Juventus and Fiorentina. He has drawn a few premier league clubs attention due to his splendid performances for Rosanero. Tottenham and Manchester City are rumoured to be keen on the forward.
Cavani is still a very young striker, but yet already a highly rated one in Italy (Inter are interested in acquiring him as well). The striker can only get better with time, and if Liverpool are looking for a complete forward man then Cavani is that player. £25 million is the release clause which would allow the player to discuss terms with the Merseyside club, if they decide to obtain him of course.
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Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)
What a sensational season the Argentine has had for Real Madrid this year. The 22-year-old netted 27 times in 32 appearances in the primera league this season and was one of the Galacticos best players along with Ronaldo. It has been his best season so far for the Madrid giants without a doubt.
Higuain has been at Real for four years now, and since wearing the famous white shirt ‘El Pipita’ (as he’s known in Argentina) already has 59 goals in 110 appearances for the Spanish club…an outstanding record to say the very least.
The Argentine is a great striker and has bags of ability at his disposal. Higuain loves to score goals, has speed, and is a very potent forward as well. He is a definite player to look out for when the world cup begins in June.
Higuain has not yet been offered a contract extension at Real which may see a horde of European clubs looking to acquire his services this summer. Manchester City and Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in the Argentinean striker, and both clubs claim that if they can’t land Torres this summer, then Higuain would be their next best target.
Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in Torres, so a possible swap deal may ensue over the next few months. However, Higuain will want champion’s league football, and unfortunately Liverpool cannot offer this to him, but then again, absolutely anything can happen in football.
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